Shell Pilipinas, SoFA and DOST–PTRI Formalise Partnership to Advance Circular Design Education

Shell Pilipinas Corporation, SoFA Design Institute and the Department of Science and Technology–Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST–PTRI) have formalised partnerships to support circular-design education and encourage the creative reuse of used textiles through Shell’s Balik-Likha initiative.

Seated, L-R: Randee Latonio, Energy Transition Advisor, Shell; Stanley Siahetiong, Energy Transition Manager, Shell; Amina Aranaz-Alunan, Co-Founder, SoFA; and Madeleine Constantino, Director of Academic Affairs, SoFA.
 
Standing 7th from L: Serge Bernal Jr., Vice President for Corporate Relations, Shell Pilipinas Corporation, Dr. Julius Leaño, Jr., Director, DOST-PTRI; Loralee Soong, Co-Founder, SoFA; and Zailla F. Payag, Supervising Science Research Specialist, DOST-PTRI.

The agreements bring together expertise from industry, academe and government. Under the partnership, SoFA Design Institute will support the participation and development of fashion and interior design students, while DOST–PTRI will provide technical services, training and access to textile research and innovation. Shell Pilipinas will support the program activities, learning sessions and immersions that connect design concepts with practical applications.

The partnership was announced during a signing ceremony that also introduced the SoFA student finalists participating in Balik-Likha 2026.
 
Now in its third year, Balik-Likha is a design advocacy initiative under Shell’s Likas-Kaya campaign. The programme challenges young designers to transform used clothing into functional fashion and interior design products while responding to themes such as disaster preparedness, mental health and Filipino values.
 
The collaboration builds on Shell’s support for projects that encourage material reuse and circularity practices in the Philippines, including its support for the Anthill Circularity Hub in Payatas, Quezon City. Together, these initiatives help connect community-based livelihood opportunities with emerging designers and innovators.
 
The textile sector remains a significant global issue. According to the United Nations Environment Programme, fashion and textiles account for an estimated 2% to 8% of global greenhouse-gas emissions, while around 92 million tonnes of textile waste are generated each year. The sector also has significant impacts related to water use, chemicals and microplastics.
 
Through Balik-Likha, Shell seeks to help raise awareness, strengthen local capabilities and demonstrate practical approaches to textile reuse through design.  The initiative provides opportunities for students to apply creativity, technical knowledge, and problem-solving skills to real-world challenges while exploring how discarded materials can be transformed into useful products.
 
The programme reflects Shell’s belief that collaboration among communities, schools, government institutions and industry partners can help expand awareness, strengthen capabilities and encourage practical applications of circular-design principles.
 
“By bringing together creative talent, scientific expertise and practical industry support, we can help young designers develop ideas that encourage textile reuse and create value for people and communities,” said Serge Bernal, Vice President for Corporate Relations of Shell Pilipinas Corporation.
 
SoFA students have participated in Balik-Likha since 2024. The formalized partnerships will broaden opportunities for student learning, technical capability-building and exposure to circular-design and material-reuse practices.
 
To get more updates and key events, follow Shell Pilipinas Corporation’s official website and social media channels (Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn).