World-Class innovative Filipino footwear designs on display at SAFATOS Pilipinas Exhibition

From the DOST public archive. Original source publication date: 2026-06-17. Captured 2026-09-04. Read the original DOST source.

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Innovative Filipino footwear designs that earned honor and recognition for the country at the International Footwear Design Competition (IFDC), held in Guangzhou, China, in May 2026, are now on display at Lucky Chinatown Mall in Binondo.

Co-presented by the Department of Science and Technology - Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI) and Lucky Chinatown Mall, the SAFATOS Pilipinas Exhibition also features other sustainable, locally made, and proudly Filipino-designed footwear. The exhibition officially opened on 12 June and will be open to the public until 30 June 2026.

The SAFATOS Pilipinas Exhibition forms part of the celebration of the 128th Philippine Independence Day and serves as a platform to showcase Filipino ingenuity, innovation, and craftsmanship through the achievements of Team Philippines at the IFDC 2026. The international competition is organized annually by the Confederation of International Footwear Alliance (CIFA). It gathers footwear designs from around the world and recognizes entries that demonstrate excellence in design, innovation, and creativity.

"It is truly a nice tribute for Independence Day as we feature our  footwear designs at kung paano ito nagiging kabahagi ng ating kultura at kamalayan. Ang PTRI po continuously champions the Philippine footwear industry. And hopefully through this exhibition ay mas lalo pa nating mapalawig at mapalayo 'yong ating pagtanaw para po sa ating mga industriya lalo na sa pagsasapatos." DOST-PTRI Director Julius L. Leaño Jr. shared his opening message at the launch of SAFATOS exhibit.

Displayed at the Atrium of Lucky Chinatown Mall, the SAFATOS Pilipinas Exhibition features a collection of works by Filipino designers and shoe artisans empowered by textile and footwear innovations. Among the highlights is the historic footwear design

“Pakan” by Designer Ricmar Agas, manufactured by Konzept Shoes, which was awarded as the Overall Grand Champion (All Categories) and received the Grand Prize Gold Award at IFDC 2026—a first for the Philippines. Inspired by Philippine handloom weaving traditions, “Pakan” incorporates fabrics from the Ilocos Region and weaving elements such as shuttles, yarns, and spindles, showcasing the country's rich textile heritage and world-class footwear craftsmanship.

“Pakan,” a historic footwear design by designer Ricmar Agas and manufactured by Konzept Shoes, awarded the Overall Grand Champion (All Categories) title and received the Grand Prize Gold Award at International Footwear Design Competition 2026.

Aside from “Pakan,” the first batch of featured designs includes:

Tangled (NFDC Champion, Designer Bon Marter)

Sayaw ng Butanding at ng Mayon (IFDC Placer, Designer Lester Dellosa)

Bakunawa Ngan Mga Kadayaw (IFDC Placer, Designer Karen Mae La’O)

Oryol (NFDC Placer, Designer Hazel Roldan)

Mutya ng Panay (NFDC Placer, Designer Pamela Foronda)

Batang 90's (NFDC Awardee, Designer Florsheila Santos-Budoso)

Balangay (Designer Renegade Limpin)

Sirena (Designer Hanna Camille De Villa)

Laut Laya (Designer Ely Edullan)

In partnership with DOST-PTRI and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the Filipino Footwear Alliance Association (FFAA) co-organizes the National Footwear Design Competition (NFDC), where all the footwear in the exhibition was featured prior to their stint on the International stage. NFDC also facilitates the country's participation in the International Footwear Design Competition (IFDC). These initiatives provide a platform for both emerging and established designers to freely express their creativity while demonstrating the excellence of Filipino craftsmanship and innovation. This contributes to the continued growth and global competitiveness of the Philippine footwear industry.

Through the SAFATOS Pilipinas Exhibition, textile science innovations are brought closer to the public by demonstrating their practical and creative applications in footwear design and manufacturing.

The exhibit also serves as an important platform for Filipinos to appreciate the talent and capabilities of local designers and artisans, and innovation that fosters greater pride in Philippine-made products and the country's growing reputation in the global footwear industry.

The public is encouraged to visit the exhibit and discover the stories behind these remarkable designs that have earned recognition for the country. By supporting local designers, artisans, and homegrown innovations, Filipinos help strengthen and empower the next generation of creative talents to continue bringing local craftsmanship to the world stage.

The Philippine Textile Research Institute is an attached agency of the  Department of Science and Technology (DOST) aimed at providing science-based, innovative, and inclusive solutions across four strategic pillars: human well-being, wealth creation, wealth protection, and sustainability. These pillars embody the mantra OneDOST4U: Solutions and Opportunities for All. For more information and inquiries about sustainable textile applications in footwear and other initiatives related to the SAFATOS Program and DOST-PTRI, you may contact PTRI at ptri@ptri.dost.gov.ph or reach out through their official social media accounts. (By Princess Lyka S. Manoto, DOST-PTRI and photos from DOST-PTRI)