Textile designs made by indigenous communities from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao took center stage as UNIQLO celebrated the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Japan, alongside its 14th year in the Philippines.
As part of its cultural, sustainability, and community initiatives, UNIQLO introduced its Re.UNIQLO project, which transforms fabric scraps into textile patches bearing traditional Filipino designs.
The project stemmed from an early engagement between Tourism Secretary Dita Angara-Mathay and UNIQLO, during which the Secretary encouraged the company to collaborate with indigenous weaving and textile communities in showcasing Filipino craftsmanship.
“I invited them to work with us on co-creation projects inspired by Philippine icons, our natural resources, our creatives, and our shared commitment to innovation.”
“About a year ago, while serving as the Philippines’ Commercial Counselor in Japan, I approached four of Japan’s leading retailers with a proposal,” Angara-Mathay said. “I invited them to work with us on co-creation projects inspired by Philippine icons, our natural resources, our creatives, and our shared commitment to innovation.”
Made by indigenous communities from Abra, Iloilo, and South Cotabato, the textile patches are hand-embroidered on UNIQLO fabric scraps, ensuring that every piece is distinct and meaningful.
For Luzon, the Itneg School of Living Traditions created designs featuring geometric, nature-inspired, and human motifs representing personal or communal stories.
In the Visayas, the Panay Bukidnon Artisans of Iloilo showcased “panubok,” their traditional embroidery practice featuring motifs drawn from nature, oral traditions, and ancestral beliefs.
Meanwhile, the T’boli artisans of Lake Sebu drew inspiration from their daily lives and spiritual beliefs in creating their intricate designs.
According to UNIQLO, all proceeds from the Re.UNIQLO initiative will go directly to the participating artisan communities.
UNIQLO also collaborated with Salcedo Auctions to launch three art installations celebrating the enduring friendship between the Philippines and Japan. The collaboration likewise stemmed from the Secretary’s early engagement with the company, during which she introduced UNIQLO to Richie and Karen Lerma and the Salcedo Auctions team, whose creative direction helped bring the installations to life.
Inspired by the distinct identities of Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, the installations weave together iconic Philippine landscapes with traditional Japanese symbols. The Luzon piece pays tribute to the Banaue Rice Terraces, complemented by origami lotus flowers that evoke harmony between people and nature. Representing the Visayas, coconut trees are paired with the Japanese crane, reflecting shared values of renewal, balance, and longevity. The Mindanao installation draws from the waves of Siargao, with koi motifs symbolizing resilience, movement, and the enduring connections that unite communities across the archipelago.
The installations also highlight sustainability and local craftsmanship. Constructed from FSC-certified Japanese poplar wood sourced from responsibly managed forests, the artworks incorporate handcrafted origami elements created by artisans from Nueva Ecija, blending Japanese artistry with Filipino craftsmanship.
Also at the heart of UNIQLO’s anniversary celebration is the AIRism for Education program, which will donate a portion of proceeds from participating AIRism innerwear products until May 2027 to benefit 15 schools across the country. Through the initiative, UNIQLO hopes to give back to communities by investing in education, recognizing young people as the foundation of the future.
“Around the world, you have demonstrated that innovation and heritage can thrive together.”
“I would like to congratulate UNIQLO for showing that retail can help preserve culture and heritage. Around the world, you have demonstrated that innovation and heritage can thrive together,” Angara-Mathay said.
The DOT expressed its appreciation to UNIQLO for supporting initiatives that promote Filipino traditions, creativity, and education while strengthening the longstanding friendship between the Philippines and Japan.
One of the country’s leading clothing retailers, UNIQLO now operates at least 81 stores nationwide, marking 14 years of bringing LifeWear to Filipinos.
