Innovation

With the combined craftsmanship of local artisans across the Philippines and CCAP Fairtrade's strategic ideas, creative and functional handicrafts are produced for local and international markets, fostering sustainable livelihoods and promoting ethical consumerism. Further, behind the innovative handicrafts produced are the processes both the CCAP Fairtrade and artisans adopt to penetrate their niche market. These innovations include developing product catalogs, conducting design and pricing research, and collaborating with buyers to align with current design trends. As Ms. Czarina Gragera, officer-in-charge, noted,"Because this is handicraft and dry goods, you really need to innovate constantly. We cannot stick with the same design and same product over and over again. The market will get bored with the same designs."

With the quality and artistic products produced from handicraft making, CCAP Fairtrade can provide and sustain decent work for local artisans in their respective communities, which aligns with SDGs 1 and 8.

The member organizations and institutions' continuous manufacturing and trading efforts under CCAP Fairtrade contribute significantly to economic growth, enabling the business to foster innovation and livelihood sustainability. The capacity-building approach of CCAP Fairtrade ensures that artisans earn fair wages and gain opportunities for skill development and market exposure, leading to a sustainable and equitable business practice.

Photos were personally taken by the author. Business logo was obtained from CCAP Fairtrade's LinkedIn account.

Inspiration

Antonio Infante, foundation president, together with 21 members representing the religious and socio-civic sectors, organized the Community Crafts Association of the Philippines or CCAP in May 1973 with the mission to contribute to the social and economic progress of the country’s urban and rural poor, focusing mainly on community craft workers nationwide. Ms. Gragera, shared that Infante had notable work experience in ceramic wares and was inclined to empower labor-intensive crafts, leading to helping other communities as well in the handicraft industry.

During the 1970s, Ms. Gragera recalled that while handicrafts flourished back then, the domestic market was saturated. To provide sustainable livelihoods for the handicraft communities by tapping and penetrating new markets, CCAP established CCAP Fairtrade as its marketing arm, focusing on capacity-building, market development, and export trading of handicraft products produced by community-based marginalized producers. Moreover, CCAP Fairtrade is a guaranteed member of the World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO) and, therefore, adheres to the principles of Fair Trade. Committed to strengthening the practice of fair trade standards among its partner producers, buyers, and supporters, Ms. Gragera highlighted, “As a fair trade organization, we also want to ensure that the producers we develop adhere to the principles of fair trade.”

Overall impact

CCAP Fairtrade does not treat the community producers as its beneficiaries, but rather as partners. They provide training for start-ups and entrepreneurs, and involve them in decision-making in terms of pricing, product development, and marketing, among others. With the support and guidance of CCAP, Ms. Gragera has witnessed many lifestyle improvements among the workers and their families. "I've seen many families of members or even workers experience significant changes. First, having food on the table is addressed as their primary need. It is ensured they eat at least three times a day, compared to eating only once or twice a day before. Second, education. They view education as something that, when their child finishes school, their child will be able to help the family in some way. In our last survey, most of their children reached college."

She added that "Third is housing. You can see that their housing was makeshift or patched together before. When the orders increase, you can see some parts of their house are already cemented. Even their comfort rooms which were just previously dug holes, now have a toilet bowl. Some didn't even have doors, they just used sacks. But over time, gradually, they were able to build the house they wanted that feels comfortable for them. Appliances too, you can see appliances now." And lastly, on the impact on the producers’ lives, Ms. Gragera added that, “A lot of them were able to save gradually for their future. That was when handicraft production was at its peak, with continuous production."

Given the impact CCAP Fairtrade has had on the lifestyle of the marginalized community, practicing and supporting fair trade is in keeping with its mission of fostering social and economic progress. These lifestyle improvements demonstrate that workers receive fair wages, promoting sustainable development.

Business benefit

The exposure of handicraft products made by local marginalized communities in the Philippines to international markets in Europe and the United States has fostered environmental and sustainable consciousness among consumers. They appreciate the quality and uniqueness of the products, along with the unique stories behind each item. As fair trade tags are displayed, consumers know they are purchasing a fairly traded product and contributing to community support through fair pricing. Ms. Gragera emphasized, "I think that's one of the added values of the product. It's not only the product is nice or functional, but it also signifies helping communities in different countries, especially third world countries."

In line with CCAP Fairtrade's goal of empowering and building capacity for their partner producers, she acknowledged that, "Once a producer decides to leave us, I see that as a good sign that they can stand on their own. We then look for others because we have already succeeded in that aspect."

Social and environmental benefit

The World Fair Trade Organization defines Fair Trade as a trading partnership based on dialogue, transparency, and respect that seeks greater equity in international trade. CCAP Fairtrade is guided by the 10 principles of fair trade, thus enabling it to continuously fulfill its mission to improve the quality of life for handicraft producers through sustainable development.

Several fair trade principles adhered to by CCAP Fairtrade contribute to social benefits. Principles 1 and 8, for instance, focus on making opportunities available for disadvantaged producers and promoting capacity-building. Ms. Gragera noted that they practice the essence of fair trade by uplifting the lives of the marginalized communities and providing opportunities, stating, “We don't help those who are already capable and knowledgeable because we need to help those who are even more disadvantaged." Additionally, the handicrafts are marketed domestically, promoting cultural awareness as these crafts embody the cultural richness and craftsmanship of local marginalized communities in the Philippines, with some consumers hearing about the place or tribe for the first time.

On the other hand, Fair Trade Principle 10 respects the environment and upholds environmental benefits. The handicraft products mainly use indigenous and sustainable raw materials, such as rattan, vines, abaca, and coco husk. Ms. Gragera added that they veer away from plastic materials.

In terms of the workers, she noted that"I think what's most unique among their stories is their confidence. They are confident in how proud they are of their work, not expecting that their simple crafts would be patronized, because a part of their sales translates to the products they make. As they say, 'It’s good my product goes to the U.S.,' but when they see their faces on social media tags from buyers, they react like, 'Wow, I'm already famous.' That's one thing I think they are proud of that even though they are just here in a part of the Philippines, they are being recognized. I think that builds their confidence and voice."

Interview

Czarina Gragera, Officer-in-Charge