Investing in Philippine livelihoods and indigenous materials
The water hyacinth (commonly called water lily) is the most damaging aquatic plant worldwide because of its capability to reproduce at an extraordinary rate becomes a hindrance for water transport and hastens the occurrence of floods in lakeside and riverside communities.
What are we doing about it?
With the recognition of the problem, the Philippine Department of Trade and Industry has encouraged the transformation of water hyacinth to commercial value. In various places in the Phillippines, the water hyacinth stalks already have a history of handicraft production where they are woven into placemats and bags and more.
Like the people in these communities, Jacinto&Lirio knows that there is more to the water hyacinth than meets the eye. In finding ways to utilize this invasive plant, we believe that we do not only give life back to a deadened environment but we also give a livelihood to affected communities.
