SoFA Design Institute, Shell Philippines, and DOST-PTRI Formalize Partnership for Balik Likha

Advancing Circular Fashion, Filipino Textiles, and Responsible Design Education

On September 14, 2026, SoFA Design Institute hosted the formal signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Shell Philippines and the Department of Science and Technology Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI) at the SoFA campus in Proscenium, Rockwell, Makati City.

The MOU formalizes a shared commitment to strengthen Balik Likha, Shell Philippines’ initiative that brings together design, material innovation, and sustainability through the creative reuse and transformation of materials. The collaboration builds on the previous two batches of the program, where SoFA students, particularly those from the Fashion Design program, participated in developing design pieces using upcycled materials.

With the formalization of this partnership, the program enters a new phase of collaboration that places greater emphasis on textile exploration, Filipino-made fabrics, responsible material use, and the continued development of local creative practices.

From Upcycling to a Deeper Understanding of Materials

For SoFA Fashion Design students, Balik Likha provides an opportunity to approach fashion beyond aesthetics and construction. Through the program, students are encouraged to examine where materials come from, how they are produced, how they can be transformed, and how design decisions can contribute to a more circular approach to fashion.

With the participation of DOST-PTRI, students will also have opportunities to explore Filipino-developed and locally produced textile materials that can broaden their understanding of the country's textile ecosystem.

This collaboration introduces students to the possibilities of working with materials connected to Filipino textile production and local weaving communities, encouraging them to consider how design can help create greater appreciation and opportunities for locally produced textiles.

Rather than treating materials simply as components of a finished garment, students are encouraged to understand their origin, construction, application, lifespan, and potential for reuse.

Industry and Academic Perspectives Come Together

The MOU signing brought together representatives from SoFA Design Institute, Shell Philippines, and DOST-PTRI, reinforcing the importance of collaboration between design education, industry, and research institutions.

Representing SoFA Design Institute were Co-Founders and Presidents Ms. Amina Aranaz Alunan and Ms. Loralee Baron-Soong, together with Ms. Mads Constantino, Director of Academic Affairs.

Representing Shell Pilipinas Corporation were Mr. Stanley Siahetiong, Energy Transition Manager, and Mr. Serge Bernal, Vice President for Corporate Relations, while DOST-PTRI was represented by Dr. Julius Leano, Director.

During the gathering, representatives shared insights with SoFA students on the responsible use of upcycled and textile materials, including considerations surrounding material sourcing, collection, preparation, and application in design.

The discussions provided students with a broader perspective on the realities of developing curated and highly considered fashion pieces, particularly when working with materials that require thoughtful sourcing and transformation.

Designing with Materials in Circulation

A significant perspective shared during the event came from Ms. Rita Sanchez, who encouraged participants to reconsider the conventional lifecycle of fashion materials:

“Instead of designing something, selling it, using it and eventually throwing it away, we begin to think about how materials can remain in circulation, how garments can be repaired, reused, redesigned, remade, and recycled, and how our choices affect the environment and its people.”

The statement reflects a fundamental principle behind the Balik Likha initiative: that design can play a role in extending the life of materials and creating new possibilities from what might otherwise be discarded.

For emerging designers, this requires a shift in perspective. Sustainability becomes not only a consideration at the end of the design process, but part of how a designer approaches research, material selection, construction, and creative development from the beginning.

Creating with Philippine Textiles

The collaboration with DOST-PTRI further expands the educational possibilities of Balik Likha by introducing students to textile materials and knowledge developed within the Philippine context.

For SoFA Fashion Design students, this creates an opportunity to investigate Filipino textiles through contemporary design, while gaining a deeper understanding of the people, processes, and communities connected to their production.

The initiative encourages students to ask important design questions: How can traditional and locally produced textiles be interpreted through contemporary fashion? How can materials be used responsibly? How can design create value while remaining mindful of the communities and resources behind the material?

These questions form part of a broader design education that recognizes fashion as both a creative discipline and a field with social, environmental, cultural, and economic dimensions.

From Classroom Learning to Design Practice

Balik Likha gives students a platform to translate these conversations into actual design work.

Through the program, students will develop curated pieces that challenge them to work within material considerations while maintaining a strong point of view, thoughtful construction, and design integrity.

The process allows students to experience how design decisions are shaped not only by aesthetics, but also by material availability, sourcing, craftsmanship, functionality, sustainability, and context.

This approach aligns with SoFA Design Institute’s commitment to preparing students to become designers who can think critically, work creatively, and respond meaningfully to the evolving needs of the design industry.

Recognizing the People Behind the Partnership

SoFA Design Institute extends its appreciation to Mr. Fred Telarma, Sustainability Lead for Shell whose efforts helped bring this collaboration forward and create opportunities for the partnership between SoFA Design Institute, Shell Philippines, and DOST-PTRI to develop further.

The formal MOU signing represents an important step in strengthening the collaboration and creating a more sustained platform for students to engage with industry, textile research, material innovation, and responsible design practice.

A New Chapter for Balik Likha at SoFA

With the partnership now formally established, SoFA Fashion Design students can look forward to a new chapter of creative exploration through Balik Likha.

The program will open opportunities for students to deepen their understanding of upcycling, Filipino textiles, material circularity, and responsible fashion design, while exploring how these principles can inform contemporary creative practice.

As the next generation of designers, students are being encouraged to look beyond the finished garment and consider the larger journey of every material they work with.

The resulting designs will become a reflection not only of their creativity, but also of their research, material awareness, and growing understanding of what it means to design responsibly.

Watch this space for the upcoming Balik Likha outputs by SoFA’s Fashion Design students.

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