SEEKING to make shoe bazaars in the shoe capital “free of charge” for participating shoemakers and manufacturers of leather goods, Marikina City First District Representative Marjorie “Maan” Teodoro and her husband Mayor Marcelino “Marcy” Teodoro is proposing to perpetually waive fees for those who will participate in shoe bazaars in the city.

This proposal was announced by the lawmaker and Mayor Marcy as they officially opened this year’s Marikina Christmas Shoe Bazaar at the Freedom Park, right in front of the City Hall, Monday, Nov. 14, 2022.

“Makakatulong ito dahil maipagpapatuloy nito ang mga bazaar natin ng walang dagdag na gastusin sa mga magsasapatos,” Mayor Teodoro said.

The mayor 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.

“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,” Mayor Marcy 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 mayor stressed.

“We’re hoping by the end of the year, yung proposal ni Congresswoman Maan ay ma-finalize na at ma-implement natin hopefully by the start of the year if all things will proceed well,” he added.

Acknowledging the current state of the economy under the new normal, Cong. Maan said this is the reason why the city government of Marikina wants to help businesses in the shoe capital to thrive and prosper.

“Yearly ito na Christmas shoe bazaar, pero gusto nga sana namin na gawing in perpetua, meaning habang buhay. Wala na talaga silang babayaran sa puwesto nila at the same time ang city na ang bahala sa gastos sa mga stalls at kung ano pa ang equipment na gagamitin habang sila ay nagtitinda ng mga sapatos,” she said.

“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,” she added.

During the opening of the bazaar, Mayor Marcy 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 “Tony” Andres.

Mayor 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 leather-goods manufacturers participated in this year’s bazaar.