In a time marked by social, environmental, and cultural urgency, design has taken on a deeper responsibility. Inspired Filipino creatives today are not only responding to commercial demands—they are shaping futures with empathy, courage, and conviction.

Launched in 2019, the Good Design Award Philippines champions designers and their original works created with purpose and malasakit. That vision appealed to internationally-accredited architect and urban planner Louwie Gan, a member of the award’s distinguished 2022 jury. Reflecting on why he accepted jury duty, Gan says that the awards “demonstrate design’s ability to galvanize climate justice, cultural sovereignty, and social justice. It inspires Filipino makers to create with intention.”

“I was inspired to design in the same spirit of malasakit,” Gan says of his experience. “Being a part of this jury affirmed my belief in Filipino design and creativity as our means of offering a kinder and more resilient future.”

Now on its fourth edition, the Good Design Award Philippines invites creatives to submit their entries on or before February 15. Submissions are open under the following categories: Object, Image, and Place Making; Systems and Service Design; Material Innovation; and Governance and Civic Design.

Past winners include advocacy-driven initiatives such as Red Award and Green Award recipient Book Stop Project, a pop-up library promoting access to reading, and Dead Whale, a Gold Award-winning sculpture calling attention to plastic pollution. The 2022 edition likewise honored impactful works such as the anti-catcalling campaign Macho Choir and the commuter navigation app Sakay.ph, both Gold Award recipients.

There are also special recognitions, such as the Blue Award, a new category recognizing local government units advancing design-led initiatives, alongside citations for sustainability (Green Award) and material innovation (White Award). From among the Gold Award winners, one project will receive the highest distinction—the Gran Prix Malasakit Award, previously bestowed on Cocopatch and the First United Building in Escolta, Manila.

Winning the Good Design Award Philippines is not only a mark of national distinction but also a springboard to global opportunities. All Red Award winners automatically qualify, at no cost to participants, for consideration in the Good Design Award Japan (G Mark) - a seal of excellence that opens doors to the Japanese market and the wider Far East region. This pathway underscores how design rooted in malasakit can resonate globally, creating impact far beyond borders.

As Robby Sylianteng of First United Building puts it, “Even the process of applying is its own reward.” “It also gives you a great reason to start digging deeper into your business, your design, and understanding how it got to where it was,” he continues. “Once you start framing it in the context of why you deserve this award- ‘Is this malasakit?’ - you start thinking of your design in different frameworks as well. So yeah … apply. There’s nothing to lose. Just do it!”

Nominations and entries may be submitted on or before February 15. For more information, visit https://bit.ly/GDAPH2026 or email [email protected]