The Department of Science and Technology - Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI) warmly congratulates Marikina Polytechnic College (MPC) on the successful launch of its Footwear Innovation Technology (FIT) Research Laboratory last April 14, 2025.

DOST-PTRI and MPC have established their joint commitment to innovating Philippine footwear through a Memorandum of Understanding in 2023 under the Shoes and Footwear Accessories R&D on Textile-based Omnibus Solutions Program or SAFATOS Program of DOST-PTRI and continue to pursue these innovations through sustained partnership in material exploration, design development, and process innovations.

The FIT Lab is a project supported by DOST-PCIEERD that aims to help faculty researchers and students learn and develop new ideas for improving the local shoe industry. The lab is fully equipped with tools for making shoes like sewing machines, shoe lasts, and advanced technology like a 3D shoe scanner and 3D printer so users can design and create shoe prototypes more easily and creatively. The commemorative event was also attended by representatives from DOST-NCR, DOST-PCIEERD, and local shoe manufacturers.