The Philippine’s leading wireless services provider Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) formally launched a line of “high-quality, high-fashion” hand bags.
These “high-end” hand bags, made from used tarpaulin billboards and banners, were handcrafted by the residents of the PLDT-Smart Amazing Gawad Kalinga Village in Sooc, Arevalo District in Iloilo City. The creation and marketing of these bags are part of Smart’s initiatives to provide eco-friendly and sustainable livelihood to its adopted communities.
Released under the Nautilus label of internationally renowned designer PJ Arañador through the help of Smart, they conducted trainings for the residents of GK Sooc, Iloilo, infusing the Filipino influence in the bag designs. Aside from bags, he also trained the residents to come up with other usable creations like baskets, trays and small furniture – all made of discarded tarpaulin materials.
These bag are now available at Arañador’s Nautilus Shop at D’Mall in Boracay, Aklan. Soon, the bags will be available in Gawad Kalinga’s GKonomics show rooms in key places across the country.
