LOOB’s Vision of Cross-Cultural Empowerment
Yukie Kobayashi-Loot’s passion for youth development was sparked during her younger years as a student volunteer in a youth cultural exchange program. Her immersion in the Philippines in the mid-90s profoundly impacted her. It fostered a deep love for the country and inspired her to give back. Through the exchange program, she recognized the transformative potential of youth engagement, particularly in bridging cultures between Japan and the Philippines. After graduating from college in Japan, Loot found herself uninterested in pursuing traditional career opportunities in her home country. Instead, she returned to the Philippines, initially without intending to establish an organization. She began working as a Japanese translator, writing news for NHK Japan, a role that deepened her understanding of cross-cultural communication. Her journey took a new turn when she settled in Iloilo City with her husband. In 2001, they co-founded Love Our Own Brethren (LOOB) Inc. , a non-profit o...
