El proyecto

Cebu is one of the largest City in the Philippines. It is surrounded by water, where you can find different kinds of sea shells. Because of this, many of the small Cebuano entrepreneurs are engaged in to sea shell handicrafts, and this includes Elmer Matutino together with his wife Mercedita, who has a great fashion sense. Using their own resources, they put up a business connected with Merce’s concept. “Island RKOC Home Decors and Accessories” officially started its operation in 2005. Elber's wife is mainly occupied with marketing, while making sure that they comply with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

Their hard work resulted in a international business as they now export products to Turkey, Malaysia, and other parts of Europe. Recently, they were invited by DTI to be one of the exhibitors in Malaysia were they will promote Philippine made products. Currently, they have two regular workers with two sub-contractors, all are female, provided with allowance, aside from weekly compensation.

NPFC and Lendahand, will be providing a working capital loan to Elmer and Mercedita to purchase additional raw materials that they will need for the upcoming exhibit in Malaysia. The loan will be repaid in 12 months.