Marikina
Template:Infobox Philippine city
The City of Marikina (Filipino: Lungsod ng Marikina) is known as the "Shoe Capital of the Philippines". Located on the island of Luzon, Marikina City is one of the cities and municipalities that comprise Metro Manila, the National Capital Region in the Philippines. Marikina is a lush valley bounded by mountain ranges and sliced by a river. Located along the eastern border of Metro Manila, Marikina City is bordered on the west by Quezon City, to the south by Pasig City and Cainta, Rizal, to the east by Antipolo City, the capital of Rizal province, and to the north by San Mateo also in Rizal province. It is approximately 21 km. away from Manila, and lies within 14° 35' latitude and 14° 41' longitude.
Marikina City is the most industrialized in Metro Manila. There are many landmarks located in the city, such as Marikina Sports Park, Marikina Hotel, Marquinton Place, Loyola Memorial Park, Riverbanks Center, Guiness Book of Records biggest pair of shoes in the world located inside Riverbanks Mall in Riverbanks Center and some biggest malls in the metropolis near Marikina City, like Sta. Lucia East Grandmall and Robinsons Place Metro East which is along Marcos Hiway.
Marikina was given the title the "Shoe Capital of the Philippines", because of its notable shoe industry. Shoemakers in the city recently finished creating the world's largest pair of shoes and hopes to have the Guinness Book of Records recognize it. The Shoe Museum in the city is also the home of the famous shoes of former First Lady Imelda Marcos.
One of the most important place in the city is Marikina River, a tributary of the Pasig River runs through the center of the city. The city in fact occupies a part of the Marikina Valley and is sometimes prone to flooding especially when typhoons hit the area. During Christmas Season, Marikina River is a traditional venue for the Marikina Christmas Festival.
Brief History
Spanish Period
The Augustinians were the first to arrive at the valley, at the spot now known as Chorillo, in Barangay Barangka. The area where Marikina now stands was administered by the Jesuits during the Spanish Period starting in 1630. They established a settlement and named it Jesus dela Peña. They also built a chapel. The area was later called Mariquina and a parish was established in 1687. In 1787, the Mariquina was declared a pueblo (town) under the Spanish colonial government. In 1887, the shoemaking had been started through the efforts of Don Laureano "Kapiton Moy" Guevarra. Andres Bonifacio was also arrive in Mariquina before he and his Katipuneros going to the caves of Montalban. Later, when the Philippine Revolution broke out, Mariquina became the capital of the province of Manila from 1898 to 1899, a period which declare the Philippine Independence by Emilio Aguinaldo, the first Philippine president, in Kawit, Cavite.
During 20th Century
Shortly after the United States took possession of the Philippines, its name officially became "Marikina" and the province of Rizal was created on June 11, 1901 by virtue of Act No. 137 by the First Philippine Commission which during the time was acting as the unicameral legislative body in the island of Luzon. Marikina, along with many other towns around Manila were incorporated into the new province.
On November 7, 1975, by virtue of Presidential Decree No. 824, the twelve western towns of Rizal, including Marikina, were made a part of the new Metropolitan Manila Area.
By the turn of the 20th century, Marikina had emerged as a town of shoemakers. Honed by years in shoe manufacturing, the natives had developed a work ethic that prepared them for the arrival of heavy industries in the 1950's. With the industrial plants came waves of workers who chose to stay, rapidly increasing the population. The city soon became a victim of runaway growth, resulting in the Marikina River being polluted by the factories and squatters along the riverbanks.
Dynamic transformation
In 1992, the city find a new direction under the dynamic leadership of Mayor Bayani "BF" Fernando (now, Chairman of Metropolitan Manila Development Authority). By dint of hard work and discipline, guided by the vision of a modern, livable city, Marikina has since been transformed into the beautiful urban city that it is now.
On December 8, 1996, the municipality of Marikina became a chartered city by virtue of Republic Act No. 8223.
Marikina City today
At present, the shoe industry has become a pride of the country and a boost to the growth of its economy. The city also now boasts of hosting other big companies, multinationals and local, as well as leading exporting firms.
