THE CURRENT STATE OF THE INDUSTRY
How does the Marikina Shoes Industry look like now?
The Marikina shoe industry has had a decline ever since the mid-90s, with globalization and the pandemic speeding up an existing downturn.
Learn more about its current state from its shoemakers to its sales, to how younger generations perceive the longstanding industry.
THE SHOE INDUSTRY'S TIMELINE
Discover the Marikina Shoe Industry thorough the years from 1800s to its present state
THE DAWN OF SHOEMAKING
In 1887, the Marikina shoemaking industry officially began through the pioneering efforts of Don Laureano “Kapitan Moy” Guevarra, along with Tiburcio Eustaquio, Ambrocio Sta. Ines, and Gervacio Carlos. Kapitan Moy, the Capitan Municipal at the time, is considered the Father of the Philippine Shoe Industry.
Kapitan Moy started the craft by reverse engineering a worn-out imported pair of British shoes to study their construction. The industry initially grew as a “silong-silong” (backyard industry) or cottage industry, with footwear being assembled in various households.
KAPITAN MOY'S
The Kapitan Moy residence, still standing at 200 years, can still be found in the city along J. P. Rizal St. It is also known as the Cultural Center of Marikina.
The residence underwent different owners, for a time becoming the house of the American tribunal then serving as the Japanese Army imperial quarters. Now, it is listed as a historic site for being the location of the first shoe workshop in Marikina.
THE RISE OF THE INDSUTRY
In 1951, to combat the influx of imported shoes in the country after World War II, R.A 650 or the “Import Control Law” was passed. This revived the industry, with Marikina becoming the biggest shoe manufacturer in the Philippines.
In 1956, the title of “Shoemaking Capital of the Philippines” was given to Marikina. Despite this, there were still efforts to promote Marikina-made shoes throughout the 1960s: Shoe trade fairs were being held in provinces, with shoes being sold at factory price.
PUSHING FORWARD
Under Mayor Osmundo de Guzman, the Marikina Shoe Trade Commission (MSTC) was established which subsidized the shoe industry and gave members the privilege of borrowing from commercial banks. MSTC worked hand-in-hand with the shoemakers and manufacturers themselves, lessening the power of syndicates who would control the industry. These initiatives gave momentum to the industry, which then had its peak the following two decades.
THE PEAKS
The 70s and the early 1980s were the industry’s zenith, with nearly 2,000 registered firms benefiting from protective tariffs, allowing them to dominate the local market.
Former First Lady Imelda Marcos was known for wearing Marikina-made shoes. Her patronage brought national recognition to Marikina’s local artisans and quality, though the actual scope of her legendary collection was a source of great political controversy after the 1986 EDSA Revolution.
THE MARIKINA MONOPOLY
The 70s and the early 1980s were the industry’s zenith, with nearly 2,000 registered firms benefiting from protective tariffs, allowing them to dominate the local market.
Former First Lady Imelda Marcos was known for wearing Marikina-made shoes. Her patronage brought national recognition to Marikina’s local artisans and quality, though the actual scope of her legendary collection was a source of great political controversy after the 1986 EDSA Revolution.
THE FALL OF THE INDUSTRY
The start of the industry’s downfall can be pinned on the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT), 1994, an international agreement that would lessen barriers for trade between countries.
The local industry was devastated by the influx of cheap imported substitutes, particularly from China, which quickly displaced Marikina products in department stores.
The decade saw challenges brought by limited trade liberalization, which began to expose local producers to foreign competition.
THE REVIVAL EFFORTS
With the rise of imported shoes which competed in terms of quantity and price, the local government took steps into supporting the industry such as establishing the Marikina Shoe Industry Development Office (MASIDO)
A focus shifted towards promoting the quality and craftsmanship of Marikina-made shoes and encouraging new designers and enterprises to revitalize the industry through modern design, but still keeping traditional techniques.
In 2001, the Marikina Shoe Museum was officially opened, which also featured the collection of Imelda Marcos. The museum can be found along J.P Rizal street, alongside the OTTO mini shoe museum as well as the Kapitan Moy residence.
Marikina also received the Guinness world record for biggest leather shoe in 2002. The shoe was completed over 77 days with a nine man team. While the shoe has since then been damaged, a giant leather boot stands in the shoe museum as a replacement for it. In 2013 however, the title for largest shoe was taken by Hong Kong shoe distributor Electric Sekki.
Discover more about the history below:
Tracing Back the Footsteps of the Marikina Shoe Industry's Rise and Fall
WRITTEN BY WILLIANE TOBIAS
HOW IS THE INDUSTRY NOW?
ANG UNANG YAPAK
This short documentary features interviews with shoemakers telling their experience over the years in the shoemaking industry. While most people know the city for its shoes, there is not much recognition for the shoemakers behind the craft.
Read more about the shoemakers who make Marikina-made shoes Below
The Tired Hands Behind Iconic Shoes: Mariqueño shoemakers and their plight
WRITTEN BY WILLIANE TOBIAS
BUT WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD?
Beyond the challenges, discover the path to revitalization and how you can walk it.