Cornhusk products boost livelihood in Pangasinan

MANILA, Philippines – Apart from being known for its cottage industry, Pangasinan boasts of transforming cornhusks (a shell or outer covering considered worthless) into a moneymaker for its residents.

Jocelyn “Joy” Perez, the manager of Crafter’s’ Joy Cornhusks Handicrafts,  found a way to convert discarded corn husks into a promising business.

She initiated trainings among Pangasinan residents top help uplift their livelihood.

Residents were taught how to make flowers from cornhusks and the rest of the products eventually evolved from continuous innovation.

Perez brought up the idea of using corn husks and turning them into amazing products.

“We have about 600 hectares of corn plantation in Basista alone,” she said.

Trainings were held for five consecutive weeks in her Poblacion residence. Various flower designs or arrangements using corn husks were taught to the participants with emphasis on quality finished products.

There were also hands-on demonstrations on how to make  Christmas decors, mobile phone holders, bags and corsages out of corn husks.

She registered the business with the Department of Trade and Industry in 2007 following the strong interest by residents to get into cornhusk handicraft production.

Perez participates in trade fairs, local and international where she sells her products.  She has a buyer in Macau for her wine holder products.

Despite the success of her business, Perez said there is still room for growth. “We need to maximize its potential. I have reached the quality that I like, we tapped a lot of people not only here but even outside the province and taught others about our products.”

She said the good thing about this business is cornhusks could be stored for up to two years as long as these have dried up.