Marikina Mayor Marcelino Teodoro said he is looking at the possibility of perpetually waiving fees for those who will participate in the city’s shoe bazaars.
Teodoro and his wife, Marikina First District Representative Marjorie Ann Teodoro made the announcement as they led the opening of this year’s Marikina Christmas Shoe Bazaar at the Freedom Park in front of the City Hall.
During the opening of the bazaar, the mayor 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”.
“Makakatulong ito dahil maipagpapatuloy nito ang mga bazaar natin ng walang dagdag na gastusin sa mga magsasapatos,” he added.
Teodoro also lamented that the challenges encountered by the city’s post-pandemic recovery efforts have been difficult, noting that the shoe industry struggled due to the impacts of the health crisis.
“The city government wants to help businesses in the shoe capital to thrive and prosper.”
Acknowledging the current state of the economy under the new normal, he said this is the reason why the city government wants to help businesses in the shoe capital to thrive and prosper.
Present during the opening of the bazaar were key city officials and members of the Philippine Footwear Federation, Inc. (PFFI), led by its chairperson Antonio “Tony” Andres.
The city government said the bazaar showcases quality, affordable, and durable shoes, bags, belts, and other leather products made by the city’s skilled craftsmen.
A total of 42 footwear and leather goods manufacturers participated in this year’s bazaar.
The bazaar is open from Monday to Sunday starting 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
“I’m planning to bring the Marikina Shoe Bazaar to various locations across the country to promote affordable and durable Marikina-made footwear and leather products.”
The mayor, meanwhile, 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 also 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.
