ILOILO CITY — A group of women from Lanit, Jaro, are refining handmade products under the mentorship of renowned Ilonggo designer PJ Aranador as part of a six‑day design and product development training. The session, now on its fourth day at the Iloilo City Business Center, aims to transform grassroots artisans into competitive entrepreneurs. It is a core component of the SALOG Iloilo City Project.
The training empowers beneficiaries of the Women in Iloilo City for Sustainable Endeavors program. These women, many of whom previously worked as waste pickers, are learning to elevate their crafts using recycled and upcycled materials. By enhancing product quality and market appeal, the initiative directly boosts their earning potential and creates sustainable green livelihoods.
Design Expertise Meets Grassroots Creativity
PJ Aranador, a multi‑faceted lifestyle designer and co‑founder of the Fashion and Design Council of the Philippines, is leading the hands‑on sessions. Known for his advocacy of local artisans, he is sharing techniques in product refinement, branding, and packaging. His guidance helps the women transform raw, eco‑friendly materials into desirable consumer goods.
Aranador believes innovation is inseparable from sustainability and that supporting MSMEs builds localized economic cycles. His involvement brings professional design standards to community‑level production. The training covers everything from stitching quality to color trends, ensuring the finished products can compete in both local and tourist markets. This mentorship is a critical step toward economic independence for the participants.
A Circular Economy Model
The training is part of Project SALOG, which stands for Strengthening Adaptive Livelihoods and Organizing Grassroots Circular Enterprises. Co‑led by the Department of the Interior and Local Government and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme Philippines, the project promotes circular economy transitions. It is supported by the European Union through its Green Economy Programme.
Iloilo City is one of ten pilot LGUs for this EU‑PH Green Economy Partnership. The initiative provides former waste pickers with formal sewing training, sewing machines, and starter kits. The women then use scrap fabrics and recycled materials to create bags, accessories, and home décor. This model diverts waste from landfills while generating income, perfectly aligning with the city’s zero‑waste goals.
From Waste Pickers to Entrepreneurs
The WISE program organized the beneficiaries into homeowners’ associations and provided organizational development sessions. Sixty women from Lanit, Jaro, and San Juan, Molo, participated in earlier governance training. In April 2026, the Angat Buhay Foundation turned over 24 sewing machines and starter kits to the groups.
Now, with Aranador’s design expertise, the women are moving beyond basic production. They are learning to create product lines with consistent quality and aesthetic appeal. The training is held at the Iloilo City Business Center, a facility recently converted into a free innovation hub for startups and entrepreneurs. This setting reinforces the program’s focus on enterprise development.
Building Climate‑Resilient Livelihoods
The SALOG project falls under the #GreenLGUs objective, which aims to create climate‑resilient local jobs. By equipping women with marketable skills, the initiative reduces vulnerability to economic and environmental shocks. The products developed during the training will be showcased and sold, generating immediate income for the participants.
Iloilo City’s recognition as a UN Zero Waste city underscores the importance of such programs. The partnership between government, international agencies, and local designers demonstrates a holistic approach to poverty reduction and environmental sustainability. The women of WISE are not just crafting products; they are building a future of dignity and self‑reliance.
