UNIQLO Philippines marked the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Japan by launching new sustainability and cultural initiatives, including handcrafted artisan patches made by indigenous Filipino communities, and expanded partnerships supporting education, tourism, and community development.
Speaking at the launch event, UNIQLO Philippines Chief Operating Officer Ikezoe Osamu said 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 partnership,” Mr. Osamu said.
“Today is a moment to look back with gratitude. More importantly, it’s a moment to look forward with commitment,” he said.
He outlined three commitments for UNIQLO Philippines: contributing to society through education, sustainability, disaster support, and community partnerships; developing Filipino talent by creating opportunities for learning and global growth; and expanding the company’s store network to serve more communities.
“Our responsibility is not limited to simply providing clothing. Through education, sustainability, disaster support, and community partnership, we aim to help bring a bright future for the next generation,” he said.
As part of the celebration, UNIQLO launched its Re.UNIQLO Artisan Patches, a collection of handcrafted patches made from fabric scraps collected through the company’s alteration service and sewn by artisans from indigenous communities in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
Creative director and designer Wilson Limon, who led the collaboration, said the project aims to make indigenous culture more accessible while preserving traditional craftsmanship.
“Working with ethnolinguistic groups, my main mission is to recreate the traditional and the ethnic, so it becomes more relatable for Filipinos,” Mr. Limon said in mixed English and Filipino.
Each patch was created under the National Commission for Culture and the Arts’ School of Living Traditions program by artisans from Abra, Iloilo, and South Cotabato. According to UNIQLO, proceeds from the patches will go directly to the participating artisans.
Mr. Limon said incorporating indigenous traditions into everyday LifeWear allows more people to appreciate Filipino craftsmanship while helping preserve cultural heritage.
“We hope to introduce more people to the richness of Filipino craftsmanship 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, noting that the company had previously donated shirts for public school teachers.
“It’s a very difficult time for our schools because, as you know, we’ve had an uptick in violence. We’ve had an uptick in bullying,” Mr. Angara said.
He said the department is focusing not only on school security but also on strengthening values formation and relationships among teachers, students, and communities.
“We’re also working on what we call the internal arrangements, meaning our values, how teachers relate to students, how students relate to fellow students, and how communities welcome new students,” he said.
Tourism Secretary Dita Angara-Mathay said investing in education also strengthens the country’s tourism industry by developing globally competitive Filipino workers.
“Education prepares young people not just for jobs, but for life,” she said. “At the Department of Tourism, we believe that investing in people is also investing in tourism.”
Ms. Mathay said the tourism department has introduced new education and certification programs aligned with ASEAN competency standards and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
She also recalled proposing collaborative projects with major Japanese retailers while serving as Philippine Commercial Counsellor in Japan ahead of the 70th anniversary of bilateral relations.
“I invited them to work with us on co-creation projects inspired by the Philippine islands, our natural resources, our creatives, and our shared commitment to innovation,” she said.
She cited the event’s Philippine-inspired refreshments and cultural installations as examples of Filipino-Japanese collaboration, and praised UNIQLO for integrating indigenous heritage into retail.
“I would also like to congratulate UNIQLO for showing that retail can help preserve culture and heritage,” Ms. Mathay said.
The event also featured installations inspired by Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, highlighting the country’s natural landscapes, indigenous traditions, and cultural heritage as symbols of the enduring partnership between the Philippines and Japan. — Kaizzer Angela Marie V. Manuba
