Privacy Policy Contact Us Login/Register Search

FFTC Agricultural Policy Platform (FFTC-AP)

Food and Fertilizer Technology Center for the Asian and Pacific Region
Main menu
Home | Policy Articles | Rural development

Cornhusks Novelty Products: Gateway Towards Sustainable Cottage Livelihood Opportunity in Batad,
Iloilo, Philippines

Cornhusks Novelty Products: Gateway Towards Sustainable Cottage Livelihood Opportunity in Batad,
Iloilo, Philippines
Published: 2021.03.03 
Received: 2020.12.16 126
:
 Accepted: 2021.03.03
Hene L. Hapinat
Asst Professor III
Research and Development Services, Northern Iloilo Polytechnic State College, Philippines

ABSTRACT

This study was conducted mainly on the utilization of cornhusks to produce novelty items as gateway towards sustainable cottage livelihood opportunity in Batad,
Iloilo, Philippines. Specifically, it sought to answer the following objectives: (1) Identify innovated items to be produced from the cornhusks and other corn wastes;
(2) Determine the most effective treatment to obtain excellent result in terms of color concentration in dyeing of cornhusks; (3) Design a framework in developing the
social enterprise for cornhusk novelty products; and (4) Provide policy insights and recommendations for the improvement of cottage industries in the municipality.
Data revealed that cornhusks treated with 45.0 grams of NaCl, 120ml vinegar, 10 grams of fabric dye and 1,000ml water gave an excellent result in terms of color
concentration to produce novelty items like flowers, Christmas tree and floral wreath. As verified by the survey conducted by the researchers among thirty (30)
handicraft experts, results further revealed that the said Treatment, contained the best proportions and therefore the most acceptable among the treatments used in
dyeing cornhusks. Mass production of these eco-friendly novelty items is recommended for sustainability using effective social enterprise framework. Funding source
from the Local Government Unit (LGU) and other funding agencies would be of great help to further improve the quality and quantity of the product that can be
produced from these corn wastes into lucrative valuable novelty items. Cornhusk novelty products could provide sustainable livelihoods and prosperity in the
countryside as gateway towards Municipal economic corridor in the province of Iloilo in support to Republic Act 10644 or the “Go Negosyo Act” of 2013, Republic
Act 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000, an and Republic Act 1788 otherwise known as the Cottage Industries Development Act of 1981 of
the Philippine laws. The creation of Pasalubong Center in the municipality is envisioned to help promote the local products and tourism industry of the province. The
assistance given to the MSMEs by the government and private sectors like the launching of Kapatid Agri-Mentor Me Program (KAMMP ONLINE) of the ATI-RTC 6
and the Department of Agriculture that apparently provide small businesses the leverage to grow and poster must be enhanced and strengthened. Business
counselling, skills and entrepreneurial training, providing latest technological services and credit facilities, marketing, product designs and development shall be
provided to the agripreneurs for livelihood and economic sustainability. Strong linkages between LGU and RDE of the College and other partner agencies shall be
given highest engagement for livelihood prosperity

Keywords: cornhusks, novelty items, utilization, cottage livelihood, economic profitability

INTRODUCTION

In the midst of the country’s fiscal crisis and people’s economic and social woes, brought about by COVID-19 pandemic, one is inclined and tempted to look for
alternative income – adding strategies to meet and sustain family budget’ needs. The farming sector deserves all the support and intervention from the government
and non-government entities to improve the farmer’s plight. One important strategy that will help the farming community is to promote maximum utilization of by-
products which in this case, will involve corn growers. Modernizing agricultural products and by-products entails a system approach improvement from production,
postharvest handling and processing up to product marketing. The past program of the Philippine government had been lopsided putting much emphasis on the
production aspects. It is only recently that postharvest handling and processing was equally singled out as a major development trust in line with the country’s bid for
global competitiveness (Lim, 2020; Albao, et al.,2019).

