"For more than three decades, DKT Philippines Foundation has worked to remove barriers to family planning through innovation and strong partnerships. The SODEX Floating Clinic is another important step in that mission, allowing us to bring more communities better access to family planning products and services of their choice." ~Denise van Dijk, Chair of the Board of DKT Philippines Foundation, Inc. and President and CEO of DKT Health, Inc.,
In partnership with the Ministry of Health-BARMM, the first-of-its-kind SODEX Floating Clinic aims to bring free family planning services to hard-to-reach communities in BARMM
I recently learned about an inspiring healthcare initiative that I believe deserves more attention—the launch of the Philippines’ first-ever family planning floating clinic by the DKT Philippines Foundation, a non-profit organization powered by TRUST.
The floating clinic was officially launched on August 20, 2026, at BangkaPro in Taguig City, the vessel’s builder. What makes this initiative special is that it was developed in partnership with the Ministry of Health in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) through DKT Philippines Foundation’s Service Outreach and Distribution Extension (SODEX) Program.
For me, this is more than just another healthcare project. It’s a creative and meaningful way of bringing essential family planning and reproductive health services directly to communities where access can be challenging because of geography.
During the launch, DKT Philippines Foundation Chair of the Board and DKT Health, Inc. President and CEO Denise van Dijk emphasized the Foundation’s commitment to making quality reproductive healthcare accessible to every Filipino.
A Floating Clinic That Brings Healthcare to the Last Mile
Starting September 2026, the floating clinic will travel to communities in Tawi-Tawi, Basilan, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Norte, and Maguindanao del Sur.
The goal is simple but very important: make quality family planning services more accessible, especially for people living in remote and hard-to-reach areas.
What I appreciate about the project is that the services are offered FOR FREE. The floating clinic will provide family planning consultations and counseling, as well as different contraceptive options depending on the needs and informed choices of patients.
Among the services available are long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs)such as intrauterine devices (IUDs) and two-rod implants, together with temporary methods including pills, injectables,and condoms.
Why Family Planning Access Matters
Family planning is not simply about contraception. It is also about giving individuals and couples the opportunity to make informed choices about their reproductive health and future.
The initiative also received support from the Ministry of Health-BARMM Director General II, Technical Services Dr. Ahmad-Fawadz Israel represented Minister Dr. Kadil “Jojo” M. Sinolinding Jr. and shared the Ministry’s message about improving healthcare access in communities where geography can still be a major barrier.
Representing the Department of Health (DOH) was National Family Planning Program Manager Dr. Hardy Dumawing. The DOH highlighted that family planning is an important health intervention and an essential part of Universal Health Care.
And honestly, this is where I think the floating clinic can make a real difference—because healthcare should not stop at the places that are easiest to reach.
"Many communities across BARMM continue to face significant challenges in accessing healthcare because of distance and geography. The SODEX Floating Clinic allows us to bring family planning information and services directly to our people instead of expecting them to travel long distances for care. This public-private partnership strengthens our commitment to making quality reproductive healthcare more accessible and responsive to the needs of Bangsamoro communities."~Dr. Kadil "Jojo" M. Sinolinding Jr., Director General II, Technical Services, Minister of the Ministry of Health-BARMM
Additionally, Program Manager for National Family Planning Dr. Hardy Dumawing joined the event on behalf of the Department of Health (DOH). The department emphasized that family planning, as a health intervention, is an essential component of Universal Health Care, the country's major health reform aimed at providing every Filipino with accessible and high-quality healthcare.
Projects like the floating clinic help bring services up to the last mile, contributing to better health outcomes while advancing the country's efforts to achieve its sustainable development goals.
Part of a Bigger Mission
The floating clinic is the newest addition to DKT Philippines Foundation’s SODEX Program, which already provides free family planning services through partner healthcare facilities and the country’s first family planning mobile clinic.
With the addition of this floating clinic, DKT is expanding its reach even further, particularly to communities that may have limited access to healthcare facilities.
