About the Producer

Fair Trade supplier

• Located in Philippines
• Creates jobs for unemplyed copper and gold mine workers
• Uses recycled newspapers to make innovative handcrafted homeware products and bags

The Women's Multipurpose Co-operative was started in order to create jobs for people who had moved into the Baguio City area hoping to work in the copper and gold mines. Baguio City is 250 kms north of Manila, and is perched atop the Grand Cordillera mountain range. At 1525 metres above sea level, it is the highest city in the Philippines.

The area is traditionally known for its pine needle baskets and ornaments, textile weaving, silver and gold jewellery and woodcarving. With its cooler climate and stunning scenery, it has become a major tourist destination. In the last few years it has been designated a Philippine Export Zone, hosting over 40 multinational corporations. This provides many jobs, but very few of them pay well.

The Women's Multipurpose Co-operative is a relatively small organization, facing many challenges. They are affiliated with the Co-operative Development Authority and are members of the Philippine Exporters Association. They help the women form into groups, obtain government help in skills training, buy raw materials, provide access to low interest loans, and work toward obtaining title to their land.

Recycled Paper Workshop

Using an innovative process, the recycled newspaper workshop of the Women's Multipurpose Co-operative makes breadbaskets, coasters, hot mats and other useful and decorative products in a workshop they have set up here.

They start by wrapping strips of the paper around a single bristle from a broom. After wrapping the paper, they coil it into spiraled building blocks and secure the coil with starch. Then they join the building blocks with a thread and glue to make the final product. After constructing the coasters or hot pads, they use starch to harden the paper and add shine and durability.