The town of Batad is a 5th class Municipality in the Northern part of Iloilo province. According to 2015 Philippine Census it had a population of 21,298 people
(Municipal Development Office, 2016). It is subdivided into 24 barangays. The vast sights occupying 600 hectares of corn plantations cover almost half of the
town’s land area. The fertile farming land attracted the people to start farming in the vicinity of the cornfield’s community. The abundant production of corn dubbed
Batad as the “Corn Capital of Iloilo” (www.da.region6.gov.ph, 2012). With its abundant cornfields, it is assured that aside from growing corn for feeds, the waste
products from corn are left to rot or be burned. The agricultural wastes produced after every corn harvest season formed part of the 50.46% of the biodegradable
wastes generated by the Municipality. This is based on the result of the Wastes Analysis and Characterization Study (WACS) conducted in 2020 by the Office of
Research, Development and Extension Services of the College and the Provincial Government and Environmental Resources Office of the Province of Iloilo,
Philippines. The problem on Solid Waste Management (SWM) remains a daunting problem and an environmental issue to be addressed by the municipality. Hence,
the local executives took an initiative in managing these perennial problems on ecological solid waste disposal by strengthening the implementation of Republic Act
9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000. The implementation and enforcement of the provisions of this Act shall be the primary accountability
of the Local Government Units (LGUs) within their respective jurisdictions as stipulated in the RA 7160, otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991
(Montero, et al., 2019; Castillo et al.,2013; Caparino, 2020).

The cornhusks covering of an ear of corn is the strongest part that protects the entire corncobs. Cornhusks are usually considered as farm wastes. In any part of the
country, it is either left to decompose in the farm or burn into ashes. The problem with burning cornhusks is that it poses health and environmental hazards. For one
thing, the smoke from burning of this husk is irritating to the eyes. Secondly, the smell of burning corn husks induces difficulty in breathing. When dumped along
the roads, heaps of cornhusks become eye sores. These heaps of cornhusks would be there for a long time as they decompose very slowly (Gerona, 2012; Ahmad et
al., 2015; dicover.hubbpages.com). To solve the problem on waste utilization after corn harvest, the Batad Farmers’ Information and Technology Services (FITS)
Center thought of crafting cornhusk products into novelty items out of something that almost has zero value. Corn waste utilization after corn harvest can be
converted into novelty items. It is an important strategy to help the farming community maximize the consumption of wastes into handicraft products made from corn
wastes. Handcrafted arts from these agricultural wastes provide a doable alternative solution on solid wastes management problem of the municipality and additional
source of living for the local folks (Lacson, 2006, Flora, 2018; RA 9003; and RA 1788).

Utilizing the bulk of corn wastes into valuable novelty items is an alternative resource for sustainable livelihood in the community while they are staying at home.
This is an opportune time to help corn growers and unemployed individuals belonging to the marginalized sectors in the community to gain extra income to augment
their family needs in times of pandemic. Through the assistance provided by the LGU and other nongovernmental organizations, this community project could help
mitigate the impact of the downgraded economy to improve livelihood and prosperity as part of the government’s program on value added agriculture for post
COVID-19 livelihood recovery initiatives in the countryside. Utilization of cornhusks for novelty items is as an eye opener to local executives, business traders,
cooperatives, MSMEs and corn growers to support this noble and eco-friendly cause as gateway towards sustainable cottage livelihood opportunity in Batad, Iloilo,
Philippines (Montero, 2000; Tavares, et al., 2018).
:
 Socio-demographic and environmental conditions

The Municipality of Batad is located in the Northern tip of Iloilo Province, about 125 kilometers from the City of Iloilo. It is bounded on the North by the
municipalities of Balasan and Estancia, on the West by the municipality of Pilar Capiz, on the south by the municipality of San Dionisio and by the Visayan Sea on
the East. Batad is composed 18 inland barangays and 6 are coastal areas. Farming and fishing are the primary source of income in this municipality. Its territorial
coast produced abundantly with prawns, crabs and all kinds of fish that are plentiful during peak fishing months if the ecological resources are protected and
conserved. Fish processing such as dried fish and other marine products are abundantly supplied by the coastal communities. Agricultural products such as rice, corn,
fruits, vegetables, poultry and livestock are abundantly produced in this place. These products are sold within and outside of the municipality, in its neighboring
towns and other provinces in Region 6-Western Visayas, Philippines. These business opportunities are the lifeblood of their economy(PSA, 2015).

