Local artisan brand PIOPIO announces closure as pandemic hurts operations
Local clothing brand PIOPIO is the latest business casualty of the lingering pandemic.
The Palawan-based company announced that it will be closing shop effective on September 30.
In a heartfelt lengthy letter posted on Instagram, PIOPIO thanked the public for its support for the past several years.
PIOPIO is known for producing clothing pieces and accessories made from traditional local textiles.
The company partners with weavers from around the country to create handmade items.
“What was born out of a personal passion and excitement for Filipino art, culture, and artisanal tradition snowballed into a community beyond our wildest imagination - one of like-minded, fun, and colorful individuals brought together by a shared purpose of supporting our local artisans and keeping our history alive,” PIOPIO wrote on Instagram.
It continued, “With the current health situation today, we are finding it difficult to produce and move our items without jeopardizing the true value of the product and protecting our weavers and retail team alike.”
The company said that it is “pausing” its journey at the moment to ease the burden of the pandemic.
“We hope we can lift each other through this - thank you for all the love and good energy which we will take with us as we we work to heal together as a nation.
“Mostly, thank you for accompanying us on this great adventure.”
Immediately after the announcement, local celebrities started leaving comments on PIOPIO's IG page to thank the company.
Just some of the celebrities who showed support were Rico Blanco, Sarah Lahbati, Phoemela Baranda, Gian Magdangal, and Gary Valenciano.
Those who still want to purchase items from PIOPIO can visit the brand's website to check out the remaining stocks left before it officially closes shop at the end of this month.
For more lifestyle content, head out to GMA's Lifestyle page.
Meanwhile, take a look at some of the beloved businesses that were forced to halt operations because of the pandemic.