Unwavering Craftsmanship: The Tenacity of a Shoemaker
Title: The Struggling Local Shoe Repair Industry: A Look at Carcar City's Shoe Capital
Ramil Tapic, a seasoned shoemaker with a decade under his belt, has been mending footwear in the bustling streets of Cebu City. Originally from Carcar City, the Shoe Capital of Cebu, Tapic moved due to the dwindling shoe and bag repair industry in his hometown.
Causes of Decline
The downturn of the industry in Carcar was fueled by a perfect storm of factors. First, the influx of cheap, Chinese-made footwear flooded the market, offering consumers a more affordable alternative compared to locally made and repaired products. Second, the growing popularity of "ukay-ukay" or second-hand items lowered the demand for new and maintained footwear. Finally, changing consumer behavior, with a preference for fast fashion and disposability, contributed to the decline [2].
Earning a Living
Tapic operates a modest repair stall along Junquera Street in Cebu City. Despite the competitive landscape, he manages to earn around P1,000 on busy days and a mere P200 on slower days.
With 10 siblings and four children of his own, Tapic's primary focus is supporting his offspring who are still attending school. His wife also chips in by delivering parcels on Olango Island in Lapu-Lapu City [3].
The Resilient Shoemaker
Despite the challenges, Tapic remains steadfast in his commitment to his craft. He believes in maintaining an open dialogue with his customers and providing them with honest evaluations of their repair needs. Tapic's journey epitomizes the resilience and determination of individuals who strive to provide for their families by means of honest labor [4].
The Future of Local Craftsmanship
As the economy continues to evolve, traditional industries like the shoe repair sector face numerous challenges. Nonetheless, innovative strategies like offering high-quality repair services, hosting educational workshops, and emphasizing eco-friendly practices, could breathe new life into these crafts and preserve cultural heritage for future generations. [5]
[1] Having to adapt to a changing environment, some craftsmen have relocated to larger cities, like Cebu, to continue their trade.
[2] Affordable, mass-produced shoes from China and the popularity of second-hand items, known as "ukay-ukay," have reduced the demand for locally made and repaired footwear. Additionally, changing consumer behavior, with a preference for fast fashion and disposability, has contributed to the decline of the local shoe repair industry.
[3] Tapic's primary income is spent on supporting his children, with his wife contributing by delivering parcels.
[4] Tapic emphasizes the importance of maintaining open communication with customers and offering honest evaluations of their repair needs. His dedication and hard work serve as a testament to the resilience and determination found in individuals like him who provide for their families through honest labor.
[5] Innovative strategies, such as offering high-quality repair services, hosting educational workshops, and emphasizing eco-friendly practices, could help sustain the traditional shoe repair industry, preserve cultural heritage, and create opportunities for craftsmen to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
- In an attempt to continue their work, some craftsmen have chosen to relocate from their hometowns, like Carcar City, to larger cities, such as Cebu.
- The decline of the shoe repair industry in Carcar City was exacerbated by several factors, including the influx of cheap, Chinese-made footwear, the increasing popularity of second-hand items, and evolving consumer behavior preferring fast fashion and disposability.
- Ramil Tapic, who operates a repair stall in Cebu City, earns around P1,000 on busy days yet only P200 on slower days despite the challenging competitive landscape.
- In the face of numerous obstacles, innovative approaches like supplying high-quality repair services, hosting educational workshops, and promoting eco-friendly practices could potentially revitalize traditional industries like the shoe repair sector, preserving cultural heritage and creating opportunities for craftsmen to prosper in an ever-changing world.
