BAYO Foundation and AFP repurpose military uniforms

The BAYO Foundation, in partnership with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), has launched “Weave for Peace” on Thursday, February 6. This initiative transforms old military uniforms into woven textiles, giving them a new purpose.

The project involves upcycling discarded military uniforms by breaking them down into fibers, spinning them into yarn, and blending them with Philippine cotton to create new fabrics. This process ensures that old uniforms are repurposed sustainably.

Beyond fabric production, the initiative aims to empower the families of soldiers by training them in weaving as a sustainable source of income. “We don’t just go into communities; we build our own. This time, we are teaching military families who have no prior knowledge, starting from basic to advanced weaving,” Lagon explained.

The project was created to address the challenge of managing discarded military uniforms in an eco-friendly way. “When I looked at sustainability opportunities, we discussed how the AFP has an ongoing issue with uniform waste,” Lagon noted.

She also emphasized that every material is fully utilized. “To keep this sustainable, we’re creating garments, accessories, and other products so that nothing goes to waste, and everything goes back into the project,” she said.