Marikina City today is a multi-awarded metropolitan city, often cited for its vibrant economy, a highly-skilled and literate work force, an involved and enlightened business community, and a responsive local government that puts a premium on governance, sustainable urban development and public service.
Proof positive of the city's standing in the league of metropolitan cities in the country are the numerous awards and citations that have been bestowed, most recent and most prestigious of which are the 2003 Most Competitive Metro City in the Philippines award. Marikina also one of the host of the 23rd Southeast Asian Games 2005 in the Philippines which will held the sports event of baseball at the Marikina Sports Park.
Marikina City updates
SM Prime Holdings construct a 124,000 m² floor area of a new SM Mall in Metro Manila (the biggest chain of malls in the Philippines), it is called SM City Marikina, the only biggest SM mall in the eastern metropolis and Rizal sub-urbs aside from Sta. Lucia Mall and Robinsons Place. It construct along Marcos Hiway, Marikina City with the beautiful settings beside Marikina River. SM City Marikina was planned to open this late 2007.
The city
Marikina City is a developed city within Metro Manila. The city lies on a valley of the same name. Marikina River runs through the central portion of the city. During the rainy season, most especially when typhoons hit the area, the river overflows and jumps its banks, flooding low-lying areas. To the east are the Sierra Madre Mountains, the longest mountain range in the country, and Rizal province.
The city divided into 2 (geographical) districts: Districts 1 and 2. The southern portion of the city is District 1. Marikina City is one of the healthiest cities in the Asia-Pacific region. Winning at least 78 awards and recognitions, both local and abroad, in a span of just 12 years. Marikina has become an ideal location for industry, business and for residences.
Vision and missions
Vision
Marikina : "A Little Singapore". Bustling in holistic progress, a vibrant community where the citizens have pride of place, pride of self and mutual concern for the common good.
Marikina has chosen Singapore as its benchmark for a variety of reasons, foremost of which are its noteworthy attributes of:
- Disciple
- Self-sufficiency
- Effective governance
- Work ethics
- Environmental soundness
- Economic dynamism
- Corrupt-free government
Mission
Specifically, the city seeks to make itself:
- A place for living
- A place for work and business
- A place for history
- A place for socializing
- A place for entertainment
- A place for arts, culture, tourism and sports
- A place for education
- A place for religion
In a nut-shell, Marikina hopes to imbue itself with elements that will transform it into a little Singapore. Efforts, however, shall be geared primarily towards poverty reduction for it is the alleviation of urban blight which determines the efficacy of local governance.
While programs and strategies are multifarious and encompassing, they are basically poverty-focused. Eradication of poverty is, thus, the focal point of everything that the city sets out to do in the long term.
Basic Elements
Marikina takes an integrated approach in pursuit of its vision. This includes the following:
- Ensuring good access between and among different areas of the city.
- Defining Space
- Making memorable spaces
- Using the city's physical setting to its best advantage
Key Programs
- More Access
- More choices for playground and recreation
- Distinctive historical and Heritage Zone
- Greening the City
- A City that Works
- Transforming Marikina River into a Vibrant Waterway
- A Wholesome Environment for Living
- A Center for Arts, Culture, Sports and Tourism in the Eastern Metropolitan and Rizal
- Knowledge Center
- E-Government
City seal
The official seal of the City of Marikina bears the inscriptions Lungsod ng Marikina, Pilipinas, the year 1630 referring to the founding date of the municipality, and 1996 the year of approval of the City Charter. The two mountains represent the majestic twin ranges of the Cordillera and Sierra Madre between which the Marikina Valley nestles, traversed by the Marikina River.
The rising sun points to the eastern location of the city, with each ray representing the city's first 14 barangays (now, 16). The machinery gear symbolizes its industries and the shoelast represents the traditional manufacture of the city. The torch focuses on the lofty and noble ideals for human development and a better quality of life, and is symbolic of its Hispanic culture and tradition.
The bamboo underscores a mixture of the people's natural humility and strenght of character and also emphasizes the city's transition from an agricultural past to the urbanized, industrial present; while the leaves and branches symbolize order and serenity. The bamboo and the wheel represent the Marikina and its people's respect for, and protection of the environment so as to remain in harmony with progress.