At present, Batad, Iloilo is now struggling for economic recovery brought about by the present global pandemic. Many business establishments and transportation
sectors were severely affected including the marginalized sectors of farmers and fisherfolks. The only hope that remains in this place is the fertile farming land that
fascinated the people of Batad to start farming in the vicinity of the cornfields in the agricultural community. Aside from rice as its major crop, corn is planted
throughout its 600 -hectare land area. Corn is considered as the municipality’s OTOP or the One Town, One Product. OTOP-Philippines is a multi-sectoral program
of the Philippine government, which started in 2004. It aimed at assisting local businesses, and involving the national government agencies (NGAs), local
government units (LGUs), and the private sector.

The Agricultural Training Institute, Regional Training Center (ATI-RTC 6), the umbrella program of the Department of Agriculture and its partner linkages: The
Batad Farmers Information Technology Services (FITS) Center and the Research, Development and Extension Office of the Northern Iloilo Polytechnic Sate College
(NIPSC, Batad Campus) have worked in tandem to provide livelihood training and assistance to these marginalized people in this municipality especially on the
utilization of corn wastes in the production of novelty items.

On livelihood opportunity

The Research, Development and Extension (RDE) Services of the College in active partnerships with the FITS Center visualized that cornhusks novelty items would
provide greater livelihood opportunity among handicraft trainees. Researches have shown that cornhusk (balat ng mais) contains several layers of papery tissue that
enclosed the flower organs, and later the grain kernels. It has an interesting surface structure and natural color. Cornhusks can easily be patterned into desired shapes
in its damp state. When dried, their shapes and color are stable. Cornhusk crops had already benefited nearly 2,000 corn-farming families in the country by giving
them chance to augment the income through undergoing multi-level cornhusks handicrafts trainings. According to a marketing officer of Hybrid Pioneer Philippines,
those who avail of the skills training have subsequently made cornhusks craft a home hobby especially that the country is under the state of emergency because of the
COVID-19 pandemic. Some even ventured to make it an income- generating project by starting collecting the husks, enthusiastically putting new skills into practice
and at the same time enhancing it. Meanwhile, numerous orders started coming in from buyers (via social media platform marketing strategies) who found the
cornhusks products affordable yet beautifully-crafted novelty items. Considering that the cornhusks craft is still confined to the awareness of those regarded as
enthusiasts, crafters explored other venues to stir other people’s interest. And expand awareness to the novel craft, starting by tapping resources that would enhance
the trade (Marconcini, et al.,2010; Lacson, 2006; Amid, et al., 2014).

In 2019, the Municipality of Batad and other neighboring municipalities in the fifth district of Iloilo, conducted series of livelihood trainings and community
extension services on cornhusks novelty products through the FITS Center (Figure 1). These livelihood trainings were actively participated in by non-working
mothers, out-of-school youths (OSY), persons with disabilities (PWDs), and even professionals supported by the Technical Education and Skills Development
Authority (TESDA). To increase the awareness of the target markets about these novelty items, the products were posted and advertised in various internet online
publications and social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube channels. The Northern Iloilo Polytechnic State College and the Department of
Education (DepEd) in Batad, Iloilo had incorporated this handicraft skill among their students taking up Bachelors in Technology and Livelihood Education,
Agriculture Programs and Technical Vocational academic strand in Senior High School Program respectively.

On local economy

With a working capital of Php 100.00 (2.00 USD) raw materials, a crafter can already be able to produce Php 1,000.00 (20.00 USD) worth of crafts. These include
bags, coasters, angels and flowers which may not require any capital cash outlay. Apprentice crafters can earn something equivalent to the daily minimum wage:
:
 expert crafters can earn a fortune. It takes at least 2 hours to learn a particular craft.

After a day’s work from the field, a farmer may work at home doing cornhusks braid and twine that are sold to a crafter at Php15.00 (0.3USD) per meter. Good
quality cornhusks from harvest can be sold to a crafter at Php15.00 per kilo. Crafters, however, prefer BT corn variety which may be priced as high as Php 30.00
(0.62 USD) per kilo particularly because of the absence of holes caused by Asiatic corn borer, a corn pest prevalent in the country. Long cornstalks are also bought
Php 1.00 a piece is used as decor accessories. Even corn silk can be sold at Php 50.00 (1 USD) (Lacson, 2006).

