Marikina LGU pushes to expand leather goods industry

MANILA, Philippines — The Marikina local government said it is eyeing to further expand its leather goods industry in time for the Christmas season as it kicked off its annual shoe bazaar on Friday.

Known as the Shoe Capital of the country, the Marikina commenced its Christmas Shoe Bazaar, this time with the intent of further promoting the city’s craftsmanship, particularly in the production of bags, wallets, belts and other leather products.

“The initiative aims to showcase the diversity of Marikeño craftsmanship and provide more opportunities for local manufacturers and artisans to promote their products,” Marikina Mayor Marjorie Ann “Maan” Teodoro said in a statement.

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In line with this effort, the mayor also proposed expanding the exhibits at the Marikina Shoe Museum to include locally manufactured leather goods, highlighting the city’s expertise beyond shoemaking.

She also encouraged members of the Philippine Footwear Federation Inc. (PFFI) to contribute their products to the museum’s collection, allowing more visitors to appreciate the craftsmanship of Marikina’s footwear and leather goods manufacturers.

Furthermore, Teodoro also noted how the recent visit of delegates from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Socio-Cultural Community Council (ASCC) to the Marikina Shoe Museum opened opportunities for Marikina to further promote its footwear and leather goods industry internationally.

She even disclosed that a Singaporean delegate had expressed interest in bringing a larger delegation to Marikina in 2027 in connection with a planned handicrafts summit in Manila.

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“Sinabi po sa atin ng isa sa mga kalahok na ministers na next year, dadalhin niya ang marami niyang kasama, ’yung Singapore, dahil mayroon silang gagawin na handicrafts summit dito sa Manila and dadalhin niya ulit sa Marikina ang buo niyang delegasyon,” she said.

(One of the participating ministers told us that next year, he will bring many of his colleagues, from Singapore, because they will be holding a handicrafts summit here in Manila and he will bring his entire delegation to Marikina again,)

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According to the Marikina government, this year’s bazaar brings together 40 local brands of Marikina-made shoes, bags, and other leather products at affordable prices for the holiday season.

Bazaar spaces were free of charge to participating vendors to further support local shoemakers and leather goods manufacturers. /mr