December 21, 2015 (Monday) - Habi Footwear, through its corporate entity, Sosyal Revolution, Inc., recently signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) to become a partner in the scholarship programs of Manila Business College (MBC). Present during the contract signing were (L-R): Mr. Allister Roy Chua, Sosyal Revolution, Inc. Operations Manager; Ms. Janine Mikaella Chiong, Sosyal Revolution, Inc. Co-Founder and President; Mr. Jameson Chua, MBC Executive Vice President; and Ms. Karen Cecilia Ortega-Birosel, MBC Vice President of Student Affairs.
Since 2011, Habi Footwear has been promoting responsible fashion, Pinoy pride and social involvement through its wide range of comfortable espadrilles and sandals. Working in partnership with mothers from two poor, urban communities in Quezon City: Kawan ni Sto Niño in Old Balara and Saint Luigi Oriones Creations in Payatas, community members "upcycle" scrap cloths from shirt factories by weaving them into mats. These are then procured directly by Habi Footwear, and sent to manufacturers for final assembly into shoes.
Taken from the Tagalog word meaning "to weave", Habi Footwear provides livelihood opportunities to the mothers in their partner communities and assists them in expanding their hard and soft skills though trainings and further education. With Habi Footwear's partnership with MBC, effective School Year 2016-2017, deserving and qualified community members who want to pursue a tertiary education while still continuing to weave mats and earn a living, can enroll in the Knowledge, Experience, and Income (KEI) program.
Community members like high school graduates aged 18 to 24, who want to obtain a college degree meanwhile, can avail of scholarships under the Skills Enhancement and Educational Development for Students (SEEDS) Program. Lastly, MBC's Youth Empowerment Program (YEP) targets the out-of-school youth; empowering poor but deserving young people by providing affordable college education.
