Last March 21, Farmers Plaza in Araneta City transformed into a bustling eco‑bazaar as Quezon City’s very own SustainaBILIty: A POP QC Eco Fair rolled out its green carpet from March 21 to 23. Ten passionate QCpreneurs set up shop—each stall a kaleidoscope of upcycled crafts, zero‑waste essentials, and mouthwatering artisanal treats. From the moment the fair opened, the air buzzed with curious shoppers, laughter, and the vibrant hum of community spirit.
🛍️ Meet the Makers
Wandering through the Activity Area, you could almost taste the dedication behind every product. There was:
- Handwoven pouches and tote bags crafted from surplus textile scraps
- Recycled‑plastic planters that doubled as eye‑catching décor
- Natural skincare bars scented with local herbs and flowers
- Artisanal snacks made from upcycled coffee grounds and fruit peels
Each stall carried a story: of mothers learning new skills, of waste diverted from landfills, and of dreams woven, sewn, and baked into every piece.
🎤 Eco Talks & Community Conversations
Onstage, experts and advocates led short, engaging Eco Talks. Visitors gathered on fold‑out chairs to learn:
- How to compost at home using simple kitchen scraps
- Practical tips for reducing single‑use plastics in daily life
- Energy‑saving hacks that cut both bills and carbon footprints
Between talks, impromptu conversations bloomed—friends swapping recipes for DIY cleaners, neighbors planning a community garden, and even kids gleefully planting seedlings in takeaway cups.
🤝 Bayanihan in Action
What truly made SustainaBILIty shine was its spirit of bayanihan. Stall‑mates shared spare tablecloths and charging cables. A visitor who loved one vendor’s eco‑jewelry returned later, bearing fresh coconut water for everyone. When rain threatened on Sunday afternoon, everyone moved under the covered walkways—vendors joked that a little drizzle only added to the fair’s “tropical bazaar” vibe.
🌿 Looking Ahead: Keep the Momentum Growing
As the last baskets were packed away, organizers from QC‑SBCDPO, the Climate Change & Environmental Sustainability Department, and the J. Amado Araneta Foundation beamed at what a weekend of creativity and care had achieved. Plans are already afoot for next year’s edition—and maybe more pop‑up events around the city in the meantime!
If you missed SustainaBILIty this time, watch for upcoming POP QC bazaars—your next chance to support local entrepreneurs who are turning waste into wonder, one handcrafted product at a time.
Want to join the next eco‑bazaar?
Register your #TatakKyusi innovation at qc-sbcdpo.com/POPQC2025 and let’s keep moving Quezon City toward a greener, more vibrant tomorrow!
