1st Quarter 2007

2007 Fair Trade Partners’ Conference
searches for a distinct brand

The 2007 Fair Trade Partners’ Conference took a more aggressive attempt to position Fair Trade producers and products in the domestic market; a strategic direction that has been identified during the 2006 Partners’ Conference in Bohol. To attain this aspiration, this year’s conference set its focus on the exploration of a distinct brand that could aid in the development of the domestic market for Fair Trade products; it searched for that “One Fair Trade Brand”—an identity that initially, may be difficult to establish but in countless instances, has been identified as a vital tool that can capture the interest and support of local consumers.

The three-day conference held at Mallberry Suites Business Hotel, Limketkai, Cagayan De Oro City, on April 11-13, 2007, for the fourth time, gathered APFTI’s Fair Trade Partners from various regions and sectors; a convergence of more than 50 organizations and 120 individuals that further sustained long-established partnerships and networks.

Like in the past years, the conference became a suitable venue wherein Fair Trade practitioners, from different parts of the country, shared their experiences, insights and best practices. But above all, this year’s conference confronted the basic challenge of penetrating into the local consumers’ consciousness. APFTI and the rest of the participants resolved to do it in a unitary and cohesive fashion.

“If we don’t start, who will?” asked Mrs. Loreta Rafisura of Salay Handmade Paper Industries, Inc. in her welcome address. Indeed, the conference’s tone of boldness and audacity has been set during the opening ceremony by the messages delivered by APFTI Executive Director Rommel Agustin and APFTI Chairperson Vicente Roaring. Attended by Cordaid’s representative Ms. Harma Hademaker and APFTI’s board, management and staff, the activities for the three-day conference were outlined during the night, and it has been emphasized that in order to come up with solid results, the complete interest and involvement of the participants were crucial.

On the second day, the conference established the rationale and the imperatives needed to develop a well-crafted Fair Trade brand. The conference traced the strategic shifts of the global movement. Among these changes was the emergence of stronger domestic markets within southern countries (developing nations), which grew to be beneficial for smaller producers, in terms of accessibility and sustainability.

On the succeeding sessions, the participants affirmed that they could do well in the equally competitive domestic market by looking into the very values that set Fair Trade producers apart from mainstream businesses. They see these values as points for differentiation and merit. Something that when efficiently articulated and delivered, can in fact create a unique selling proposition—producing advantages comparable to that of a mainstream brand. Through creative group workshops and exercises, they characterized the “feel” and the “personality” of the brand.

APFTI, later on, presented the developments of the National Fair Trade Labeling Initiative, a move that the Philippine Fair Trade Movement has been conceptualizing for quite a time, and has been seen as a single independent guarantee that can possibly justify the claims created by the collective brand. The brand and the independent label, the participants re-asserted, can deliver a selling point and can answer the producer’s basic concern---sustained and favorable sales transactions.

The last session for the day elaborated that aside from opening up collective marketing opportunities, the practice of Fair Trade principles as a personal and conscious commitment can create long-term advantageous impact on a number of viability and sustainability concerns of a business venture. The standards and indicators embodied in its principles have a direct impact on productivity, product safety and quality, and access to various governmental and non-governmental programs.

On the last day, actual experiences and practical pointers on how to penetrate the domestic market were discussed. As a culmination, the last day confronted the workload and challenges that were identified. The thorough process of complying with the standards, coming up with a distinct brand, and increasing the public’s acceptability of the label, require that each stakeholder (the producers, the government and Filipino Fair Trade Organizations) draw out their contributions and identify their responsibilities in the process. APFTI’s programs and services, for most of the participants, have played a significant part for them to incorporate the standards of Fair Trade to their practices and operations. The programs and services of APFTI were later reviewed so as to make it consistent with the challenges and issues tackled during the sessions.

The closing ceremonies capped the sessions with a call for unity. The Conference Resolution was then presented to the plenary:

2007 Fair Trade Partners’ Conference Resolutions

We, Fair Trade Producers and Partners from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, gathered for the 2007 Fair Trade Partners’ Conference, re-affirm our commitment to Fair Trade as a viable, sustainable, and responsible way of doing business.

This affirmation propels us to advocate and practice Fair Trade through the following:

1) Persistently work to build a domestic market for Fair Trade products--exploring avenues in the mainstream and alternative markets for our products by consistently improving our product quality and competitiveness.

