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HaBi Transforms Old Uniforms Into Stylish, Sustainable Totes

From corporate waste to community craftsmanship—how one programme is stitching together sustainability and livelihoods. Over 1,000 upcycled products already made.

The image shows three principal requisites to form a modern man of fashion, wearing hats and...
The image shows three principal requisites to form a modern man of fashion, wearing hats and standing in a line. The paper they are standing on has text written on it, likely describing the clothing they are wearing.

HaBi Transforms Old Uniforms Into Stylish, Sustainable Totes

A new upcycling initiative called HaBi: Hands that Bind has transformed retired employee uniforms into reusable tote bags and pouches. Developed in partnership with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the programme repurposes discarded textiles while supporting local artisans. Over 1,000 products have already been created from more than 650 old uniforms. The project began as the 'Sisidlan Upcycling Project' before evolving into HaBi. It was designed by Zabrina 'Bambi' David Nunga, Vice President for Marketing and Communications, in collaboration with DSWD. The partnership was formalised in July 2025 after initial discussions earlier that year.

Between August and November, Kapampangan artisans worked on the production process. They collected, sorted, deconstructed, and reconstructed the uniforms into new items. The name HaBi reflects both the craftsmanship involved and the programme’s mission to unite institutions, communities, and sustainable design.

During this period, HaBi shifted from a concept to a fully structured programme. It now serves as a model for corporate social responsibility, combining environmental benefits with economic opportunities for local workers. The initiative has given retired uniforms a second life while providing meaningful work for participating artisans. By integrating sustainability with livelihood support, HaBi reinforces broader goals of inclusive economic participation. The programme continues to expand, offering both environmental and socio-economic value.

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