CHED, DOE accused of leaving Filipino artisans unpaid for months

Both agencies have not yet responded to the unverified claims.

A Filipino cultural gift supplier has publicly blasted the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the Department of Energy (DOE) over alleged unpaid orders, warning that prolonged payment delays are hurting small businesses and the artisan communities they support.

In a strongly worded Facebook post, Amianan PH accused the government agencies of rushing the production of handcrafted souvenirs for ASEAN-related events, only to leave the supplier struggling to collect payment.

“Minadali nyo po kame para tapusin yong mga souvenir items nyo for ASEAN tapos pahirapan kayo singilin,” the company lamented.

According to Amianan PH, CHED’s payment has been outstanding for nine months, while DOE’s has been delayed for more than a month. The supplier claimed neither agency provided a down payment.

“Ni piso po wala kayong downpayment. Nakakapagod kayo kausap,” it added.

In an earlier Facebook post, the company showcased 250 handcrafted Capiz lamps and personalized inabel towels produced for a DOE-ASEAN gathering, highlighting Filipino craftsmanship through traditional textiles, native packaging, and locally made souvenirs.

But behind the premium government giveaways, the supplier said, are small businesses and artisan communities struggling with the consequences of delayed payments.

“Ang dami pong mga communities ang sinusupportahan namin, pano na po sila ngayong pasko?” Amianan PH asked.

The company said it decided to speak out after learning that other small businesses had allegedly faced similar difficulties with government procurement.

“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,” it declared.

Amianan PH also disclosed that the ordeal had taken a toll on its mental well-being, saying it had reached a point where remaining silent was no longer an option.

The allegations raise serious questions about government payment practices and the financial burden placed on small Filipino enterprises supplying public institutions.

The claims have yet to be independently verified, and responses from CHED and DOE to the specific allegations were not available in the materials reviewed.

For Amianan PH, the issue is no longer just about overdue bills. It is about the survival of small businesses and the Filipino artisans whose livelihoods depend on getting paid for work already delivered.

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