Marikina Mayor Marcelino “Marcy” Teodoro waived the rental fees for shoe bazaar participants as she opened the annual Marikina Christmas Shoe Bazaar and Banchetto in front of the City Hall on Monday, Nov. 13.
Mayor Marcy underscored the importance of providing the public easy access to high-quality, durable, and affordable shoes, bags, and other leather products made by the master craftsmen and shoemakers of Marikina.
“Bakit ginagawa itong bazaar? Hindi lang para magkaroon ng access ang mga kababayan, kapag sabi ko na kababayan, hindi lang taga Marikina—ibig kong sabihin lahat, magkaroon ng access, makabili sila ng sapatos na gawa sa Marikina, iyong matibay, iyong maganda, iyong may quality. Iyon po ang dahilan kung bakit tayo may shoe bazaar, maliban po doon sa kabuhayan na dulot nito (Why do we make it a bazaar? It's not just for the locals to have access, when I say locals, not just from Marikina—I mean everyone, has access, they can buy shoes made in Marikina, those that are durable, those that are beautiful, those that have quality. That's the reason why we have a shoe bazaar, apart from the livelihood it brings),” the mayor said.
Meanwhile, Teodoro also signed Ordinance No. 121, Series of 2023 during the opening of the bazaar.
Under the ordinance, shoe and leather goods retailers of the Philippine Footwear Federation Incorporated (PFFI) are exempted from payment of rental fees, including electricity charges for the use of stalls on the ground floor of the city government-owned multi-level parking building from Nov. 2023 to Jan. 2024.
She explained that the measure seeks to help businesses in Marikina and provide their needs to boost the city’s local economy.
“Ang tawag ho doon ay hindi libre, socialized, subsidized—sina-subsidized po natin kung saan po tayo mahina—kung saan may pangangailangan (It's not free, it's socialized, subsidized—we subsidize where we are weak—where there is a need),” he said.
Mayor Marcy emphasized that shoes crafted in Marikina have exceptional quality, durability, and most importantly, exquisite beauty.
“Iyong sapatos Marikina ay hindi lang dekalidad, hindi lang matibay, higit sa lahat ay maganda iyong craftsmanship, at napakamura. Wala kang mabibiling ganito kamurang sapatos sa ibang lugar na ganito ang quality o ang kalidad (Your Marikina shoes are not only high quality, not only durable, most of all your craftsmanship is beautiful, and very cheap. You can't buy shoes this cheap anywhere else with this quality),” she said.
This year, 47 local manufacturers of shoes, bags, and other leather goods have participated in the bazaar showcasing their products proudly made in Marikina.
She said the shoe bazaar will run from Nov. 13 to Jan. 15.
Present during the bazaar’s opening were Vice Mayor Marion Andres, City Council members, and PPFI officials.
The city government also brought back the Banchetto after its success during the recently concluded Palarong Pambansa held last August.
The Banchetto is located at the Freedom Park in front of the City Hall, which features delicious local food delicacies and snacks in Marikina.