Globe Eco-Bag: Empowering women, one bag at a time
MANILA, Philippines - Changing people’s lives and taking care of the environment, one eco bag at a time—not a too-lofty goal for Globe Telecom and social enterprise Gifts & Graces. Strengthening its commitment to move beyond environmental sustainability efforts, Globe Telecom has partnered with Gifts & Graces, a social enterprise which works with non-government organizations (NGOs) to support marginalized groups and underserved communities to produce “My Fair Share” eco bags.
The bags are made from recycled and bio-degradable materials and were given to Globe subscribers who opened new mobile postpaid accounts on Earth Day, April 22. The bags are also available at all Globe Business Centers nationwide for only P99. According to Rob I. Nazal, head of Globe Corporate Social Responsibility, “Globe is committed to synergize efforts to encourage the reduced use of plastic and promote environment conservation. We also support fair trade practices and continually work with partner organizations such as Gifts and Graces Inc. who share our advocacy for supporting communities and helping them become sustainable social enterprises. The “My Fair Share” program is a testimony on how Globe conducts its business.”
Greg Perez, executive director of Gifts & Graces Inc., says they work with several partner beneficiaries which include former street children, the urban poor, former prison inmates, and indigenous groups. Says Perez, “Gifts & Graces provides three key business solutions to livelihood programs: product development, market access, and capability building. We empower them by letting them earn income by producing quality hand-crafted items and the individuals and communities achieve a dignified standard of living, gain pride and become self-reliant members of society.”
The “My Fair Share” program helps small producers such as Kaibhan Women’s Association integrate into the Globe Telecom value chain. Kaibhan, an NGO based in Bulacan, works towards improving internet access for the youth, improving maternal mortality statistics in the area, improving access to affordable medicine, and providing livelihood opportunities for women sewers and embroiderers in the area.
“Through the ‘My Fair Share’ program, we are able to help Kaibhan achieve its mission and reach out to more women sewers in the area. The sewers are the ones that benefit the most. According to the sewers at Kaibhan, the beneficiaries were amazed at the timing when we contracted them to sew the Globe ‘My Fair Share’ bags. At that time, they were worried they will not have money for the week due to a temporary stop in their usual sewing jobs. In short, they were not just simply happy but it was sort of a God’s answer to their prayers that the opportunity came,” adds Perez.
The “My Fair Share” eco bags, like all of Gifts & Graces’ products, are high-quality products created under fair trade principles and most of all, are environment-friendly and all proceeds of the sale of the bags will support the Kaibhan Women’s Association.
