Project Zero lauded for locals’ chic tarp bags

A social entrepreneur at heart, Arañador believes that there are always creative solutions to solve society’s large-scale problems, particularly livelihood instability. He coined the term Project Zero as a descriptive metaphor for the process the tarpaulins are being upcycled without using electricity and producing zero waste.

Arañador recently launched his Summer 2012 Accessories Collection in the Project Zero Fashion Show, alongside his birthday celebration and the opening of his Wawa Heritage Restaurant and Nautilus Boutique in Jaro, Iloilo City.

Project Zero is a social entrepreneurial program by PJ Arañador in partnership with Smart Communications, Inc., GK Sooc Arevalo, GKnomics, Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP), Business Fair Trade Consulting, and Sooc Social Ventures.

The discarded tarpaulins from Smart’s promotional materials like billboards and banners are shipped to Iloilo for upcycling. The residents’ skills in sewing bags and molding terra cotta were strengthed by the capacity-building trainings conducted by PBSP, the largest social development foundation in the country. These trainings enabled the Sooc residents to convert useless materials into high-quality, environmentally friendly fashionable bags.

Project Zero’s main goal is to create livelihood projects through innovative design and product development.

During the mini-fashion show, the people from GK Sooc Arevalo who are also members of Sooc Social Ventures expressed their pride and gratitude upon seeing the result of their handmade products  showcased on the runway.

“It was excelent! I’m very happy to see that the fruits of our labor are already out in the market. Being shown to everyone. Being promoted,” said Marilyn Platon, livelihood committee head of Sooc Social Ventures.

“With our partnership with Sir PJ, together with PBSP and GK, we know we can go far,” she added.

Social entrepreneurship is changing the face of business through ingenious solutions that help alleviate poverty. Project Zero engages the community and involves the private sector in a partnership for sustainable livelihood and enterprise development.