Rodolfo Jumamoy: the humble beginning

 

Mr. Jumamoy reached third year mechanical engineering course at the Cebu Institute of Technology. Rather than practice his profession, he opted to continue the legacy of his grandfather who was engaged in trading of raffia rolls during the early 1930s. He used to provide woven raffia for the packaging requirements of Tabacalera Cigars. His father assumed the responsibility when his grandfather died after World War II. At a very young age, Manong Ruding was taught by his father the rudiments of the business because among the siblings, he was the only one who showed interest.

When he got married, Manong Ruding, being the lone income earner, went into farming, fishing, and food processing while his wife Ramona took good care of their children and other household needs. They were able to send their children to a good school. “It was our dream to see them all graduate,” said Manong Ruding. Everything seemed to be properly planned. However, sending them to college was never that easy. Manong Ruding had to work double time to raise the needed money for their college education. Fully aware that he could not make both ends meet with his present work, he carefully considered other options. At that time, he thought of his grandfather who was not that rich but was quite able to provide a better life for his family. He also remembered his father, who sent them to a good school, and neither was he considered poor in their community. Both they were able to provide for their families through their raffia business. That was the time when he realized and decided to concentrate on the raffia loom weaving business to support the educational needs of their children. It was in the early 1970s that Manong Ruding involved himself in the business, initially, as a marketing agent of his townfolk in Bohol for the natural raffia rolls. He was responsible for scouting new buyers as far as Cebu. He continually supplied the requirements of the Bisayan handicraft exporters who converted them into fashionable items. Eventually, in just a few years of dedication and hardwork, it was a dream come true when their children obtained their college diplomas. “Masarap ang pakiramdam na makita silang lahat na nakapagtapos. Pakiramdam ko na maipagmamalaki ko sila,“ beamed Manong Ruding.

Manong Ruding’s responsibilities did not stop with his family. In 1977, he was elected as barangay captain in Barangay Poblacion and at the same time served as the president of the Association of Barangay Captains in Inabanga. He held that position for more than a decade. With these responsibilities, Manong Ruding was able to discern the calling to uplift the lives of his townfolk through his expertise in weaving. He could not think of any other livelihood suited for them than weaving. He believed that he could develop the dexterity of constituents in weaving and utilize the abundant raw materials in Inabanga, which is raffia. Weaving is labor-intensive and it is the prime source of income to most of his constituents. “Focusing on this business can generate more employment,” said Manong Ruding.

That was the start of the Inabanga Loomweaving Association in the early part of 1984. It supplied natural woven raffia to Cebu- and Manila-based exporters, one of which is Larone handicraft. But Manong Ruding wanted more, not for himself, but for his kababayan. “Konti lang ang kinikita namin noon, kasi isa lang ang produkto namin,” said Manong Ruding. Later on, he diversified into place mats of rare designs using their own natural woven raffia rolls. Value-added income was realized and the workers were assured of more work. Initial product designs appealed to their clients and orders came pouring in. As they ventured into different products, among them place mats, table runners, and beach mats, it was necessary to increase the workforce.

 By 1990, there were 72 workers who catered to different products. To cope with changing demands in a highly competitive market, he had to innovate. In 1995, they were able to produce multi-colored designs with their own dyeing methods. “Our sales for a month increased by about 50% which accordingly increased the income of the weavers,” reported Manong Ruding.  However, as the volume of orders increased, quality was sacrificed and problems on dyeing occurred.