2) Gradually align our production and trading practices with the standards and indicators of Fair Trade as embodied by the Philippine National Fair Trade Labeling Initiative. We see the label as an independent guarantee that could support our claims of being different in relation to our solemn social and environmental commitments.

3) Creatively work for the development of a Fair Trade Brand that reflects the values and systems of Fair Trade. We see it as a way of communicating to the consumers the idea that by supporting and buying products made by Fair Trade producers, they can give their share to the end-goal of Fair Trade—poverty alleviation and sustainable development.

4) Intensify the advocacy of Fair Trade, by promoting and campaigning for it, at the level of our own organizations—our workers, direct partners, suppliers, farmers and business allies, and finally, sending the same message to our buyers and consumers within our respective localities.

These we all commit ourselves to, as we continuously partner with producers, trade officials, and other organizations, and incessantly build long-term relationships until finally, we reach that goal of living in a fairer world.

In a symbolic formation of overlapping circles, the participants signified their vows to take part and carry out their individual commitments to uphold and practice Fair Trade while simultaneously integrating their efforts to promote and advocate for it, with the rest of the national and global movements.

Fair Trade Zone brings FT producers to Manila FAME

As the culmination of the European Market Access to Filipino Fair Trade Craft and Food Producers (a European Union funded project under its Small Project Facility), 14 crafts producers and intermediaries with new product prototypes were presented to the country’s premiere international crafts fair—the 2007 Manila FAME. The show ran from April18-21 at the World Trade Center in Manila.

APFTI gathered them into a Fair Trade Zone wherein they had the opportunity to meet and negotiate with buyers, both Fair Trade and mainstream alike. APFTI also hosted an exclusive buyer-producer night where the parties have established better understanding of each other’s concerns for quality, volume and organizational development.

From Rizal, CD handicrafts’ poly resin and fiber-glass products was lauded because of its attempt to fuse delicate Asian patterns with modern materials. ELMN and RS Manufacturing’s bags also mixed indigenous materials with premium skins. From Bicol, JM Handicrafts experimented with the usual abaca woven bags by using new colors. From Aklan, traditional weaving style and patterns were subdued and rendered minimalist, which is the current demand in Europe. La Herminia Pina Weaving Industry, Rentillo Enterprises, Dela Cruz House of Pina, Uswag Arts and Crafts, Silver Arts and Crafts, Heritage Arts and Crafts, and Lima Interior Design represented the province. D and E Mats from Samar, has explored the idea of using the traditional tikog mat in making lamps and handbags. Cristy’s Craft House, known for its sinamay packaging materials, has appraised their product’s value by making fully functional bags out of sinamay and other indigenous materials. Finally, Non-Timber Products Exchange Program carried in their line, products, such as boxes and office organizers, made by Indigenous Peoples from South Cotabato.

Fair Trade Zone features small producers at IFEX 2007

Ten food producers, who have underwent the European Market Access to Filipino Fair Trade Crafts and Food Producers, joined the rest of the country’s bigger mainstream food enterprises in the International Food Exhibition (IFEX) 2007. IFEX, an annual event organized by the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), gathers the best, export-prepared, Filipino food and beverage manufacturers and links them to international market opportunities. The show ran from May 18-20, 2007 at the World Trade Center.

APFTI partner producers offered product lines that carry Filipino ethnicity yet meet international standards on quality. Metro Manila-based Fair Trade companies Moondish Inc. and Bote Central fared well with both local and international buyers. Moondish Food Corporation showcased their coco-based, canned vegetable products such as laing, camansi, ginataan to exporters tapping the global OFW market. Bote Central Inc.’s Alamid Coffee also received good buyers feedback. Southern Partners and Fair Trade Corporation in Cebu with their dried mangoes and mango puree also secured good deals with buyers. The following also participated in the zone: Navarro Food International with their crab meat products, Cely’s Pilinut and Belen’s Pinahamis na Pili with their pili-based delicacies, Rosa Foods with their processed meat products, K and J Quality Seafood with their bottled bangus, Kablon Farms with their organic jams and jellies and finally, Citra Mina with their value-added tuna products.

2007 Yamang Mindanao Island Trade Fair platforms best of Mindanao’s community enterprises

On its 2nd year, Yamang Mindanao OTOP Island Trade Fair showcased the best crafts and food products of SME’s from Mindanao on June 29-July 2, 2007 at the KCC Mall, General Santos City.

Yamang Mindanao’s fundamental goals of “opening opportunities by bringing-in the buyers to where the producers are” and “engaging local consumers to support their own producers” were achieved and have brought significant sales results to majority of participating enterprises.

