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MARIKINA CITY, November 13, 2023 — In a bid to strengthen the industry of shoemaking and help local businesses by providing subsidies, the Marikina City Government officially opened today, Monday, the Marikina Christmas Shoe Bazaar and Banchetto.
Mayor Marcelino “Marcy” Teodoro and Marikina First District Representative Rep. Marjorie Ann “Maan” Teodoro led the opening of the much-anticipated annual shoe bazaar on the ground floor of the city’s multi-level parking located in front of the City Hall.
Mayor Marcy underscored the importance of providing the public easy access to high-quality, durable, and affordable shoes, bags, and other leather products made by the master craftsmen and shoemakers of Marikina.
“Bakit ginagawa itong bazaar? Hindi lang para magkaroon ng access ang mga kababayan, kapag sabi ko na kababayan, hindi lang taga Marikina — ibig kong sabihin lahat, magkaroon ng access, makabili sila ng sapatos na gawa sa Marikina, iyong matibay, iyong maganda, iyong may quality. Iyon po ang dahilan kung bakit tayo may shoe bazaar, maliban po doon sa kabuhayan na dulot nito,” the mayor said.
During the opening of the bazaar, Mayor Marcy signed Ordinance No. 121, Series of 2023.
The measure exempts shoe and leather goods retailers of the Philippine Footwear Federation, Incorporated (PFFI) from payment of rental fees, including electricity charges for the use of stalls on the ground floor of the city government-owned multi-level parking building from November 2023 to January 2024.
By exempting participating retailers from rental and other fees, Mayor Marcy explained that the measure seeks to help businesses in Marikina and provide their needs to further boost the city’s local economy.
“Ang tawag ho doon ay hindi libre, socialized, subsidized — sina-subsidized po natin kung saan po tayo mahina — kung saan may pangangailangan,” he said.
“Gusto nating palakasin ang industriya ng sapatos sapagkat kapag napalakas po natin ang industriya ng sapatos ay nakakapagbigay ho tayo nang maraming trabaho.
Mayor Marcy emphasized that shoes crafted in Marikina have exceptional quality, durability, and most importantly, exquisite beauty.
“Iyong sapatos Marikina ay hindi lang dekalidad, hindi lang matibay, higit sa lahat ay maganda iyong craftsmanship, at napakamura. Wala kang mabibiling ganito kamurang sapatos sa ibang lugar na ganito ang quality o ang kalidad,” he said.
“At iyon ang pangalawang dahilan kung bakit tayo nagkakaroon ng mga shoe bazaar. Hindi lang para maipamalas o mapakita, kundi para magkaroon ng access, magkaroon ng pagkakataon ang mga kababayan natin, hindi lang dito sa Marikina, kundi pati ‘yung mga kababayan natin na nanggagaling sa ibang lugar — Quezon City, Pasig, dito sa bandang likod ng Antipolo. Ang nakakatuwa po ay talagang proud ang mga nakakabili ng sapatos dito sa Marikina,” he continued.
This year, a total of 47 local manufacturers of shoes, bags, and other leather goods have participated in the bazaar showcasing their respective products proudly made in Marikina.
The shoe bazaar will run from Nov. 13, 2023, to Jan. 15, 2024.
Congresswoman Maan Teodoro sets sights on women empowerment
Present during the bazaar’s opening were Vice Mayor Marion Andres, members of the City Council, officials from the Philippine Footwear Federation Incorporated, and other city officials.
Meanwhile, the City Government has also brought back the Banchetto after its success during the recently concluded Palarong Pambansa held in the city last August.
The Banchetto, located at the Freedom Park in front of the City Hall, features delicious local food delicacies and snacks in Marikina.
“Itong Banchetto, nakita po natin noong Palarong Pambansa ay nag-dra-draw ng crowd. Talagang tayong mga taga Marikina, mahilig kumain. Kaya ho mas maganda ho ngayon dahil bukod ho sa pwede silang mamili sila ng sapatos na pampasko o kaya mga bag at wallet na pwede nilang iregalo. Pwede na rin silang mag-bonding kasama ang kanilang mga barkada at pamilya sa banchetto,” Congresswoman Maan Teodoro said.
The lawmaker said women involved in conflict or who have experienced violence were given the opportunity to sell their products for them to earn for their children and families.
“At higit sa lahat, gusto ko rin i-note na may kakaiba sa banchetto na gagawin natin na mayroon tayong mga kababaihan involving conflict o mga may karanasan sa violence na kasama sa banchetto natin,” Cong. Maan said.
“Binigyan po natin sila ng espasyo para sila po ay magkaroon rin ng livelihood. Ito po ay proyekto ng ating gender and development (GAD) pero tingin ko po ay magandang simula po ito. Kahit siguro po sa manufacturers ng sapatos at leather goods, maganda po ay mag-training tayo ng mga kababaihan na medyo may problema ho, ‘yung mga involving conflicts para magkaroon sila ng bagong pag-asa sa buhay kung paano nila sisimulan ang buhay nila,” she added. (/)
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Source: Ms, Arlene Rivera