Upbeat food industry buoys Carcar economy

CEBU, Philippines - Despite the city’s dwindling footwear industry, Carcar City’s economy remains upbeat with its food business buoyed by constant demand from local and foreign markets.

City Mayor Nicepuro Apura said in an interview that the popularity of Carcar as the source of Cebu's best locally-made food products has spurred and maintained its economy to be robust.

This amid the declaration of the city government that Carcar's then lucrative shoemaking industry is now slowly declining due largely to the penetration of cheaper shoe brands coming from other countries especially China.

The mayor also attributed the industry's downfall to the proliferation of retail establishments which are selling cheaper goods.

Although he acknowledged the employment opportunities that these retail businesses have brought to the local residents in the city.

This however, somehow offsets the demise that the shoe sector is facing.

Apura said the continued growth of food production in Carcar has made the city popular to both domestic consumers and foreigners.  

However, Apura expressed the need to help small food entrepreneurs in the locality improve and upgrade the quality of their products to be globally competitive.

Last week, the Trade and Industry Department in Cebu turned over to city officials P2.6 million for capacity building programs for local businessmen who are especially engaged in food enterprise.

Carcar is known for its popular Ampao, Chicharon and colored Bocarillo.

Aside from Bohol, Carcar City is also now making its kalamay popular to consumers.   (FREEMAN)