What also caught my attention is that DKT Philippines Foundation has been working in family planning and reproductive health since 1991, focusing on education, advocacy, partnerships, and access to reproductive health products and services.
Powered by TRUST, the Foundation reinvests proceeds from TRUST product sales into free family planning services and outreach programs for vulnerable, remote, and underserved communities.
"Every community faces different challenges in accessing healthcare, and our outreach programs are designed to respond to those realities. Our work goes beyond providing services-we continuously look for ways to deliver care that is more accessible, responsive, and sustainable for the communities we serve." ~Loida Almendares, Director of Programs of DKT Philippines Foundation, Inc.
Bringing Choice and Care Closer to Filipinos
For me, the launch of the Philippines’ first family planning floating clinic is a great example of how healthcare can be brought closer to the people—literally going beyond roads and traditional healthcare facilities to reach communities across the islands.
As the floating clinic begins its operations in September, I’m hoping this initiative will help more Filipinos access reliable information, professional consultations, and quality family planning services without having to travel long distances just to get the care they need.
At the heart of the project is informed choice—making sure Filipinos have access to the information, options, and healthcare services they need to make decisions about their reproductive health.
It’s a reminder that wherever you are in the Philippines, access to quality healthcare should never be limited by geography.
About DKT Philippines Foundation
Since 1991, DKT Philippines Foundation has been at the forefront of family planning and reproductive health advocacy in the Philippines. Powered by TRUST, the Foundation works with local govemment units and partners nationwide to promote responsible family planning and expand access to quality sexual and reproductive health services. Through education and access to modern contraceptive methods, DKT Philippines Foundation empowers individuals to make informed reproductive health choices.
"This is a very exciting time for all of us at Mega. The United States has been one of our key priorities, and this opportunity has been in development for nine months including investment and participation in major US food shows to assess the Amercan consumer. To now see Mega Sardines reaching shelves across America is an important milestone for our company and for a Filipino brand with global ambitions."~Michelle Chan, CEO
For many years, consumer brands have mostly flowed in one direction between the Philippines and the United States. American brands—from Shakey's and Kenny Rogers to Coca-Cola and Spam—became ingrained in Filipino culture.
That narrative is starting to shift today. Filipino businesses are increasingly demonstrating that Philippine-born brands are capable of competing, expanding, and succeeding on the international scene. Jollibee paved the way for that. Mega Sardines' recent nationwide expansion into the US represents yet another significant advancement for Filipino consumer brands.
Mega Sardines is being introduced in roughly 2,750 locations under Kroger and its affiliated brands, including Mariano's, Fry's, Dillons, and Pick 'n Save. Products are beginning to appear on shelves across the country and should be accessible nationwide by the middle of September.
For Mega Prime Foods, the milestone represents much more than just a new export market.
In partnership with TTA (The Turnaround Artists), an international sales partner, Mega has been rapidly expanding its global footprint.
Beyond the United States, the company has recently entered Azerbaijan, Kenya and Jordan, with at least 10 additional
countries in its development pipeline.
From a Filipino Brand to a Global Brand
The Kroger partnership began much more modestly, with only a small portion of the Kroger network included in the test. After all, even a piece of Kroger is huge, being a $180 Billion Dollar listed company, and number 2 grocery status in the United States.
As negotiations proceeded, the opportunity expanded from a small test to a broader rollout across Kroger's various retail banners and ultimately to nationwide distribution. As of right now, Mega is the only Filipino brand that Kroger will carry.
For Marvin Tiu Lim, who leads Growth & Business Development for Mega Prime Foods, the U.S. expansion is not the finish line. It is a platform for Mega's next phase of growth.
"My role now is to help build the next growth engines for Mega. That means accelerating our international expansion, opening new markets and channels, developing strategic partnerships, and pursuing acquisitions and joint ventures that can give us new capabilities, brands, production capacity and access to consumers around the world. We want to build Mega into a truly global Filipino food company. The opportunity is not only to sell Mega Sardines in more countries, but to build an international platform-one that can take Filipino brands abroad, acquire and develop brands in other markets, access new fishing grounds and supply sources, and create businesses that can compete at global scale."~Marvin Tiu Lim, Leads Growth & Business Development for Mega Prime Foods
The ambition is to move beyond simply exporting products from the Philippines.
