Blaan Entrepreneur Brings Indigenous Crafts to the Mainstream
With the growing cultural awareness in recent years, Marites Salinda-Walker saw an opportunity to strengthen appreciation for the tangible heritage of Indigenous Peoples in the Soccsksargen region. Marites, a Blaan woman from Barangay Malandag in Malungon, Sarangani Province, founded Salinda Native Products & Pasalubong Center to bring Blaan crafts and other indigenous items into the mainstream. She began in 2011 with a modest setup, selling within her circle of friends. A trip to the United States later made her realize that once she had started this venture, it was impossible to stop. Her inspiration came from her two grandmothers, both deeply rooted in Blaan culture. Her maternal grandmother was an embroiderer, particularly of traditional Blaan female blouses, while her paternal grandmother collected Blaan artifacts. “Before, I didn’t mind these things because they seemed to have no value,” she recalled. “I was late in realizing their importance to our family and the Blaa...
