Marikina opens leather lovers’ bazaar

A total of 42 footwear and leather-goods manufacturers are participating in the Sapatos Festival, open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily

Marikina city Rep. Marjorie “Maan” teodoro and her husband Mayor Marcelino “Marcy” teodoro are proposing to perpetually waive fees for shoemakers and manufacturers of leather goods participating in city shoe bazaars.

the teodoros floated the idea as they opened Monday this year’s christmas Shoe Bazaar at Freedom Park in front of the city hall. Mayor Marcy said waiving the fees would help the city’s post-pandemic recovery efforts, including the rebound of its shoe industry.

the mayor signed ordinance 191-2022, waving rental fees on the use of exhibition stalls at the park during the 2022 Sapatos Festival. Present during the opening of the bazaar were key city officials and members of the PFFi led by its chairman antonio andres.

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 leather-goods manufacturers are participating in the bazaar, open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.

Mayor teodoro said he is planning to bring the Marikina Shoe Bazaar to various locations across the country to promote affordable and durable Marikina-made footwear and leather products.

he expressed confidence that despite the challenges faced by the local shoe industry due to the pandemic, Marikina’s shoemakers will be able to overcome the impacts of the pandemic.

the teodoros urged the public to patronize footwear and other products made in Marikina.

PhotograPh by al Padilla for the daily tribune INTERIOR Secretary Benhur Abalos (rightmost) troops the line during the National Capital Region Police Office’s ceremony Monday recognizing the exemplary performance of Metro Manila cops. Among the awardees (not in photo) were P/Brig. Gen. Jack Wanky and P/Brig. Gen. Kirby Krat, who received the Medalya ng Kadakilaan.