(City Seal Design by Former Mayor Bayani "BF" Fernando)
Marikina Hymn
Marikina, aking hirang
Bayan naming minamahal
Sa 'yong puso ay may buhay
Ang paglaya't angking dangal,
Marikina, ika'y dakila
Hiyas ng tangi nitong bansa
Marikina idadambana
Ang giting mo'y di mawawala.
Districts and barangays
Barangays
Marikina City is part of the Marikina Valley. Marikina divided into 16 barangays. Barangay Sta. Elena is the center of the city. The 2 new barangays namely Barangay Fortune and Barangay Tumana, Fortune was previously parts of Parang and Marikina Heights, and Tumana was previously part of Concepcion Uno. Here are the 16 barangays in Marikina City:
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Districts
Marikina City has 2 geographical districts, the District 1 and District 2. District 1 occupies the southwest side of Marikina River and the entire south of Marikina City and District 2 occupies the northwest (Loyola Grand Villas) side of Marikina River and the entire northern and eastern part of Marikina City which considered as the biggest district of the 2 districts. Here are the 2 districts with their barangays:
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District 1
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District 2
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Famous landmarks and attractions
Here are some notable landmarks in the city:
- C & PS Mall
One of the most beautiful shopping centers in Metro Manila. Located at Liwasang Kalikasan Road, a circumferencial road lushes with green trees and refreshing air.
- Cityhood Park
Located at the corner of Shoe Avenue and Sumulong Hiway. Cityhood Park has a fountain like in Rajah Sulayman Park in Manila, and a facade like a church with giant clock and bells.
- Evolution Park
Where this park stands was once the only grazing farm in Marikina which stands 18 stone cows located in Marikina Heights.
- LRT Line 2 Santolan Station
The depot of LRT 2 along Marcos Hiway. The first station of LRT 2 is Santolan station, although the station is in nearby Pasig City.
- Loyola Memorial Park
Located along A. Bonifacio Avenue, a private-owned memorial park set on a sprawling area of 36,000 m² and developed in 1965. The Loyola Memorial Park is the oldest, and one of the biggest and most prominent memorial parks not only in Metro Manila but also in the Philippines.
- Marikina City's Largest Pair of Shoes in the World
This is certified by the Guiness Book of World Records as the world's largest pair of shoes located inside Riverbanks Mall at Riverbanks Center.
- Marikina Hotel
This is the city's first government-owned hotel that will further boost the influx of tourists in the city, located at SSS Village.
- Marikina Entertainment District
A. Tuazon Avenue's (now, Gil Fernando Ave.) well-known line-up of having many bars, restaurants, night clubs and shops.
- Marikina Industrial Zone
Located in the northeast portion of the city which was established in the 70's. It is home to a number of industries and some of which are the biggest and are the leaders in their fields, like Purefoods-Hormel, Nestle, Fortune Tobacco, Armscor and other leading industries.
- Marikina Market Mall
Metro Manila's most cleanest market is Marikina Public Market, known as Marikina Market Mall.
- Marikina River Park
Most awarded river which set as the Hall of Fame awardee for the Cleanest Inland Body of Water in NCR. Marikina River Park is a popular recreational park, such as jogging and bike lanes, and skating rink. Some of attractions there are Roman Garden, Chinese Pagoda, Kawayanan, Youth Camp and Animal Trail. It is also a traditional venue for the Marikina Christmas Festival.
- Marikina Sports Park
Established in 1969 and then known as the Rodriguez Sports Center, the property was bought from the provincial Government of Rizal in 1995. It is now a popular venue for national and regional sports competitions and other sports and entertainment events, such as 23rd Southeast Asian Games 2005 and Starstruck 3 Final Judgement and among others.
- Marquinton Place
The biggest condominium place at the eastern Metropolitan Manila area, the Marquinton Place developed by Federaland. Blue Wave Mall also located in this compound with a line-up of coffee shops, restaurants, fastfood chains, bars and many more. Located along Sumulong Hiway.
