The project, powered by the DOST-PTRI, saw candidates wear shoes that adopted and applied technologies on locally-sourced materials.
Aside from being a showcase of beauty, wit, composure, and grace, the recently-concluded Miss Universe Philippines 2026 also became a platform to highlight local innovations.
This, as the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI), through the Philippine Footwear Federation, Inc. (PFFI), partnered with Miss Universe Philippines 2026 to showcase locally developed footwear innovations, which were worn by this year’s candidates as their official footwear.
The partnership was formalized through a ceremonial signing during the Miss Universe Philippines 2026 media launch.
DOST-PTRI Director IV Dr. Julius Leaño, Jr. told, “This partnership reflects how science and design can come together to elevate Filipino products.”
These shoes were produced under the SAFATOS Marikina brand, which adopts and applies technologies developed through DOST-PTRI’s Shoes and Footwear Accessories R&D Towards Omnibus Solutions (SAFATOS) Program.
The SAFATOS Program is DOST-PTRI’s flagship initiative for advancing Philippine textile applications in footwear, which advances the integration of natural textile fibers for footwear.
“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,” added Leaño.
It covers the development of engineered uppers, insoles, a Filipino-standardized sizing system, and the use of computer-assisted manufacturing and mass customization.
Natural fibers such as abaca, banana, bamboo, and pineapple leaves are being developed through technological innovations for footwear design, enabling the production of 100 percent locally made, sustainable footwear materials.
Through this collaboration, the integration of these locally sourced textile fibers into footwear uppers, alongside a precision sizing system that ensures a more accurate fit for each candidate throughout the competition, were highlighted.
Through SAFATOS, the DOST-PTRI aims to revitalize the local footwear industry by promoting the use of Philippine-based textile materials and strengthening local manufacturing capabilities.
It is especially important for Marikina, which has long been recognized as the “Shoe Capital of the Philippines,” yet the industry continues to navigate challenges such as reliance on imported materials and shifting market demands.
By integrating research, material development, and industry collaboration, the program looks to support Marikina shoemakers in producing high-quality, environmentally responsible, and globally competitive products.
The DOST-PTRI Director also added that long-term industry recovery should go beyond the service sector, emphasizing the importance of strengthening manufacturing by capitalizing on the country’s textiles and available resources to achieve greater self-reliance.
“Beyond the runway glamour, the collaboration symbolizes heritage, sustainability, and national pride,” he said. “By connecting textile science with fashion and footwear, DOST-PTRI continues to drive solutions that support both economic growth and environmental responsibility.“
Leaño furthered, “With Miss Universe Philippines 2026 as a high-visibility platform, the partnership paves the way for Filipino-made footwear to earn global recognition—proving that local innovation can compete on the world stage.”
The initiative is backed by key partners from government, industry, manufacturing, and the creative sector, including the Philippine Footwear Federation, Inc. (PFFI), the Marikina City local government, Zapateria Hub, Thian Rodriguez MNL, and Lee Villanueva of Alunsinag.