KATHA Award 2025 now open for nominations

by Fidel Feria

For decades, the KATHA Award for design excellence has served as a hallmark platform, recognizing the distinct creativity of Filipino manufacturers. To uphold this tradition, the agencies leading this year’s edition–to be staged within Manila FAME, the country’s premier trade show for home, fashion and lifestyle–are now accepting nominations.

The Department of Trade and Industry-Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (DTI-CITEM) and the Design Center of the Philippines (DCP) have partnered to present this year’s awards. As the government’s export promotion arm, DTI-CITEM is also spearheading Manila FAME 2025, which will be held from October 16 to 18, 2025 at the World Trade Center Metro Manila in Pasay City.

Winners will be unveiled during the KATHA Awards ceremony on October 16, 2025, demonstrating the best of Filipino artistry, craftsmanship, and design excellence on a global stage.

Raising the bar

Beyond distinction, KATHA Award 2025 presents practical advantages for participants. The criteria for judging have been aligned with international standards to elevate Manila FAME exhibitors’ offerings, and raise their profile during overseas trade shows. Furthermore, beginning this year, KATHA Award winners will automatically qualify for the final deliberation stage of the Good Design Award Philippines.

Launched in 2019 by the DCP, the Good Design Award Philippines is a national, biennial design excellence recognition system, honoring innovative works that address social issues and enrich the quality of human life. Its next edition will be held in May 2026.

The KATHA Award platform was introduced alongside Manila FAME in 1983, a DTI-CITEM initiative to sharpen the Philippine export industry’s competitive edge. Philippine National Artist and DCP founding director Arturo Luz designed the KATHA logo.

Awards will be given for products in the following categories:

• Best Product Design for:

• • • Furniture, Lamps and Lighting
    • Home/Holiday Décor, Houseware, Gifts and Toys
    • Fashion

• Best Booth Design

Special Citations include:

• Eco-Design Award

• Component Innovation Award

The evaluation criteria for all categories except Booth Design include form, function, innovation, positive user experience, and malasakit, defined as the measurable impact in line with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Best Booth Design will be judged based on the concept, use of space, product presentation, and visual appeal. 

The KATHA Award 2025 Board of Jurors will comprise distinguished personalities from relevant industries.

Who’s eligible for a KATHA Award?

Interested parties must submit requirements, such as product photos, product information/narrative, and other relevant information through the self-nomination form on or before September 30. 

They must also meet the following standards for eligibility:

• • Works must be fully implemented by Philippine-registered companies participating in Manila FAME with at least PHP 10,000 deposit made.
  • Entries must have been launched or made available to the market in 2025. 
  • Products and booths designed by CITEM, the contracted Product Development Specialists for Manila FAME 2025, and the Design Center are eligible to join.

The deadline for nominations is on September 30, 2025. 

Take your place under the spotlight. Nominate your product for a KATHA Award today via the official nomination form.

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Manila FAME is organized by the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), the export promotions arm of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). 

About FAME

FAME is a community of brands, designers, and manufacturers that showcase quality artisanal products in signature trade show Manila FAME, on digital platform FAME+, and in trade fairs and B2B initiatives around the world. The FAME community likewise includes global buyers and other stakeholders.

About FAME+

FAME+ is the ultimate digital sourcing and storytelling platform for Philippine quality home, fashion, and lifestyle products. It enables Philippine brands and manufacturers to generate leads and reach global buyers through content creation, learning opportunities, and B2B capabilities. It intends to ensure and improve the discoverability of exhibitors online, creating a community of exhibitors, buyers, and stakeholders in one digital space.