THE Department of Tourism (DOT) recognized the Philippines’s local tribal cultures and their contributions to the world, as it joined the global celebration of the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples on August 9.
In a news statement, Acting Tourism Secretary Ma. Bernadita Angara-Mathay said these local indigenous communities’ vibrant identities ‘are woven into the tapestry of the country’s tourism.’
She enjoined the public to ‘celebrate their invaluable contributions and continue building a tourism industry where every culture is respected, every story is valued, and where there is always more to discover and love in the Philippines.’
Angara-Mathay also paid homage to Filipino indigenous communities, whose textile designs and weaves were introduced by popular Japanese clothing store Uniqlo through its Re.Uniqlo Artisan Patch project. The initiative, under the guidance of Uniqlo Philippines’s Art Director Wilson Limon, transforms scraps of fabrics into clothing patches woven with traditional Filipino designs.
According to the DOT, the project was developed after Angara-Mathay encouraged the Japanese company to showcase Filipino craftmanship by collaborating with local indigenous weavers and textile communities.
Recycling fabric scraps
‘About a year ago, while serving as the Philippines’s Commercial Counselor in Japan, I approached four of Japan’s leading retailers with a proposal…. 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,’ she said during the recent celebrations of the 70th anniversary of the Philippines and Japan’s diplomatic ties, and Uniqlo’s 14th year in the Philippines.
The DOT said these textile patches were hand-embroidered by indigenous communities from Abra, Iloilo, and South Cotabato on Uniqlo fabric scraps, ensuring that each piece is unique, distinct, and meaningful to each culture.
The limited-edition patches are available at select Uniqlo stores in the country for P300 each, inclusive of service fee. The patches may be sewn instore only on Uniqlo clothes, even if these are not newly purchased pieces. The patches are available until the end of August.
On its website, Uniqlo said that all proceeds from this initiative, implemented in partnership with the ABS-CBN Foundation, ‘will help sustain the Schools of Living Traditions of the Itneg [Abra], Panay Bukidnon [Iloilo], and T’Boli [South Cotobato], supporting the preservation of Filipino traditional arts, crafts, and cultural heritage.’
The DOT chief expressed her appreciation to Uniqlo for supporting initiatives that promote Filipino traditions, creativity, and education while strengthening the longstanding friendship between the Philippines and Japan.
Preserving heritage, culture
‘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,’ said Angara-Mathay.
Uniqlo also partnered with Salcedo Auctions on creating three art installations celebrating the long friendship between the Philippines and Japan, again another initiative by the DOT chief’s time in Japan. Angara-Mathay had introduced Richie and Karen Lerma, owners of Salcedo Auctions, to the clothing company.
The installations feature the distinct landscapes and iconic landmarks of Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao with traditional Japanese symbols.The installations also highlight sustainability and local craftsmanship.
The DOT added that each installation is constructed from Japanese poplar wood sourced from responsibly managed forests, and thus certified by the Forest Stewardship Council. The artwork also incorporate handcrafted origami elements created by artisans from Nueva Ecija, blending Japanese artistry with Filipino craftsmanship.
Uniqlo Philippines is co-owned by Japan’s Fast Retailing Co. Ltd. and SM Retail Inc. under a joint venture called Fast Retailing Philippines Inc. It opened its first store in Manila in 2012 and currently operates 81 stores in the country.