Fair Trade caravan's stop in Cebu

CEBU, Philippines - The Fair Trade Shop Philippines, together with Advocate of Philippine Fair Trade (APFTI), Southern Partners and Fair Trade Center (SPFTC), and Cebu Fair Trade Network (CFTN), recently held the Fair Trade Caravan Bazaar at Robinson’s Place - Cebu City.

The purpose of the bazaar, according to APFTI’s Marketing Officer Jennifer A. Garaña, is to raise awareness about fair trade, promote patronage to The Fair Trade Shop, and to help the small manufacturers belonging to the Rizal Exporters and Manu-facturers Association, Inc. (REMAI).

“Their whole produc-tion was wiped out by Typhoon Ondoy,” said Ronald Lagazo, WFTO’s country director. “APFTI loaned to the groups (belonging to REMAI) so that they could start production again,” he said. “Now, we are also helping them in marketing their products through this caravan.”

Lagazo revealed that the activity started in Eastwood City in Libis, Quezon City last November 6 to 8. “It was very successful. In just three days, we were able to raise enough money. We hope to replicate that here,” he added.

The Cebu stop was the second of three stops for the caravan, and was held from November 16 to 20. After Cebu, the caravan went to Cagayan de Oro City for the second The Fair Trade Shop Philippines, which opened this month.

The bazaar featured organic fruit products, herbal teas, coconut and muscovado sugars, organic vinegar, organic rice and mountain roasted coffee, recycled and sustainably harvested craft products, handmade paper, barong tagalog, fashion accessories, native bags made of coco shells and a full range of recycled gift items.

And for those who were not able to visit the bazaar, REMAI items will be displayed at The Fair Trade Shop along Osmeña Blvd. (near Maybank and Philam Bldg.) until December 30.

Fair trade is a global movement grounded on socially and environmentally responsible principles, like fair pay, gender equity, no child labor, environmental sustainability and fair working conditions.