#Spice Factory #EDGE Scholarship #Cebu University

Spice Factory's Humanitarian Efforts in Cebu, Philippines

Spice Factory Inc., a Tokyo-based company led by CEO Hiroyuki Takagi, has made a significant step towards aiding recovery in the northern part of Cebu, Philippines, which recently endured a devastating earthquake and tropical storm. Following this natural disaster, which notably occurred on September 2025, the company contributed funds to Cebu University to assist in relief efforts. In light of the tragic loss of lives and the need for recovery, Spice Factory extends its deepest condolences to the victims and their families affected by these events.

Donations to Support Students

In 2023, the company established a local subsidiary in the Philippines and launched the "Spice Factory EDGE Scholarship" program. This unique initiative aims to support children from impoverished households in the affected regions without intermediaries. By November 2025, the program had already benefitted five students.

To further bolster community support, Spice Factory made two donations totaling 120,000 Philippine Pesos (approximately $31,000) to Cebu University on October 16 and 31. These funds are earmarked for purchasing essential relief supplies, including potable water and necessary goods. The university has formally acknowledged the donations with a letter of thanks.

The collaborative efforts also involved a gathering of key figures, including Dr. Seison, Vice President for Academic Affairs at Cebu University, supported scholarship student Princess, and members from the Philippine office, showcasing the combined commitment to relieve the humanitarian crisis.

Employee Participation in Fundraising Activities

Recognizing the devastating impacts of the earthquake and storm not only on the local communities but also on employees of the Philippine subsidiary, who faced extensive property damage, disruptions in electricity and water supply, Spice Factory initiated voluntary fundraising among staff in Japan in November 2025. This initiative allowed employees to contribute towards helping their colleagues affected in the Philippines, with the collected funds intended for distribution among the local staff members in December 2025.

This fundraising effort represents a collective spirit of support from the employees in Japan, ensuring safety and fairness in collecting and administering donations.

The Interconnection Between Disasters and Education in the Philippines

The Philippines is highly susceptible to natural disasters, including floods, typhoons, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions. This precarious reality was underscored in the 2025 World Risk Index, which ranked the Philippines as having the highest disaster risk globally. The frequent calamities have dire consequences not only on lives and infrastructure but also on the educational opportunities available for children.

According to the second annual report by EDCOM II, students could potentially lose up to a month of instructional days due to interruptions from climate-related events. Furthermore, UNICEF reported that one-third of the Filipino population are children, who are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and environmental shocks; in this regard, the Philippines ranks second-highest in the East Asia-Pacific region for climate change risks faced by children.

Strengthening educational infrastructure and disaster preparedness is critical for nurturing human resources and rebuilding social foundations in the country.

Partnering for a Shared Future

Spice Factory's scholarship program symbolizes a vital stepping stone for children in the Philippines to continue their education and build their livelihoods. However, addressing the structural challenge of poverty requires broader initiatives beyond our operations.

To create a more significant social impact, Spice Factory seeks to partner with other businesses that share a common ethos. If your company is interested in contributing to this cause, we encourage you to reach out to us for a conversation.

For inquiries, please contact us at: [email protected]

About Spice Factory

Established in March 2016, Spice Factory Inc. serves as a catalyst for digital transformation across various sectors, including education, healthcare, local government, primary industries, logistics, manufacturing, and entertainment. The company focuses on agile development approaches to swiftly generate value while solving societal and customer challenges. Our mission is to be the