#Philippines #Aderans Philippines #San Miguel Island #Tobacco City

Introduction

Aderans Co., Ltd., renowned for its innovative wellness solutions in hair, beauty, health, and medical services, has taken a significant step towards social empowerment in the Philippines. The company, which is headquartered in Shinagawa, Tokyo, announced a successful collaboration with Tobacco City, Albay province. This collaboration resulted in the completion of a sustainable livelihood program, particularly a training focused on hair transplant techniques, held on San Miguel Island. An impressive 103 trainees have recently completed the program, paving the way for new employment opportunities in the region.

Background on San Miguel Island

San Miguel Island, while rich in natural beauty, faces significant challenges in terms of employment opportunities for its residents. The geographical isolation and limited industrial activities have adversely affected job availability, especially for women. Recognizing these challenges, Aderans Philippines launched a one-month hair transplant training course aimed at empowering local residents with skills that enable them to seek stable employment. The training commenced in December 2025 and culminated with a graduation ceremony on July 8, 2026.

Graduation Ceremony

The graduation ceremony was attended by notable local officials, including Tobacco City's Vice Mayor Glenda Bonkao, Raul Roy Borehon, the Mayor's representative, and city council member Insit Tango. During the ceremony, each graduate was awarded a certificate, signifying their successful completion of the program. The officials expressed their gratitude towards Aderans Philippines for their relentless efforts in creating job opportunities and uplifting the community.

Impact on the Community

Salvacion Balinbin, a representative from San Miguel Island, highlighted the program's profound impact on residents. He noted that this initiative not only brings new employment prospects for participants but also significantly improves the living standards of the participants and their families. The project is paving the way for economic development within the community, thereby marking a meaningful contribution to the local economy. The residents of Tobacco City have expressed their heartfelt appreciation for Aderans Philippines' continued support for their development.

Voices from the Participants

The program has had life-changing effects on many, including Charlo Bernardes, a 38-year-old individual with disabilities. Charlo shared his personal experience, explaining how acquiring hair transplant skills has transformed his life. He expressed that the program provided him with equal opportunities to work alongside others and earn a stable income to support his family, despite his disabilities. Charlo's story is a testament to the potential of such empowerment programs in the quest for equality and self-sufficiency.

Future Initiatives

Shunji Anraku, the factory manager of Aderans Philippines, commented that the success of the San Miguel Island project will serve as the foundation for further initiatives aimed at assisting other impoverished areas. The company is committed to expanding its support for employment creation beyond Tobacco City, focusing on providing stable job opportunities and empowering communities to foster sustainable local economies. Aderans Philippines is dedicated to walking alongside local communities and contributing to workforce development and job creation to support a hopeful future for all.

Conclusion

The collaboration between Aderans Philippines and Tobacco City stands as a model for corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives. By empowering individuals through skill development and job creation, Aderans Philippines not only uplifts families but also strengthens the local economy. Their ongoing commitment to community welfare demonstrates how businesses can play a critical role in fostering sustainable development and contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Aderans continues to carry its corporate motto, "Everything for a smile," into its initiatives, aiming to bring joy and opportunity to communities across the globe.