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DENR-EMB : Eco-Fusion in Fashion

“Modern society will find no solution
to ecological problems unless it takes
a serious look at its lifestyle” Pope John Paul II

TACLOBAN CITY – This is the second year that I was given the chance to judge eco-fusion in a fashion-cum-contest and I am still in awe of the local designers creativity and great talent in coming up with masterpieces using recyclable materials. These materials are considered wastes to others, but to them it’s perfect for the fashion show cum competition organized by the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB).


This is the second staging of the green fashion event. It is a fusion of fashion, artistry, creativity to the highest level of the designers. It challenges one in producing recycled materials into functional, wearable and beautiful creations made of one-of- a- kind pieces that are sustainable. Some of the materials utilized were discarded CDs, rice and garbage bags, newspapers, wires, anahaw and abaca, coconut shells among others.

The event was graced by no less than Ms. Emelita C. Aguinaldo, OIC Executive Director of National Solid Waste Management Commission (NSWMC). She was also the chairman of the board of judges that night. The other judge was my very good friend Director Manolito Ragub, OIC regional executive director of the DENR-8.

The beautiful and handsome models sashayed in the original creations in the categories for casual dresses and orgownic (Gowns). Imagine an empire cut wedding gown with a train utilizing used rice sacks connected and sprayed with black and silver paint enhancing the aesthetic value of the sack. Ribbons were cut out of a black garbage bag with silver shampoo sachets accent the bustier top. Rubber sheets accentuate the skirt. To complete the wedding ensemble, a veil was made of black garbage bag cut for a flowing look, fishnets as gloves and shampoo sachets served as bouquet.

This innovative wedding gown was created by Emerson Villamor Talacay of Jaro, Leyte.

The winner in orgownic came from Isabel, Leyte. She wore the cheapest materials in the gown category, made mostly from pages of a magazine and color paper made into ribbons, violet bodice made of paper too. The model’s stylish umbrella was made of an old umbrella and designed with newspaper, magazine and cellophane. She was perfectly made-up that she looked like an anime or a Japanese Doll.

Another crowd favorite in the orgownic was the national anahaw leaf, dried and enhanced with varnish and glitters designed to look like someone with angel wings. It was sewed into a perfect piece by the use of old garter, tie wire and accented with abaca.

Maribel Munsayac, EMB regional solid waste management coordinator and information chief, in a conversation said that these outfits aren’t high fashion, but definitely green fashion. She is happy that the eco-fusion is part of the Pintados Kasadyaan festivities this year, for more people to see and appreciate materials that can still be use into fashionable wear.

According to EMB-8 Director Letecia Maceda, the event is part of the celebration of the Philippine Environment Month. “It’s important that we continuously educate the people in taking care of our only planet Earth by properly disposing wastes and recycle into unique, useful and beautiful creations,” she said.

It is organized by the multi-membership of the Regional Ecology Center in the region headed by the EMB of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

Kudos to the organizers!

Love, Laugh and Live!. Om Shanti!

By: Vicky C. Arnaiz

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