Bayanihan has never been more apparent in this time of the pandemic. With small businesses and social enterprises popping up here and there, we are given all the more reason and opportunity to support local and try out buying from our fellow Filipinos. In line with BGC’s continued support for local communities, many different homegrown social enterprises have become part of Project Buyanihan.
This passion project is in partnership with Fort Bonifacio Development Foundation (FBDFI) which aims to offer FREE retail spaces for selected social enterprises along Bonifacio High Street. Who would’ve thought shopping could be this meaningful? By supporting these social enterprises, we get to be aware of their advocacies and make it well-known to many. This does not only benefit the #BGCitizens but this also reinforces a greater social impact on the causes that these businesses are founded on essentially.
The current pandemic has affected many businesses as the shutdowns swept the country, but it also opened up the door for them to explore new markets. Some are even launching at breakneck speed like the brands under Project Buyanihan in BGC!
In partnership with the Fort Bonifacio Development Foundation (FBDFI), Buyanihan is a passion project which offers free retail spaces for selected social enterprises along Bonifacio High Street. Eight social enterprises participated and will be back as soon as the quarantine protocols permit.
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| Benguet Collective Producers |
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| Benguet Collective Producers |
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- 1. Fresh market goods from Benguet Collective Producers
The first one, Benguet Collective Producers, allows the community to shop all sorts of market goods fresh from Benguet. Benguet Farmers Collective is composed of upland farmers from Sablan whose livelihoods were affected during the pandemic. With the community’s support every weekend, the partner farmers shared how the project enabled them to send their kids to school and provide for their families.
- 2. Curated and handwoven finds from Mask For A Cause PH
Another one is Mask For A Cause PH which supports women weavers all around the country by providing additional income opportunities. They curate and promote Filipino handwoven masks and other cultural products from various ethnic communities in the Philippines like Iloilo, Zamboanga, and more. Each item, design, markings and symbols from their masks and other collections are unique and one of a kind. In just one weekend in BGC, they were able to surpass their regular month’s sales and further strengthen the support for local weavers.
- 3. Cultural and unique items from Abra Indigo Manila
With a vision of addressing the cultural disconnect we have with our cultural heritage, Abra Indigo Manila is an all-Filipino social enterprise showcasing local and indigenous cultures through various products like face masks, accessories, apparel, and home essentials.
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| Diwatang Maria |
- 4. Made for Pinoys skincare from Diwatang Maria
Diwatang Maria, on the other hand, is a skincare brand that aims to address the need of Pinoys when it comes to skincare. They produce only organic and natural products using plant derivatives to help local communities. Each variant serves as a declaration of Filipino ingenuity as they promote the brave, compassionate, and fearless stories of Diwatas Filipinos grew up to.
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| SANFA |
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| SANFA |
- 5. Farm fresh produce with SANFA
You can also find a group of farmers from San Antonio, Quezon, who bring lowland crops and produce. San Antonio Natural Farmers (SANFA) work towards making agriculture a profitable and sustainable endeavor for the community.
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| Mask For A Cause PH |
- 6. Must have finds made by former inmates
Many people lost their jobs during the pandemic, and finding a source of income is even more difficult for former inmates. BJMP’s Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDL) Livelihood Program aims to provide livelihood projects to past offenders by training them with skills, which do not only help provide them with sustainable earnings for their families, but can also aid them in making their reintegration to society a bit easier. This includes crafting mandala pots made of clay, stylish bayong bags, lampshades, and even acrylic paintings.
- 7. Satisfy Taho cravings with Bacoor Collective Producers
With stricter community quarantine protocols, taho producers and vendors are not allowed to roam around the village streets. Bacoor Collective Producers, through Project Buyanihan, has found a new market where they can also sell other soy products.
- 8. Organic Plantito / Plantita needs by Homegrown Harvest
Last but not the least, Homegrown Harvest, makes it easy for everyone to grow their own food at home while helping a local community. They offer pre-planted containers, raised beds, and even monthly maintenance check-ins and other services.
This is just the start of BGC’s venture towards helping local communities. These products are not only supported by #BGCitizens, but because their advocacies are being known by many, it helps expand their reach and achieve a more significant social impact.
