The Museum Foundation of the Philippines, Inc. (MFPI) successfully introduced the “Products of Peace” initiative at the 2024 MaArte Fair held at The Peninsula Manila. This collection features fair trade items crafted by artisans from communities rebuilding after years of armed conflict and was highlighted as part of MFPI’s annual flagship fundraising event.

The Products of Peace initiative was led by Sinagtala, a non-profit organization that aids Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in newly peaceful communities in Mindanao, alongside the Bayo Foundation, which is committed to uplifting Filipinos, and TBWA-SMP, a prominent advertising agency in the Philippines.

The launch was led by Jamela Alindogan, Co-Founder & Treasurer of Sinagtala Center for Children and Women in Conflict, Inc., and Anna Lagon, Co-CEO & CCO of Harvest by Bayo Foundation. Together, they highlighted the significance of this movement in promoting socio-economic drivers that contribute to the peaceful resolution of conflict.

Alindogan shared how the journey started and what drove her and her team to amplify weaving during the height of the war in Marawi. She thought of opening a center in various places. She encountered a woman who was also a weaver, who learned from her grandmother who had passed away. None of these women knew what weaving was before—some were teachers and business owners, as people in Maranao are known for being enterprising.

Despite all the lows that people experienced during the war, her desire was to use weaving as a form of therapy for these women. Passersby were surprised that the women continued to weave as bombs fell around them.

As she explained the textile, she mentioned that the product was a result of years of psychosocial therapy for these women. Women who weave interpret their experiences as bombs continuing to drop around them.

“I was quite surprised when I saw it. Sabi ko, ‘Ano ‘yan?’ Sabi nila, ‘Ma’am, boom boom.’ You know, ‘boom,’ and they were able to transform their own story and use it so they can advance and look towards the future with hope. And they said, ‘We’ve forgiven the Maute for what had happened to us,’” she said.’“It’s funny because they were still refusing to weave black, as we know black is really the color of ISIS, which inspired the Maute group to hold the city hostage. But it took a while, and finally, they were able to move,” she added.

They dedicated four intense years to supporting Marawi’s core community center. With the help of funders and in partnership with embassies, they successfully graduated over 150 students from their weaving program, which evolved into a women’s center in Marawi.

When COVID-19 emerged, they were forced to relinquish the center as it was repurposed into a rehabilitation facility for suspected COVID cases. This led to the opening of a new center in Hulo, fulfilling a long-held dream.

In Hulo, their approach shifted to socio-economic interventions through weaving, targeting the wives, widows, daughters, and orphans of former fighters and militants. While the number of combatants in conflicts can be counted, the female family members affected by war are often overlooked.

These institutions collaborated to present artisanal goods bearing the Products of Peace seal of approval, ensuring consumers of the high quality and trustworthiness of each item. More importantly, this initiative provided a platform for consumers to contribute to sustaining the livelihoods of disrupted communities and fostering a pathway to peace.

On the other hand, Anna Lagon became very emotional as the project was very close to her heart. She mentioned that the issue with military uniforms is significant due to their frequent use and the need for regular replacement. Over the course of one or two years, this leads to a considerable accumulation of waste.

When this problem was presented, the organization, driven by its commitment to sustainability, sought a comprehensive solution. They carefully considered their partners’ values and recognized that the direction and vision behind solving the problem aligned with the Bayo Foundation’s approach.

Instead of merely recycling the uniforms, which presents challenges such as security concerns and disposal issues, a more innovative and meaningful solution was proposed. The idea is to create a community-based initiative that not only addresses the waste issue but also supports the families of soldiers through sustainable livelihood opportunities. By repurposing the uniforms, they can be transformed into wearable, functional, and aesthetically pleasing items. This partnership aims to provide a deeper and more impactful solution, aligning with the values of supporting communities and fostering sustainable practices.

She also aims to create something symbolic for the soldiers’ families, serving as a reminder of how these uniforms fought for peace to be preserved.

“As we were cutting the pieces, we saw some—although we’re not the military, right?—but there’s a sense of emotion that’s too deep. Like saying, ‘this time, sila naman.’ Because they’ve always been in the battle, sacrificing their lives for us. This time, sila naman,” she said.

“And more than that, it’s the families behind while they were at war, risking their lives. At least the women? They don’t have to worry too much. They will be busy doing this, and it’s a livelihood for their families. These are not just beautiful clothes, these are not just beautiful designs. We want to break that message across. Don’t buy it because you feel like you want to support it. Buy it because it’s an honor,” she added.

These pieces are the work of the families of soldiers who are now cultural bearers. It’s not just about the husband or wife but also their partners and their children. They embody the tradition and heritage of what it means to be Filipino. Everyone involved is a weaver, weaving stories of hope, resilience, and honor.

There is pride in being part of this movement because fashion has taken on a new level of meaning. It’s not just about making clothes; it’s about building lives, retelling stories, and reinforcing peace. This effort represents the essence of their shared journey.

Among the spotlighted items in the Products of Peace collection were the Hinabi Collection, featuring handwoven Philippine textiles from Marawi City; unique bags and creative items made from upcycled military uniforms; and Tinandok Coffee from Sultan Kudarat. Each product not only showcased the creativity and resilience of these communities but also represented a step towards building sustainable peace.

MFPI extends its gratitude to all who supported the launch of Products of Peace at the MaArte Fair 2024. Through collective effort and advocacy, more individuals can help strengthen the economic foundations necessary for lasting peace in conflict-affected areas.