“Be the change you want to see in the world,” is what spiritual leader Mahatma Gandhi professed to India and the world. Now, Fair Trade supporters are saying this to you too.

The Advocate of Philippine Fair Trade, Inc. (APFTI) and the World Fair Trade Organization-Philippines (WFTO-Phils) invite you to be that change and celebrate with them and 52 other countries World Fair Trade Day 2010 (WFTDay) from May 23-29.

The WFTDay is an annual celebration of all Fair Trade advocates, organizations, social and environmental movements, producers and all those who share its goals worldwide to support trade justice for small producers and respond to poverty and climate change.

But above all, WFTDay is about you, the consumer. The celebration promotes and calls for such change in the way people consume—making them aware of their power to change lives.

Don’t Just Buy, Buy Just

“People can contribute in making a huge difference by simply changing their consumption patterns,” according to Mr. Gabby Lopez, APFTI Chairperson. “Practicing responsible shopping and making a conscious effort to support our small producers and their products would go a very long way.”

By patronizing Fair Trade products, consumers are assured that small producers get a fair deal, paid proper compensation, are working under safe conditions, and having women’s and children’s rights preserved.  

APFTI, WFTO-Phils and other fair trade actors are organizing a series of events and activities throughout the country to raise awareness among local consumers about Fair Trade, Fair Trade products and the existence of the Fair Trade Shops.

Celebration of Change

APFTI joined the 11th Aklan Piña and Fiber Festival last April 21-27 to kickoff the WFTDay celebrations. With the festival highlighting the use of raw materials in making hand-crafted products, APFTI partner producers joined the Festival Trade Fair and showcased Fair Trade food and craft products. Fair Trade orientations and forums were also conducted.

The celebration will continue on May 23 with the Fair Trade Run 2010 in Cebu. Spearheaded by Ms. Geraldine Labradores, WFTO-Phils Chairperson, the event will feature 3k, 5k, and 10k categories.

This will be followed by various lifestyle seminars and awareness activities in Bicol, Cagayan de Oro and Davao.

The culminating activity of the celebration will be the Fair Trade Fair at the Eastwood Mall in Quezon City on May 27-29. The first day will feature the launching of the Philippine Fair Trade Mark and Fair Trade labelled products: gifts, toys, fashion accessories, processed food and other delicacies. This will be followed by the Fair Trade Fashion Show in partnership with Ms. Michelle Lim of OKASYON featuring Fair Trade fashion accessories and a concert by VOX Manila.  

Fun and informative activities are also lined up like cooking demonstrations using Fair Trade products, card making using handmade paper and eco-friendly materials, and a series of performances from different choirs and bands.   

Mr. Vicente Roaring, APFTI Executive Director and WFTO-Phils Board of Directors, is inviting everyone to join the celebrations. “Come celebrate with us in our events and activities and make this year’s celebration a truly big day for the planet. Your participation would help create a promising future for hundreds of our small producers.”

For more information, visit www.apfti.org.ph

About Fair Trade

-    Fair Trade is proactive poverty alleviation through innovative and high quality Philippine food and handicraft products.  
-    Fair Trade provides opportunities to disadvantaged Philippine producers, provides fair and equitable working conditions and helps address climate change, whilst generating profits.

About APFTI

The Advocate of Philippine Fair Trade, Inc envisions an empowered community of entrepreneurs fighting poverty and contributing to sustainable development through Fair Trade. APFTI provides business and product development services, advocacy and market access assistance to small and medium community enterprises.
For more information

Ms. Ester Gamboa, Advocacy and Fair Trade Promotions Manager, APFTI
0917-505-9464, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , www.apfti.org.ph

Mr. Kurt Tordesillas, Advocacy Assistant, APFTI
0917-505-9473, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it