ABS-CBN Foundation, Inc. (AFI) inked its partnership with the Japanese global apparel retailer, UNIQLO, through a Memorandum of Agreement. This collaboration underscores their joint efforts for the Citizen Science program of AFI’s environmental arm, Bantay Kalikasan. The signing ceremony was held last May 30 at UNIQLO Manila Global Flagship store in Glorietta, the largest flagship store in the country and Southeast Asia.

(Signatories from L to R): Roberta Lopez-Feliciano, Managing Director, ABS-CBN Foundation;  Geraldine Sia, Chief Operating Officer, UNIQLO Philippines; Sarah Agcaoili, ABS-CBN  Foundation Bantay Kalikasan Officer-In-Charge 

Through the Citizen Science program, a network of scientists can train AFI’s partner communities on the reef, mangrove, and seagrass monitoring within the Verde Island Passage (VIP). ABS- CBN Foundation Managing Director, Roberta Lopez-Feliciano expressed how UNIQLO adds a significant layer of support to the community involvement and research initiatives of the program.

She stated, “this partnership helps us pursue the dream of providing many lives with choices. Because often, the only choice is where to find the next meal. It [also] comes at a very unique moment. Last year, Verde Island Passage was internationally recognized as a Hope Spot. Andrecently, it is where the Department of Energy is directing for cleaner sources of energy, alongsideDENR’s push to keep the ‘center of the center of marine biodiversity’ intact and remain even better for generations to come.”

Lopez-Feliciano also demonstrated her enthusiasm by inviting UNIQLO Philippines to explore some areas of the 1.14-million-hectare passage.Prior to the partnership, UNIQLO has long embodied the “the power of clothing” through projects that care for the people, planet, and society. Now, joining forces with AFI, UNIQLO Philippines’ Chief Operating Officer, Geraldine Sia further emphasized the common thread that seams this partnership together.

“This partnership with ABS-CBN Foundation reaffirms UNIQLO’s commitment to harnessing the Power of Clothing to contribute to the preservation of the environment for the generations to come.

Through the Citizen Science program, we can equip communities not just with the knowledge andcapacity to help preserve the environment, but also provide opportunities that can help them with their livelihoods,” Sia stated.One of UNIQLO’s sustainability measures is to reduce the use of single-use paper in their stores. The brand encourages the use of reusable shopping bagsinstead by charging PHP 2.00 for eachof their FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified recycled paper bags. The proceeds from these sales support environmental causes, such as AFI’s marine biodiversity efforts in the VIP and Haribon Foundation’s forest conservation initiatives.

(From L to R): Reiny Vergara, Marketing and Sustainability Senior Manager, UNIQLO Philippines;  Roberta Lopez-Feliciano, Managing Director, ABS-CBN Foundation; Geraldine Sia, Chief Operating Officer, UNIQLO Philippines; Sarah Agcaoili, ABS-CBN Foundation Bantay Kalikasan Officer-In-Charge