The Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI), in collaboration with the Philippine Footwear Federation, Inc. (PFFI), has partnered with Miss Universe Philippines 2026 to spotlight Filipino innovation in footwear. As part of the collaboration, this year’s candidates will wear locally developed shoes as their official competition footwear.
These pieces are produced under the SAFATOS Marikina brand, which incorporates technologies developed through DOST-PTRI’s Shoes and Footwear Accessories R&D Towards Omnibus Solutions (SAFATOS) Program. The initiative highlights the use of locally sourced textile fibers in footwear uppers, combined with a precision sizing system designed to ensure a more accurate and comfortable fit for each wearer.
The SAFATOS Program serves as DOST-PTRI’s flagship effort to advance textile applications in footwear. It covers the development of engineered uppers and insoles, a Filipino-standardized sizing system, and the integration of computer-assisted manufacturing and mass customization technologies.
While Marikina has long been known as the country’s “Shoe Capital,” the industry continues to face challenges such as dependence on imported materials and evolving market demands. Through SAFATOS, DOST-PTRI aims to help revitalize the sector by promoting the use of Philippine-grown textile materials and strengthening local production capabilities.
At the core of the program is the development of natural fibers—such as abaca, banana, bamboo, and pineapple leaves—into innovative, sustainable materials suitable for footwear. These advancements support the creation of fully Filipino-made products that combine durability, design, and environmental responsibility.
“This partnership reflects how science and design can work together to elevate Filipino products,” said DOST-PTRI Director Dr. Julius L. Leaño Jr. “By applying textile innovation to footwear, we are supporting local industries while creating opportunities to showcase Filipino ingenuity on a broader stage.”
He added that long-term industry growth requires strengthening manufacturing capabilities, emphasizing the need to maximize the country’s textile resources to achieve greater self-reliance.
Led by DOST-PTRI, the SAFATOS Program brings together research, material innovation, and industry collaboration to support Marikina shoemakers in producing high-quality, globally competitive products. Key partners include PFFI, the Marikina City local government, Zapateria Hub, Thian Rodriguez MNL, and Lee Villanueva of Alunsinag. The partnership was formalized during the Miss Universe Philippines 2026 media launch.
Beyond the runway, the collaboration represents a broader narrative of heritage, sustainability, and national pride. By bridging textile science with fashion and footwear, DOST-PTRI continues to develop solutions that drive both economic growth and environmental responsibility. With Miss Universe Philippines 2026 as a high-visibility platform, the initiative positions Filipino-made footwear for greater global recognition—proving that local innovation can stand confidently on the world stage.
For more information, contact [email protected] or visit facebook.com/ptri.dost.