The United States is particularly important for that strategy. Thanks to its success with a major retailer like Kroger, Mega has a platform to introduce the brand to both Filipino-Americans and the much larger mainstream American consumer market.
Globally, sardines are gaining popularity as a quick, high-nutrient source of Omega-3 fatty acids and protein. Because of its positioning around quality, health, heritage, and value, Mega has the opportunity to take sardines outside of the typical ethnic food aisle and introduce the category to a new generation of customers.
Filipino Pride on the World Stage
For the Tiu Lim family, Mega's international expansion carries a deeper meaning.
The company's founder and chairman, William Tiu Lim, started it as a small fishing business more than 50 years ago with the intention of providing Filipino families with affordable, healthful food.
Mega is currently working toward a goal that was previously unthinkable: becoming the top player in the world type of sardines.
The family is also likened to Alex Eala, another young Filipino who is gaining international recognition.
Mega wants to show that Filipino businesses and brands can do the same in international business, just as Eala does when she walks onto the biggest tennis stages in the world while carrying the Philippine flag and proving that Filipino athletes can compete against the best.
"What Alex Eala represents is bigger than tennis. Every time she competes internationally, Filipinos feel that sense of pride because we see one of our own proving that we belong on the world stage. That is the same spirit we want Mega to represent. We want Filipinos to walk into a supermarket in America, Europe, the Middle East or anywhere else in the world, see Mega on the shelf and say, 'That brand came from the Philippines-and it is one of the best in the world. Alex Eala is showing the world what Filipino talent can accomplish through belief, discipline, focus and humility. We want Mega to carry that same Filipino spirit into global business. Our dream is not simply to become a successful Philippine sardine brand. Our dream is for a Filipino brand to become the number-one sardine brand in the world." ~Marvin Tiu Lim
It is a vision shared across generations of the Mega family.
"When my wife and I founded Mega 51 years ago, we were a humble fishing company focused on serving the Philippine nation with affordable yet healthy food. We could never have imagined entering the massive U.S. market with a customer such as Kroger and adding new countries around the world." ~William Tiu Lim, Chairman
But according to Mega, Filipino pride goes beyond being overseas. Global success is the aim.
From fishing boats in the Philippines to supermarket shelves across America, Mega's journey is becoming a story about something much bigger than sardines.
It seeks to show what Filipino companies can accomplish when they have the courage to think globally and offer Filipinos have yet another reason to be proud when the Philippine flag competes and wins on the global stage.
I recently got a first look at UNIQLO Philippines’ 2026 Fall/Winter Collection, and this season’s “Modern City Living” theme really caught my attention. The new LifeWear lineup is all about keeping up with everyday life—whether I’m heading to the mall, attending events, traveling, running errands, or simply going out with friends.
What I love about this collection is that UNIQLO continues to focus on pieces that are not only stylish but also comfortable, functional, and easy to incorporate into an everyday wardrobe. From relaxed denim and lightweight outerwear to cozy knits and versatile innerwear, there are plenty of pieces that caught my eye.
My Top Picks from the Collection
1. Baggy Barrel Leg Jeans
One of the first pieces that caught my attention was the Baggy Barrel Leg Jeans. The relaxed barrel-leg silhouette gives the classic jeans a more contemporary look while keeping the outfit comfortable. I can easily imagine wearing these with a basic T-shirt and sneakers for a casual day, or dressing them up with a shirt and jacket when heading to an event.
2. EZY Wide Straight Jeans
UNIQLO's versatile Bottoms collection offers flattering silhouettes for every style, from relaxed Baggy Barrel Leg Jeans and comfortable EZY Wide Straight Jeans to the seasons genderless Culottes
For anyone who prioritizes comfort, the EZY Wide Straight Jeans are definitely worth checking out. They give you the appearance of denim while offering the comfortable feel of sweatpants. For me, this is the kind of piece that makes sense for travel and long days when I want to stay comfortable without looking too casual.
