In a bid to boost the shoe industry in Marikina City, Mayor Marcelino "Marcy" Teodoro and his wife, District 1 Representative Marjorie “Maan” Teodoro are eyeing a proposal to perpetually waive the fees for manufacturers and sellers who will participate in the city's shoe bazaars.

During the formal opening of the Marikina Christmas Shoe Bazaar on Monday, Nov. 14, Mayor Teodoro stressed this will help their shoemakers in the bazaar lessen their financial burdens.

“Malaking bagay ito para sa employment dahil sa bawat sapatos na nabibili sa bazaar, may dalawa hanggang tatlong sapatero o manggagawa ang natutulungan na magkatrabaho. Hindi lang sa pagbebenta ng sapatos kundi sa pagbuo ng bagong merkado na meron tayo (This greatly impacts employment in the city. For every shoe that is sold in the bazaar, it helps two or three shoemakers or workers retain their jobs),” the mayor said.

"Kasama doon sa proposal na iyon ay yung pagbibigay ng pondo doon sa mga promotional activities at doon sa mga training ng mga nagtitinda sa bazaar—yung proper salesmanship at proper product knowledge. Napakahalaga nito para mabenta yung sapatos (The proposal includes providing a fund for promotional activities and training of sellers in the bazaar regarding proper salesmanship and product knowledge. This will help them sell more shoes)," he added.

Mayor Teodoro signed Ordinance No. 191, Series of 2022, "granting exemption to members of the Philippine Footwear Federation Incorporated (PFFI) from paying the rental fees on the use of shoe exhibition stalls at the Freedom Park during the 2022 Sapatos Festival," during the launch.

In a bid to boost the shoe industry in Marikina City, Mayor Marcelino "Marcy" Teodoro and his wife, District 1 Representative Marjorie “Maan” Teodoro are eyeing a proposal to perpetually waive the fees for manufacturers and sellers who will participate in the city's shoe bazaars.

During the formal opening of the Marikina Christmas Shoe Bazaar on Monday, Nov. 14, Mayor Teodoro stressed this will help their shoemakers in the bazaar lessen their financial burdens.

“Malaking bagay ito para sa employment dahil sa bawat sapatos na nabibili sa bazaar, may dalawa hanggang tatlong sapatero o manggagawa ang natutulungan na magkatrabaho. Hindi lang sa pagbebenta ng sapatos kundi sa pagbuo ng bagong merkado na meron tayo (This greatly impacts employment in the city because for every shoe that is sold in the bazaar, it helps two or three shoemakers or workers retain their jobs),” the mayor said.

"Kasama doon sa proposal na iyon ay ‘yung pagbibigay ng pondo doon sa mga promotional activities at doon sa mga training ng mga nagtitinda sa bazaar—‘yung proper salesmanship at proper product knowledge. Napakahalaga nito para mabenta ‘yung sapatos (The proposal includes providing a fund for promotional activities and training of sellers in the bazaar regarding proper salesmanship and product knowledge. This will help them sell more shoes)," he added.

Mayor Teodoro signed Ordinance No. 191, Series of 2022, "granting exemption to members of the Philippine Footwear Federation Incorporated (PFFI) from paying the rental fees on the use of shoe exhibition stalls at the Freedom Park during the 2022 Sapatos Festival," during the launch.

For the perpetual waiver of fees, the mayor said they are eyeing the end of 2022 to finalize and implement the proposal. If all proceeds well, they may hopefully implement it at the start of 2023, he added.

Congresswoman Teodoro said the local government aims for the yearly Christmas bazaar to become a Marikina staple that will be done for many years to come, wherein they shoulder all expenses of the stalls and provide the sellers' needed equipment.

“Talagang gusto ng city na i-revive ‘yung pagawa ng sapatos—mas palakasin. At ito ay isa lamang doon sa hakbang na iyon. The more na may negosyo tayo, mas maganda para sa Marikina (The city truly wants to revive and strengthen our shoe industry. This proposal is one way to do this. It is better for Marikina when more businesses thrive),” she added.

'Stepping out'

To further promote Marikina-made shoes and leather goods, Mayor Teodoro expressed plans to bring the shoe bazaar across the country.

Despite the pandemic, he said he believes the city's shoemakers will be able to overcome their troubles with the constant support of the city government and the public in patronizing their products.

Mayor Teodoro urged people to "buy local, go local," and visit the shoe bazaar to purchase affordable and durable gifts for their loved ones this Christmas.

Showcasing products from 42 of Marikina's footwear and leather goods manufacturers, the Marikina Christmas Shoe Bazaar, located in front of the City Hall, will last until Jan. 14, 2023.

The bazaar is open everyday from Monday to Sunday, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The launch was attended by city officials and members of the Philippine Footwear Federation, Inc. (PFFI), led by Chairman Antonio “Tony” Andres.