Palay (Rice Plant) Barong Tote

Fight for the Filipinos behind Filipino food.

This Palay (rice plant) Barong Tote is dedicated to all Filipino farmers, fisherfolks, and peasants who continue to feed the Filipino people despite threats and poverty. Filipino peasants toil under the weight of broken promises, continuing to be denied the land they've cultivated for generations. With every harvest, the sweat of Filipino peasants waters the soil, but it is the landlords and corporations who reap the bounty.

Beyond all this, the hands that feed the Filipino people are criminalized, their calls for fair wages and land rights answered with militarization and bullets. From 2022 to 2024, 72 out of the 105 victims of extrajudicial killings in the Philippines are farmers.

Product Features

• A barong is a traditional Filipino formal shirt. Our barong tote is crafted from a mix of Jusilyn fabric—a blend of silk and polyester—and piña (pineapple) fibers.
• The print, designed by Pinay Collection founder Jovie Galit, is fully embroidered onto the fabric by our partner artisan in Laguna, Philippines, who also sources, sews and dyes the bags.
• Totes are double-lined ensuring it's not sheer and can protect your items.
• The tote measures 10 x 15 inches.

Proceeds

15% of each tote sale supports movements advancing the rights and justice for Pinay political prisoners in Mandaluyong, farmers and peasant communities in Batangas, and the LGBTQIA+ liberation movement in the Philippines. All in support of our community partners in the Philippines, GABRIELA/Free Our Sisters, Free Ourselves, Bahaghari, and Sugarfolks Unity for Genuine Agrarian Reform.

Care instructions:

• Since the Black Barong totes are dyed, please do not put in the washer or soak in water.
• To clean, lightly rub the soiled area with small amount of water and detergent. Do not scrub harshly. Use cotton buds or any light cleaning material as tool.
• Tip: To protect your barong, consider using a professional dry cleaner if needed.