Handmade by Yolanda survivors

CEBU, Philippines - Jewelry making has been her passion - using copper wires as the primary material, she creates lovely pieces of handmade jewelries. Raised in and a resident of Tacloban City, Danika Astilla-Magoncia is a survivor of typhoon Yolanda.

Before the super typhoon devastated Leyte, Danika and a childhood friend based in the US, Niña Bañez-Cerdiña, had already been brainstorming about a livelihood project that could help marginalize  women in some areas of Tacloban. They wanted to focus on housewives who might not compete well in the job market or those who needed to stay home to take care of the children.

With Danika's knowledge in wire jewelries, they knew more or less where they were heading. Although marketing the product concept had been an initial concern, Niña was then already learning the ropes on promoting music, arts, and other unique product ideas.

But the super typhoon struck. The disaster would have been more than bad enough to topple all plans. Fortunately, it did not. Instead, it all the more strengthened the two friends' resolve to push their idea forward.

Typhoon Yolada cleared all previous hesitations. Danika and Niña decided to materialize the project as their contribution in rebuilding their devastated home region. Amid the widespread damage from the monster typhoon, the two friends launched the indie label "Kinamot nga Buhat," a creative social enterprise that provides skills training and employment to Yolanda survivors.

"Kinamot nga Buhat," a Waray-Waray phrase for "handmade," has now become a socially-conscious brand of handcrafted jewelries showcasing the Waray culture. The label's first piece, the "Haiyan Unity Bracelet," was introduced just a month after the super typhoon. It was followed by a 20-day online fund-raising campaign that generated an overwhelming response and seed money for the acquisition of starting materials and for the training of partner-workers, particularly the wire weavers, wire cutters and preppers, and bag sewers.

The enterprise is currently providing partner-workers with steady monthly income. The founders, however, acknowledge that the huge challenge now is sustaining the program. But they are confident to be able to surmount it.

The immense support from friends, from other survivors, and from people all over the country and around the world ensure the continuance of the "Kinamot nga Buhat" initiative. And yet, the fundamental guarantee of the project's existence is the resilience of the Waray, especially the determination of marginalized Waray women to help address the economic needs of their beaten families. 

As the jewelry designer of the social enterprise, Danika continually develops new design pieces, to match the talents and skills of partner-workers. More information on "Kinamot nga Buhat" items is found at https://www.facebook.com/haiyanunitybracelet. Those interested may also check out the exhibit at Handuraw Pizza, on Gorordo Avenue, that runs until today, November 27. (FREEMAN)