In the municipality of Lubuagan, Kalinga, a group of local blacksmiths starts their day early, lighting their fires and shaping metal by hand—just like what their ancestors did.

This daily routine may seem ordinary to some, but for the people in Barangay Upper Uma, it’s a way of keeping their culture alive.

Their challenge, however, was the lack of tools and equipment as well as a permanent workplace where they can stay and focus on further perfecting their craft which is also their source of livelihood.

Thanks to the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the blacksmiths under the Upper Uma Pandayan SLP Association now have a proper workplace and the tools they need to continue their craft—and preserve a part of their region’s culture and tradition— while at the same time earn for their families.

Through the SLP, the Upper Uma Pandayan SLP Association was able to build a small structure for their operations.

The project under the SLP amounted to Php700,000—with Php400,000 going to the construction of the structure, and Php300,000 for tools and equipment like a generator, sander, and other machines to help them create better products more efficiently.

With this new structure and capital assistance provided by the DSWD SLP, the forging of metal which has been part of life in this community for generations is once again flourishing.

From musical instruments like gongs to blades and farm tools, the local blacksmiths’ work reflects skill, patience, and creativity.

One of their most popular products is the gong, an instrument used in rituals and celebrations across the Cordillera region.

Making a full set can take weeks, and the costing start at around Php30,000, depending on the materials used.

“Napakahirap po talagang gumawa ng gong. Kasi kailangang bilhin yong mga flat set ng Php30,000 bawat isa at gagawin mo sa loob nang isang buwan ang isang set,” Oliver Estacion, one of the SLP beneficiaries narrated to the DSWD’s #Kwento ng Pag-asa at Pagbabago (#KPAP) team.

The SLP is the DSWD’s capability-building program that provides opportunities to the poor, vulnerable, disadvantaged and marginalized sectors to access and acquire livelihood assets to improve their socio-economic conditions.

With the help of the livelihood program, the demand for their gongs goes beyond the local community.

“Ang mga gongs na produkto namin ay nakarating na sa Taiwan at Hong Kong. Yung mga Pilipinong nagtatrabaho doon ang bumibili, at ginagamit daw nila ito sa mga resort. Kapag may selebrasyon o ritwal sa Hong Kong o Taiwan, ginagamit nila ang mga gong namin, ma’am,” Oliver told the #KPAP team.

Through their craft, the blacksmiths of Upper Uma are able to earn a stable income while staying close to home and their families.

“Nang nagsimula kami sa blacksmithing, gumaan ang buhay namin. Lalo na para sa may pamilya—dito kami kumukuha ng pambili ng pagkain,” said Barabas Datol, vice president of the association.

In a good month, they earn up to Php70,000, which they divide among members. The rest goes to maintaining their workshop and buying raw materials.

Aside from gongs, they also make customized knives and bolos by hand—each with unique designs depending on the buyer’s request.

“Kami kasi ginagawa naming mano-mano. Yong sa iba naman na gumagawa ay may mga machine na silang gamit. Sa ganito ay medyo nakakatipid kami,” Barabas explained.

The SLP beneficiaries said even though they have added machines to help with production, the soul of their work remains unchanged. Each product is still made with care, using techniques passed down from their ancestors.

The #KPAP is the award-winning online documentary program of the DSWD aired every Tuesday over the agency’s social media accounts. It is hosted by Information Officer Bianca Piedad-Tamondong of the Digital Media Service (DMS) under the Strategic Communications. (YADP)