By Perfecto T. Raymundo, Jr.
MARIKINA CITY — Marikina, popularly known as the Shoe Capital of the Philippines, has again shown the unfading great skills of local shoe makers through the products made by hands and a Filipino heart.
In the continuous recovery of the shoe industry, Marikina (1st District) Rep. Marcelino “Marcy” Teodoro and Noel Evangelista, owner of C Point Marikina Shoes, lead in pushing for programs that help local shoe makers and shoe businessmen.
Rep. Marcy Teodoro said that it is important to continuously revive and strengthen the shoe industry because it is part of the identity and livelihood of thousands of Marikeños.
“Ang sapatos ng Marikina ay hindi lamang produkto, ito ay simbolo ng sipag, galing, at puso ng bawat pamilyang Marikeño. Patuloy nating susuportahan ang mga programang magpapatatag sa lokal na industriya,” Rep. Teodoro said.
For his part Noel Evangelista, owner of C Point Marikina Shoes (C Point), said that they will continuously pursue the use of quality materials and modern design in order to compete with the world market.
“Ang C Point ay patunay na kayang makipagsabayan ng produktong Marikina sa mga kilalang international brands. Dito, bawat pares ay gawang puso, hindi makina,” Evangelista said.
With the help of the local government and the private supporters, the industry of
Marikina-made shoes is expected to be reinvigorated, especially with the upcoming Marikina Shoe Festival 2025 starting Nov. 14, 2025 until Jan. 18, 2026 where the new creations and innovations of the local shoemakers will be highlighted.
According to Rep. Marcy Teodoro, the festival is geared towards level up again the standard of shoe industry in the city and to show that the “Made in Marikina” is a symbol of “greatness, durability, and identity of the Filipino.”
“Ang sapatos ng Marikina ay hindi lang produkto — ito ay kuwento ng sipag, tiyaga, at talento ng ating mga kababayan,” Rep. Teodoro said.
At the same time, the local government is encouraging the public to patronize the local products by purchasing “Marikina-made shoes” as support to the workers and businessmen who are continuously reviving the industry.
“Ang sapatos ng Marikina ay hindi lang produkto — ito ay kuwento ng sipag, tiyaga, at talento ng ating mga kababayan,” Rep. Teodoro said.
According to Rep. Marcy Teodoro, the festival is geared towards level up again the standard of shoe industry in the city and to show that the “Made in Marikina” is a symbol of “greatness, durability, and identity of the Filipino.”
The Marikenos are encouraged to patronize the “Gawang Marikina” in order to continue the tradition of greatness and quality which brought Marikina in the map of the world shoe industry.
Evangelista said that they are providing lifetime warranty to any of its products from its branches, including their three branches in Bulacan province.
He added that they have 60 regular employees at C Point and they are giving shoe making machines to mothers who can work at home.
Evangelista said that their leather shoe products range from P500 to P2,500 with 50% discount, which is very low price compared to shoes sold in department stores or malls.
The shoe industry in the city has remained stable with the help of the programs being implemented by the local government to support the shoe makers despite the challenges pose by cheap imported shoe products.
According to the Marikina Shoe Industry Development Office (MSIDO), the demand for locally made shoes is again increasing, particularly on handcrafted leather shoes and custom-made designs which are favorite of officials, professionals, and even the OFWs.
The products of popular brands made in
Marikina are continuously being exported to other countries such as in Japan, Italy, and the United States.
In fact, the *Marikina Shoe Festival 2025″ is slated to be held next month wherein the new designs of local shoe makers will be highlighted, as well as trainings and business seminar for new merchants. ###
