THE Local Government Unit (LGU) of Tagbilaran City, consistent with its commitment to protect the environment through recycling, is partnering with different agencies/organizations/business corporations for the Tote-ally Green Bag Project through a signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) done on March 27, 2023 at the Carlos P. Garcia Hall, DFA Main Office, Pasay City.
Aside from the representative of LGU Tagbilaran, the other upcycling MOA signatories were representatives from: the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), the International Bazaar Foundation Inc. (IBF), Zarah Juan and the Samahan ng mga Pilipina para sa Reporma at Kaunlaran, Inc.(SPARK!) Philippines.
City Mayor Jane Yap personally attended the MOA signing together with IBF Chairperson Pamela Manalo, IBF Executive Director Nora Salazar, SPARK! Executive Director Mikaela Luisa Teves, and renowned designer Zarah Juan.
“We are thrilled at this opportunity to showcase Tagbilaran City’s upcycled products to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) market. Our partners have played a crucial role in making this possible, and we are grateful for their support in empowering our women beneficiaries by elevating their skills and introducing their products to a global audience,” Yap said during the MOA signing.
The Tote-ally Green Bag will debut at the ASEAN and the flagship store of Zarah Juan on August, followed by a showcase at the highly anticipated International Bazaar in November to help usher in the start of the Christmas festivities.
The bazaar will be highlighted with the participation of the diplomatic community as well as the Filipino product exhibitors.
The limited edition bag, created through upcycling of plastic bags and used tarpaulins from the local community, will be featured with other products of Filipino craft during the New York Fashion Week. This event will be a platform for designers to present their creations through runway shows and other activities to fashion journalists and store buyers.
This initiative is a significant step towards sustainable economic growth aimed at creating a positive impact on the environment which will definitely benefit the people of Tagbilaran City.
