An international boost for Marikina's shoe industry

by PIO-Marikina Posted: 4/18/2004

The Philippine Footwear Federation Incorporated (PFFI) recently joined in the Asia Pacific Leather Fair (APLF) in Hong Kong wherein seven footwear and seven bag companies participated namely: Bristol Shoes, Figlia Shoes, Gibi Shoes, Marquina, Monseigneur Shoes, Rusty Lopez and Unita International Inc. Blue Grass, Enzio Ferrera, Fino Leatherware, G. Designare, Larone Crafts, Martinique and Talimaya. The event, which was a three day affair, was done in collaboration with the Association of the Philippine Leathergoods Exports & Manufacturers (APLEM) in cooperation with the Marikina City Government and the Canadian International Development Agency.

For its theme, the PFFI has chosen the lifestyle concept. As Roger Py, director general of the PFFI explains it, In footwear, we cover men?s, women's and children?s shoes and even dancing shoes, while the APLEM features bags and some complementary garments and accessories as well. Any display from the Philippines is always distinguished by the delightful design and the use of casual bags and shoes with a summery, tropical feel as well as more formal genuine leather shoes of good quality and a whimsical range of children's shoes with fairytale motifs. In addition, the exhibitors got a positive response from the market and according to Joey Enriquez, president of the MCFashion, the footwear products were quite impressive considering we are only seven footwear companies. I believe we have a market to be tapped in the global setting and the Philippines should develop brand marketing. The total negotiated sale from the footwear sector is around $39,613.24.

Mayor Marides Fernando expresses her support as she says, this exhibit is a good start to boost our local shoe industry and at the same time prove that we can be globally competitive. It is also a way to attract local and foreign investors in our city especially now with our thrust being 2004 is Invest in Marikina Year.

Link:
http://news.marikina.gov.ph/pages/newsarch.asp?n=4-2004-c