Shoemakers and manufacturers of leather goods thanked the city government of Marikina over its move to provide a tax relief, which means lower business tax and permit fees for five years.
Tony Andres, chair of the Marikina-based Philippine Footwear Federation Inc. (PFFI); and Corazon Espiritu, chairperson of the Marikina bags and leather goods, expressed gratitude to Marikina Mayor Marcy Teodoro and to the city council for helping rebuild the city’s shoe industry which was badly affected by the pandemic.
“Napakalaking bagay nitong tax relief ngayong may pandemya.”
“Napakalaking bagay nitong tax relief ngayong may pandemya. Labis kaming nagpapasalamat kay Mayor Marcy at sa City Council para rito sa malaking tulong na ito sa shoe industry (This tax relief is a huge thing now that there is a pandemic. We are very grateful to Mayor Marcy and the City Council for this great help to the shoe industry),” Andres said.
The mayor recently signed City Ordinance No. 110 Series of 2021 or Ordinance Granting Business Tax Exemption and Relief to Local Footwear and Other Leather Goods Manufacturers of Marikina at the Marikina Shoe Bazaar located at the Freedom Park, right in front of the City Hall.
He thanked the City Council headed by Vice Mayor Marion Andres for swiftly reenacting the tax exemption and relief for shoemakers and other leather goods manufacturers in the city.
“Sa kabutihang loob ng City Council, for five years na ma-e-enjoy ‘yung diskwento dahil sa additional two years na binigay nila.”
“Originally, three years lamang ang effectivity nito. Sa kabutihang loob ng City Council, for five years na ma-e-enjoy ‘yung diskwento dahil sa additional two years na binigay nila (Originally, its effectiveness was only three years. Thanks to the City Council, for five years you can enjoy the discount because of the additional two years),” Teodoro explained.
“Two weeks ago, pinag-uusapan pa lamang natin ito pero narito na ngayon salamat sa mabilis na pagkilos ng City Council. Malaking tulong ito sa mga magsasapatos at other leather goods manufacturers na labis na naapektuhan ng pandemya (we are still talking about it but here it is now thanks to the quick action of the City Council. This is a big help to shoemakers and other leather goods manufacturers who have been severely affected by the pandemic),” he added.
Teodoro said the livelihood of shoemakers is more important than collecting taxes.
Under the aforementioned ordinance, all manufacturers of footwear and other leather goods in Marikina, both presently in operation or are about to establish news shoe manufacturing business, are hereby granted business tax exemption and relief, as follows:
For new businesses to be opened/operated starting Calendar Year 2022
-Upon application of business license-free from payment of business tax;
-On the second year of operation—75 percent discount on the business tax due;
-On the third year of operation— 60 percent discount on the business tax due;
-On the fourth year of operation—- 50 percent discount on the business tax due;
Meanwhile, businesses presently in operation are given a 50 percent discount for five years.
Last Dec. 6, Teodoro led the reopening of the Shoe Bazaar at the Freedom Park, right in front of the City Hall, which will run until Jan. 15, 2022.
He said the bazaar aims to help shoemakers and revitalize the shoe industry amid the pandemic.
The bazaar showcases ingenuity and craftsmanship of Marikina shoemakers and manufacturers, he said.
A total of 40 manufacturers composed of footwear and leather-goods makers participated in this year’s bazaar, wherein they can find quality, affordable and durable shoes, bags, belts, and other products made by Marikina’s skilled craftsmen.
Teodoro is bullish that despite the challenges faces by the local shoe industry amid the pandemic, local shoemakers will be able to cope and overcome the negative effects of the pandemic.
In 2020, the city government of Marikina opted not to hold the annual shoe bazaar due to health restrictions brought about by the coronavirus pandemic.
