Insider Spotlight
The big picture
Candidates in this year’s pageant will wear shoes developed under the SAFATOS Marikina brand, integrating advanced textile technologies and locally sourced materials. The initiative puts Filipino craftsmanship and science on a high-visibility global platform.
Why it matters
Marikina, long known as the country’s shoe capital, has struggled with imported material dependence and changing consumer demand. The SAFATOS program aims to reverse that trend by strengthening domestic manufacturing and material sourcing.
What’s new
The footwear uses engineered uppers made from natural fibers such as abaca, banana, bamboo, and pineapple leaves. These materials are enhanced through research-driven processes to meet durability and design standards while remaining sustainable.
A precision sizing system is also embedded, ensuring a more accurate fit for each wearer through computer-assisted manufacturing and mass customization.
What they’re saying
“This partnership reflects how science and design can come together to elevate Filipino products,” Dr. Julius L. Leaño Jr., Director IV of DOST-PTRI, said in a press statement on April 21, 2026. “By applying textile innovation to footwear, we are not only supporting local industries but also creating new opportunities to showcase Filipino ingenuity on a larger stage,” Leaño added.
Between the lines
Beyond the pageant, the collaboration signals a broader push to rebuild the Philippines’ manufacturing base by leveraging local resources and innovation rather than relying on imports.
Who’s involved
The initiative brings together government, industry, and creatives, including the Philippine Footwear Federation, Marikina City government, Zapateria Hub, and local designers.
The bottom line
By merging science, sustainability, and fashion, DOST-PTRI is positioning Marikina footwear not just as a heritage product, but as a globally competitive industry—one runway at a time. —Vanessa Hidalgo | Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
