UNIQLO

UNIQLO, BDO Network Bank, BDO Foundation, and the Department of Education join forces to provide LifeWear for public school teachers nationwide

Education is one of the strongest pillars of nation-building. Guided by this belief, UNIQLO collaborated with BDO Network Bank (BDONB) and BDO Foundation for the global Heart of LifeWear Project, which aims to provide LifeWear clothing to people in need around the world. Since its launch in 2024, UNIQLO has donated more than one million clothing items to partner communities worldwide.

In partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd), the local iteration of the Heart of LifeWear aims to distribute 10,000 AIRism T-shirts to public school teachers nationwide, providing them with comfortable apparel while supporting and uplifting them in their everyday lives.

A ceremonial turnover was held recently at the Department of Education Office in Makati, where representatives from the three organizations formally handed over 10,000 AIRism T-shirts for distribution to teachers nationwide.

Present at the event were UNIQLO Philippines Chief Operating Officer Geraldine Sia, Department of Education Secretary Sonny Angara, BDO Network Bank Group Head Alberto O. Quiogue, and BDO Foundation President Mario A. Deriquito, along with DepEd regional officials, BDO officers, and members of UNIQLO’s Sustainability team.

 Empowering Communities Beyond Banking

The partnership with UNIQLO Philippines demonstrates BDO Network Bank’s continuing advocacy to empower educators—not only through accessible financial services but also through holistic support. BDONB has long collaborated with DepEd on programs such as the Teacher’s Loan, financial literacy training, and community engagement initiatives, reaffirming its role as a trusted partner of the education sector.

The partnership also connects local impact with global purpose. The activity is a part of UNIQLO’s Heart of LifeWear Project, a global movement that champions the Power of Clothing—the idea that clothing can go beyond function to deliver comfort, dignity, and hope. This global initiative has reached over 28 regions worldwide, and through the collaboration with BDO Network Bank, BDO Foundation, and DepEd, its philosophy finds a meaningful local expression for Filipino teachers.

“Every time we lift our teachers, we strengthen the communities that depend on them.  This collaboration shows how even a simple gesture can carry a meaningful message of gratitude and shared purpose.  These shirts offer comfort, but more importantly, they honor the people who guide our learners with steady dedication every day.  When we invest in teachers, we invest in the country’s future,” added Department of Education Secretary Sonny Angara.

“Our Heart of LifeWear encapsulates the essence of what our philosophy is all about – clothing made for all, with the purpose of empowering people and making their everyday lives better. Through this initiative, we show our gratitude to our public school teachers that serve us well, and we hope this small gift provides them the comfort that they need to power them through their everyday lives,” said UNIQLO Philippines Chief Operating Officer Geraldine Sia.

BDO Foundation President Mario A. Deriquito said, “We remain committed to working with DepEd in uplifting our education community especially our teachers. We look forward to partnering with DepEd for more projects in the future for the benefit of Filipino educators and learners.”

“For BDO Network Bank, this initiative reaffirms our unwavering commitment to empower educators—not only through accessible financial services but through holistic support that truly makes a difference in their daily lives,” said BDO Network Bank Group Head Alberto O. Quiogue.