Florence Amily Ao-Wat

Kinwa Etnika Handicrafts

Kalinga Tribe

The Kalinga Indigenous Weavers Association (KINWA) Etnika Handicrafts was launched in 2006, and has since revived the art of weaving in my Kalinga community, especially among the younger generations. “Our business started from our passion of weaving.”

I started doing handicrafts business with only P2,500 as capital. What I lacked in capital at the beginning, I made up for in the knowledge and skills I gained—and shared with the community. In time, I was able to put up a training center for the weavers.

I enrolled in courses at the Department of Trade and Industry, and also joined trade fairs organized by the government agency. With the help of the Department of Education, I was able to encourage students to do their on-the-job training at my store. Persons with disabilities were also hired to work for my business.

Now, the enterprise that was born out of passion and the need to market the weaving industry, thereby creating world-class crafts from cultural wearables and fashion accessories. KINWA- Beyond Tribal Arts.