Marikina officials waive fees for shoe bazaar participants
MARIKINA City First District Rep. Marjorie Teodoro and her husband Mayor Marcelino Teodoro are proposing to perpetually waive fees for those who will participate in shoe bazaars in the city.
The move aims to make shoe bazaars in the shoe capital free of charge for participating shoemakers and manufacturers of leather goods.
“Makakatulong ito dahil maipagpapatuloy nito ang mga bazaar natin ng walang dagdag na gastusin sa mga magsasapatos. [This will help us continue our shoe bazaar without them spending any other other expenses],” Teodoro said as this year’s Marikina Christmas Shoe Bazaar opened at the Freedom Park on Monday.
Teodoro lamented that the challenge of the city’s post-pandemic recovery efforts has been difficult, noting that the shoe industry struggled due to the impacts of the health crisis.
He said that for pair of shoes that can be bought in the bazaar could help two or three shoemakers.
Acknowledging the current state of the economy under the new normal, the lawmaker on the other hand, said that this is the reason why the city government of Marikina wants to help businesses in the shoe capital to thrive and prosper.
During the opening of the bazaar, Teodoro signed Ordinance No. 191, Series of 2022 titled “Ordinance Granting Exemption to members of the Philippine Footwear Federation Incorporated from paying the rental fees on the use of shoe exhibition stalls at the Freedom Park during the 2022 Sapatos Festival.”
Present during the opening of the bazaar were key city officials and members of the Philippine Footwear Federation Inc. (PFFI) led by Chairman Antonio Andres.
Teodoro said the bazaar showcases quality, affordable, and durable shoes, bags, belts, and other leather products made by Marikina’s skilled craftsmen.
A total of 42 footwear and leathergoods manufacturers participated in this year’s bazaar.
The bazaar is open daily from Monday to Sunday at 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Teodoro also said he is planning to bring the Marikina Shoe Bazaar to various locations across the country to promote the affordable and durable Marikina-made footwear and leather products.
Teodoro is confident that despite the challenges faced by the local shoe industry due to the pandemic, Marikina’s shoemakers will be able to overcome its impacts.
Teodoro urged the public to patronize footwear and other products made by skilled craftsmen of Marikina.
The mayor also urged those who are looking for gifts for their loved ones this Christmas Season to visit the shoe bazaar where they can find affordable, quality, and durable Marikina-made products ranging from shoes to bags.