Team DailyPedia
Aside from receiving parchment copies of Senate Resolution No. 370, members of BINI also brought home special handcrafted bags from local social enterprise Rags2Riches during their recent visit to the Senate.
The bags were personally given by Bam Aquino, author of the resolution honoring the “Nation’s Girl Group” for becoming the first Filipino act to perform at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in Indio.
Each member received a unique design from the Rags2Riches Fruit Bag Series complete with personalized charms.
Mikha Lim received the Dalandan bag, Jhoanna Robles got the Lemon or Limon bag, Sheena Catacutan was gifted the Rambutan bag, while Maloi Ricalde received the Peach bag.
Meanwhile, Colet Vergara got the Orange or Kahel bag, Gwen Apuli received the Watermelon or Pakwan bag, Aiah Arceta was given the Pineapple bag, and Stacey Sevilleja received the Cherry or Seresa bag.
Joining Sen. Bam during the presentation was Reese Fernandez Ruiz, co-founder and president of Rags2Riches.
The social enterprise was co-founded by Aquino and Ruiz before the senator entered public service. The company works with community artisans and underserved sectors by transforming excess fabric and scrap materials into handcrafted bags, accessories, and other products while providing sustainable livelihood opportunities.
Apart from Rags2Riches, Sen. Bam also helped establish Hapinoy, a social enterprise focused on empowering women sari-sari store owners through business training, microfinancing, and expanded market access.
Known for advocating for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), Aquino also authored and sponsored Go Negosyo Act during his previous term in the Senate.
The law aims to strengthen MSMEs by improving access to financing, training programs, business opportunities, and easier registration processes for aspiring entrepreneurs across the country.
