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MaDe for Fair Trade is an exciting new collaborative project aiming to establish a vibrant domestic fair trade market in the Philippines. Why? As poverty is on the rise, we've decided to tackle the problem head-on. So, this project aims to create country-wide change by setting up responsible market structures that benefit poor producers, their workers and family. In turn, this will generate economic development in the wider community.
However, we all know that development isn't limited to economics. This project will also pass on environmental benefits and improve the health and well-being of Filipino consumers. How?There's no one approach to developing a domestic market. Therefore, the project will be run using parallel strategies. The following are the main project activities: Consumer & Market Research | In order to determine who the domestic market is, the first main activity of the project will be consumer and market research. This will set the tone of product development, branding and campaign activities. | Strengthen Producers' Competitiveness | The main premise behind having a vibrant domestic fair trade market is having quality and innovative products that are competitive with mainstream alternatives. This means a comprehensive program providing producers with first-class product development, business training and consulting services. | Fair Trade Capacity Building | Fair trade is grounded on 10 fair trade principles, which can be a lot for a small business to take on board. Therefore, a key activity of the project is to help producers translate principles into action. This involves training local consultants to be on the ground providing practical assistance to small businesses. Part of the project is also to create fair trade labelling and branding, which is crucial to maintaining the quality and meaning behind fair trade. | Fair Trade Zones and Shops | In order to have a domestic market, consumers need to know where to buy these products from. Therefore, seven shops will be created in key market areas. Furthermore, we aim to have "Fair Trade Zones" in mainstream malls and shopping markets, as well as domestic trade fairs. | Consumer Awareness | An important aspect to the success of the project is reaching out to consumers and getting their patronage. This, in turn, will deliver social, environmental and economic results to the community and beyond. As such, a comprehensive campaign will be launched, which will include World Fair Trade Day celebrations, fair trade forums, media advocacy and other innovative ways to reach out to the market. | Monitoring and Evaluation | Monitoring the project progress and evaluating the impacts is a key component of this project. Results from the monitoring and evaluation process will be used for continuous improvement and learning for future initiatives. |
Who?The target beneficiaries of the project are Micro and Small Enterprises who are trying to implement fair trade principles in their businesses. However, the project is a collaboration of efforts, and as such we'll need to forge partnerships with a variety of stakeholders from across the country. Where?Initially, seven Fair Trade market centres will be established across the country to create additional market for Fair Trade producers and suppliers in neighbouring provinces. The market centres will be in: Manila, Baguio, Naga, Cebu, Iloilo, Davao & Cagayan de Oro |
