Marikina showcases shoemaking heritage to ASEAN delegates
Indonesian Minister Dr. Imam Machdi praised Marikina’s shoemaking tradition and the delegation’s reception in the city.
VISITORS admire Marikina-made footwear showcased by the Philippine Footwear Federation, highlighting the craftsmanship and designs that local shoemakers hope to bring to a wider global market.
Photograph courtesy of marikina pio/facebook
Marikina hosted delegates from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) at the Marikina Shoe Museum, where they were introduced to the city’s shoemaking industry and its history over the weekend.
Mayor Marjorie Ann “Maan” Teodoro said the delegation from the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community Council (ASCC) included senior officials and ministers from Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Brunei, Timor-Leste and Laos.
They were accompanied by Department of Social Welfare and Development Secretary Rex Gatchalian, who also chairs the ASCC.
Teodoro said the visit gave Marikina an opportunity to present the craftsmanship of its local shoemakers to officials from neighboring countries.
The Shoe Museum houses about 800 pairs of shoes, most of them from the collection of former First Lady Imelda Marcos. Other pairs were donated or given by former Philippine presidents and mayors, celebrities, athletes, business leaders and other prominent figures.
The tour traced the history of Marikina’s shoe industry, from its early beginnings to its present-day operations. Exhibits included traditional and modern tools, equipment, materials and techniques used in shoemaking.
The delegates also watched a live demonstration by veteran shoemakers from local footwear brand Zapateria and spoke with the artisans about the work involved in producing handcrafted shoes.
ASEAN ASCC Indonesian Minister Dr. Imam Machdi praised Marikina’s shoemaking tradition and the delegation’s reception in the city.
“It’s a very nice city (Marikina), and [a] very nice history about shoes [with] all the people here making shoes from a hundred years ago until now. It’s really excellent… We have something like this. Shoes made handmade, but here it is more managed,” he said after the tour.
Eastern Police District director Brig. Gen. Roman Arugay said augmentation forces had been deployed to help secure the ASEAN delegates during their visit. The visit was among the activities and exchanges being held ahead of the ASEAN Summit this month.
The Philippines, which chairs ASEAN this year, is hosting the 2026 ASEAN Summit and related meetings throughout November.
The main conferences are scheduled for 16 to 18 November, with discussions expected to cover regional peace and security, economic cooperation and people empowerment.