APFTI, as the co-organizer of the event, has focused on activities meant towards realizing these basic goals. The marketing unit took over the fair’s buyer-producer business matching and sponsored the consumer behavior training for participating producers. The advocacy unit set up a Fair Trade advocacy booth at the fair’s entrance to campaign among local consumers and participating producers the standards, principles and impact of Fair Trade. With the call “Let your purchase make a difference,” the booth showed the social, economic and environmental impact of Fair Trade adhering enterprises through an exhibit of pictures that correlated the act of buying Fair Trade products to the socio-economic development of communities wherein a significant FT enterprise operates. The organization’s goal was also described as that of “harmonizing quality and social responsibility”. It showed various pictures detailing the organization’s banner programs.

APFTI’s task in co-organizing the event did not end at the dilemma of staging the exhibit and allowing producers to get cash sales transactions, but rather, it ensured that the producers would get long-term deals by facilitating long-term business linkages with the visiting buyers. Complementing DTI’s goal of an increased sales figure this year, APFTI focused on formation of relationships and influencing consumer behavior; a complementation that made the organization’s presence during the fair all the more relevant, giving direction and aligning Yamang Mindanao to its fundamental vision.


Aklan Fiber Festival strengthens Fair Trade advocacy

APFTI partnered with DTI-Aklan in staging the 8th Aklan Pina and Fiber Festival that ran from April 22 to 27, 2007 at the Provincial Capitol grounds. The fair exhibited Aklan’s best products of blended, loomwoven fabrics, fashion accessories and furnishings, from pina, abaca, raffia and other indigenous fibers. For the food sector, it also showcased deboned bangus, processed meat and bakery products. The general objective of the fair to open opportunities for small Aklanon industries complemented APFTI’s effort in Aklan to facilitate the emergence of viable and responsible ventures growing within communities.

Fourteen APFTI partner producers in the province showcased their products at a special setting designed by well-known Aklan based designer PJ Aranador. An advocacy booth about Fair trade was also set up to provide information on Fair Trade. An orientation on Fair Trade was also held to familiarize the participants and the rest of the stakeholders to the advocacy.

Food experts check food producers’ processes

Food experts conducted a month-long on-site production advisory to 10 food producers under the European Market Access to Filipino Crafts and Food Producers Project last March. Seasoned food experts Alicia Pineda, Divina Alcasabas, Lybia Chavez, and Philippine Business for Social Progress team, and Henry Palaca visited the production areas of Bote Central and Moondish, Inc.in Manila, Kablon and Citra Mina in Mindanao, Cely’s Pilinut and Belen’s Pinahamis in Bicol, Navarro Foods in Pampanga, Rosa Foods and Kand J in Aklan and SPFTC in Cebu.

The food production consultation aims to enable partner producers to develop food products, including their appropriate packaging and labeling, that would be suitable to the demands of the European market. It also aims to facilitate producer’s compliance to the minimum requirements of EU, in terms of product quality and production specifications.

People to People Tour pilots in Albay

APFTI conducted the initial run for the “People to People Tour” last May 2 to 8, 2007 at Albay, with 2 European guests from Traidcraft Exchange, immersing to community producers’ area and visiting eco-tourism spots. The weeklong tour was designed to promote the products of small community producers to northern buyers, while allowing them to acquire deeper understanding on the condition of the makers. APFTI has drawn logistical as well as programmatic lessons from the conduct of this initial tour, which can be used as the basis for developing a complete project specifically focusing on the use of tourism as an avenue for linking buyers and producers.

My Fair Share Monologues amplify Fair Trade Celebration

Held last May 24, 2007 at Access Point in Quezon City, “My Fair Share: A Fair Trade Celebration” gathered Fair Trade advocates in a celebration that highlighted the role of producers and consumers in making Fair Trade happen. APFTI annually gathers major players in the Philippine Fair Trade movement to celebrate the contributions of small producers who are practicing social and environmental justice in the conduct of their operations, and to further propagate the advocacy to other allies that could help advance the cause.

The celebration for the year took a different form and it presented the advocacy in a striking way—monologues that carried the stories of small producers from different settings and situations. Students from the University of the Philippines in Los Banos brought to stage various the dilemmas being encountered by producers who are disadvantaged by unfair trading practices. Four characters were introduced to the audience; the coffee farmer, the pilinut delicacy maker, the pina weaver and the conscious consumer. The characters are inspired by actual personas that are recognizable among Fair Trade advocates because they are the sectors wherein the movement works closely with.