3. Harrington Jacket
The Harrington Jacket is one of those timeless outerwear pieces that can easily become a wardrobe staple. It's simple enough for everyday wear and works well as a lightweight layer. Since the Philippines doesn't always require heavy winter clothing, I like the idea of having versatile jackets that can be worn during cooler days or when traveling abroad.
4. Denim Trucker Jacket
Another classic is the Denim Trucker Jacket. Denim jackets are easy to style, and this one can be paired with everything from dresses and skirts to jeans and basic T-shirts. It's also a great layering piece for travel because it can instantly make a simple outfit look more polished.
5. Fleece Collection
UNIQLO's travel essentials Fleece, HEATTECH, and PUFFTECH offer lightweight warmth, comfort, and versatile layering for effortless travel to cooler destinations
UNIQLO's Fleece collection offers lightweight warmth, comfort, and versatile styles in a range of colors for effortless layering and travel to cooler destinations
The Fleece line is definitely something I would consider for my travels to colder destinations. The collection comes in different colors and styles for both men and women, with lightweight designs that provide warmth without feeling too heavy. If you're planning a trip somewhere with colder weather, this is one category I'd definitely check out.
6. Souffle Yarn Knits
UNIQLO's Knit collection offers everyday comfort and versatility, from cozy 100% extra-fine merino wool Soufflé Yarn Knits to refined Smooth Cotton Knits
UNIQLO's Knit collection offers everyday comfort and versatility, from cozy 100% extra-fine merino wool Soufflé Yarn Knits to refined Smooth Cotton Knits
For something cozy and elevated, the Souffle Yarn Knits are another standout. They're made from 100% extra fine merino wool, offering warmth while maintaining that refined look. These are perfect for layering and can easily transition from casual daytime outfits to something more polished.
7. Cashmere Crew Neck Sweater
Matteo Guidicelli captures the appeal of UNIQLO Knits, showcasing the comfort and versatility of cashmere in the 2026 Fall Winter Collection
The Cashmere Crew Neck Sweater, which was also styled by Matteo Guidicelli during the launch, immediately gave me that classic and sophisticated vibe. It's the kind of timeless piece that can be worn season after season, especially when traveling to colder destinations.
8. Smart Culottes
I also like the versatility of the Smart Culottes. They offer a polished silhouette while still giving you the freedom and comfort of a relaxed bottom. Solenn Heussaff's styling of the Smart Culottes showed how they can work beautifully with layered tops and outerwear.
9. Lounge & Underwear
UNIQLO's Loungewear and Innerwear collections combine stay-in comfort with versatile functionality and style designed to transition effortlessly beyond the home
The collection also includes Loungewear and Innerwear, which bring together comfort and functionality. I appreciate that UNIQLO continues to design pieces that can work at home but can also be styled for going outside. Because let's be honest—if something is comfortable enough for a stay-in day but cute enough for a quick coffee run, that's a win for me!
10. Sport Utility Wear
For those who are always moving, UNIQLO's Sport Utility Wear (SUW) brings together comfort and functionality. The pieces are designed for everyday movement, from errands and light activities to more active pursuits. This category makes sense for my lifestyle because I’m often moving from one place to another throughout the day.
More Than Just Clothes
The 2026 Fall/Winter season also marks the 10th anniversary of UNIQLO U, celebrating a decade of evolving LifeWear essentials.
Anne Curtis Brings Her Own Take on Modern City Style
“What I’m wearing is the Fluffy Yarn Fleece Full-Zip Jacket and underneath is the UNIQLO : C Milano Ribbed Full-Zip Cardigan, and then I have my Baggy Barrel Jeans. It’s pretty chill, relaxed, and for someone like me who gets cold easily, even in Manila, it’s perfect for me. As you can see, I’m not even sweating. It’s comfy, it’s perfect, and it’s fluffy.”~Anne Curtis, UNIQLO’s Newest Local Celebrity Partner, Award-winning Actress and Host
One of the highlights of the launch was seeing UNIQLO's newest local celebrity partner, Anne Curtis, showcase her take on modern city dressing. Her first look combined:
Zip Up Short Jacket
JW Anderson Boxy Oxford Long Sleeve Shirt
Ribbed Henley Neck Long Sleeve T-Shirt
Baggy Barrel Leg Jeans for a relaxed and comfortable outfit.
