Marikina

Marikina
City of Marikina
Lungsod ng Marikina
—  Highly-Urbanized City  —
Marikina Riverbanks

Seal
Nickname(s): Shoe Capital of the Philippines
Motto: Discipline, Good Taste and Excellence
Metro Manila showing the location of Marikina City
City of Marikina is located in Philippines
City of Marikina
Location in the Philippines
Coordinates: 14°38′24″N 121°5′50″E / 14.64°N 121.09722°E / 14.64; 121.09722
Country  Philippines
Region National Capital Region
Districts 1st and 2nd Districts of Marikina
Barangay 16
Class 1st Class City;
Highly Urbanized
Incorporated (town) April 16, 1630
Chartered city December 8, 1996
Government
 – Mayor Del R. De Guzman (Liberal)
 – Vice Mayor Jose Fabian I. Cadiz (Liberal)
 – Sangguniang Panlungsod
Area
 – Total 21.50 km2 (8.3 sq mi)
Elevation 14.7 m (48.2 ft)
Population (2009)
 – Total 496,205
 – Density 23,079.3/km2 (59,775.1/sq mi)
Time zone PST (UTC+8)
 – Summer (DST) Manila (UTC)
ZIP Code 1800
Area code(s) 2
Twin Cities
 – Brampton Canada
 – Singapore Singapore
 – Monterrey Mexico
 – Plano USA
Website www.marikina.gov.ph

Marikina, officially the City of Marikina, known as the Shoe Capital of the Philippines, was former capital of the province of Manila during the declaration of Philippine Independence and one of the sixteen cities within the Manila Metropolitan Area. Marikina is part of Eastern Manila District of Metro Manila's four districts. It is located on the eastern border of Metro Manila of the island of Luzon. Several cities and municipalities lies on its border: San Mateo, Rizal to the north and northeast, Antipolo City to the east, Cainta, Rizal to the southeast, Pasig City to the south and Quezon City to the entire west.

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 it was only recently that the Guinness World Records recognized this feat. The Shoe Museum located in the city is the home of the famous shoe collection of the former First Lady Imelda Marcos, shoes of the world leaders, past presidents, famous celebrities and persons, shoes of different countries around the world etc., and contains the largest collection of pair of shoes in the world.

Marikina was divided into two districts consisting of 16 barangays. The people of Marikina are amongst the most disciplined in the Philippines. Marikina City is considered as one of the healthiest and livable cities within the Asia-Pacific. Marikina City is one of the wealthiest local government units (LGU) in the Philippines in terms of current assets, cash in banks, share of internal revenue allotment (IRA), gross income and gross net income. The city features many spacious parks, tree-lined streets, bikelanes, boulevards and commercial areas. Despite the latter, most of the city is classified as residential. It was devastated by Typhoon Ondoy in 2009. The most influential persons in the city is former mayor Marides Fernando and former MMDA Chairman Bayani Fernando, who was also previously a mayor. Both Fernandos were credited for the city's radical transformation and improvement. The incumbent mayor is Del De Guzman.

Contents

Geography

Marikina City is one of the large distribution in Metro Manila in terms of land area at approximately 21.5 square kilometers (2,150 hectares), about 3.37% of the total land area of Metro Manila. The city lies on Marikina Valley. Not only is Marikina City a part of this valley, the valley extends to the south towards Pasig City and Cainta, Rizal. Marikina River runs through the central portion of the city and Nangka River runs through the north portion. The dynamic Sierra Madre Mountains, the longest mountain range in the Philippines is located at the eastern portion while the Quezon City hills are located to the west. It is also the home of the Valley Fault System, one of the active faults in the Philippines.

Marikina City is a lush valley bounded by mountain ranges and sliced by a river. Located along the eastern border of Metro Manila, it 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°38′24″N 121°5′50″E / 14.64°N 121.09722°E / 14.64; 121.09722Coordinates: 14°38′24″N 121°5′50″E / 14.64°N 121.09722°E / 14.64; 121.09722.

The southern portion of the city occupies the numerous commercial, industrial and business establishments and interesting places, it is also located the "center" of the city which is the busiest district of the city. While the northern portion is primarily residential areas and subdivisions, exclusive schools, industrial zones and various small and medium enterprises are also booming. Loyola Grand Villas, located at the northwest portion of the city is a rich gated community that occupies upper-middle class and rich residential area.