De La Salle students brew coffee, talk about Fair Trade

De La Salle University students crafted and implemented a social marketing plan for Fair Trade through a coffee campaign that ran from March 21-23, 2007 at the DLSU chess plaza.

For the campaign, a coffee booth was set-up, introducing Bote Central-Serenity’s mountain coffee. The mountain coffee, during last year’s social marketing campaign, evoked interests among the students and received the most number of inquiries, as compared to the other items that were made available. The advocacy unit opted to make the commodity the focus of this year’s campaign, simplifying the message without compromising its lucidity. Interrelating the activity further to the advocacy unit’s key programs, the booth presented the practices that have been documented during the audit of Bote Central, particularly focusing on the impact of fair pricing to the community in Mt. Matutum in Polomolok, General Santos City.

APFTI organizes local study mission for Aklan producers

Eleven producers and DTI officials from Aklan participate in a local study mission to various food manufacturing companies in Manila last May 16 and 17, 2007.
The tour allowed the participants to look into these companies’ good manufacturing practices, sanitation procedures, business processes and new technology. The group visited YSTAPHIL, Monde Nissin, Food Development Center, Packaging Research and Development Center, Mixplant, Inc. San Miguel Packaging Specialist. The tour culminated in the International Food Exhibition 2007 where the participants had the opportunity to learn from the exhibitors and buyers in the fair.


Xavier University assist in calamansi concentrate product development

APFTI partnered with the Food Technology Department of the College of Agriculture, Xavier University in Cagayan de Oro City in developing the calamansi concentrate of Ardaiel Food Products, a producer in Lanao del Norte enrolled APFTI’s Integrated Enterprise Development Program (IEDP).

The Department assisted Ardaiel in improving the quality of their calamansi juice concentrate and in coming up with a formula for a ready-to-drink variation. Sensory evaluation and analysis were also conducted to improve the texture, taste and color of the concentrate.

Soccsksargen producers learn better negotiation skills

In preparation for Yamang Mindanao, a seminar on “Effective Trade Fair Participation” was given to 23 producers in Soccsksargen last June 7-8, 2007 at General Santos City. The training discussed techniques in communicating the merits of the product to the target market. Through the training, APFTI expects that producers could maximize the available opportunities during trade fairs.


Bicol producers re-examine pricing strategy

Twenty-three producers from Bicol attended a seminar on pricing strategy, held last May 3-4, 2007 at Sorsogon. Through effective pricing and costing, APFTI believes that producers can increase the marketability of their products, at the same time, sustain their operations. The resource person emphasized that producers should be careful about computing the price of their products; losses are incurred whenever they fail to compute the actual cost of production.


APFTI conducts Fair Trade orientation in Camarines Norte, Catanduanes and Antique

The Colloquium introduced Fair Trade to community enterprises, onset the selection of clients for IEDP under the Accelerated Market Access for Community Enterprises (AMACE) Program.

Some of the producers were already assisted by APFTI during the concluded FACE program and through APFTI’s earlier engagements. For the year, APFTI targets to start the program in these provinces by July 2007, providing ample time for the delivery of all the program components, as it prepares the products and the producers for forthcoming provincial and regional fairs.

Camarines Norte

Thirty-five (35) individuals coming from 25 enterprises from the food and crafts sector attended the forum. Fifteen (15) food manufacturers came up for the session, with product lines that include: virgin coconut oil, native delicacies (pili and pan de cillos) and seafood (clams, chicharon, smoked and dried fish). Ten (10) crafts producers, majority of whom are bamboo crafts and furniture makers, also attended the forum. The participants came from all over the province; they came from the municipalities of Talisay, San Lorenzo, Labo, Vinzons, Mercedes, Jose Panganiban, and Daet.

Catanduanes

Thirty individuals coming from 30 enterprises attended the forum. Majority of those who attended were returning clients who showed interest in learning about new programs of APFTI and in upgrading their IEDP levels (e.g. Belen’s, Terestian, Elpedes, CLPA). Twenty-six (26) participants are food producers and 16 are crafts makers.

