Philippine athletes competing at the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, will wear a new collection of barongs designed by fashion designer Francis Libiran, featuring elements of Filipino heritage, culture and national identity.

Dubbed “Malaya,” the barong collection incorporates piña jusi fabric, Baybayin characters, Kalinga-inspired patterns, and the colors and rays of the Philippine flag.

“For those who carry our flag, we create something that carries our story,” Libiran said in presenting the collection.

He said the design was created to be worn by Filipino athletes with pride and courage as they represent the country on the international sporting stage.

The “Malaya” collection continues Libiran’s series of Barong Tagalog designs for the country’s national athletes.

The designer previously created “The Flag,” “Araw” and “Agila” for the Southeast Asian Games, as well as “Sinag” for the Philippine delegation to the 2024 Paris Olympics.

According to Libiran, the latest collection retains the design language of his previous works while incorporating brighter colors and symbols representing Filipino heritage, freedom and pride.

Completing the athletes’ look is the companion “Malaya Cap,” which is made from sustainable woven paper designed to evoke the natural texture of rattan.

The 20th Asian Games are being held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, from Sept. 19 to Oct. 4, 2026.