Our first contact with the Philippines came through writing to political prisoners. During the early eighties the martial law regime of President Ferdinand Marcos became increasingly repressive in response to growing opposition.
The 'Peoples Power' uprising of 1986, and the withdrawl of US support, forced Marcos to flee the country and Cory Aquino assumed the presidency. Although Aquino became president the armed forces' repression of those seeking radical social reforms thwarted the extension of democracy and redistribution of wealth.
Still, a residue of the social forces which drove the 'People's Power' ouster of Marcos remains to confront the enroachment of globalisation and privatisation. The so called 'war on terror' has allowed the government to label all unrest as 'terrorism' giving the armed forces and police ready access to US weapons and funding.
Our contacts are in Mindanao, the Philippines' southernmost island. The mountainous interior is home to tribal Filipinos who have retained much, or all, of their immemorial culture. Those who were converted to Islam are known as Moro, those following the old beliefs are the Lumad. Both are being inexorably driven from their traditional lands by foreign and domestic development.
From their brochure: "The handmade paper project started in 1994, it was conceptualized because of the abundance of raw materials in the community. Its objectives are: a) to facilitate empowerment of women by providing income; b) to build the capability of women to manage community-based projects; and c) to earn income to sustain activities of the organization."
"The project adheres to the principles of Fair Trade. It practices fair labor, fair wages, and fair prices. It promotes sustainable use of raw materials and nurturing of the earth which is the source of all life."
"The handmade papers are made into cards, albums, lampshades, boxes, posters, conference envelopes/folders, certificate holders, bags, fans and other novelty items. By buying these products you provide food to the women and their families, support their empowerment processes at the same time help in protecting the environment."
"KATAKUS, Inc., is a resource center engaged in the development of gender-fair technology and the promotion of sustainable agriculture. KATAKUS supports the project through product development and marketing."
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Teardrop Crafts
2600 Columbia Avenue
Castlegar, B.C., Canada, V1N 2X6
tdrop@web.ca
© 1998-01-22 George Richards update=220704