Antique

Thirty-eight (38) food and crafts producers and DTI personnel attended the forum. A total of 23 enterprises, majority of which are cooperatives and LGU assisted organizations participated in the session. Eighteen (18) of these enterprises are food producers with the following product lines: muscovado sugar and muscovado sugar based delicacies, bakery products, tuna in oil and singkamas pickles, pickled and syruped vegetables, ginger powder, meat products, herbal supplements, banana chips and candies. Six (6) are into handcrafts with the following product lines: nito vines boxes and vases, woven fabric, bamboo furniture, pina fiber weaving, ceramics, buri placemats and hats.

4th Quarter 2006

Philippine Fair Trade Labeling Initiative
begins with Bote Central, Inc. and SPFTC Fair Trade Audit

Preliminary Fair Trade audits that will lead to the formal Fair Trade certification of two organizations were performed last February 2007. Bote Central, Inc, a coffee manufacturing and trading company based in Indang, Cavite and Southern Partners and Fair Trade Corporation (SPFTC), a developmental organization involved in harvesting, processing, and trading fresh and dried mangoes, in Cebu, were audited vis-à-vis the standards and indicators developed by APFTI and the Philippine Fair Trade Forum (PFTF).

APFTI, with the PFTF, for the past years, have been working to establish a national fair trade label that will respond to the following concerns of the Philippine movement 1) To distinguish products produced by Fair Trade Organizations (in the domestic market) among the influx of commercially produced products.2) To make consumers aware of the Fair Trade alternative/choice when they buy their needs.3) To promote fair trade (in the greater scheme) as an alternative way of doing trade / alternative lifestyle. 4) To respond to the growing need for identity of Fair Trade Consumers and Groups.

After a series of consultations with PFTF member-organizations, government and certification bodies, APFTI commissioned the creation of a primer that defined the scope and system of a Philippine Fair Trade Certification. The process has the following characteristics: 1) The Organization is the focal point of certification, 2) Fair Trade indicators adopted to the Philippine scenario, 3) Certification system for enterprises and accreditation system for auditors, 4) Laderized approach to certification

The Standards and Indicators that were used, has converged on the following four main areas: 1) Awareness and Practice of Fair Trade, 2) Human Resource Development and Responsibility, 3) Social Accountability and Transparency, 4) Continuous improvement and Social Development.

While much has to be refined and to be improved, especially on the aspects of documentation, the audit gave way for the best practices of Bote Central, Inc. and SPFTC to surface. Bote Central Inc. for example, drastically improved the income of small mountain coffee farmers in General Santos and Batangas through their price support system that equitably raised the price of Arabica coffee beans from as low as P10 per kilo to P80 per kilo. The fair price permitted the small farmers to invest on equipment like dryers and de-pulpers. SPFTC, in Cebu, on the other hand, has been providing capacity building programs to their producers and has been transparently presenting a price sheet to their producers on their transactions.

UP-based Bicolano organizations ask students to give “Fair Share for Bicol” at UP Fair

UP Ibalon (Bicol), UP Catandungan (Catanduanes) and UP Saro (Camarines Norte), UP-based organizations of students coming from the Bicol Region, has resolved to consolidate their booth allotments at the UP Diliman University Fair, and created a 3m x 9m Fair Trade Zone, wherein products from Sorsogon, Albay, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur and Catanduanes were sold. The booth, which ran from Febraury 12 to 17, 2007, featured a photo exhibit of the post-calamity situation in Bicol.

The booth introduced the products and the concept of Fair Trade to the UP community, and at the same time, it created awareness on the situation of Bicol producers and communities after the calamities they have encountered. With the theme, “Fair Share for Bicol: Your Responsible Purchase Can Rebuild Lives”, the selling mission gave emphasis on the idea that by choosing and buying products from responsible small producers in this calamity-stricken region, one can contribute in providing sustainable livelihood to communities, thus, hastening the rehabilitation and recovery of the region.

The activity generated a total of P 24, 986 in gross sales. The sales amount was relatively competitive for a crafts sale in a UP fair according to the student-organizers (based on their Catanduanes received the biggest share with P 7894 in total sales (see attached sales report) and Jewam’ Crochet bags registered second with P 7438.50. The handmade scrapbooks and cards from Terestian and the Mazapan de Pili Bars from Belen’s Pinahamis were the best sellers for Catanduanes.


Soccsksargen and Northern Mindanao producers attend strategic marketing training

Ten food producers based in Sarangani and South Cotabato attended the training on “Strategic Marketing in Fair Trade” held at General Santos City, last January 16-17, 2007. The two-day course introduced to the participants the basics of product marketing and positioning, which allowed them to draft an annual marketing and distribution plan for the operations of their actual enterprises. The training program, as a major component of APFTI’s Integrated Enterprise Development Program (IEDP), asserted that despite the limited resources, small producers should still give attention to crucial marketing aspects of their operations, like product promotions, competitor’s activity and channel identification.

