A social enterprise  that embraces the principles of 3 P bottom lines.

Ethical sourcing practices are applied in the procurement of raw materials from the poorest distant communities . These ethical practices include the traceabilityof its sources in terms of good agricultural practices such as application organic fertilizers and natural pesticides in the propagation of Abaca (Musa Textiles). Abaca are planted in between big trees to attain bio diversity in the forest rather than planting in a mono culture method which make the abaca plant susceptible to diseases. Further, procurement follows the current market buying prices, ensures correct measurements and secures immediate payment in exchange of
farm goods at the farm gates.

Fair trade practices ensure that every worker and artisan receives its equitable share in the actual production of goods. Adherence to the Philippine Labor Laws in reference to daily wages and social benefits is a top priority. Indigenous also shares its blessings thru scholarship funds for the children of its artisans.

Indigenous is committed to help protect the environment by promoting good agricultural practices and thru design and production of natural and organic accessories. It is a continuing struggle to create items that are biodegradable and soluble. Indigenous also fights against the production of single use plastic products. Promotion of greening and replanting of trees in the forest especially around the water sheds is a campaign Indigenous dearly advocates for.

Exactly twenty five years ago, a mother of four children vowed to eliminate the use of plastics and had a vision of a plastic - free environment. From then on, CDO Handmade Paper  or ​INDIGENOUS (our brand) was ​materialized. In her kitchen, she experimented on making natural and organic handmade paper which can replace plastics and in the process reduce the impact of damage to the environment.

From the kitchen, production was moved to the garage until the space became too cramped. It was transferred then to a 300 sq.m lot where a small production area was built. Years later, the 2-story factory was constructed on a 1,000 sq,m lot which has served as its main production area until today. The production of paper started with stationery line such as photo albums, journals and cards; packaging gift bags and boxes and lately for home accents such as lamps and table tops. Marketing efforts started by joining local, regional, then to national and international trade fairs. Various products are now being exported to the Asia, USA and Europe.

Our best achievement thus far is our ability to stay connected to our roots and getting inspired by our very own cultural traditions and heritage. Indigenous started really small but was actually thinking big.