18/05/2026
𝐒𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐃𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦𝐬 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐒𝐮𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐉𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐋𝐞𝐦𝐬𝐧𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐧 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐇𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐫𝐚𝐟𝐭 𝐌𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧
𝐓𝐛𝐨𝐥𝐢, 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐂𝐨𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐚𝐭𝐨 – From a simple dream of decorating the Gonu B**g (Big House) with traditional crafts, the Lemsnolon Native Handicraft Makers Association has grown into a thriving community enterprise that showcases the beauty of Tboli artistry to the world.
Established on March 5, 2016, the association began with 22 members—many of them widows and solo parents—who sought to provide for their families while preserving their rich cultural heritage. What started as a small initiative soon became a symbol of resilience, unity, and empowerment for the women of Lemsnolon Cultural Village in Tboli, South Cotabato.
Their breakthrough came in 2017 when the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) recognized the potential of their handmade crafts, including bracelets, earrings, Tboli blouses, and malongs. Through DTI’s continuous support, the association received training in Management, Marketing, Price Costing, and Bookkeeping, equipping its members with the knowledge and confidence to strengthen their operations.
In 2018, the association received five sewing machines through the Shared Service Facilities (SSF) program. This intervention transformed their production process from manual hand-stitching into a faster and more efficient operation, enabling them to meet increasing market demand while improving product quality.
Determined to grow further, the association secured registration with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and became PhilGEPS-registered, opening opportunities for larger projects and government procurement.
Their dedication and craftsmanship gained international attention during the pandemic when a Miss Universe candidate and her mother commissioned hand-embroidered hood jackets from the association. This milestone introduced their products to global markets and elevated the visibility of Tboli craftsmanship worldwide.
The association also received support from various partners who believed in their mission. The “Magnegosyo Ta Day” program of the Office of the Vice President, through the OVP Satellite Office Mindanao, provided ₱150,000 in assistance, while the Tourism Promotions Board donated weaving materials worth ₱260,000. Additional support included ₱20,000 in cash assistance from the Rotary Club of Manila San Miguel, trainings and seminars from the Department of Tourism Region 12, and meals counterpart during trainings from the Local Government Unit of Tboli.
The group also achieved major recognition during the Treasures of Region 12 Trade Expo in Metro Manila, where they won both the Best Dressed Booth and Product Innovation awards. These achievements connected them to buyers from Cebu, Manila, and even abroad, significantly increasing their sales and expanding their market reach. Today, the association proudly operates its own Pasalubong Center at the New Public Terminal in Tboli, South Cotabato.
Now composed of 27 active members, the association continues to participate in local and national festivals such as the Tnalak Festival and Seslong Festival, promoting Tboli culture while creating sustainable livelihoods for their families.
Behind this inspiring success story is Tessie Sabal Arca, the association’s current President and a solo parent whose perseverance became a guiding light for the group. Through hard work and faith, she was able to support her children in completing their studies—one becoming a Registered Social Worker and another a Midwife.
For Arca, the journey was never easy, but giving up was never an option. She continues to inspire other groups and associations to remain strong despite challenges, emphasizing that perseverance, faith, and unity can turn dreams into reality.
Today, the Lemsnolon Native Handicraft Makers Association stands as a shining example of how culture, determination, and community support can transform lives—one stitch at a time.
