World Fair Trade Day events slated this month

CEBU, Philippines - With its continued thrust to promote fair trade and campaign for the Social Enterprise Bill, the Southern Partners and Fair Trade Center (SPFTC) will organize two major events in celebration of the World Fair Trade Day this month of May.

These activities will be conducted in partnership with the Foundation for a Sustainable Society (FSSI) and St. Theresa’s College (STC) and Cebu Fair Trade Network (CFTN).

With the theme ”Strengthening Fair Trade Standards”, this year’s celebration of the World Fair Trade Day aims to encourage the public in supporting and buying goods from fair trade producers and social enterprises.

The month-long celebration urges Cebuanos to support the institutionalization of the fair trade community in Cebu and the establishment of socially-responsible enterprises by small producers and grassroots organizations.

The local events are designed to inform, expand and strengthen people-to-people relationship that is necessary to bring about change for a sustainable community in the society.

It shall also promote fair trade awareness and information on the Social Enterprise Bill to the public, supporting the signature campaign and demonstrating concern for the marginalized communities, farmers and women.

During the global celebration of the World Fair Trade Day which falls on May 11, event organizers shall hold “Tianggehan sa Fair Trade and Social Enterprise” at the Fair Trade Shop Cebu.

It will serve as a marketing and advocacy event featuring food products and crafts, natural and organic goods of SPFTC, various social enterprises in Cebu and Central Visayas, members of CFTN and World Fair Trade Organization - Philippines and organic practitioners in the Region 7.

Apart from the engagement on the Social Enterprise Bill, the Friends of Fair Trade Card will also be launched to provide incentives and freebies for loyal customers of the Fair Trade Shop Cebu.

A solidarity dinner will serve as a culminating event on May 25 at Lakwatsa Resto Lounge that is intended to gather representatives and members of development organizations, church, academe, government, private sector, women, youth, and civil society communities.

It will provide an avenue for the presentation of the Social Enterprise Bill, a sharing on Fair Trade, and a treat of Filipino culture offering with a delicious treat of fair trade goodies.

It will also serve as a fund-raising event for the benefit of the Fair Trade Country Network, development programs of SPFTC and community partners.  (FREEMAN)