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United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) are pursued with the entry of artisans from 10 provinces and one Metro Manila city through a project of two long-staying Filipinos in Dubai, emboldened to take advantage of the UAE’s openness to entrepreneurship, innovation and sustainability.
The project is the Casa Filipina at The Garden Concept Store, opened from the last Sunday of May, the Philippines’ National Heritage Month, and ahead of the 128th anniversary of Philippine Independence from Spain on June 12. The relevance for the necessary international support for any nation’s artisanship and allied ecosystems – even as the global economy un-endingly moves towards the best of the best in modern infrastructures and technology – was highlighted in the respective speeches of Consul General in Dubai and the Northern Emirates Ambrosio Brian Enciso III and Trade Commissioner Vichael Angelo Roaring.
Before guests that included Philippine Embassy-Abu Dhabi Economic Consul Regatta Marie Antonio-Escutin and Philippine Business Council-Dubai and the Northern Emirates officials, Enciso said: “Casa Filipina carries a name that is simple yet powerful. It speaks of home. It speaks of identity. It speaks of the Filipino gift for creating beauty from what is social, natural, and meaningful.
“This showroom is a reminder that Philippine products belong in the global marketplace. Our furniture, décor, fashion, lifestyle items, ceramics, and sustainable material can stand proudly beside the best in the world.”
Enciso stressed on the connection of countries through the indispensable diplomacy: “Dubai is an ideal stage for this vision. It is a city that connects continents, welcomes innovation, and rewards excellence. Through Casa Filipina, Filipino brands gain a window to international buyers, homeowners, designers, retailers, and communities looking for products with soul and substance.”
As Enciso mentioned the significance of Casa Filipina to the Philippine Heritage Month and the existence of the Filipino skilled craftsmanship for centuries, the crisp message of Trade Commissioner Roaring, delivered by Philippine Trade and Investment Centre-Dubai Trade and Investment specialist Nesreen Navarro-Sabtain, pointed out the crucial and immense value of a people that help a nation’s economy afloat through prosperity and headwinds.
“This launch is a proud milestone for the entire community. Every handcrafted piece, every texture, and every product in this beautiful space tells a unique story of identity, artistry, and world-class innovation. It is incredibly rewarding to see our local artistry moving beyond traditional boundaries and finding such a sophisticated, welcoming home here in the UAE market.”
Roaring moreover emphasised the significance of cooperation and collaboration between and among stakeholders; and thus, the realisation of the UNSDGs by way of the Philippines hinged with the UAE: “Every investor, designer, or buyer that Marilou brings to Manila is a story that changes lives back home – for the weaver, the woodcarver, the small factory owner, the cooperative of women making abaca bags.”
Roaring was referring to Marilou Lorenzo Joson, 21 years in the UAE and whose 19 years of work within the luxury statement furniture industry, alongside her childhood summer engagements in “small businesses,” let her take the vision of working with, upon God’s perfect timing, the thousands of micro-small-medium enterprises, back home.
Simply because Joson has seen it through the 19 years: “The Philippines has some of the most talented artisans and manufacturers in the world, and their work deserves to be seen and valued globally.”
Four years back, Joson met Green Limbaga, 25 years in the UAE, among the pioneering team of another luxury statement company, and the owner of the go2greensite_dubai platform, “celebrated in Dubai’s design circles.”
“We have the unwavering belief in Philippines’ world-class craftsmen and artisans, and a burning desire to bring the beauty of Filipino heritage design onto the world stage,” said Joson, adding that the project was not spared from “many challenges, uncertainties, and moments of fear.”
The UNSDGs accomplished, when the wide-ranging artisanship of peoples all over the world are widely supported by governments, the private sector and consumers – because job creation and employment are engendered are – Zero Hunger, Good Health and Well-Being, Quality Education, Gender Equality, Decent Work and Economic Growth, Sustainable Cities and Communities, Climate Action, and Accessibility to Affordable and Clean Energy.