Other local celebrity partners also showcased different sides of the collection. Alexa Ilacad highlighted AIRism and functional layering, while Anthony Constantino showed how UNIQLO Sweats can go beyond loungewear.
(L-R) UNIQLO Philippines Local Celebrity Partners Anthony Constantino, Emilio Daez, Matteo Guidicelli, Marketing Director Jan Jizelle Ang, Anne Curtis, Chief Operating Officer Geraldine Sia, Kianna Dy, Alexa Ilacad, and Solenn Heussaff.
Emilio Daez showcased the versatility of Core T essentials, Kianna Dy focused on Lounge & Underwear, Matteo Guidicelli styled the Cashmere Crew Neck Sweater, and Solenn Heussaff brought her signature individuality to layered outerwear and Smart Culottes.
Emilio Daez looked effortlessly polished in his AIRism Cotton Oversized Crew Neck T-Shirt, layered under the Waffle Henley Neck Long Sleeve T-Shirt, highlighting the versatility of UNIQLO’s everyday Core T essentials. He completed the look with Baggy Jeans and a Fleece Full-Zip Jacket, adding a relaxed yet functional touch.
Emilio Daez features UNIQLO's Core T Collection, showcasing its versatility, comfort, and range of fits and fabrics designed for everyday LifeWear
Kianna Dy showcased Lounge & Underwear through the Ribbed V-neck Cardigan, layered over the Henley Neck Sleeveless Top and Ribbed Sleeveless Top, paired with Cotton Easy Boxer Shorts for a comfortable, easygoing finish.
Kianna Dy showcases UNIQLO's Lounge & Underwear collection, highlighting its soft, breathable fabrics, comfortable fit, and effortless versatility for everyday wear
Matteo Guidicelli rocked the Cashmere Crew Neck Sweater as his practical and reliable go-to this season, pairing it with the JW Anderson Denim Long Sleeve Shirt and Slim Chino Pants.
Matteo Guidicelli captures the appeal of UNIQLO Knits, showcasing the comfort and versatility of cashmere in the 2026 Fall Winter Collection
Solenn Heussaff showcased her signature individuality through layered outerwear, pairing the Coated Relaxed Shirt Jacket with the HEATTECH Extra Warm Cashmere Blend Turtleneck T-Shirt and Smart Culottes for a confident, contemporary take on city dressing.
Solenn Heussaff shows off UNIQLO's Outerwear collection, highlighting its versatility, functionality, and ease for everyday city dressing in the 2026 Fall Winter Collection
Anthony Constantino elevated everyday dressing with UNIQLO Sweats, showcasing how the category can go beyond loungewear. He layered the Oxford Oversized Long Sleeve Shirt over the UNIQLO : C Oversized Sweatshirt, paired with Sweat Wide Pants for a sleek yet comfortable look.
Anthony Constantino hangs out in UNIQLO Sweats, highlighting the collections versatility, comfort, and elevated appeal for everyday city dressing in the 2026 Fall Winter Collection
Alexa Ilacad highlighted the timeless appeal and functionality of the AIRism Bra Sleeveless Top, layering it with the JW Anderson Oxford Boxy Long Sleeve Shirt and Windproof Stand Blouson, paired with a Pleated Skort for a versatile, polished finish.
Alexa Ilacad highlights her favorite AIRism Bra Tops, showcasing their comfort, versatility, and seamless fit as part of UNIQLO LifeWears 2026 Fall Winter Collection
UNIQLO's Commitment to Positive Impact. Beyond the clothes, I also appreciate the initiatives connected to this season. UNIQLO Philippines is highlighting the local implementation of the global PEACE FOR ALL initiative in partnership with Plan International Pilipinas, supporting underserved Filipino youth, particularly young women.
