Women upcycling artisans in Iloilo Province convened to assess operational gaps and growth opportunities, aiming to scale up grassroots waste diversion initiatives into a network of sustainable circular enterprises.
The Upcycling Ecosystem Enterprise Mapping is the first in a series of sessions anchored on the Iloilo Provincial Government’s (IPG) Weave Out Waste (WOW) #LimpyoIloilo expanded program under Executive Order No. 42 series of 2025.
Co-organized by the IPG Office of the Local Economic Development and Investment Promotion Officer (OLEDIPO) and the PH Plastics Circularity Project of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in the Philippines supported by The Coca-Cola Foundation, the mapping exercise recognizes the vital role of small and medium enterprises in turning plastic waste–such as tarpaulins, sachets, and tetra packs—into marketable, high-quality upcycled products.
This initiative empowers local entrepreneurs by understanding their unique upcycling journey, challenges, and business aspirations through a Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) lens. The partnership will help them design circular business models, scale production, and expand market access through collaborative networks.
Analyn Fajardo, President of Babaye Bangon Alabidhan Women’s Association in Bingawan, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to meet fellow artisans from other municipalities. “The experience allowed us to share good practices, exchange new ideas, and discuss ways to sustain our local livelihoods.”
Luna Bela-ong, Development Management Officer (DMO) III of OLEDIPO encouraged local associations to scale up their upcycling livelihood projects into full-fledged businesses to secure a sustainable future while helping reduce landfill waste.
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#WeaveOutWaste