From Trash to Treasure: Caring for God’s Creation Through Art
After years of working for someone else, Josephine decided to start her own business. There was just one problem: she didn’t know how.
The year was 1987, and Josephine was in her late twenties. She explored different business ideas, but nothing clicked. Nothing, that is, until she visited a seminar hosted by the local Philippine government. On display were beautiful products made in her home province of Negros Occidental. “That’s how my love affair with handicrafts started,” Josephine said. “I got inspired. I just wanted to sell and promote Negros-made products.”
She named her business Tumandok Crafts Industries— “Tumandok” meaning native—in recognition of the local community. “We transform waste material from raw natural resources into timeless and sophisticated handicrafts,” Josephine said. These crafts—which include picture frames, vases, lamps, tables, and more—are sold locally in their showroom as well as to order in locales like Manila. “Every piece is meticulously handmade by our artisans in an environment that fosters creativity and skill development, empowering them to turn great ideas into reality.”
Overcoming Obstacles
Despite Josephine’s inspiration, running a business wasn’t all smooth sailing. Over the years, Tumandok relocated several times; once, the factory burned to the ground. Through it all, Josephine came to wonder if this truly was her calling, given all the difficulties she had faced.
In the early 2000s, a friend invited Josephine to attend a local summit held by Partners Worldwide. During the sessions, Josephine slowly reexamined her role as a businessperson.
“I understood that not only is God my partner, he is the owner,” Josephine said. “And I realized I have to take care of these resources that he has given me.”
Business, God’s Way
After reexamining her role, Josephine began producing goods using recycled materials such as coconut husks, crushed glass, banana leaves, and seashells. “We turn trash into treasures,” Josephine said.
These treasures are created and displayed in a 3,000 square-meter production facility, operated by 27 employees. Posted in their showroom are the company’s core values: Love of God, Accountability, Respect for Creation, Integrity, Service to Community, and Excellence.
Through the many years of knowing and walking alongside Partners Worldwide as a mentor and volunteer, Josephine’s heart to equip, empower, and encourage her employees led her to become one of PW’s newest Local Community Institutions. As an LCI, she can empower local artisans by expanding their access to the global markets and connecting them with the training and coaching they need to provide for their families.
In the coming year, the facility will be converted to incorporate a training center where local artisans and entrepreneurs can learn how to grow their own redemptive businesses.
February 19, 2025