The program aims to provide skills development, employability support, and entrepreneurship opportunities. Proceeds from purchases of the new PEACE FOR ALL collection will support the initiative, including its local program in Valenzuela City and broader efforts worldwide.
UNIQLO has also introduced Re.UNIQLO Special Artisan Patches as part of the celebration of the 70th Friendship Year between the Philippines and Japan. Created with local artisans nationwide, the patches feature elements inspired by historical landmarks, seasons, food, and other cultural references.
More Reasons to Celebrate the Collection
The season also marks the 10th anniversary of UNIQLO U, celebrating ten years of evolving LifeWear essentials, and the upcoming release of the UNIQLO: C collection for Fall/Winter. New designs influenced by pop art, Manga 100th, YOASOBI, Pokemon, Ukiyo-e, Peanuts, and NY POP ART are also anticipated by fans of UNIQLO Core T and the UT collection.
UNIQLO continues to strengthen its commitment to sustainability and community-beneficial initiatives in addition to developing new products.
UNIQLO Philippines is showcasing the first local implementation of the global PEACE FOR ALL initiative to support impoverished Filipino youth, particularly young women. The project aims to provide people with opportunities for entrepreneurship, employability support, and skill development that can enhance their future standard of living in partnership with Plan International Pilipinas. The proceeds from every purchase of the new PEACE FOR ALL collection will support the initiative, which includes the local program in Valenzuela City and PEACE FOR ALL's larger global efforts. The program will continue to support underprivileged communities for the next three years.
Additionally, UNIQLO recently introduced the Re.UNIQLO Special Artisan Patches in honor of Japan and the Philippines' 70th anniversary of friendship. The designs, which were created in partnership with regional craftspeople across the country, feature historical sites from both nations as well as elements influenced by the seasons, cuisine, and other factors. By working with regional craftspeople to produce the patch designs, which consumers can add to their preferred UNIQLO products via the Re.UNIQLO Studio Embroidery Service, the initiative also seeks to support schools of living traditions across the country.
What makes this collection appealing to me is its versatility. UNIQLO isn't simply presenting seasonal pieces; it's creating LifeWear that can adapt to different parts of everyday life.
From city commutes and workdays to travel, errands, events, and colder destinations, the UNIQLO 2026 Fall/Winter Collection shows how fashion can be comfortable, functional, and stylish at the same time.
After seeing the collection up close, I already have a few pieces in mind for my next shopping trip!
About UNIQLO LifeWear
LifeWear is clothing that is made for all, designed to make everyone's life better. It is simple, high quality, everyday clothing with a practical sense of beauty - ingenious in detail, thought through with life's needs in mind, timeless in style, and always evolving.
About UNIQLO and Fast Retailing
UNIQLO is a brand of Fast Retailing Co., Ltd., a leading Japanese retail holding company with global headquarters in Tokyo, Japan. UNIQLO is the largest of eight brands in the Fast Retailing Group, the others being GU, Theory, PLST, Comptoir des Cotonniers, Princesse tam.tam, J Brand and Helmut Lang. With global sales of approximately 3.4 trillion yen for the 2025 fiscal year ending August 31, 2025 (US $23.16 billion, calculated in yen using the end of August 2025 rate of $1 = 146.8 yen), Fast Retailing is one of the world’s largest apparel retail companies, and UNIQLO is Japan’s leading specialty retailer.
UNIQLO continues to open large-scale stores in some of the world's most important cities and locations, as part of its ongoing efforts to solidify its status as a global brand. Today the company has a total of more than 2,500 UNIQLO stores across the world, including Japan, Asia, Europe and North America. The total number of stores across Fast Retailing's brands is now over 3,500.
With a corporate statement committed to changing clothes, changing conventional wisdom and change the world, Fast Retailing is dedicated to creating great clothing with new and unique value to enrich the lives of people everywhere. For more information about UNIQLO and Fast Retailing, please visit www.uniqlo.com and www.fastretailing.com.
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