Stakeholders in the shoe sector of Marikina City refuted claims that the local government has not supported them, asserting that Mayor Marcelino ‘Marcy’ Teodoro has been instrumental in providing substantial assistance.
“The footwear industry in Marikina has thrived since the mayor took office. First, we participated in bazaars, and when we traveled to different locations, we received everything for free and we didn’t have to pay for anything,” stated Nick dela Paz, president of the Philippine Footwear Federation Inc. (PFFI).
The PFFI, based in Marikina, is an umbrella organization representing the country’s footwear industry, including manufacturers, retailers, cooperatives, and allied industries.
“The support we have received has been exceptional. We’ve been to Baguio, Sablayan, Muntinlupa, parts of Pateros, and Laoag—everything was free; we didn’t pay for anything. The mayor provided us with full support,” Dela Paz added.
The group criticized news online outlets for failing to reach out to them before publishing reports that they believe unfairly depicted the local government as unhelpful toward the shoe industry.
Dela Paz mentioned that Mayor Teodoro has organized numerous bazaars, particularly during the Christmas season and school openings, to help boost their income and expand their market reach.
Since 2021, the industry has generated ₱94 million in sales from bazaars and roadshows across the country. This initiative has also enabled them to expand their market by attracting individuals interested in reselling their products online.
Dela Paz emphasized that Mayor Teodoro supported the shoe industry throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
While they acknowledged that the shoe industry, like many others, was severely impacted by the pandemic, they highlighted that Teodoro consistently stood by their side.
They noted that Teodoro ensured that all shoemakers were vaccinated against the virus, not only in Marikina but also in neighboring towns such as Antipolo.
The stakeholders also thanked Teodoro for providing tax breaks to the shoe industry through City Ordinance No. 110, Series of 2021, which aided their recovery from the pandemic’s adverse effects.
“We had a dialogue with the mayor about taxes. We received incentives for shoemakers concerning tax relief in the shoe industry,” said PFFI emeritus Tony Andres.
He further mentioned that Teodoro granted free office space in the Legislative Building to shoe industry stakeholders, providing them with a dedicated venue to conduct business and coordinate their efforts.
Teodoro is currently pursuing a congressional bid in the 2025 local elections representing the first district of Marikina City.