Bantayan, Cebu – AFOS Foundation – Philippines through the FISH Visayas Project, anchored a partnership between Shangri-La Mactan, Cebu, and Women’s Association of Basawon (WAB) through their “Weaves of Hope” Initiative, aimed at promoting locally weaved products in the country.

On the 25th of October, an AVP shoot is conducted in the vicinity of WAB which features its empowered women weavers. Shangri-La Mactan, Cebu is represented by Ms. Gabrielle Llanto (Marketing Manager) and Mr. Miguel Alfonso Tan (Communications Executive). WAB President, Ms. Charlito Hernandez, and 10 of its active members were present during the AVP shoot to demonstrate their skills in weaving. The activity is facilitated by FISH Visayas Project’s Field Officer from the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mr. Rodjen Cernal.

WAB creates weaved products out of sustainable materials – 100% handmade. Among their products are recyclable, durable tailor-made handbags and plant potholders made from discarded rice sacks. Basawon is a village in Barangay Sulangan of Bantayan, a Municipality in Cebu Province with fishing in the sea as the primary source of income for its people. The barangay is also among the sites identified as beneficiaries of the FISH Visayas Project.

AFOS Foundation – Philippines through the FISH Visayas Project, continuously supports this initiative through the Solid Waste Management program of the Municipality of Bantayan in partnership with the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) and its Bantayan Island Chapter. This will help reduce the number of plastic waste that ends up in the ocean and landfills and turn it into a source of alternative livelihood and an income-generating activity for the women and fisherfolk associations.