Indigenous People of Pantabangan Agriculture Cooperative (IPPAC)
Negosyo Center Pantabangan
Brgy. Marikit, Pantabangan, Nueva Ecija
June 13, 2023.
With (L to R) Coop Chairwoman Antonia Baniaga, BC Queency Tumolva and Indigenous People of Pantabangan Agricultural Cooperative members.
In the picturesque mountains of Pantabangan, a community of proud Igorot individuals came together to form the Indigenous People of Pantabangan Agriculture Cooperative (IPPAC) on August 22, 2022 under the leadership of Antonia Baniaga. The cooperative, consisting of forty-one members, including a significant number of Igorots, is driven by a profound respect for their cultural heritage and a collective commitment to craftsmanship. With a deep connection to their cultural roots and a shared passion for craftsmanship, these indigenous people embarked on a journey to showcase their skills and contribute to their community’s prosperity.
The group began by harnessing the rich resources of their land, carefully selecting the finest hardwoods indigenous to the region. They believed in sustainable practices, ensuring that their activities respected the environment and preserved the beauty of their ancestral lands.
Dedicated to promoting local artistry, the cooperative’s skilled artisans poured their heart and soul into creating exquisite hardwood furniture and intricate handicrafts. Each piece tells a story – a narrative woven with the traditions, beliefs, and vibrant spirit of the Igorot people. The cooperative aimed not only to produce quality goods but also to preserve and share their cultural heritage with the world.
Recognizing the importance of collaboration, the members of the IPPAC worked closely with each other, sharing knowledge and skills passed down through generations. Elders served as mentors, passing on traditional techniques to the younger generation, ensuring that the art of crafting hardwood furniture and handicrafts remained a living legacy.
As word spread about the cooperative’s exceptional products, they garnered attention beyond the local community. Their dedication to quality, sustainability, and cultural authenticity set them apart in the market. Soon, partnerships with national and international retailers were formed, providing the cooperative with opportunities to showcase their unique creations on a global stage.
Due to their perseverance and dedication in crafting exceptional products, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) – Nueva Ecija, through Negosyo Center Pantabangan Business Counselor (NCBC) Queency Tumolva, took notice and invited them to participate in local trade fairs. Some of which are the Likhang Novo Ecijano feat. Obra at Kultura, Pre-Christmas Trade Fair and other Trade Fairs organized by Municipalities or Cities during festivals in Nueva Ecija.
Throughout the fairs, they achieved a remarkable total sales figure of Php. 750,000.00. Aside from the local fair, they also participated in Likha ng Central Luzon National Trade Fair at SM Megamall, Mandaluyong on October 25-29, 2023, and the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) Trade Fair at Marquee Mall, Angeles City, Pampanga on November 16-19, 2023, generating sales totaling to Php. 480,000.00.
To infuse other products to the group, NC Pantabangan organized a Skills Training on Basic Cogon Handicrafts, as cogon is endemic in the area. The craftsmen were able to produce novel handicrafts with the training.
The success of the IPPAC not only brought economic benefits to its members but also empowered the entire Igorot community in Pantabangan. The cooperative became a source of pride, instilling a sense of identity and resilience among its members. Income generated from their craftsmanship supported education, healthcare, and community development projects, creating a ripple effect of positive change.
Through their commitment in preserving their cultural heritage, the Pantabangan Agriculture Cooperative not only thrived as a business but also became a symbol of indigenous resilience and creativity. Their story serves as an inspiration, demonstrating that by embracing tradition, fostering collaboration, and adapting to the demands of the market, indigenous communities can not only sustain their way of life but also prosper in a rapidly changing world. The success of the cooperative became a testament to the enduring spirit and craftsmanship of the Igorot people in Pantabangan.
SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City
October 25-29, 2023.
With Ms. Christine Esguerra, Ma`am Maura Himmiwat and Ma`am Josephine Panitio.
MSME Information
Business Name: Indigenous People of Pantabangan Agriculture Cooperative (IPPAC)
Chairwoman: Antonia Baniaga
Address: Barangay Marikit, Pantabangan, Nueva Ecija
Contact Number: 09386283117
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/indigenous.peoples.of.pantabangan.agricu ♦
Date of release: 11 June 2024
