I did not let summer end without going to a beach. Just last weekend, I went to Boracay, but vacationing was not at the top of my priorities while in the island.
I was a saling-pusa (tag-along) as my mom, my aunt and a staff from our family business manned our booth in a trade fair in Paradise Garden Resort Hotel and Convention Center, beachfront of Boracay. The Advocate of Philippine Fair Trade, Inc. (APFTI) initiated this trade fair in celebration of the World Fair Trade Day. It is supposedly celebrated on the second week of May, but the event was held last May 28 to 30. It is the first time for both APFTI and Boracay to host an event such as this. And I'm proud to be a part of this milestone for fair traders.
For those who have little to no idea what APFTI and fair trade are, let me give you an overview.
APFTI is a non-government organization that works "for sustainable development and poverty alleviation". It helps the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) a fair chance to grow in spite of the uneven trade and business environment in the Philippines. APFTI makes producers to consider fair wages, working condition and safety, environmental sustainability, child rights, gender equity, respect for cultural identity and public accountability in their practices.
APFTI's campaign for Fair Trade does not only focus on the producers but on the consumers as well. It holds trade fairs (like the one above), gives orientations and produces educational materials as well to promote Fair Trade.
Fair Trade, by the way, is basically about empowering producers through the observance of socially and environmentally just practices. It secures the livelihood of poor communities. It conserves the environment because fair trade practitioners focus on using local and renewable resources. It means that it is not just the quality of what you buy, but you also help make a difference to the those who worked for the products you buy.
SMEs from the different parts of Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras and Iloilo joined in the World Fair Trade Fair last weekend. The event was with the cooperation of the Hugod Aklanon, Department of Tourism and Industry (DTI) Provincial office and the local government units of Boracay and Malay, Aklan.
I was a saling-pusa (tag-along) as my mom, my aunt and a staff from our family business manned our booth in a trade fair in Paradise Garden Resort Hotel and Convention Center, beachfront of Boracay. The Advocate of Philippine Fair Trade, Inc. (APFTI) initiated this trade fair in celebration of the World Fair Trade Day. It is supposedly celebrated on the second week of May, but the event was held last May 28 to 30. It is the first time for both APFTI and Boracay to host an event such as this. And I'm proud to be a part of this milestone for fair traders.
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| photo (c) apfti.org.ph |
For those who have little to no idea what APFTI and fair trade are, let me give you an overview.
APFTI is a non-government organization that works "for sustainable development and poverty alleviation". It helps the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) a fair chance to grow in spite of the uneven trade and business environment in the Philippines. APFTI makes producers to consider fair wages, working condition and safety, environmental sustainability, child rights, gender equity, respect for cultural identity and public accountability in their practices.
APFTI's campaign for Fair Trade does not only focus on the producers but on the consumers as well. It holds trade fairs (like the one above), gives orientations and produces educational materials as well to promote Fair Trade.
Fair Trade, by the way, is basically about empowering producers through the observance of socially and environmentally just practices. It secures the livelihood of poor communities. It conserves the environment because fair trade practitioners focus on using local and renewable resources. It means that it is not just the quality of what you buy, but you also help make a difference to the those who worked for the products you buy.
SMEs from the different parts of Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras and Iloilo joined in the World Fair Trade Fair last weekend. The event was with the cooperation of the Hugod Aklanon, Department of Tourism and Industry (DTI) Provincial office and the local government units of Boracay and Malay, Aklan.
A good initiative, Free & fair trade practices among Nations is very much required these days.
ReplyDeleteTo Vancouver Networking Professionals, thank you! I really believe in the advocacy of Fair Trade. Mind you, when I grow up I really want to help APFTI and Fair Traders. :)
ReplyDelete