PH wins grand prize in 15th International Footwear Design Competition 2026

The Philippines bagged the grand prize at the 15th International Footwear Design Competition (IFDC) in Guangzhou, China, with a design featuring fabrics from the Ilocos Region.

Awarded on Wednesday, Ricmar Agas's “Pakan” showcased the country's handloom weaving, incorporating shuttles, yarns, and spindles as key design elements.

“This design represents both the local textile and footwear industries on the global stage, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of both industries,” the Department of Science and Technology - Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI) said in a statement.

Pakan also obtained first place in the Female Trendy category.

The brown footwear is adorned with beadwork and striking blue, red, yellow, and white fabrics.

Meanwhile, the Philippines garnered third place in the Female Boots category with “Sayaw ng Butanding at ni Mayon” by Lester Dellosa.

The footwear is a nod to the Bicol region’s iconic symbols: the whale shark and Mayon Volcano.

“Mayon represents resilience, strength, and the dynamic spirit of Bicol, while the butanding symbolizes ecological harmony and the connection between people and nature,” DOST-PTRI said.

“The footwear’s textile design features patterns inspired by the Mayon Volcano, whale sharks, clouds, the waters of Albay Gulf, and layered leather details symbolizing flowing water,” it added.

The boots exhibit a wave-like design in different shades of blue and white, embellished with pearl-like gems.

Organized by the Confederation of International Footwear Alliance, the IFDC is an annual event that features footwear designs across the world and awards innovative designs. —AOL, GMA News