Free shoemaking courses for Marikeños

A group of shoe manufacturers, mostly from Marikina City, will train for free around 100 people as its way of ensuring that the over a century-old tradition of shoemaking lives on in the city.

Starting in May, the Marikina-based Philippine Footwear Federation Inc. (PFFI) will offer two month-long shoemaking courses—shoe sewing (mananahi) and shoe upper making (mag-aareglo)—not only to promote the industry among the youth but also to encourage them to take the lead in ensuring its continuity.

“It is noticeable that many people who are into the shoe industry are already old. We need the youth to continue the [shoemaking] tradition of Marikina,” the PFFI said in a statement yesterday.

According to the group, it chose the two courses, which are accredited by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, because these are currently in demand.

Mayor Del de Guzman, meanwhile, expressed hope that the initiative would help mold the next generation of shoemakers to carry on the legacy of Laureano Guevara who founded the city’s shoe industry in 1881.

“This is a good step made by fellow shoemakers who wish to improve the quality of Marikina’s shoes. We hope that the youth will be more than interested in joining these courses so that they may benefit and see the perks of being in the shoe industry which has a lot of potential jobs,” De Guzman said.

To qualify for the program, applicants must be Marikina residents aged 18 to 30. Each class of at least 50 students will be trained in the PFFI office on Russet Street, SSS Village, in Barangay Concepcion Dos for 180 hours within 23 days. Classes are expected to start on May 2. Those interested may go to the PFFI office or call Katherine Dichoso at 9424228.