- Our Lady of the Abandoned Parish Church
Also known as Marikina Catholic Church, located at J. P. Rizal, San Roque. Built by Augustinians in the 1970's, this place of worship was destroyed by earthquakes and by fires in 19th Century. It has undergone a series of renovations since 1963. The church houses the miraculous image of the religious patron of Marikina.
- Riverbanks Center
Formerly Universal Textiles, Asia's largest textile mills, located along A. Bonifacio Avenue, Barangka. It is now a center for shopping, commerce, business and entertainment and stand out because of its unique setting by the river. Riverbanks Mall, Riverbend Hotel, Amphitheatre, Gazebo, Floating Stage and Stone Carabaos was also found inside the complex. At Riverbanks Mall, here you will find almost everything you need at a price reasonably affordable, such as SM Supermarket, Green Gallery, Off Price Department Store, a numerous boutiques, celfone shops, shops, food stands, fastfood chains and many more!
- Robinsons Metro East
Located along Marcos Hiway beside Sta. Lucia East, Robinsons Metro East is one of the major shopping mall in the metropolis with elevated car park, developed by Robinsons Development Corp.
- San Jose Manggagawa Parish Church
This church was the first permanent church established by the Jesuits in 1630, the same year Marikina was founded.
- Sentrong Pangkultura ng Marikina
This 200-year old building was once owned by Don Laureano "Kapitan Moy" Guevarra, recognized as the father of shoe industry in the Philippines. This is where the first pair of shoes in Marikina was designed and made in 1887. Inside this building can be found Doll Museum, Marikina City's museum.
- Shoe Museum
Shoe Museum houses about 800 pairs of shoes belonging to former First Lady Imelda Marcos.
- Sta. Lucia East Grandmall
Located along Marcos Hiway, Sta. Lucia East Grandmall is one of the biggest shopping centers in Metro Manila developed by Sta. Lucia Realty. It has also a big car park outside shopping mall, and also the Brick Road, which has a numerous expensive restaurants and bars.
- Teatro Marikina
This is the center of culture and the arts in the eastern metropolis. This facility also caters to various events such as plays, concerts, shows, graduations, exhibits and seminars.
- Women's Park
Located in Marikina River Park. It is a park dedicated to women empowerment.
- World of Butterflies
Free flying of hundreds of butterflies in different variety, kind and sizes. Field trips and tourist attracts this place because of very good ambience.
People
The people of Marikina is called "Marikeño".
Ethnic Groups
Like other places in Metro Manila, the original settlers are Tagalogs. Throughout the centuries, there has been constant migration of Visayas, Bikolanos, Ilokanos, Chinese and Spaniards. There are also Americans, Indians and Arabs.
Languages
The main language is Filipino, which is based on Tagalog. In addition, Marikeños are also proficient in the English language.
Religions
Marikina is one of the seat of the Spanish colonial government in past centuries, it has been used as the base of Roman Catholic missions. Among the religious orders include the Dominicans, the Franciscans, the Jesuits, and the Augustinians which the first to arrive in Marikina.
Marikina Catholic Church is the seat of the Archdiocese of Marikina. Other churches in the city includes the San Jose Manggagawa Parish Church in J. Dela Pena and Immaculate Concepcion Church in Concepcion Uno. Other Christian faiths like Pentecostal Missionary Church of Christ, the headquarters of Church of Christ 4th Watch in the Philippines, Jesus Miracle Crusade, Iglesia ni Cristo and some others.
Some other religions are Muslim, Buddhism and Jews.
Education
The city government prides itself in giving free education to its quality free education to its constituents through its 14 primary schools and 6 secondary schools including one science high school, the Marikina Science High School.
Marikina has many colleges and universities, like the city-owned Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Marikina and Marikina Institute of Science and Technology. There are also AMA Computer University, STI College, St. Scholastica's Academy, National Christian College, Roosevelt College, OLOPS School and National Cottage Technology Center.
Economy
Marikina is the home to a member of industries, some of which are the biggest and most succeeful in their fields, and foremost of all, shoe manufacturing, being the best in local craftmanship.
