Uniform manufacturer leads PTF-law compliance

CEBU, Philippines — Unisol, a Cebu-based uniform manufacturer, is leading efforts to help local government units (LGUs) adhere to the Philippine Tropical Fabric Law (Republic Act 9242) or the Philippine Tropical Fabrics (PTF) Law.

The company recently unveiled its Chameleon PS Collection for 2025 at Manila Fame 2024, featuring uniforms made with indigenous piña fabric sourced from various regions in the Philippines.

This initiative strengthens Unisol’s commitment to sustainability and the promotion of Filipino craftsmanship.

By incorporating piña fabric into government uniforms, Unisol meets the law's mandate to include at least five percent tropical fabric in LGU apparel.

“Currently, we are the only uniform company in the country offering this product,” said Jonas Kee Quilantang, Unisol’s owner.

The PTF law, enacted on February 10, 2004, prescribes the use of PTF for uniforms of public officials and employees and other purposes. This supports local textile products and fosters a sense of nationalism among government workers.

The law encompasses various government entities, including government-owned or controlled corporations, local government units, state and local universities and colleges, as well as local water districts.

The primary objective of the PTF law is to promote a sense of nationalism and patriotism among government employees by advocating for the use of locally produced textiles.

Founded in 2017, Unisol has transformed the uniform industry by integrating innovation with tradition.

Unisol Sales head Leah Baltazar likens the company’s vision to Jollibee’s dominance in fast food, aspiring to become the go-to brand for uniforms.

Unisol has proven its capability to manage large-scale projects during the pandemic when it secured a government contract to produce 10 million face masks.

In an interview with Marcus Wong, Unisol Chief Operating Officer, he said the company not only fulfilled but exceeded its commitment, producing more than double the required volume.

“The shift from uniforms to face masks during the pandemic was driven by sheer determination,” Wong shared.

In the post-pandemic era, Unisol invested significantly in machinery to expand its operations.

The company now employs around 200 workers and continues to secure LGU contracts in areas like Cebu, Sibonga, Consolacion, Taguig, among others.

Unisol is also breaking into international markets with small-scale uniform orders from clients in Australia, Singapore, the US, Canada, and the UK.

“Part of our 2025 expansion plan is to go global. We’re not just taking Unisol but the entire Philippine textile industry abroad,” Wong added.

Unisol sees the potential of piña fabric to revolutionize the global uniform market. Its sustainability and cost efficiency position it as a unique offering in a competitive industry.

“We want to show the world that Philippine tropical fabric is sustainable, economically viable, and scalable for mass production,” Wong said, comparing its potential to that of Chinese silk.

The company faces challenges in sourcing raw materials but collaborates with cooperatives nationwide to maintain a steady supply of piña fabric.

Unisol also partners with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and business chambers to support its growth.

Unisol has ambitious plans to go public by 2030 through an initial public offering (IPO). It also aims to secure ISO certifications to professionalize operations and strengthen its international market position.

Through its innovative approach, Unisol is not only uplifting Filipino farmers and weavers but also striving to place the Philippine textile industry on the global stage.