A social enterprise from Negros has brought international acclaim to the Philippines after winning the Main Seoul Design Award at Seoul Design Week 2026 for its eco-friendly footwear line made from agricultural waste, the Philippine Embassy in Korea announced Monday, Oct. 26.
Filipino social enterprise Lakat by Creative Definitions received the prestigious award for its innovative Lakat Sustainable Sneakers, crafted from discarded pineapple leaf waste. The recognition highlights a design approach that unites sustainability, local craftsmanship, and inclusive livelihoods, the embassy said in a Facebook post.
The award was presented by Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon and received by Lakat Representative Designer Johanna T. Claparols alongside Michael Claparols of Creative Definitions General Merchandise.
Mayor Oh, in his opening remarks, emphasized the global impact of such initiatives: “From designs that consider the environment and society to creative ideas that present new possibilities, various works that are changing our daily lives and the world for the better have gathered in this one place. I would like to extend my congratulations in advance to all those who receive the honor of being awarded today.”
Selected from a competitive field of more than 1,200 participants representing 91 countries, Lakat was among only 10 projects selected to receive the Main Seoul Design Award, the Philippine Embassy post said.
The brand’s name reflects its origins—evoking the Negrense word lakat, which means “to walk”—a fitting symbol for its mission to move toward a more sustainable and inclusive future.
Lakat transforms discarded pineapple leaves into a primary resource for footwear production.
Unlike traditional piña textiles used for the barong—which rely on fibers from a distinct pineapple variety—Lakat repurposes agricultural waste from varieties cultivated for their edible fruit.
“The project’s strength lies in the relationships built among farmers, artisans, researchers, and designers,” Michael Claparols, representative of Creative Definitions, said.
“By connecting these groups through a shared production process, Lakat demonstrates how design can help address interconnected challenges, including vulnerable rural livelihoods, agricultural waste, and textile waste,” he said
This collaborative model establishes dignified livelihood opportunities while fostering a circular economy. By converting agricultural waste into functional, modern footwear, Lakat shows how community-grounded knowledge and local craftsmanship can address challenges on a global scale, the embassy post said.
The Philippine Embassy in South Korea showed strong support for the awardees. Cultural Officer and Attaché Anthony Rafael Gil Z. Cornista and Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC) Trade Specialist Chinny Jin Cruz attended the awarding ceremonies.
They also visited the Seoul Design Week 2026 exhibition at the Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) and the DDP Museum, where the Top 10 recognized projects of the Seoul Design Award 2026 are currently featured.*
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