MANILA, PHILIPPINES — Products of Peace is dedicated to inspiring hope and resilience through high-quality, fair-trade products crafted by survivors of armed conflict. These unique items are created by the communities supported by the Sinagtala Center for Children and Women in Conflict (Sinagtala PH) and HARVEST, a collaborative hub of the BAYO Foundation. Both organizations work to empower and uplift survivors through their artisanal skills.
Sinagtala PH: Weaving Resilience into Every Thread
Sinagtala PH is a non-profit organization focused on supporting impoverished communities affected by conflict. Through livelihood programs and art therapy, they offer crucial interventions to internally displaced persons (IDPs). The textiles and upcycled clothing produced by these individuals are at the heart of Products of Peace.
In the wake of the 2017 Marawi conflict, Sinagtala PH provided looms and established weaving facilities to help Maranao women channel their emotional distress through their rich weaving heritage. Traditional patterns like the rare Ilanon “siko-siko” and the conflict-inspired “boom-boom” design were born from these sessions, blending cultural pride with personal healing.
Prominent designers took an interest in these textiles, transforming them into stylish jackets, bags, masks, and other fashion pieces. This creative process has empowered the women, who are now proudly known as “Sinagtala Warrior Weavers” — symbols of strength who weave their stories into every piece.
HARVEST: Transforming Waste into Wonder
HARVEST, launched in 2019, is a sustainable social enterprise that turns discarded military uniforms into high-quality handwoven products. By repurposing old uniforms, HARVEST not only addresses environmental issues but also provides economic opportunities for the wives and dependents of soldiers who have served in conflict zones.
Through this initiative, HARVEST supports these women by teaching them weaving techniques and helping them create beautiful, functional items. This process not only offers financial stability but also fosters a sense of pride and purpose. Each product carries the dedication and courage of soldiers, with their legacy continuing in the fabric crafted by their loved ones.
Preserving Heritage and Empowering Communities
Apart from the amazing textile pieces, Products of Peace also features Tinandok Coffee — green robusta coffee grown and harvested in the newly peaceful areas of Sultan Kudarat, a war-torn land now home to an industry that provides a new source of livelihood for conflict survivors. Born from the aftermath of conflict, these Products of Peace highlight the stories of Mindanao and other displaced communities. These efforts are crucial in sustaining livelihoods, preserving weaving traditions, and revitalizing local culture and the textile industry.
Sinagtala PH and HARVEST aim to share Products of Peace as part of a broader mission to support heritage preservation, strengthen socioeconomic conditions, and create opportunities for recovery and growth in post-conflict communities.
Click here to learn more about the Products of Peace. To support these initiatives and learn more about their impactful work, visit the MaArte Fair and follow Sinagtala PH and HARVEST on their social media pages.
