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The Philippines is an island country that is composed of approximately 110 ethnolinguistic groups. 61% of these groups are found in Mindanao, the second largest island in the archipelago. 18 different ethnolinguistic groups of Mindanao are composed of are The Lumad (indigenous) peoples. These indigenous peoples groups include B’laan, Bagobo-Tagabawa, Tagakaolo, Higaonon, Manobo, and Subanon people. Despite the fact that their ancestral lands are some of the most fertile lands on the island, and much of the mineral resources of Mindanao are found within their territories, they remain to be some of the poorest people in the country. Aside from that, these groups also do not have access to adequate and appropriate forms of social services such as education, health, and livelihood.

For decades, the Lumads have been fighting an uphill battle to retain control of their ancestral territories against corporate encroachment, plunder, and militarization. This struggle has resulted in hundreds, if not thousands, of Lumad deaths, many falling victims to extrajudicial killings perpetrated by the military, paramilitary, and private security forces. Most of these violations, however, have gone unpunished and worse, forgotten.

While there are similar struggles that most indigenous communities in the country face in general, there are also specific problems that each community faces. In particular, the Bagobo-Tagabawa community has its own problem of properly disposing of waste motorcycle tires. About 25 of the adult men in the community take on two jobs – as abaca farmers during farming season, and as motorcycle drivers while waiting for the next cycle of harvest. Since traveling from and to the community is a rocky road to traverse, tires are usually replaced every 2 months. This leads to 300 motorcycle tires that are not properly disposed of annually, which can cause a dengue outbreak. At the same time, these tires can also contribute to harming the environment by producing acid smoke which is detrimental to humans and the environment.

Rubber production has increased considerably in Asia over the past century, with fewer factories in Europe and North America. This means the increase in health risk is much higher as well. But this also poses as an opportunity.

In view of addressing the existing environmental problem while simultaneously preserving the culture and tradition of Bagobo-Tagabawa tribe with their identity, SOLELead Tribal Footwear proposes to upcycle worn down motorcycle tires and incorporating them with the tribal design of Bagobo-Tagabawa community to further convert them into a revenue stream footwear business. Currently, the association sells inabal to businessmen as it is, however, one can only sell so much when confined to the same locale. SOLELead believes in the circular economy through innovating local products to be able to withstand pressuring global market conditions. SOLELead believes with capacitating women artisans through collaboration and complementarity among different sectors. We recognize the potential and the impact micro and small businesses can create and amplify – considering it comprises 99.6% of all enterprises in the country if they have the proper access to local resources and have connections with the right market. At the end of the day, they do not need to go anywhere to be globally competitive; they just need to be who they are and empower them with what they do.

Dun Oliver Abiera / Angel Abellana