Sorsogon handicraft maker turns coconut fibers into Christmas decor

By Almira Louise S. Martinez, Reporter

A SORSOGON handicraft startup is sourcing braided coconut fibers from local farmers to make Christmas decorations, seeking to increase sales through trade fairs as demand for sustainable home decor grows.

“We are able to help many communities because they provide raw materials to us,” Orlyn’s Handicrafts owner Aquilina Abion E. Padre told BusinessWorld in an interview.

The business began selling home decor in 2009, drawing on the availability of bankuan, or natural seagrass, abaca and buri leaves in Pilar, Sorsogon province. It gets these materials from farms in nearby villages that are then made into chairs, placemats, fruit baskets and hampers.

Ms. Padre has expanded the product range to include seasonal decorations made from braided coconut fibers, which cost P20 for 13 meters. A small Christmas tree priced at P130 requires about 13 meters of fiber.

The material is dyed and sun-dried before being woven around a wire frame. The trees come in small, medium and large sizes, with straight and eyelet weaving styles that allow customers to add ornaments.

“I have many products, but I brought Christmas decorations because the holiday season is approaching,” Ms. Padre said. “I make seasonal items such as Christmas trees and mini lanterns.”

Ms. Padre aims to sell at least 1,000 items this year by joining trade fairs and bazaars, including the 2026 National Trade Fair and Coconut Fair.

Last year’s sales fell short after the business joined a trade fair late in the Christmas season, when many customers had already bought their decorations, she said.

“We’re just positive that there will be more sales this year because we have joined the fair since October,” she added.

Ken Research Philippines reported that 80% of Filipinos are concerned about future environmental issues, reflecting rising consumer awareness of sustainability.

The Philippines’ eco-friendly label market is projected to grow 17% annually to $10.5 billion by 2031, the research firm said.