A SHOE-MAKING laboratory and training center intended for out-of-school youth and existing shoe makers in Davao Region is set to open by the first quarter of 2019 in Ma-a, Davao City.

In an interview with Department of Trade and Industry 11 (DTI 11) regional director Maria Belenda Q. Ambi, she said they have a partnership with the Ateneo de Davao Foundation in establishing a Shoemaking laboratory with an approved budget of P4 million.

Ambi said the equipment procurement has just started.

“This facility will also have a training center for pre-identified out-of-school youth. They will be taught with shoemaking whether for them to start a business or for them to be shoemakers and/or shoemaking workers as well,” Ambi said.

Aside from the out-of-school youth, Ambi added the existing shoemakers in the region can also make use of the facilities as there would also be a series of trainings that will be conducted for those interested.

She said the facility will focus on the making of shoes with mass demand or a bulk production orders such as army and school shoes.