By Richielyn Canlas
The Marikina City local government opened on Monday, July 8, the annual “back-to-school shoe bazaar” to provide the best quality shoes for students and parents who are looking for high-quality but affordable footwear for the upcoming school year.
As the shoe capital of the country, Marikina City Mayor Marcelino “Marcy” Teodoro led the ribbon-cutting ceremony on Monday, symbolizing the bazaar's official opening at the Marikina Freedom Park, which is right in front of the city hall.
The shoe bazaar will feature 43 leather goods stalls and will run until August 18. It will be open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. every Monday to Thursday, and from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. every Friday to Sunday, including holidays.
The event aims to provide high-quality and affordable shoes at factory prices. The mayor said that it is a great opportunity for all families and students, not only in the city but also from nearby cities, to avail of reasonably priced quality footwear.
“Napakalaking serbisyo po nito sa mga kababayan natin, hindi lang mga taga-Marikina, kundi pati sa mga karatig pook natin. Makakakuha sila ng sapatos na matibay, sapatos na maganda, sapatos na functional, at reasonably priced (This is a great opportunity not only for the residents of Marikina but also for our neighboring areas, who want to get shoes for their schools that are durable, beautiful, functional, and reasonably priced),” Teodoro said.
Aside from providing quality shoes, Teodoro also noted that buying leather goods such as shoes will support local businesses and help them thrive and flourish.
“At marami rin tayo natutulungan, pati sa kanilang kabuhayan, nakikita ko ang ibang bumibili rito, hindi lang naman isang piraso lang, kundi may mga bumibili rin by bulk (And we also help a lot, like these local businesses in our city. I see other buyers here, some of them were not only buying a piece, but some were also buying in bulk),” he said.
Teodoro also expressed his gratitude to Tony Andres, chairperson of the Philippine Footwear Federation, Inc., and all those involved in organizing the bazaar.
According to the city government, the bazaar is expected to draw large crowds as it showcases the renowned craftsmanship of Marikina's shoe industry and supports local businesses.
Teodoro was joined at the event by Marikina City councilors and other officials of the city government.