Handy in the Philippines: Leather Crafting Brand Helps People with Disabilities

When Harley Dave Beltran launched his leather crafting business in the Philippines in 2014, he wasn't aiming to become a social entrepreneur. Then he met Ronaldo Polo.

A former employee of Air Philippines/Pal Express, Mr. Beltran had developed a passion in his youth for recreating items he could not afford to buy, like a sling bag he made out of an old pair of jeans when he was a college student short of money to buy a backpack.

When Beltran, now 37 years old, was transferred to Bocacay, a famous island in the Philippines, he came into contact with different cultural artists, such as musicians and craft artists, and developed his own expertise working with leather. In 2014, he launched his brand of leather bags Handcrafted by Harl’s and registered his company.

A Life-Changing Encounter

A few weeks after he began his business at his home in the city of San Pedro, Beltran met Mr. Polo, who rolled through city streets in a wheelchair. Like many people with disabilities, Mr. Polo was jobless and relied on the kindness of strangers for money and food.

On impulse, Mr. Beltran asked Mr. Polo if he would be interested in working at Harl’s, an offer which Mr. Polo grabbed with eagerness. Soon, neighbors started asking questions about the young man in a wheelchair visiting Mr. Beltran’s home every day, and the information spread. The majority of Harl's employees are now people living with disabilities. 

This is not just a company, I do not see myself as a businessman but someone who wants to inspire other people."

“A great success for me would be one day there is no person with a disability on the streets asking for money. I want to see persons with disabilities having daily jobs or running businesses. This is my dream!

Harley Dave Beltran

Meanwhile, the young entrepreneur became aware of the special program of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) of the Philippines for micro and small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) called Go Lokal!, providing a market access platform, opening possibilities for Handcrafted by Harl’s. 

At the same time, a store space became available in San Pedro, allowing the young start-up with his apprentice crew to settle and develop production and sales. While Mr. Polo, John Carlo Lebumfacil, Andrew Rosas, Erjhan Gabita Jr, and Joven Motin learned the craft, Mr. Beltran took to sign language to be able to communicate with his staff. To this day, sign language courses are regularly delivered at Harl’s.

Social Entreprise Recognition

Mr. Beltran during his first years in business never advertised the fact that his staff was mostly composed of disabled people, wary of being considered exploitative. Customers however were curious and asked questions about the production. Word got out.

When in 2017, Mr. Beltran was invited to apply for the Fair Friends, a trade show in Dortmund, Germany, he gladly joined. He was invited to speak during the event, and hailed for his initiative, and realized that his business had also become a social enterprise. 

Trademark, a Commercial and Advocacy Ally

Harl's trademark is considered a core asset. With the active help of the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines, the company registered its trademark in September 2020. “It gives us some justification with the customers, our leather bags are not just any bags, they have a trademark,” said Mr. Beltran.

“I want to be able to compete with Louis Vuitton, Hermès, and to play along with them, I needed a trademark,” said Mr. Beltran.

The trademark also proved to be a deterrent when an unscrupulous competitor tried to use the name of the company. 

Back in the production shop, five employees are deaf and mute, one person is on crutches, and one is in a wheelchair. That makes seven people with disabilities out of a team of eleven. Everyone has to learn sign language so no one is left behind. “If you don’t have sign language, you are the one with a disability,” he said.

We create hope for people with disabilities and less fortunate persons in our community by providing jobs, creating livelihoods.

Harley Dave Beltran

“Working at Harl's", Mr. Beltran says, can "transform disability into ability.”