Guimaras has a lot to offer for everyone especially for tourists both local and foreign. Some said it was a great loss for Iloilo when Guimaras was separated to it and became a province but definitely not because it was the reason why Guimaras is gearing for what it is now. It has a lot of advantages when it became a province and one of them is the boosts of tourism and tourist hotspots in the area. It has been known for its sweetest mangoes and white beaches that some prefers than Boracay. To compliment its flourishing tourism people in Guimaras tried to utilize its natural resources and native products to make exquisite pieces of Pasalubongs and Souvenirs. One of it is the Galleon Miniature.
Model Galleon making is the major source of living in Rizal, Buenavista in Guimaras. 80% of the population relies on the Model Galleon making livelihood. It was started by their ancestors almost 60 years ago and passed through generations. And recently with the enthusiasm to further advance the tourism and to help the people in the barangay, Governor Felipe Hilan Nava spearheaded a move to unite the Model Galleon makers and to create an association. The governor promised to give financial aid and other help that he could extend to fuel the move. And Guimaras Model Galleon Makers Association (GMGMA) was born less than a year ago. Today they are composed of 52 members. And since then assistance from government offices poured in. DOLE gave them equipments to hasten the making of the products with less effort, they benefited from the OTOP program of DTI by showcasing their crafted pieces in OTOP’s trade fairs and the provincial government is promising to help them out in their Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) registration.
Recently they were invited by DOLE to showcase their art pieces along with other Ilonggo native products in the 111th Independence Day Celebration Jobs Fair at Amigo Plaza Mall in Iloilo City held last June 12 – 14. They are selling of course their masterpiece the model galleon miniatures of varied sizes, decorative yachts, key chains, necklaces and table pen holders. The prizes of the model galleons ranges from 100 – 1000 depending on the size and they are also accepting made to order. Also you can give them your design and they will try to create a model out of it. Most probably the pieces made with your own design cost more than usual and also depends in size and materials used. They have their main showroom at Rizal, Buenavista, Guimaras but right now it is under renovation to make it more accommodating to the clients. They also have displays at GTIC in San Miguel, Jordan, Guimaras near the Capitol. For inquiries you may contact Mr Benito Ferrer at (63) 09164192076 or the GMGMA Secretary Mrs. Rossana Delgado at (63) 09053543067.
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