3 events seen to push development of Marikina shoe industry

MANILA, Philippines - Marikina Mayor Del R. De Guzman said three events have converged to strengthen the city’s shoe industry. These are the choice of shoes for its One Town, One Product (OTOP) entry, the December 15 trade exhibit, and the declaration of November as Marikina’s “Business Month.”

“Marikina-made shoes have an edge in competing with those made abroad as evidenced by testimonials from other people here and overseas,” De Guzman said, “so it is just logical for shoes to be the city’s primary product.”

Officials and businessmen attending the 3rd Marikina Business Conference recently were informed by Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry- Marikina chapter president Eduardo C. Francisco about OTOP updates in his welcome remarks.

 OTOP is a program of the Department of Trade and Industry aimed to promote entrepreneurship and create jobs where each city identifies, develops, and promotes a specific product or service that has a competitive advantage.

In line with this, Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory L. Domingo said DTI will give P15 million for the development of a shoe laboratory in the city under the Philippine Footwear Federation Inc.

 The said shoe laboratory will oversee the product development of all shoes made in Marikina as well as to improve its sourcing of raw materials.

 De Guzman said the business conference is a preparation for the upcoming trade exhibit dubbed “Made-in-Marikina: Gawang Marikina, Gawang Kinikilala” on Dec. 15 to 18 at the SM Megamall, Mega Trade Hall 2 which will showcase products made in Marikina like shoes, bags, leather crafts, etc.

 De Guzman said it was Francisco and other businessmen who asked that November be declared as Marikina’s Business month. This early the chamber of commerce is already planning several business-related activities and celebrations for November 2012  to help the business sector as well as to strengthen their relationship with government.