The course was also discussed to Iligan-based producers as the final topic that completed the allotted set of trainings under the IEDP. A training on strategic marketing was held last January 22 and 23, 2006 at Iligan City. For these sessions, a group-coaching method was used. The activity combined both structured and experiential approaches in training, banking on the idea of “learning-by-doing”. The participants, at the end of the course, drafted a do-able and capability-focused marketing plan.

Northern Mindanao producers formulate productivity and quality plans

A seminar addressing the productivity and quality concerns of small producers was given to 20 crafts and food producers in Malaybalay, Bukidnon last January 25-26, 2007. The discussion tried to resolve the dilemma commonly faced by small producers---that of striking a balance between improving the production output and the quality of the products made. Constantly occurring production problems were brought up such as: time constraints, workers inefficiency, and uncontrolled operational cost. The discussion allowed the resource speakers to provide practical means to minimize these concerns.

APFTI explores other market access opportunities for Aklan, Guimaras and Iloilo producers

The Integrated Enterprise Development Program (IEDP) utilizes trade fairs as the major marketing avenue wherein outputs of APFTI’s product development program are being presented to the buying public. While participation on such fairs has generated encouraging sales results, APFTI still continuously looks for other avenues that can possibly open up more market access opportunities to its partner producers.

Last January 15-21, 2007 APFTI Marketing Supervisor Jennifer Garana went to Aklan and Iloilo to study other marketing initiatives and opportunities for partner producers within Region 6. While the idea of linking with international and local buyers outside the region could be sustained, potential avenues such as the local shops and selling activities on special events/celebrations can be determined. Together with DTI’s provincial offices, the “Pasalubong Centers” in Kalibo and Guimaras were visited. Garana also looked into the operations of Kalibo and Hugod Aklanon Shops in Boracay, as well as, brainstormed with partner producers on the APFTI’s and Hugod Aklanon’s possible involvement to the upcoming 8th Aklan Pina Fiber Festival.

Food product development for Iloilo producers

APFTI started the implementation of the food product development program to 10 new partner producers who have availed of the Integrated Enterprise Development Program. The sessions that have began this month, will run for three months and were expected to develop 3 new packaging and labeling designs for each partner producer. The food product development was also expected to improve the sensory, ingredient and nutritional characteristics of the products. The following producers underwent the program: AML Food Products (pulvoron), Atsarap Foods (pickles), Badiangan Ginger Planters and Producers Coop (ginger tea), Barotac Viejo Nutri Foods (noodles and cookies), Iloilo Federation of Dairy Cooperatives (Dairy), Jim’s Deli Pasalubong Center (cakes), PJ Delicacies (biscocho, garlic toast), Rgies Delicacies (yema, butterscotch), Pinaka-MMT Multipurpose Cooperative (banana chips), and UMA Foods (pickles salted eggs).

APFTI checks Bicol partner producers after typhoon

APFTI Executive Director Rommel Agustin with the members of APFTI’s Enterprise Development Unit visited the provinces of Albay, Sorsogon, Camarines Norte and Camarines Sur to look into the condition of the organization’s Bicol-based partner producers who were seriously affected by the typhoons Reming and Milenyo. The post calamity situation of its producers has an immediate effect to the delivery of APFTI’s basic programs and services. With the visit, measures to adjust with the current production and resource realities of the producers were drawn up. The group saw the need to constantly coordinate with the Department of Trade and Industry provincial offices (since majority of the producers were still encountering telecommunications problems) to closely address new challenges that may surface because of the situation.

Product development for Bicol producers continues

Since the product development program for partner producers in Bicol was abruptly disrupted by the series of typhoons that hit the region last year, APFTI has decided to continue the program this quarter after an assessment of the producer’s current condition was done. The visit of 10-29 Designers Juan Miguel Dionisio and Eric Legario to Sorsogon and Albay producers has targeted to deal with the limited production capacity of the producers. They also resolved to come up with prototypes that would maximize the resources available in the area.


