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Mansaka Women Entrepreneurs: A Story to Tell
Larcy Pondoc
August 11, 2024
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UM Tagum College – A study conducted by undergraduate student-researchers from the Tourism Management Program on Mansaka women entrepreneurs uncovers the distinctive challenges they face, their experiences in marketing tourism-related products, and the coping strategies they employ for success. This research aligns with key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) such as #8 Decent Work and Economic Growth, #10 Reduced Inequalities, and #11 Sustainable Cities and Communities. Additionally, the study highlights the significant contributions of these women to community building, gender and development advocacy, and the fortification of indigenous communities.
Moreover, the research used both interviews and thematic data analysis to offer essential insights into the lives of indigenous Mansaka women and their impact on local economies. It is interesting to note that these women entrepreneurs are a key but often overlooked part of the business world. Their businesses help boost their communities' economies and also play a big role in preserving their cultural traditions and fostering social unity.
After the data analysis, the personal experiences of Mansaka women entrepreneurs in selling tourism-related products reveal several key aspects of their journey. These women find emotional fulfillment through creative satisfaction, gain economic support for their households, and develop an optimistic outlook on life and entrepreneurship.
“We didn’t expect our crafts to sell, but it makes us really happy. It’s also great to see people appreciating our work and earning money from it. Also, we can show how skilled the Mansaka people are in creating cultural representation products.”
However, they face significant challenges, including disruptions in production due to adverse weather conditions, material shortages, insufficient workforce, and inadequate funds for procuring raw materials.
“Due to the high cost of materials, we are unable to produce our crafts. Likewise, in creating our crafts, we often face problems due to the limited number of people available to help. One major issue is that we lack male assistance in sourcing materials, which leaves us with an insufficient workforce.”
Despite these obstacles, their success is fueled by uncovering their hidden potential, embracing their cultural heritage to foster inclusivity, and maintaining a strong spirit of creativity.
“I learned to enhance my own skills to manage the business effectively. It’s important to be respectful and understand different cultures. I believe that all our efforts will lead to greater rewards. As native women in Maragusan, we are proud to share our indigenous products.”
Here are more of the products crafted by the Mansaka Indigenous women, including accessories, banana chips, tonic wine, table toppers, and various other handmade items.
What is the essential insight regarding Mansaka women in this context?
To foster a more inclusive and dynamic entrepreneurial landscape for Indigenous women, policymakers must embrace a comprehensive strategy. Firstly, community literacy programs should be implemented to address business opportunities. Secondly, it offers targeted training and support to empower indigenous entrepreneurs to thrive and contribute significantly to their communities' economic growth. Lastly, to improve the entrepreneurial environment, the government may introduce the Juana Make a Mark (JMAM) Program of the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL). This program offers trademark registration incentives to qualified MSMEs owned by women at a reduced cost. Launched to help women entrepreneurs, especially those residing outside Metro Manila, this initiative ensures their creative works are protected. With the help of DTI, LGUs, and IPOPHL satellite offices, the creative works of women from the Mansaka tribe can be safeguarded.
The findings of this study highlight the intricate balance of challenges and opportunities that influence the entrepreneurial paths of Indigenous women.
Despite encountering substantial obstacles, their resilience and resourcefulness help them effectively address these issues.
The challenge now is how we can ensure that the support from communities and the cultural capital of Indigenous women are effectively harnessed to develop context-specific strategies that nurture and support their entrepreneurial efforts.
This research was conducted under the mentorship of Nexofelou R. Gono by Jay Ann Arican, Jesha Hean D. Torreniado, and Nitz Ruben Reponte with 14 Mansaka women business owners in March 2024, using a phenomenological approach.