Shoe Industry
Marikina was the biggest manufacturer of quality shoes, and Marikina produced 78% of the shoe production of the Philippines. All locally produced shoes was made in Marikina, from slippers to shoes. Marikina also produced shoes which is made in rubber, wood (bakya) and plastic.
Commerce
Public markets in Marikina are often divided into two, the dry goods section and the wet goods section. Commerce in these public markets are in full swing, especially in the early morning. Under the urban renewal program of the incumbent administration, some of the public markets had been refurbished and given a fresher look, like the Marikina Public Market also known as Marikina Market Mall (or People's Mall), the biggest and cleanest market in Metro Manila.
Modern shopping malls dot the city especially in Blue Wave Mall at Marquinton. Sta. Lucia East Grandmall and Robinsons Place Metro East are Metro Manila's major shopping centers, stands along Marcos Hiway bounded by the city of Pasig and Cainta, Rizal. One of the popular malls that lies in Marikina is Riverbanks Center.
For the adventurous shoppers, you may venture beyond the hotel/shopping complex package and combine other interesting destinations for cheap buys such as in Marikina Market Mall. Bargaining is the major part of your shopping experience when you pass by on these area, as it sells goods at rock-bottom prices. It sells indigenous Filipino crafts and delicacies.
Banking services
Almost all of the major commercial banks in the Philippines operate a branch in the city. Many major banks was operated in the city of more than 1 branch or much more. At this time, there are 50 banking institutions offer banking services to businesses and residents. Most of these are concentrated in Barangay Sta. Elena, Sto. Niño, Concepcion Uno and Barangka.
Manufacturing
The city manufactures food processing, cigarettes, porcelain and chinawares, confectionery, automobiles and cars, appliances and foremost of all, shoes.
Government
Current administration
Incumbent Mayor: Ma. Lourdes "Marides" C. Fernando
Incumbent Vice Mayor: Marion S. Andres, M.D.
Incumbent Congressman: Del R. De Guzman
Presiding Officer: Marion S. Andres, M.D.
City Councillors:
District 1
- Jose Fabian I. Cadiz, M.D.
- Lea F. Carlos
- Eva Aguirre-Paz
- Serafin Bernardino
- Ferdie D. Marco
- Vic Sabiniano
District 2
- Donn Carlo B. Favis
- Efren de Guzman
- Roberto Ponce
- Annie Dayao
- Wilfred Reyes
- Tito Ortiz
Past administration
Gobernadorcillo
- 1787 Don Benito Mendoza
- 1788 Don Manuel Maroca
- 1789 Don Santiago de Guzman
- 1790 Don Matias de Leon
- 1791 Don Anatacio Jacinto
- 1792 Don Antonio delos Santos
- 1793 Don Antonio Pasco
- 1794 Don Benito Mendoza
- 1795 Don Jose de Roxas
- 1796 Don Santiago de Guzman
- 1797 Don Juan Asuncion
- 1798 Don Mariano Sanchez
- 1799 Don Tomass dela Paz
- 1800 Don Pedro Urbino
- 1801 Don Tenon Tiangco
- 1802 Don Francisco Patricio
- 1803 Don Lucas Mendoza
- 1805 Don Bernardo Guevarra
- 1806 Don Santiago de Guzman
- 1807 Don Francisco delos Santos
- 1808 Don Nicolas de Leon
- 1809 Don Santiago Sauza
- 1810 Don Gaspar delos Santos
