The Indigenous Peoples (IPs) are assimilating in the Philippine society brought about by favorable environment and government policies since the passing of the Indigenous People Rights Act of 1997. The Matigsalug Council of Elders of Marilog District, Davao City, Inc. (MACOEMADDACI) is an IP organization engaged in selling of indigenous products. Similar to other small and medium enterprises, MACOEMADDACI encountered several external factors that affect the organization as they conduct business in selling indigenous products such as baskets, indigenous accessories and tribal wear. Using the PESTLE and Porter?s Five Forces as tools as analysis, opportunities were identified such as availability of naturally grown raw materials used in the production of indigenous products which can be obtained at lower cost, and the increasing global demand for handicraft which is placed at One Hundred(100) Billion US Dollar or PhP5.19 Trillion, among others. Threats on the other hand, were the influx of substitute products due to trade liberalization particularly from China and climate change affecting the agricultural resource in the ancestral domain due to unpredictable weather systems. In terms of internal environment, analysis showed that the strength of the MACOEMADDACI is the presence of highly skilled weavers and workers of indigenous products weighted high score in the internal factors evaluation matrix while the insufficient financial capital was identified weakness due to its dependence to external partners for grants and donations. Given the foregoing statement, the proposed strategy for MACORMADDACI is on market penetration capitalizing on the availability of raw materials and skilled workers in the Matigsalug communities. This strategy will be able to solidify its stronghold in its current market particularly its institutional buyers, and seize other markets through regular participation to trade shows, expanding its product outlets to include the Davao City Pasalubong Center and online orders using Facebook. Overall, the MACOEMADDACI as an IP organization contributes to the growth and development of the Matigsalug communities and the whole Brgy. Marilog.

Thesis (Master in Management) -- University of the Philippines Mindanao, April 2018