This project is made possible by the generous support of our partners at Uma Nota Manila.
How do you mend a frayed thread in a community’s story? Sometimes, you don’t need grand gestures—you just need a place where dreams can gather.
In Brgy. Magungunay, Naguilian, La Union, that place came in the form of a warehouse — a structure that, through shared effort and vision, became the cradle of hope for dozens of local weavers and farmers.
A Legacy Nearly Lost
For generations, weaving rattan baskets was the heartbeat of life here. Yet for artisans like Juan, who has crafted baskets for over 15 years, and Stella, weaving for more than three decades, each beat echoed struggle: no dedicated space, no stable market, and little chance to grow. Finished baskets competed with daily life in crowded homes; incomes ebbed and flowed unpredictably, and each rainy season threatened to wash away months of effort.
“Before the warehouse, we had no permanent place to work or store our finished products. We made do with whatever corners we could find. Now, we make baskets together, sharing stories and pride.” —Juan, weaver
Their struggle was not just logistical—it was existential: the risk of losing a craft, a community, a way of life.
Raising More Than Walls
All this changed thanks to Pure Bayanihan’s vision and the leadership of the GBHFI 1 Ganap Guardians – Rehiyon Uno team, led by PMAJ Reynante Bibat. Together, they raised Php 238,200—investing not just in concrete and steel, but in dignity and future potential. The project delivered more than a building: it equipped beneficiaries—50 local farmers, crafters, indigents, and unemployed residents—with start-up kits and capital, ensuring that every hand had what it needed to work and thrive.
The construction itself became a living example of “Bayanihan.” Parents, children, neighbors—all came together, contributing skills, sweat, and hope. It wasn’t just charity. It was a collective act of reclaiming possibility.
Within the walls of the new warehouse, everything changed:
- Efficient Supply Chain: Modern inventory systems keep product flows smooth, while dedicated spaces shield even the most delicate baskets from damage—no more rainy-season heartache.
- Consistent Quality: Rigorous inspection ensures each piece shipped meets high standards, elevating Magungunay’s reputation and trust among buyers nationwide.
- Sustainable Practices: Backed by training, the community adopted tracking and climate controls that cut waste, preserve material quality, and promote responsible rattan harvesting—a win for both livelihoods and the environment.
- Enhanced Packaging and Presentation: Specialized packaging areas mean every product is bulk-order ready, increasing market access and value.
“Thanks to Pure Bayanihan, we finally have a beginning again. This warehouse gave us new direction—the start of a life we thought we’d lost.” —Masario, 75, weaver
Crucially, these aren’t just improvements on paper. Stable employment now empowers local families; cultural pride is renewed with every basket shipped not just locally, but with aspirations for national reach.
The warehouse became more than a workplace. For Joanne, who watched her parents weave apart in cramped home corners, it’s now a sanctuary—where artisans mentor apprentices, workshops pass on skills, and laughter echoes alongside the steady rhythm of craft.
Regular community meetings, training, and celebrations—like the project’s completion and awarding ceremony last April—turn this space into a living classroom and a stage for shared triumphs.
“Now that there’s a warehouse, my parents work side by side—not just with each other, but with the whole community.” —Joanne, daughter of weavers
What’s Next for Magungunay’s Makers?
Of course, the journey wasn’t simple. Climate control, modern inventory management, and encouraging eco-friendly practices took hands-on training and creative solutions—including energy-efficient upgrades and backup power. The result? Optimal preservation even during La Union’s fiercest storms, and real progress in building a “green” artisan industry.
But the vision doesn’t end here. The community hopes to embrace new technologies, expand through retail, e-commerce, and market partnerships, and strengthen sustainability through certifications. Ongoing feedback and monitoring mean each year, Magungunay weavers are not just surviving, but growing stronger.
This warehouse became proof that empowering a community means so much more than putting up a roof. It means investing in people, tradition, and hope that endures. Every basket shipped is a stitch in a fabric that connects generations, supports families, and preserves culture for tomorrow.
“One day, I hope we can expand this warehouse and create even more kinds of rattan baskets. This is just the start of what we can do together.” —Stella, weaver
Join the Weave
This warehouse is proof that real change starts with real people—and the space to grow. When we invest in skills, culture, and community effort, what we get isn’t just baskets. We get dignity, resilience, and hope for the future of artisanship.
Be a part of the next chapter. Help us weave stories of resilience, dignity, and lasting change. Join Pure Bayanihan today.