Cornhusks are used in making many types of crafts, such as dolls and puppets. They are also used in different types of stuffed toys and bows. The unique texture and
rustic look of cornhusks makes them ideal for making beautiful bows that can be used to decorate a number of items. These pretty cornhusk bows look great as
decorations on wreaths, flower arrangements, vases and are particularly suited for country or rustic decors. Cornhusks are also useful in making great wreaths and
centerpieces (Iftitah, 2017; Velasco, 2021; midwestliving.com).

Sustainability of raw materials needed for the production of novelty products

Based on the data obtained from the Municipal Agricultural Office of Batad, Iloilo conferred that, for a total of 24 barangays directly engaged in corn production for
the past five years the average corn production was tremendously high and had reached 16,900 metric tons in 2019 (Figure 2). Results therefore agreed that the raw
materials needed for the production of these novelty items were highly sustainable.

The utilization of cornhusks as agricultural wastes to produce novelty items gained positive approval and support from the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Batad.
The local executives from the barangay level supported this endeavor by enacting and/or enhancing barangay ordinances in support to the government policies on
Solid Waste Management Program (SWMP). This move motivated the farmers especially corn growers not to burn corn wastes but transform these into a lucrative
business. The abundance of raw materials and the support gained from the local government unit has prompted people’s organizations (POs), local businesses and
cooperatives to get involved in this endeavor as they were inspired by the results.

ENVIRONMENTAL POLICIES AND OTHER LEGAL BASIS OF COTTAGE INDUSTRY IN THE PHILIPPINES

As Eco-friendly Agribusiness. Cornhusks novelty project is an eco-friendly agribusiness that is in accordance with the policies embodied in Republic Act 9003,
otherwise known as Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000 and RA 7160, also known as the Local Government Code of 1991. It utilizes environmentally
sound methods that maximize the utilization of valuable resources and encourage resource conservation and recovery; and is a target for solid waste avoidance and
volume reduction through source reduction and waste minimization measures. The law emphasizes also the process of composting, recycling, reuse, recovery, green
charcoal process and others, before collection, treatment and disposal of appropriate and environmentally sound solid waste management facilities, in accordance
with ecologically sustainable development principles. The Act further ensures the proper segregation, collection, transport, storage, treatment and disposal of solid
wastes through the formulation and adoption of the best environmental practices in ecological waste management excluding incineration. It encourages greater
private sector participation in solid waste management (www.lawphil.net; Premakumara et al., 2014).

In the full implementation of these acts, different stakeholders including the academe are mandated to take responsibility in the SWM. Mandates were given to the
Department of Education (DepEd) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) to include ecological solid waste management in the school system at all
levels, to actively engage school administrators, teaching and non-teaching staff, and students in school-wide and nearby community waste management actions, and
to strengthen waste management content in the curricula. In addition, state universities and colleges are also mandated to assist in the LGU’s extension system by
improving their effectiveness and efficiency through capability building and complimentary RDE activities (Part 6, Rule 21, Section 2, RA 9003; Torres, 2017).

As a means to improve economic conditions in the countryside. To venture in this kind of agribusiness, cornhusks novelty products is a perfect example of circular
economy. It offers avenue for our corn growers not to rely on corn grains alone as source of income but to give them a wider opportunity to enter in the value-added
chain which could provide greater chance to develop their artistic skills in handicraft-making for sustainable, resilient livelihood and economic prosperity. According
to Republic Act 1788 otherwise known as Cottage Industries Development Decree of 1981, it states that, Cottage Industry development and promotion is the
appropriate vehicle along the thrust of developing the countryside because of its high labor intensity, low investment (cost-efficient) requirements and adaptability to
Philippine condition owing to our abundant raw materials and special craftsmanship. It is of strategic importance to further develop and utilize the cottage industry
sector to maintain the stability of our economy and to accelerate the pace of industrialization. The state, realizing the vital importance and special significance of the
cottage industry towards improving the quality of life and spreading its benefits to the people, mandates the National cottage industry development authority the
corporate mission to develop and promote cottage industries to their full potential. Cornhusks novelty project promotes job generation among rural folks and those
living in the countryside by enhancing micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to venture and invest in this new lucrative business in accordance with the
: