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 People's Recovery, Empowerment and Development Assistance Foundation, Inc.
John Bosco Enterprises is registered as a small business enterprise, established in 1993 and currently managed by Arturo delos Reyes. Delos Reyes acts as a marketing agent for three family groups that are producing capiz handicrafts in the Metro Manila area, representing their products to potential buyers at trade shows and to individual wholesale and retail buyers.
A
total of 36 people are employed in three separate worksites. The workers
who have come from other regions of the country usually live at the worksite.
They are paid on a monthly basis plus the benefit of board and lodging.
Workers from nearby communities are generally paid on a per item rate rather
than a salary. CAPIZ Shell Because
of its translucent quality, the capiz shell was traditionally used in windows;
now this versatile shell is used in a variety of household accessories and
handicrafts. Capiz, or windowpane oyster, is scientifically known as Placuna
Placenta. This bi-valve mollusk is found in the coastal waters of the Philippines
where there are 27 natural beds. A large, round, thin, flat, and translucent
shell characterizes quality capiz. The capiz shells are gathered from the
muddy, shallow coastal waters and then dried to open the shells and remove
the meat inside. Empty shells are soaked in freshwater and then scraped
to produce the desired luster.
PREDA Fair Trade visited two of the three worksites in September 2002 to observe production as well as document working conditions on site. PREDA is assisting John Bosco Enterprises in marketing. Delos Reyes has committed to trying to identify ecologically sustainable sources of capiz as well as participate in lobbying efforts for the control and monitoring of local capiz beds.
Copyright ©1997 All Rights Reserved PREDA FOUNDATION INC., Upper Kalaklan, Olongapo City, Philippines Tel: +63 47 2239629 Fax: +63 47 2239628 |
