A Civil Engineer by profession used to design vertical and horizontal structures, involved in quality control inspections, material estimate, planning design/Computer Aided Designs and data gathering/surveying for civil structures and connected to one of the top 10 corporations in Makati City, transferred in Cagayan de Oro City, summer of 2004, as simple housewife. Having a lifestyle patterned in
Makati, fast and result oriented life, staying in Cagayan de Oro City became boring and depressing. One day, her sister Marilou Dela Cruz of Cottonlines decided to stop her business in woven abaca fiber bag making, gave the idea to pursue the project by assuming the machines and skilled workers and her assistance in the design and quality control. Puyo handicrafts was registered as business company on August 17, 2004, and operating a showroom and production area at 371 Engineer’s Hill, Bulua, Cagayan de Oro city
Puyo comes from the local word means “bayong”or “supot”, a big native shopping bag made of nipa leaves. The company focuses its production on anything functional products and bags using indigenous materials from Northern Mindanao. Now, Puyo Handicrafts has wide variety of bags for men and women, convention kit bags, house decors, Christmas decors and many more. With the help and interventions of some government agencies, such as, DTI, DOST-MPEX Program, Philexport, DOT, FIDA and many more, we were guided to a have vision and firm direction for the future. The designs of the items came from its own designer, APFTI, BMBE and from suggestions from client. Our vision and mission is to create a sustainable livelihood for women in Barangays specially those who are in weaving, handicrafters and in sewing industry. At present there are three Barangays in Malaybalay and Impasug-ong involved in weaving and more barangays expressed intention to join us. Our handicrafts makers and sewers came from urban poor in Cagayan de Oro City. Empowering women and giving them worth and confidence of themselves is our dream. We believe we can achieve these by using our hearts and minds and with the approval of our Almighty Creator the owner of this company. Libao
Puyo Handicrafts Proprietor/Manager