APFTI holds design training for local artists in Antique

Tapping UP College of Fine Arts professor Leonardo Rosete, APFTI gave Fair Trade Design training to Antique-based local artists and designers last February 1 and 2, 2007 at the DTI Antique conference room. The strategy of constantly innovating new designs while adapting to local and export markets trends, has been seen as a decisive factor that will give small local enterprises an edge in a design-led product manufacturing competition. Seeing the advantage of having trained designers, APFTI saw the need to develop local talents, mostly coming from the academe, that could possibly aid in the implementation of its product development programs in particular, and in the long run, the development of Antique’s crafts manufacturing sector.


APFTI integrates gender and development to its programs and services

Members of APFTI’s board, management and staff attended a three-day standard course on Gender Sensitivity at Legenda Hotel on February 7-10, 2007. With Fair Trade Principles calling for gender equity in the conduct of operations of APFTI’s partner producers, the need to deepen the organization’s understanding on the framework of gender and development became an apparent imperative. The workshop explored ways on how to integrate the concepts of Gender and Development to APFTI’s banner programs and services and on how to include its call (of providing women and men with equal treatment and opportunities) to APFTI’s orientation, training programs and public campaigns.

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Fair Ware Designer’s Training motivates APFTI’s designers

UP Professor Leonardo Rosete gave APFTI’s pool of designers, the 10-29 Designs for Fair Trade, a one-day workshop on how they could further integrate the principles of Fair Trade to their design development projects. The session, held on February 20, 2007, discussed that product development under the Fair Trade framework, should take into consideration sustainable use of materials and should carefully deliberate on the skills and competencies of local artisans. The session also identified issues related to Fair Trade, that designers would most likely encounter during the process. The need to develop a work protocol, that is capability-focused, gender sensitive and culturally responsive, in engaging with partner producers, emerged during the discussions.

APFTI showcases P.E.A.C.E project in Agusan del Sur at PACAP exhibit

Philippine Australia Community Assistance Program (PACAP) gathered its partner institutions at a forum and an exhibit that celebrated its 20th year as a small grant facility in the Philippines. Held at the Waterfront Hotel in Davao City last Feburay 20-24, 2007, APFTI had the chance to present the goals, as well as the initial outputs of the Promotions and Enhancement of the Arts, Crafts and Environment (PEACE) in Agusan del Sur Project. PACAP has chosen to fund the initiative that was crafted by APFTI and Tao Foundation, after it has been selected at the Panibagong Paraan Project Grant Competition sponsored by the World Bank.

Through the exhibit, APFTI had the chance to showcase and to market the newly developed products of 7 artisan groups, which are mostly Manobo, Higaonon and Banwaon peoples. The PEACE project attempts to give marginalized groups in Agusan del Sur sustainable sources of livelihood through the development of their indigenous crafts and by opening new market avenues for their products.

Soccsksargen producers undergo packaging and labeling design development

Thirteen food producers from Region 12 (Soccsksargen) improved their product labels through the food packaging and labeling design component of APFTI’s Integrated Enterprise Development Program (IEDP). APFTI designer Noel Pelagio enhanced the labels of food products that range from value-added tuna products, processed meat and chicken, rice and corn coffee, wine, virgin coconut oil, jams and jellies, muscovado sugar, taro and banana chips. The labels of the following were enriched: Kimkyt’s Food, Malapatan RIC Cooperative, Sunrays Foods, KM foods, Cresing Food products, CGL Agri Business, Shalom Coconut Products, Grasel Food, Kablon Farm, South Valley Foods, Sultan Kudarat Framers and Millers, Trice Food Products, and Vmotril’s Food Products.


APFTI conducts proposal write-shop for different sectors in Caraga

Government and civil society representatives from Caraga participated in a 3-day proposal- writing workshop organized by APFTI last February 26-28, 2007, at Tagbilaran City in Bohol. Through the activity, APFTI was able to generate project concepts with partner-institutions and organizations that rightfully address the needs of small producers from the region. The activity also served as a venue wherein the proposal-writing module being developed by APFTI was functionally tested. The module could facilitate the development of relevant project concepts that local and international development institutions could possibly fund and the specialization of APFTI on SME-related matters could be tapped and utilized. The workshop tackled budding concepts such as that of: developing a packaging center, a common producer display shop, pre and post harvest facility for vegetable production, a seaweed drying facility, and value added abaca-based products.


