This Local Small Business Appeals for Help After 9 Months of Unpaid Orders

How do you reach out when a big batch of handcrafted products you delivered remains unpaid? Amiananph, a small local business, is still awaiting payment.

Photo: Amiaananph/Facebook

In a Facebook post, the cultural gift shop turned to social media to call the attention of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), alleging that both government agencies have yet to settle their payments for the products. The handcrafted products were reportedly intended to serve as souvenirs for the upcoming Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit.

“Minadalli nyo po kame para tapusin yong mga souvenir items nyo for ASEAN tapos pahirapan kayo singilin pinagpapasa-pasahan nyo na lang yung tao kakahintay sa bayad nyo (You rushed us to finish your souvenir items for ASEAN, but now that it’s time to collect payment, you’re making it difficult for us. You keep passing us around from one person to another, leaving us waiting endlessly for our payment),” the caption read.

According to the shop, CHED has reportedly failed to pay for nine months, while its payment from DOLE has been overdue for more than a month. Amiananph also alleged that it did not receive any down payment before proceeding with the orders.

They also emphasized that their business supports several communities, but they cannot continue providing assistance if payments for their products remain unsettled.

Following these delays, they were left with no choice but to call out the agencies publicly, hoping to finally receive the payments owed to them.

They also claimed that they were not the only small business that has experienced a similar issue.

“Hindi po ako papayag na magaya sa ibang small businesses na lumalaban ng patas pero sumuko na lang kakasingil hanggang sa tuluyang magsarado na lang (I refuse to end up like other small businesses that played fair but eventually gave up after repeatedly trying to collect their payments, only to end up shutting down completely),” it concluded. “Ang pangit lang na umabot pa ko sa ganto pero wala akong choice, hindi na din po maganda mental state ko nitong mga nakaraan (It’s unfortunate that I’ve had to resort to this, but I have no other choice. My mental health has also been negatively affected).”

In a separate post, the shop shared that they have created 250 handcrafted Capiz Lamps and personalized Inabel Towels for ASEAN.

As of writing, the brand has not confirmed whether both government agencies have settled their outstanding payments.

Their post has reached over 90,000 reactions, capturing the attention and sympathy of social media users.

“I received one of these giveaways last February, so seeing this is so saddening. Grabeh, Feb pa yun and hindi pa bayad up to now?? I really love these giveaways kasi its by a small business, and by local artisans. I hope you get paid soonest po,” one netizen wrote.

Another commented: “May God help you through with your business. Nararanasan ko din yan bilang maliit na negosyante. Kung sa tao lang aasa, kahit magalit ka at murahin sila, walang mangyayari. With prayers, calm your mind and spirit, and may God work in ways you cannot see. Just believe and keep the faith.”

With over 9,000 followers on Facebook, Amiananph is a small business that specializes in handcrafted gifts that spotlight Filipino Heritage. Their products, which are made from sustainable materials, can also be personalized with embroidery and engraving.

They sell products such as Inabel hand towels, Mayumi blankets, and Capiz lamps, which can also be bundled into gift sets! These make great gifts for special occasions, intimate gatherings, and diplomatic celebrations.

You can shop their products through their website: https://amiananph.com/.

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