Japanese retail giant extends aid to Mindanao earthquake victims

Japanese retail giant Fast Retailing Co. Ltd., the parent company of clothing brand Uniqlo, has pledged P11.7 million in cash assistance and clothing donations to support communities affected by the powerful earthquake that struck Mindanao earlier this month.

The company said the monetary donation will be coursed through the SM Foundation and ABS-CBN Foundation to provide emergency assistance and essential supplies to families impacted by the disaster. The partner organizations will determine how the funds will be allocated based on the immediate needs of affected communities.

In addition to the financial aid, Fast Retailing will donate 2,000 AIRism clothing items to help those displaced by the earthquake. The donation follows the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck parts of southern Mindanao on June 8, damaging homes, disrupting communities and forcing thousands of residents to evacuate.

Fast Retailing said the assistance is part of its commitment to supporting communities during times of crisis. Separately, Uniqlo Philippines has already distributed emergency clothing assistance to more than 7,000 people in affected areas in coordination with the SM Foundation and ABS-CBN Foundation.

The donations included new AIRism apparel and pre-owned clothing collected through the company’s RE.UNIQLO recycling initiative. “Fast Retailing sincerely hopes for the speedy recovery of the affected communities, and that those impacted can return to their daily lives as soon as possible,” the company said in a statement.