In the verdant heart of the Philippines, the Caraga region, known for its rich tapestry of agriculture and abundant natural resources, there exists untapped potential for transformative community development. By integrating thoughtful design into capacity building programs, Caraga can cultivate a sustainable and prosperous future through the elevation of its local crafts. Luna Design, though its principal, Joel Enriquez, was tapped by CITEM for its Merchandise Development Project to harness local materials and skills to design more than 200 items and showcase them in an exhibition during the Manila FAME shows in 2005.

Crafts development offers a powerful platform for uplifting rural economies. It harnesses the inherent skills and cultural heritage of local communities, turning traditional practices into lucrative enterprises. By focusing on design, these programs do not merely aim to refine the aesthetic appeal of products but also enhance their marketability, functionality, and cultural significance. This approach ensures that crafts transcend their role as mere artifacts to become symbols of regional identity and vehicles for economic development.

Design-led capacity building in Caraga could involve collaboration between designers, artisans, and agricultural experts to create products that are not only beautiful but also tell a story of the region's natural wealth and cultural vibrancy. Workshops could be conducted to teach modern design techniques, ensuring products meet contemporary market demands while retaining their authentic charm.

Moreover, integrating design into the development of crafts can open up new markets, both locally and globally. It provides artisans with the tools to innovate, while maintaining the integrity of traditional methods. This could significantly increase the income of rural households, thereby improving overall community well-being.

By leveraging Caraga’s unique resources and cultural heritage through design, capacity building programs have the potential to transform the region into a hub for sustainable craft tourism and international trade. The result is a self-sustaining model that empowers communities, preserves cultural heritage, and stimulates economic growth—all woven together through the thoughtful application of design.

Below are vignettes from the Caraga Development Project.