SHOES are in the Bible. The Holy Scripture says they symbolize readiness to face challenges and fuel one’s dreams.
Thus, every story about shoes speaks of determination, perseverance, and the courage to succeed.
So why did I choose this topic?
On October 15, I saw a Facebook post showing the local government of Talisay City, led by Mayor Weng Lizares, distributing free shoes or sneakers to their athletes participating in the Cluster III Meet of the Department of Education – Division of Negros Occidental, held on October 16 and 17.
At first glance, it looked like a simple gesture. But when I asked about the rationale behind this free shoe distribution, former mayor Neil Lizares — husband of the incumbent lady mayor — explained that it was intended for grassroots or underprivileged athletes.
It turns out he was the “architect” of this noble project during his term from 2016 to 2025.
Valuing its essence, Mayor Weng has continued the program wholeheartedly — no ifs, no buts.
BEYOND POLITICAL DIMENSION
Having this kind of program — providing shoes for grassroots athletes — moves me deeply.
During my high school days, I owned a pair of sneakers worth P75 (circa 1984–1989), which had to last me an entire year. I used them for daily classes and every sporting event, from intramurals to track meets.
Buying good, durable sneakers for running, volleyball, or basketball was already a major challenge for students whose parents earned below minimum wage in the haciendas.
It was even tougher for those in the mountains — the true faces of rural poverty — and for students in slum areas living on hand-to-mouth existence.
Yet despite their struggles, their will to succeed, their passion to excel, and their drive to become champions remain unwavering.
Fueling those dreams, however, is another story.
Here, the Talisay City government steps in as a vital and dependable supporter. With the Lizares couple — Neil and Mayor Weng — championing something that goes beyond politics, the morale of Talisaynon athletes has soared.
INSPIRING, IMPELLING
Another heartwarming story about shoes is that of Sonny Estil.
Estil, a native of San Luis, Agusan del Sur, is a humble basketball star who was recently drafted into the PBA after a standout stint with the Pampanga Giant Lanterns in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL).
But what makes his story remarkable? It’s also about shoes.
Growing up in a logging community, Estil considered basketball shoes a luxury. Whenever he joined inter-purok tournaments, he would borrow shoes from friends or relatives.
Now, as a member of the PBA’s Barangay Ginebra Kings, owning proper shoes remains a challenge for this “Promdi” yet promising athlete.
Thankfully, PBA superstar Scottie Thompson — his teammate — took notice and gave him a pair suitable for league play.
Reading Estil’s story brought tears to my eyes. It’s a story many of us can relate to — poor yet full of dreams.
His journey is one for the books: inspiring and impelling.
‘SUPERB ACT’
Back to Talisay— As far as I know, it’s the only local government unit (LGU) in Negros Occidental with a free-shoes program for grassroots athletes. That alone makes it admirable.
Quietly conceived and implemented, this initiative — only made public on October 15 — was a superb act of genuine concern for young athletes’ welfare.
Let it be known that grassroots athletes are the “power players” of sports development anywhere in the world. Their hardships often transform into strength, grit, and determination — the very ingredients of greatness.
Remember Usain Bolt of Jamaica? Hailed as one of the fastest men on Earth, Bolt came from a poor village and once couldn’t even afford shoes. Yet, through his dream and unmatched speed, he conquered the world — literally outrunning poverty.
For Bolt, poverty and the lack of shoes became his paradoxical sources of inspiration—the very things that made him the “King of the Oval.”
POWER OF SHOES
In a nutshell, Talisay City owes much to former mayor Neil Lizares for believing in the power of shoes to fuel dreams.
Launching the free-shoes program under his “Gwapo nga Serbisyo” initiative was a virtuous act that changed many young lives for the better.
Today, Talisay is fast becoming a hub for elite volleyball players — thanks to homegrown talents like Leo Priolo Ordiales of the NU Bulldogs, and Bernadeth Pons and Kristel May Mirasol, who now compete in the Philippine and Asian Volleyball Leagues, respectively.
It is my hope that this free-shoes program becomes a lasting institution in Talisay — untouched by politics and guided solely by purpose.
Let its spirit echo what the Bible proclaims in Ephesians 6:15: “Have your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace” — a symbol of both stability and mobility.
Kudos to Talisay City and Mayor Weng Lizares for keeping faith in the power of shoes — tools that help mold quality athletes from the grassroots, whose dreams depend on the steadiness of every step and leap.
Indeed, Talisay’s “shoes to boost” readiness and confidence truly matter — neither less, nor more./PN
