Retailers prepare show for ‘green’ plans

Retailers prepare show for ‘green’ plans
By Katlene O. Cacho
Sun.Star Cebu
Tuesday, January 26, 2010


AFTER launching the Every Bag Counts (EBC) green retailing campaign last month, the Philippine Retailers’ Association (PRA) Cebu will hold a benefit dinner and show to further promote its green advocacy.

Chester Lim, chairman of EBC, said the group decided to come up with a benefit show to raise funds for the campaign.

“This event will gather all the players in the retail industry to support the move toward a green environment,” Lim said in a press conference yesterday.

PRA Cebu is working with the Cebu City Marriott Hotel to host a Valentine benefit dinner and show on Feb. 20.

Melanie Ng, PRA Cebu president, said the event is part of the first phase of the campaign, which focuses on an information drive and consumer awareness.

Part of the proceeds, Ng said, will not only be used to finance upcoming projects of the PRA but will also be donated to the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) for its reforestation project.


Green fair
Aside from the fund-raising activity set next month, PRA Cebu will host a “green trade fair” that will highlight companies with environmentally responsible initiatives.

Ng added that their campaign is not only limited to the use of environment-friendly shopping bags among consumers. “We will also look into other items that need to be addressed such as plastic cups,” she said.

PRA Cebu targets 320 participants to join the benefit dinner and show.

“And we are hoping to recruit more members to join in the campaign,” Ng said.

(Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper on January 27, 2010.)