Posted on by Kristine Sheila Amoroso

In the coastal village of Saud, Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte where the pristine white sand beaches meet an abundance of coconut trees, one woman’s artistry is transforming lives. Juvy P. Crusina, a 40-year-old artisan and entrepreneur has turned her love for arts and crafts into a tool for economic empowerment, proving that passion and perseverance can break the cycle of poverty.

Juvy and her husband polishes coconut shells for their coco-lampshade project.

Juvy, along with her husband, has long been crafting beautiful and functional pieces from coconut shells. Before receiving assistance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office 1 (DSWD FO 1) – Ilocos Region Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP), their business was small and informal. In 2022, she received a Seed Capital Fund (SCF) amounting to PhP 15,000.00 under the program’s Microenterprise Development Track, which allowed her to expand and formalize her business — the Crusina’s Handicrafts. 

Her products, which include handcrafted lampshades, kitchenware, accessories, and decorations, reflects her deep appreciation for nature and sustainability. Through her dedication, Juvy has taken her craft beyond her hometown, participating in trade fairs as far as Metro Manila. These events have not only increased her sales but have also introduced her work to clients from various parts of the country. 

 

“Maragsakan kami unay a panunuten nga nakayami nga makapagsarili ti negosyo nga agasawa. Haanmi napanunot nga daytuy produktomi ket makayatan iti tattao manipud naduma-duma a paset ti pagilian. Dakkel ti naitulong ti SLP tapno maabot mi daytoy (It’s fulfilling to think that my husband and I were able to start our own business. We never imagined that our products would be appreciated in different parts of the country. The SLP has greatly helped us achieve this),” said Juvy.  

Crusina’s coco-lampshade products being tested after assembled by Juvy

Determined to continuously improve, Juvy eagerly joins training sessions and workshops to enhance her skills and business expertise. The SLP has also provided her with opportunities to market her products digitally, helping her reach a wider audience through social media. As an advocate for the environment, she creatively utilizes Facebook reels to raise awareness about eco-friendly practices while simultaneously promoting her handcrafted products.

Beyond selling her crafts, Juvy takes every opportunity to educate others about sustainability and entrepreneurship. During trade fairs, she conducts talks about her products and advocacy, inspiring others to embrace eco-friendly initiatives and pursue livelihood opportunities. 

Juvy and her husband shows the items being produced at their small workspace.

“Gapu ti sobra nga panagayat iti asawak iti ar-aramiden na, kaya na nga ag-lecture maipanggep ti eco-friendly practices habang aglaklako. Maragsakanak ta agpadakami nga kayat launay daytoy ar-aramidenmi (My wife is so passionate about what she does that she can give a lecture on eco-friendly practices while selling. I’m happy because we both truly love what we do),” Redentor U. Crusina, husband of Juvy explained. 

Juvy’s unwavering passion for her craft and commitment to her family’s future continue to drive her forward. With each handcrafted piece, she not only showcases her artistry but also demonstrates that through creativity and resilience, one can carve a path out of poverty and into prosperity. 

SLP is a capacity-building program which aims to improve the socio-economic conditions of the poor, vulnerable, and marginalized through accessing and acquiring necessary assets to engage in and maintain thriving livelihood. (by: Rogerio B. Bismonte III – Sustainable Livelihood Program)