Traidcraft Meet the People Tours, Fair Trade Holidays

Philippines

The Philippines is an intricate network of islands whose natural beauty and ethnic diversity make it a fascinating country to visit. A chance to get to know the Filipino fair trade scene in depth, this tour heads south from Manila through the Bicol Region, stopping off at cooperatives making crafts from hemp and abaca as well as visiting fair trade pineapple farmers and development projects. We stay on the coast, with opportunities to visit marine sanctuaries, take nature walks and explore monuments from Spanish colonial days.

The tour will be led by Arnel Astillero. Native to the Bicol Region, Arnel has worked in the NGO sector since 1998 and is passionate and knowledgeable about his country. He belongs to the Advocate of Philippines FairTrade Inc (APFTI), a non-governmental organisation born of the Philippine Fair Trade Program (PFTP) initiated by Traidcraft Exchange in 1995. This program built the capacity of small and medium enterprises to become competitive both in the local and international market thereby providing sustained employment and income opportunities to the community where it operates.

Jenny Foster has just returned from her trip to the Philippines. Click here to find out more