UNIQLO Philippines marked 70th commemorating the diplomatic relationship between the Philippines and Japan by introducing new sustainability and cultural initiatives, including handmade pieces made by indigenous Filipino communities, and expanded partnerships supporting education, tourism, and community development.
Speaking at the launch of the event, the Chief Operating Officer of UNIQLO Philippines Ikezoe Osamu said that the company views its growth in the country as a responsibility to contribute more to society.
“For 70 years, our two countries have built a strong relationship based on trust, respect and cooperation,” said Mr. Osamu.
“Today is a time to look back with gratitude. More importantly, it is a time to look forward with responsibility,” he said.
He outlined the three responsibilities of UNIQLO Philippines: contributing to society through education, sustainability, disaster relief, and community cooperation; develop Filipino talent by creating opportunities to learn and grow globally; and expanding the company's store network to serve more communities.
“Our responsibility is not just about providing clothing. Through education, sustainability, disaster relief, and community collaboration, we aim to help bring a brighter future to the next generation,” he said.
As part of the celebration, UNIQLO launched Re.UNIQLO Artisan Patches, a collection of handmade patches made from fabric scraps collected through the company's conversion service and sewn by artisans from the indigenous communities of Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
Creative director and designer Wilson Limon, who led the collaboration, said the project aims to make traditional culture accessible while preserving traditional art.
“Working with the indigenous language groups, my main goal is to recreate the culture and ethnicity, so that it is more relevant to the Filipino people,” said Mr. Limon in mixed English and Filipino.
Each piece was created under the program of the National Commission for Culture and the Art School of Living Culture by artisans from Abra, Iloilo, and South Cotabato. According to UNIQLO, the proceeds from the patches will go directly to participating artisans.
Mr. Limon said incorporating traditional culture into everyday LifeWear allows more people to enjoy Filipino art while helping to preserve cultural heritage.
“We hope to introduce more people to the richness of Philippine art and help keep these stories alive for future generations,” he said.
Department of Education Secretary Juan Edgardo M. Angara welcomed UNIQLO's continued support for education, saying that the company has donated shirts for public school teachers.
“It is a very difficult time for our schools because as you know we have had harassment, we have had harassment,” said Mr.
He said the department is not only focused on the security of schools but also on strengthening the building of values and relationships between teachers, students and communities.
“We also work on what we call internal preparations, which means our values, the way teachers relate to students, the way students communicate with other students, and the way communities welcome new students,” he said.
Tourism Secretary Dita Angara-Mathay said investing in education strengthens the country's tourism industry by developing a globally competitive Filipino workforce.
“Education not only prepares young people for jobs, but for the rest of their lives,” he said. “At the Ministry of Tourism, we believe that investing in people is reinvested in tourism.”
Ms. Mathay said the tourism department has introduced new education and certification programs that are in line with ASEAN skill levels and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
He also recalled proposing cooperation projects with major Japanese merchants while serving as the Philippine Commercial Counselor in Japan before the 70s.th a reminder of bilateral relations.
“I invited them to work with us on co-creative projects inspired by the Philippine islands, our natural resources, our inventors, and our shared commitment to innovation,” she said.
He cited the event's Philippine-inspired freshness and cultural inclusion as examples of Filipino-Japanese collaboration, and praised UNIQLO for incorporating traditional values into the merchandise.
“I would also like to congratulate UNIQLO for showing that retailing can help preserve culture and heritage,” said Ms. Mathay.
The event also featured installations inspired by Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, highlighting the country's natural environment, traditional customs, and cultural heritage as symbols of the enduring relationship between the Philippines and Japan. – Kaizzer Angela Marie V. Manuba
