• CHERYL G. CRUZ
Park Inn by Radisson Bacolod and SM Hotels and Conventions Corp. (SMHCC) launched Oct. 11 the Tela Tales Visayas, a groundbreaking initiative that aims to empower local communities and promote sustainable practices.
The focus is on the upcycling of discarded linens and fabrics from Park Inn by Radisson Bacolod, and that of Park Inn by Radisson Iloilo, where the project was launched Oct. 10, as well as from other SMHCC hotels and properties.
In Bacolod, the initiative collaborates with Negrense Volunteers for Change (NVC), a nonprofit organization dedicated to community development and environmental sustainability, the SM Group said.
“This innovative program transforms discarded linens from SM hotels and convention centers into stylish and sustainable products, reducing waste and creating a circular economy,” Nian Liwanag-Rigor, assistant vice president of Public Relations of SMHCC, said at the launching at Park Inn by Radisson Bacolod. “Beyond its environmental benefits, Tela Tales empowers individuals with new skills and provides a source of livelihood for communities in the surrounding areas.”
Liwanag-Rigor added: “Tela Tales is more than just a recycling program, it’s a powerful initiative that demonstrates how sustainability can create a positive impact on both the environment and our communities.”
Leah Magallanes, VP for Sustainability and Quality Assurance at SMHCC, said that Tela Tales, which was first launched in Batangas, is a sustainability initiative. “We’re trying to teach communities to depend on themselves eventually, and not on dole-outs.”
Tela Tales Visayas is a pioneering project designed to empower local artisans and provide them with sustainable livelihood opportunities, Magallanes said. “In Bacolod, we have engaged the NVC to help us recycle our condemned linens.”
This partnership, along with the Artisans of Hope, aims to support NVC’s projects and contribute to their mission of creating a more equitable and sustainable future, the SMHCC said.
The finished products will be showcased and available for purchase at Park Inn by Radisson Bacolod and Iloilo. “This provides an avenue for the artisans to generate income, with the proceeds directly benefiting NVC’s charity programs, such as the Mingo Meals Nutrition Program.”
Millie Kilayko, founding president and chief executive officer of NVC Foundation, said the nonprofit organization is inspired by SM Group’s sustainability commitment through Tela Tales. “On our end, we will keep on creating and racking our brains to find better ways to also recycle and upcycle what you gave us.”
“It’s an honor to be part of this project,” Kilayko said. “Every piece that we make not only helps put food on the table of the artisans…but also helps us to support our nutrition program, especially for stunted and undernourished children.” | CGC
