CITY Mayor Jane Yap personally attended the launch of the City Government’s partnership with Pilipinas Shell, Spark Philippines, and Zarah Juan.
It should be remembered that the City Government of Tagbilaran was picked together with the local government of Taguig and Quezon City to reduce and collect used tarpaulins, convert them into tote bags by engaging sewing communities in the respective LGUs.
This project is a unique collaboration of the first female and youngest Mayor of Tagbilaran City Mayor Jane Yap, with the first female to be appointed President and CEO of Pilipinas Shell and Country Chair of Shell in the Philippines Lorelie Quiambao-Osial, a female designer Zarah Juan, and a women’s organization led by Maica Teves. It is also a collaboration of amazing women who choose to reuse. Choose to Reuse, is a Tarp Bag Drive which aims to economically empower women and generate income while confronting the environmental problems and issues caused by tarpaulins.
This is a momentous partnership among Zarah Juan, Spark! Philippines, the Local Government of Tagbilaran City, and Pilipinas Shell with the support of the Embassy of Switzerland in the Philippines which aims to create additional livelihood for women artisans in Tagbilaran City.
This project aims to upcycle tarpaulins where the Tagbilaran City Women’s Association Garments Manufacturing Center will cut and sew these into innovative eco-bags bags. The project produced 20,000 pieces. The designer bags were sold in SM Department Stores on September 16.
Pilipinas Shell vowed to provide the women with the necessary support by donating all its used tarpaulins to the upcycling livelihood center. With this initiative, Mayor Jane Yap asked the help and support of city partners and establishments to donate used tarpaulins. Local business establishments were also encouraged to display and sell the unique tarp bags in the future. The project aims to reduce and collect used tarpaulins, convert them into tote bags by engaging sewing communities; thus, adding to their livelihood. (Jeanette Busano)
