The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) successfully concluded its Trade Education and Advocacy (TEA) Campaign for the Marikina footwear industry on December 12. Held in the “shoe capital” itself, the activity reinforced the DTI’s commitment to empowering local industries and improving the utilization of free trade agreements (FTAs).
The campaign focused on equipping stakeholders—including manufacturers, artisans, micro, small, and medium enterprises, and exporters—with the tools and knowledge to leverage FTAs. Participants learned how to source cheaper raw materials and access preferential export markets through the Philippines’ various FTAs. The campaign also provided trade remedies, such as safeguards and anti-dumping measures, to address the sudden surge of import competition or unfair trade practices.
Furthermore, the TEA campaign explored a wide range of relevant topics, including opportunities for the Philippine footwear industry under existing FTAs, market access to the European Union market, intellectual property protection and enforcement, export procedures, and rules of origin.
In his keynote message, Senator Aquilino Martin “Koko” Pimentel highlighted unprecedented business opportunities facilitated by FTAs for Philippine products and services, including the footwear industry. He stressed the potential of Philippine-made shoes to showcase the country’s manufacturing capabilities. Beyond Marikina, he expressed hope that the entire country would fully capitalize on these trade opportunities.
Bureau of Import Services Director Maria Guiza Lim reinforced this sentiment, stating, “[T]he Philippine footwear industry, anchored in the exceptional craftsmanship of Marikina, is not only a cultural legacy but also an economic driver with immense potential for international growth”. She highlighted the expanding global footwear market as a prime opportunity for the Philippines to capture a meaningful share of the market.
The TEA campaign is a strategic series of education and advocacy sessions under the DTI’s broader initiative to bolster the export competencies of local industries. This initiative aligns with the objectives of the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028 and the Philippine Export Development Plan 2023-2028, both of which aspire to position the country as an agile export powerhouse in key industries.
The TEA Campaign in Marikina was participated by the Bureau of International Trade Relations, Bureau of Import Services, Export Marketing Bureau, Intellectual Property Office, Bureau of Customs, Tariff Commission, and the ARISE+ PH Project.
