Some Initiatives and Plans

Written By: Hsiao-Chi Wang

The Markina shoemaking industry has been a vital help in boosting the Philippine economy. It provided opportunities for employment for many years and has reached around 300,000 workers contributing to an estimate of 65% of Marikina’s total revenue. Nowadays, shoe companies and small businesses continue to produce high-quality footwear through local techniques such as the mano-mano.

Despite the efforts made to preserve the tradition, the Marikina shoemaking tradition continues to face and endure the challenges affecting many shoemakers due to fierce competitions of cheap imports from other countries like China, as well as the rapid decline of shoemakers because of old age. Initiatives that were made before, such as the promotion of Marikina shoes at the international area by former First Lady Imelda Marcos intended to help promote further the local craftsmanship, eventually failed and were unable to protect the cultural heritage and preservation of the local shoemaking industry due to insufficient plans in sustaining the program.

Despite the challenges brought by intense competition from influx of Chinese imports and foreign brands, and previous failures to lackluster execution of programs, the local government still continues to bring efforts by implementing adjustments to help local footwear brands to adapt to the tech-driven era while keeping intact with its cultural roots. Urged by the Senate Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III, there is still a need for a call to action of better government support systems and programs in order to strengthen the stability of the local shoemaking industry.

The future plans of the shoemaking industry in Marikina City revolves around incorporation of digital materials towards the shoemaking practices while keeping the cultural heritage intact. This can be done through the integration of technological methods such as digital platforms and resources into the craftsmanship, to ensure that shoemakers will have access to the needed materials that can aid them in their shoemaking process. This does not only include the materials needed in improving product efficiency but also training in entrepreneurship skills, intellectual property protection, and start-up incubation (DOST-PCIEERD, 2026).

Additionally, significant plans were made by the government to help equip the future shoemakers such as the younger generations with the skills needed for shoe making. In order to boost interest towards the shoe industry, implementing Marikina shoemaking courses within schools was seen as a necessary movement to equip them with the needed resources and help them bring a better understanding of the tradition. Notable figures in the shoemaking industry like Noel Evangelista the Head Manager of Cpoint have started coordinating with Mayor Maan Teodoro to further implement programs to help train the youth the needed skills in shoemaking (Canlas, 2025). Lastly the push of accessible workshops were also one of the other plans to help promote further the art of shoemaking. As mentioned by a Marikina shoe making designer, Joco Comemdador, being able to share knowledge and passion about shoemaking helps bring better chances of sustaining the industry. With these significant efforts from organizations, many shoemakers remain hopeful that the city can still live up to its title as the Shoe Capital (Business World, 2024).

Present initiatives such as the Filipino Footwear Design Competition and the Sapatos Festival have been implemented to not only raise awareness about the importance of preserving the cultural heritage, but also provide opportunities for shoe designers and shoemakers to showcase their creativity skills as well as celebrate Filipino craftsmanship. Other government organizations such as the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI) have launched programs such as the Footwear Innovation Technology (FIT) to help provide the necessary materials for Marikina Shoemakers. Resources such as 3D shoe scanners, printers, sewing machines and shoe lasts have contributed in making the processes a lot more convenient in developing footwear. Overall, efforts in pushing through the needs of local programs continue to highlight the cultural aspect of shoemaking in Marikina city while also preserving its legacy and title as the country’s “Shoe Capital”.

In short, the local government of Marikina has continued to implement the necessary steps in ensuring support systems and initiatives contribute further in revitalizing the Marikina shoemaking industry rather than letting the long-standing tradition slowly fade away. With such events that have been through collective action and institutional support, the future of the Marikina shoe making industry now relies on the interest among the newer generations. Their willingness to carry on the legacy that has been passed down and being able to recognize the cultural tradition ensures that shoemaking will not only be primarily seen as only an ordinary occupation practiced by the locals but rather also seeing it as a symbol of cultural pride that is worth appreciating.

References:

Alcober, N. (2025, October 27). “Marikina’s shoe industry fights back amid modern challenges”. DailyTribune.https://tribune.net.ph/2025/10/27/marikinas-shoe-industry-fights-back-amid-modern-challengesMarikina’s shoe industry fights back amid modern challenges

Business World (2024, July 18). Marikina Shoe Designer Conducts Workshops for Local Shoemakers. Business World. https://bworldonline.com/bw-launchpad/2024/07/18/608679/marikina-shoe-designer-conducts-workshops-for-local-shoemakers/

Canlas, R. (2025, October 22). Marikina LGU affirms support for local shoe industry amid rising imports. Manila Bulletin. https://mb.com.ph/2025/10/22/marikina-lgu-affirms-support-for-local-shoe-industry-amid-rising-imports

Cruz, M. (n.d.) “Marikina Shoe Industry: Challenges & Impact”. Scribd. https://www.scribd.com/document/402708488/effect-of-shoes-manufacturer-docx

DOST-PCIEERD (2026, January 23), MARIKINA’S SHOE INDUSTRY GETS SOLEFUL BOOST WITH NEW INCUBATION FACILITY, DOST-PCIEERD. https://pcieerd.dost.gov.ph/st-updates/marikinas-shoe-industry-gets-soleful-boost-with-new-incubation-facility/?__cf_chl_f_tk=dcafVz89CAUWmxXb5NeK0TWD0UbkYkSFwrpNCF5J24U-1783288490-1.0.1.1-EdF3AXbtgcqQ17qzuSsbqJOf4.OoOs4ckrcX95BDU5I

Philippine Textile Research Institute (2025, April 15) ”Marikina Polytechnic College Inaugurates the Footwear Innovation Technology Research Laboratory” https://ptri.dost.gov.ph/transparency/visionmission/9-transparency-seal/679-marikina-polytechnic-college-inaugurates-the-footwear-innovation-technology-research-laboratory

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