“Shoe Capital of the Philippines” No More: A Case Study on Crisis Management and Resilience-Building on Selected Micro- and Small- Enterprise (MSE) Shoemakers in Marikina City

Abstract

Marikina’s recorded history is closely intertwined with the narrative of shoemaking industry in the country. During the 20th century, with the steady increase in the number of shoe shops and businesses in the locality, Marikina deservingly earned the title as the “shoe capital of the Philippines.” In recent years, however, Marikina’s once mighty shoe industry began to experience a steep decline due to various factors. Controllable factors include strict competition with imported goods and labor problems. Uncontrollable factors include natural disasters, calamities, and the recent pandemic outbreak. Utilizing a case study research design, this study aims to determine how these challenges and events influenced and shaped the decisions and actions of Marikina micro- and small- enterprise (MSE) shoemakers. With the shoemakers’ crisis management styles, these steps eventually led to the development of their very own resilience-building mechanisms. This study also intends to examine the effects and accessibility of various local government initiatives that aim to revitalize the deteriorating shoe industry. This study will utilize the historical institutionalism framework to analyze crucial factors that affect the crisis management approach and resilience-building strategies of Marikina MSE shoemakers. With this perspective, this study underscores the significant roles played by past and existing business challenges and that proud feeling of being a cultural center in serving as primary motivations for Marikina shoemakers to remain and continue their operations despite the odds. With the help of the government and all Filipinos, the people of Marikina aspire to bring back the good old glory days of shoemaking industry in the city as they continue to strive in being the “shoe capital of the Philippines” as long as they can.