Manobo and Higaonon peoples re-appraise their crafts’ price

A seminar on product costing and pricing was given to groups involved in the Promotions and Enhancement of the Arts, Crafts, and the Environment (PEACE) in Agusan del Sur. With indigenous peoples coming from the Manobo and Higaonon lineage as the project’s main beneficiaries, APFTI and Tao Foundation saw the need to re-evaluate the group’s product pricing considerations and instill to them the importance of giving a suitable monetary value to their work. These groups, most of the time, fall prey to abusive crafts middlemen who set thoughtlessly low prices for products made by indigenous groups. Most traders also insensitively alter cultural designs and ask indigenous peoples to imitate market-demanded crafts from Africa or India, deliberately alienating them from the final goods.


Iligan and Bukidnon producers go through product development

APFTI improved the packaging and labeling design of 9 food producers in Iligan and Bukidnon last March. These enterprises were: Faj House of Cakes, Iligan Vegetarian, Ruban’s Food Craft, Ardaiel’s Food, El Pancho Meat Products, Silver Lights Bakery, Unlad Kabayan Migrant Worker’s Association, Loulen’s Bakeshoppe, Tita Viz’s Finest Pie’s and Pastries, and NM Foods. With improved product packages and labels, APFTI aspires that small producers can expand their markets by establishing their own brand identities.

In the same way, to update the designs of crafts producers in tempo with current design trends, 8 crafts producers underwent product design development. They were: Morson’s Home Industries, Community Development Worker’s Association, Unlad Kabayan Migrant Services Foundation, BS Crafts, Cares Enterprises, Visayan Home of Furnish, RM Rattan Furniture, and finally, Matungao Women Mat Weavers.


Soccsksargen producers prepare new designs for Yamang Mindanao

Two APFTI designers were sent to Soccsksargen last March to do on-site product development for 7 crafts producers in the region. The new product prototypes were later presented at the 2nd Yamang Mindanao Island Trade Fair. The following enterprises have updated their designs: Sumariva Crafts Philippines, Inc., Banga Cornhusks Association, Libun Halung Matul, Sarangani Handicraft Industries, Royal Bamboo Crafts, T’boli Trade and Crafts, and General Santos Gardener’s Cooperative.


Soccsksargen food producers improve product quality

APFTI addressed a number of production concerns of 4 food producers specializing in dried fruits, juices and muscovado sugar production in Soccsksargen by deploying a food expert in the region last April. The following producers, prior to the engagement, brought up to APFTI various points for improvement to their processes and product quality: Vmotril, South Valley Foods, Sultan Kudarat Millers Association and Grasel Food Products

Ms. Elena Fernandez advised the enterprises about food product issues like: shelf life, GMP, ingredients, nutritional value, and sensory characteristics. Vmotril Food Products in Tupi, South Cotabato worked for the removal of latex paste in their banana chips and the establishment of methods that could maintain size and shape consistency. South Valley Foods in Banga has asked for possible variations to their durian pastilles and preservation techniques for rambutan. Sultan Kudarat Farmers and Millers Cooperative consulted Fernandez about measures that could advance their manufacturing process to the stage, wherein they could come up with a muscovado worthy of a BFAD certification. Lastly, Grasel, also in Tupi, explored with Fernandez the procedure for coming up with new product variations and improving the product’s shell-life.

APFTI explores solidarity economy through the Bayanihan network

APFTI , in partnership with the Asia Fair Trade Forum, hosted a “learning journey” meeting with the proponents of the Bayanihan Banking Window (BBW) last March 28, 2007. BBW is an alternative investment and financing scheme that links socially responsible investors with socially responsible entrepreneurs through a consolidation of a mutual fund.

A background on the solidarity economy was presented during the session. APFTI, seeing much parallelism of the initiative to the goals of Fair Trade in bringing about socio-economic and environmental responsibility to trade, shared and signified its commitment in strengthening the network.


APFTI polishes Aklan food producers’ manufacturing practices

A two-day seminar on Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Standard Sanitation Operating Procedure (SSOP) was provided to 25 food producers in Aklan on March 28-30, 2007 at the Bread and Butter Hall at Kalibo. The seminar provided inputs in preparing manufacturing guidelines that reinforce the production of safe, healthy and quality food products


Seminar introduces alternative and low-cost packaging to Bicol producers

Packaging expert Froilan Dy introduced to 18 food producers based in Bicol new and alternative packaging techniques that they can utilize in marketing their products. The seminar was held on March 27-28, 2007 at Legazpi, Albay. A demo was conducted to familiarize the producers on a number of possibilities that they can explore in packaging and labeling their products. The facilitator also provided information on the sources and the cost of different packaging materials. Through this activity, APFTI was able to establish producers’ appreciation to effective packaging and labels and its contribution in making an impression to consumers.