- 1811 Don Francisco Patricio
- 1812 Don Vicente de Guzman
- 1813 Don Santiago dela Paz
- 1814 Don Agustin Desiderio
- 1815 Don Santiago Capangoy
- 1816 Don Esteban dela Paz
- 1817 Don Agapito dela Paz
- 1818 Don Remegio Guevarra
- 1819 Don Ignacio delos Santos
- 1820 Don Mariano Reyes
- 1821 Don Domingo Santos
Alkalde Kapitan
- 1822 Don Juan Gregorio
- 1822 Don Eusebio dela Paz
- 1824 Don Jose Ignacio
- 1825 Don Francisco Asuncion
- 1826 Don Eusebio dela Paz
- 1827 Don Francisco Santos
- 1828 Don Santiago Sauza
- 1829 Don Isidro Desiderio
- 1830 Don Toribio de Guzman
- 1831 Don manuel delos Santos
- 1832 Don Hipolito Perez
- 1833 Don Esteban dela Paz
- 1834 Don Tomas Urbino
- 1835 Don Rafael Bernardo
- 1836 Don Isidro Desiderio
- 1837 Don Damian Orbino
- 1838 Don Mariano Guevarra
- 1839 Don Hipolito Guevarra
- 1840 Don Gregorio Roxas
- 1841 Don Jacinto Domingo
- 1842 Don Tomas Urbino
- 1843 Don Mariano Mendoza
- 1844 Don Santiago Fernando
- 1845 Don Anselmo Asuncion
- 1846 Don Manuel Guevarra
- 1847 Don Faustino dela Paz
- 1848 Don Gavino dela Paz
- 1849 Don Gregorio Roxas
- 1850 Don Santiago Fernando
- 1851 Don Rufino Mendoza
- 1852 Don Fermin Victorino
- 1853 Don Esteban Urbino
- 1854 Don Pedro Urbino
- 1855 Don Pedro Urbino & Tomas dela Paz
- 1856 Don Pedro Urbino
- 1857 Don Rufino Mendoza
- 1858 Don Casimiro Teodoro
- 1859 Don Benedicto Santos
- 1860 Don Victorino Vicrtorino
- 1861 Kapitan Claudio dela Cruz
- 1862 Kapitan Reducindo Desiderio
- 1863 Kapitan Mateo Guevarra
- 1864 Kapitan Mateo Guevarra
- 1865 Heneral Joaquin del Soalr Y Ibañez
- 1866 Kapitan Mateo Guevarra
- 1867 - 1970 Kapitan Manuel Guevarra
- 1871 Kapitan Rufino Santos
- 1872 Kapitan Zacarias (Karias) Bernardo
- 1873 Heneral Manuel McCrohon
- 1874 - 1975 Kapitan Monico Guevarra
- 1876 - 1879 Kapitan Esteban dela Paz
- 1880 - 1882 Don Florentino Ongsayco
- 1883 Don Apolonio Desiderio
- 1884 Don Apolinario Desiderio
- 1885 - 1887 Don Jose Guevarra
- 1888 Heneral Antonio Malto
- 1889 Don Vicencio dela Cruz
- 1890 Don Rufino Santos
- 1891 - 1893 Don Laureano Guevarra
- 1894 Don Remegio Victorino
- 1895 - 1896 Don Domingo Victorino
Presidente
- 1900 - 1903 Don Vicente Gomez
- 1904 - 1905 Don Domingo Victorino
- 1906 - 1907 Don Pablo Dancel
- 1908 - 1909 Don Ceferino Legaspi
- 1910 - 1911 Don Isabelo Mendoza
- 1912 - 1918 Catalino S. Cruz
- 1919 - 1923 Eugenio Mendoza
- 1923 - 1925 Vicente Gomez
- 1926 - 1928 Jesus Villalon
- 1929 - 1931 Wenceslao C. dela Paz
- 1932 - 1937 Wenceslao C. dela Paz
Mayor
- 1938 - 1940 Juan Chayungco
- 1941 - 1945 Juan Chayungco
- 1945 - 1948 Enrique dela Paz
- 1948 - 1951 Gil Fernando
- 1952 - 1955 Juan Chayungco
- 1956 - 1959 Gil Fernando
- 1960 - 1986 Osmundo de Guzman
- 1986 - 1986 Teofisto R. Santos
- 1986 - 1992 Rodolfo B. Valentino Sr.
- 1992 - 2001 Bayani "BF" Fernando
- 2001 - 200? Maria Lourdes "Marides" C. Fernando
Twin city
- Brampton, Ontario in Canada is Marikina's "twin city".
External links
- Official Website of the City Government of Marikina
- Philippines Department of Tourism Official Government Site
- Official Portal of the Government of the Republic of the Philippines
Other Community Sites
