SM, DTI, CITEM, NCCA, PHILSTAR Partnership: Eco-friendly crafts at SM
MANILA, Philippines - In recent years, protecting the environment has become a global concern. And so there have been many programs to create awareness and find ways to reduce, reuse and recycle.
And as “My City, My SM, My Crafts” continues its series of road shows around the Philippines, mallgoers have discovered how artisans all over the country have transformed indigenous materials and what we could consider waste by-products into the most amazing crafts. Enhanced by technology, skills training by government institutions and the community spirit, these world-class crafts celebrate Filipino ingenuity and have found their way into the national and international markets.
A joint project of SM, DTI Bureau of Domestic Trade, and the Philippine STAR with support from CITEM and NCCA, “My City, My SM, My Crafts” is a celebration of traditional arts and modern design in the cities where SM has malls. And the project partners are delighted.
“A large number of SMEs involved in the undertaking have called the experience both inspirational and educational,” says DTI Bureau of Domestic Trade Director Rhodora Leaño. “These local manufacturers have not only found an additional avenue to promote their products, but also have benefited from being able to interact with interested buyers.”
CITEM director Arturo Cruz Dimaano of the Creative Communications and Services Department adds that My Crafts “upholds traditions in various regions, encourages creativity and resourcefulness, supports a community and advances the livelihood of micro, small and medium industries.”
The Philippine STAR’s Lucien Dy Tioco, on the other hand, praises “SM’s initiative in championing the ingenuity and individuality of every Filipino around the country.”
Some of the country’s most creative designers have brought their eco-friendly designs to the world’s fashion capitals. Young designer Ken Samudio, who has showcased his work in London and Milan, creates bags and accessories from up-cycled beads made from plastic water bottles, recycled sea glass and other sustainable materials indigenous to the Philippines.
Dita Sandico-Ong, on the other hand, is known as the “Wrap Artiste” and has redefined contemporary Filipiniana with her signature banaca (banana and abaca) fabrics and wraps. A pioneer in the eco-fashion movement, her works are sold not only in the Philippines, but also in Asia and most recently Europe and the Middle East.
Tadeco Home in Davao utilizes agricultural by-products, fruit wastes and indigenous materials for the local and international markets. These distinctive fabrics are then used in contemporary home accents like cushions, chairs, and lighting fixtures, maximizing the use of by-products like the banana trunk.
It has been surprising how communities around the country have transformed abundant water lilies, which have been known to clog waterways and cause flooding problems into stylish bags and fashion accessories. These include the Sarilikha Handicrafts and Remdavies in Laguna, and the women of Paniqui in Tarlac.
Another by-product, corn husks, are washed, dyed and air dried, and then sewed and shaped into dolls by Gandang Mais Crafts in GenSan. Maddela Fossilized Flowers from Quirino Province are made from guyabano, guava, avocado and alugbati leaves that are dried up, scoured, dyed and then arranged into beautiful bouquets, wall decors and gowns.
Discarded coconut shells have become the main design element of Sa’tin Crafts in Lucena, while Artemio Perol’s coco and pili shell lamps were a hit during the “My Crafts” launch in SM City Naga.
Bamboo has emerged as a wonderful resource for creating bikes (Tarlac’s Bambikes); artworks (Ifugao Bamboo Art); bags (Bacolod’s Crisvil Creations); and furniture (GenSan’s JPH Bamboo Crafts). Calamba’s Flor-San’s Handicrafts uses driftwood for their innovative and eco-friendly décor items for export.
There are also Go Green ventures like Yssa’s Crafts in Bacolod, which is known for up-cycled glass products and terra cotta collectibles. Paper has also surprised mallgoers with its versatility: Salay Handmade Paper in Cagayan de Oro has handcrafted products made from a mixture of non-tree and sustainable raw materials transformed through the traditional process of handmade paper making; Gawang Tuy in Batangas makes beautiful clutches from handmade paper and sugarcane leaves; while Sto. Rosario Multi-Purpose Cooperative in Bulacan turns recycled magazine, newspaper and other repurposed waste products into colorful paper bead treasures.
Even typhoons have turned around the lives of the affected communities when fallen logs and driftwood are transformed into sculptures by the Banglos Community Artists in Quezon and furniture by Pablo Crafts in Davao.
Other eco-friendly crafts include Oryspa’s rice bran-based spa products from Laguna and Oricon’s oil diffusers and candleholders made of natural Mount Pinatubo stones in Tarlac.
Now in its second season, “My City, My SM, My Crafts” makes stops at SM City San Pablo, SM City General Santos, SM City Rosales, and SM City Cauayan in the provincial areas; and at SM City BF Parañaque and SM City North EDSA in the Metro area.
