RESEARCH PROPOSAL • LUBAO, PAMPANGA
Bamboo to Gold
A Digital Micro-Enterprise for Lubao Artisans
Turning a ₱150 bamboo pole into ₱15,000 of global-market jewelry
Transforming Heritage Craft into Sustainable Global Commerce
MEET THE RESEARCHER
Student Researcher
Lubao, Pampanga, Philippines
About Me
Bamboo to Gold • Lubao, Pampanga
Sophomore, Cary Christian School
Art & Design since 4 years old; + business
Won many art competitions at state & national level
Project Overview
About This Project
Digital-Global Micro-Enterprise Model - Lubao's bamboo artisans.
Low-margin domestic souvenir sales -> export-grade bamboo jewelry (Etsy & Shopify)
Filipino heritage + global sustainable design trends
My goal: prove that skilled hands + smart design + digital platforms = economic transformation.
Bamboo to Gold • Lubao, Pampanga
HYPOTHESIS
In Lubao, implementing a Digital-Global Micro-Enterprise Model using export-grade bamboo jewelry and DTC online platforms will produce a statistically significant increase in artisan hourly wages-projected 200–300% above the local benchmark-compared to traditional domestic handicraft sales.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
❌
THE PROBLEM
Bamboo pole: ₱50–200
Artisans: below ₱515/day mw
Youth migrate: Manila
THE SOLUTION
💡
🎯
THE GOAL
Bamboo to Gold • Lubao, Pampanga
Background demographics
Bamboo pole: ₱50–200
Artisans: below ₱515/day mw
Youth migrate: Manila
Bamboo to Gold • Lubao, Pampanga
RESEARCH METHOD & APPROACH
The Export Value Chain
1
Treatment
Borax-boric acid pressure treatment — pest-free, export-compliant
2
Manufacturing
Jewelry lathes & precision tools — ₱150 pole → ₱15,000 blanks
3
Finishing
Bio-resins, silver accents, eco-oils — craft elevated to luxury
4
Digital Sales
direct access to global buyers
Bamboo to Gold • Lubao, Pampanga
PROJECT TIMELINE
1
Phase 1
Planning & Setup
Weeks 1–3
Recruitment
Sourcing
Setup storefronts
Establish wage data
2
Phase 2
Production Training
Weeks 4–6
3
Phase 3
Pilot Sales
Weeks 7–10
4
Phase 4
Data & Analysis
Weeks 11–13
Bamboo to Gold • Lubao, Pampanga
PROJECT BUDGET
Category | Item | Est. Cost (Usd) |
Production & Software | E-commerce SEO tools, data analysis software for Paired T-Tests | $100 |
Travel & Logistics | ePacket/DHL shipping supplies, instructor transport | $200 |
Clinical Equipment | Jewelry lathe (2 units) | $1,200 |
Participant Compensation | 15 artisans × $5.00/hr × 24 hrs of workshop training | $1,800 |
Consultant & Contractor Fees | Local Site Coordinator / Lead Instructor professional fee | $400 |
Publications & Materials | Spec sheets, bio-resin finishes, silver accents/hooks, eco-friendly packaging | $350 |
Administrative & Audit Fees | Legal/professional review for 501c3 compliance and financial audit | $250 |
Communication & Platform Fees | Shopify/Etsy fees, domain, global marketing software | $150 |
Community | Bamboo Hub reinvestment (10% net) | $100 |
Contingency | Buffer (10%) | $450 |
TOTAL | | $5,000 |
Bamboo to Gold • Lubao, Pampanga
EXPECTED IMPACT
100×
Value Multiplier
₱150 pole → ₱15,000 jewelry
200–300%
Wage Increase
₱65/hr → ₱195–₱260/hr
35%
More CO₂ Absorbed
Bamboo vs. Philippine hardwoods
Wage Comparison: Traditional vs. Export Model
Bamboo to Gold • Lubao, Pampanga
Sponsor Benefits
FUNDRAISING GOAL
₱65,890 ≈ USD $1,130
"Every piece of bamboo jewelry
sold abroad is a reason
for a family to stay home."
Thank You
Bamboo to Gold • A Digital Micro-Enterprise Research Project
Lubao, Pampanga, Philippines
Bamboo to Gold • Lubao, Pampanga