First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos celebrates Marikina’s shoemaking heritage

 

Photos by K. Galvey/PIA-NCR

By Jeome Paunan 

MANILA, (PIA) — First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos visited the Marikina Shoe Festival on Tuesday afternoon, April 22, where she showcased her support for local craftsmanship and the city’s storied shoemaking tradition.

The event, themed “Marikina: Pamana ng Sapatos – Kahapon, Ngayon at Bukas,” was held at Marikina City Hall.

Upon her arrival, Araneta-Marcos was warmly welcomed by Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III, Marikina 2nd District Representative Stella Quimbo, and other city officials.

Former First Lady Imelda Romualdez-Marcos was also invited to the festival, due to her historical significance to the occasion.

Marikina, recognized as the Shoe Capital of the Philippines, continues to promote Filipino talent and local industry through events like this.

The festival featured a public shoe exhibit, highlighting the craftsmanship of local shoemakers, bag makers, and small businesses in the area.

During her visit, Araneta-Marcos engaged with the community, observing a performance by grade school learners who showcased traditional dances while proudly holding pairs of shoes. This display emphasized the cultural heritage of Marikina, further enriching the festival’s significance.

The First Lady also expressed her commitment to revitalizing Marikina’s iconic shoe industry, underscoring the importance of preserving local traditions and fostering economic growth within the community.

The Marikina Shoe Festival serves as a reminder of the city’s rich history in shoemaking and its ongoing efforts to support and uplift local artisans. The gathering also brought together shoe industry players, local business leaders, and members of civic organizations, all dedicated to preserving and promoting Marikina’s legacy of shoemaking excellence. (JCO/PIA-NCR)