Manila Bulletin
Environment and Sustainability
UNIQLO launches new education project to support schools nationwide
Environment and Sustainability
UNIQLO launches new education project to support schools nationwide
UNIQLO launches new education project to support schools nationwide
The initiative serves as the flagship sustainability effort for the brand's upcoming 15th anniversary in the country
Published Aug 3, 2026 10:31 pm
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Updated Aug 3, 2026 07:23 pm
UNIQLO Philippines Chief Operating Officer and Chairman of the Board Osamu Ikezoe, Madame Akiko Endo, Ayala Corporation Vice Chairperson Fernando Zobel de Ayala, SM Investments Corporation Vice Chairperson Teresita Sy-Coson, Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene Garcia-Albano, Japan Ambassador to The Philippines Kazuya Endo, UNIQLO Philippines Chief Operating Officer Geraldine Sia, Department of Tourism Secretary Maria Bernadita “Dita” Angara-Mathay, Department of Education Secretary Sonny Angara gather in celebration of the 70th Anniversary of Philippines–Japan Friendship at the UNIQLO Manila Global Flagship Store, commemorating seven decades of shared history, cultural exchange, and enduring partnership.
While UNIQLO’s LifeWear philosophy is about improving everyday life through clothing, its impact goes well beyond apparel.
In celebration of the brand’s upcoming 15th anniversary in the country in 2027, as well as the ongoing 70th Friendship Year between the Philippines and Japan, UNIQLO introduces its newest sustainability initiative, “Supporting Brighter Futures Through Education.” With this project, proceeds from the sale of select AIRism products will go towards strengthening educational projects, set to benefit 15 schools nationwide.
This initiative began at Tanda Elementary School in General Santos City, launched during the Thank You Festival festivities last May. The benefactors were students from the B'laan indigenous community, constructing a new classroom to contribute to a better learning environment and empower the youth’s education.
“Success is not measured only by the number of stores we open or the number of customers we serve. It is also measured by the positive difference we make in the communities that have welcomed us for the past fourteen years,” says Geraldine Sia, UNIQLO Philippines Chief Operating Officer, during UNIQLO’s celebration of the milestone anniversary at the UNIQLO Manila Global Flagship Store in Glorietta 5, Makati City.
The project, she adds, reflects UNIQLO’s “long-term commitment to creating opportunities beyond the brand’s stores and contributing to communities where future generations can flourish.” This comes from the belief that “when children are given the opportunity to learn, entire communities move forward with them.”
Beyond this, UNIQLO Philippines continues to create long-term value for society through a range of sustainability and community initiatives that support environmental stewardship, education, and disaster response in partnership with several organizations such as Haribon Foundation, ABS-CBN Foundation, and SM Foundation.
Over the years, the brand has spearheaded coastal clean-up drives and community engagement activities in areas surrounding its stores, invested in youth empowerment, skills development, classroom construction, and learning environments in underserved communities. Its community initiatives also extend to disaster relief, with AIRism and other LifeWear essentials provided to students and communities affected by natural disasters, reinforcing its commitment to supporting everyday life even in times of crisis.
“We know that meaningful change requires many hands: government, communities, educators, private organizations, and individuals who believe that every child deserves the chance to succeed,” Sia says. “We are grateful to everyone who has joined us on this journey, and we look forward to building many more partnerships that create lasting impact together.”
Alongside UNIQLO’s celebration of the 70th Philippines-Japan Friendship Year is the countdown launch for the brand’s 15th anniversary in the country next year. Ahead of the milestone anniversary, UNIQLO reaffirms its commitment to contributing to Philippine society beyond business.
UNIQLO Philippines Chief Operating Officer and Chairman of the Board Osamu Ikezoe, welcomes guests to its flagship store at UNIQLO Manila for the 70th Anniversary celebration of Philippines–Japan friendship, highlighting the shared values and long-standing partnership that continue to inspire UNIQLO's commitment to Filipino communities.
“We believe clothing can improve everyday life, but our role extends further than apparel,” says Osamu Ikezoe, UNIQLO Philippines Chief Operating Officer. “Through education, environmental initiatives, disaster response, and community partnerships, we hope to create lasting social value and contribute to a brighter future for the next generation of Filipinos.”