The Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI) spearheads the Filipino Footwear Forum and hosts a Technical Committee meeting specialized for the footwear industry. This pioneering initiative aims to convene key stakeholders from government, academe, and industry to discuss current events in the footwear sector, identify gaps and opportunities for strategic innovation, and align efforts to advance the Philippine footwear industry.

This forum was under the initiatives of the DOST-PTRI Shoes and Footwear Accessories R&D Towards Omnibus Solutions (SAFATOS) program. This cover projects that helps develop textile-based materials for footwear applications and addresses inconsistencies in local sizing systems. In advancing technological capabilities, DOST-PTRI has also trained shoemakers in computer-assisted design and manufacturing methods for custom footwear development.

DOST-PTRI Director, Dr. Julius Leaño Jr., said in his opening remarks that footwear is one of the key allies of the Philippine textile industry, particularly because nearly 80 percent of the tests used in textiles are similar to those used in footwear. He added that research on footwear, as well as on related products such as hats, bags, and other accessories that form part of the overall wardrobe and accessories, indicates that it naturally aligns with the textile sector. Similar to textiles, footwear also represents an intersection of various materials and technologies, further exemplifying their interconnectedness.

Participants present their initiatives, programs, and efforts to advance the local footwear industry on their respective expertise and contributions. The forum convene representatives from the Department of Science and Technology – National Capital Region (DOST-NCR), Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD), Department of Science and Technology – Forest Products Research and Development Institute (DOST-FPRDI), Department of Trade and Industry – National Capital Regional Office (DTI-NCRO), Marikina Polytechnic College, Filipino Footwear Alliance Association, Inc., Philippine Footwear Federation, Inc., Zapateria, Inc., and the University of the Philippines Diliman - Department of Mining, Metallurgical, and Materials Engineering.

During the forum, key stakeholders explore quality benchmarks, classifications, and material requirements that will establish a distinct locally made Filipino footwear branding. DOST-PTRI Director, Dr. Julius Leaño Jr., notes that in order to achieve this, it will require a two-step conversion process to ensure compliance with technical and quality standards.

The forum also explored material innovation and sourcing, highlighting textiles, leather, and rubber as components for Filipino footwear. They also underscored the importance of aligning material selection with future standards and prioritizing locally sourced resources. Other potential materials, such as wood and metal components, were identified for further technical study and discussion to be utilized as materials for footwear production.

Human capacity-building and skills development emerged as vital components of the initiative. Beyond establishing a locally made footwear brand, the initiative seeks to empower the communities and artisans who form the backbone of the footwear industry. Through strengthened academic partnerships and formal education programs, the forum participants hope that the knowledge in footwear design, materials science, and manufacturing technology can be further developed and translated into actual footwear products.

The documentation and preservation of traditional shoemaking knowledge were also emphasized. Master artisans play a crucial role in sustaining and transferring the craft. Systematic documentation, supported by digital archiving and dissemination, will ensure that their expertise is preserved and the shoemaking craft is transferred to future generations.

Participants also highlight the importance of modernized marketing systems and digital platforms to make Filipino footwear more accessible to consumers. Strengthening market presence and encouraging support for locally made products will help build a recognizable Filipino brand that can lead to globally competitive local footwear products. Prioritizing Filipino-made footwear in local markets is viewed as a strategic step toward achieving international competitiveness.

The Department of Trade and Industry introduced discussions on incentive mechanisms and taxation policies that may support the sector’s growth. Forum participants recommend to expand future dialogues and including other relevant agencies and stakeholders that are part of the footwear value chain to ensure a comprehensive, national-level perspective, as they recognized footwear as a key industry sector.

The event also showcases a 3D foot scanner, an innovative technology used to determine precise foot size and pressure measurements, which participants can use. This tool is under the SAFATOS 3 Project and supports the goal of establishing a standardized Filipino foot sizing system. Currently, the Philippines largely follows foreign sizing standards. Generating localized anthropometric data will enable the development of footwear that better fits Filipino consumers and represents Filipino identity.

Following the forum, participants convened for a technical committee meeting to prioritize action points and initiate collaborative projects for the sector. The meeting covered discussions on the composition of the committee, its roles, standards for the national sizing system, standards for Filipino footwear (including school shoes, government office shoes, and combat shoes), sustainability standards, as well as export and traceability requirements. Some agenda items are still up for further discussion in the next Technical Committee meeting, which they plan to conduct quarterly.

Plans for succeeding forums include a wider call for other key industry players to further enhance discussions and initiatives for the Filipino footwear industry.

In response to the identified gaps and opportunities discussed during the initial footwear forum, DOST-PTRI reaffirmed its commitment to extending its efforts in textile innovation toward strengthening the Filipino footwear industry through science-based innovation.