History

Spanish period

The Augustinians were the first to arrive at the valley, at the spot now known as Chorillo, in Barangay Barangka. The Jesuits next came in 1630 in a place called Jesús de la Peña. They established a mission and built a chapel where the first mass in Marikina was held. On April 16, 1630, Fray Pedro de Arce, apostolic ruler of the Archbishop of Manila, approved the transfer of ecclesiastical control and supervision of Marikina area to the Jesuits. The area was later called Mariquina in 1787 after Felix Berenguer de Marquina who was the governor-general at that time, and Mariquina was declared a pueblo (officially town) under the Spanish colonial government.

Incorporate period

Andrés Bonifacio also arrived in Mariquina before he and his Katipuneros proceeded 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.

Shortly after the Americans 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 thirteen western towns of Rizal, including Marikina, were made part of the new Metropolitan Manila Area.

World War II and the Japanese Occupation

In early 1942, the Japanese Imperial forces occupied Marikina.

On February 17 to 19, 1945, Marikina was liberated by the combined U.S. and Philippine Commonwealth ground troops who attacked the Japanese Imperial Army by artillery from Quezon City. Almost all the big buildings including the church bell tower were destroyed. In reality, the Japanese had already left town and retreating to the north. The destruction which saw over 200 civilians casualties at the end of World War II.

Some the local Filipino troops under the pre-war 4th & 42nd Infantry Division of the Philippine Commonwealth Army was entering and recaptured in Marikina and helped the U.S. liberation forces attacking the Japanese troops during the liberation in February 1945.

Shoe Capital and the Transformation to Urbanized City

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 1950s. 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.

In 1992, the city found a new direction under the leadership of Mayor Bayani Fernando. By dint of hard work and discipline, guided by the vision of a modern, livable city, Marikina has since been transformed into the beautiful and industrialized urban city that it is now. On December 8, 1996, the municipality of Marikina became a chartered city and transformed rapidly into a highly urbanized and first class city by virtue of Republic Act No. 8223, same date as the Feast of Immaculate Concepcion.

Disasters

Marikina is the only place in Metro Manila that lies in a valley, and for this reason, flooding frequently occurs during typhoons and strong rains. Flooding in the low-lying areas of the city is caused by the overflowing of the Marikina River.

On September 26, 2009, tropical storm Ondoy (Ketsana), caused record amounts of flooding in the city. The strong river current entered streets and homes, damaging property and killing more than 200 Mariqueños. Marikina easily resurrected from ruins in comparison to other towns nearby, despite being the hardest-hit of all cities.

Another disaster prone is the Valley Fault System (also known as Marikina Fault Line), lies in the western portion of the city which these areas has in high-risk of earthquakes.

Timeline

Date or Year Milestone
1570 The Augustinians were the first to arrive at the valley, at the spot now known as Chorillo, in Barangay Barangka.
April 16, 1630 The Jesuits was next to arrived in a place called Jesus Dela Peña. They established a mission and built a chapel where the first mass in Marikina was held. Fray Pedro de Arce, apostolic ruler of the Archbishop of Manila, approved the transfer of ecclesiastical control and supervision of Marquina area to the Jesuits.
1687 The area was later called Mariquina and Mariquina was declared a pueblo (officially town) under the Spanish colonial government
1787 Don Benito Mendoza became the first Gobernadorcillo of Mariquina.
1822 Don Juan Gregorio became the first Alcalde Capitan of Mariquina.
1887 Don Laureano "Kapitan Moy" Guevarra, father of shoe industry in the Philippines, made and designed the first pair of shoes in Mariquina (Marikina). Mariquina emerged as a town of shoemakers.
1896 Andrés Bonifacio and the Katipuneros arrived in Mariquina.
1898 Mariquina became the capital of Manila province during proclamation of Philippine independence.
1900 Don Vicente Gomez became the first Alcalde Presidente after Mariquina became a capital of province of Manila.
June 11, 1901 Shortly after the Americans took possession of the Philippines, its name officially became Marikina and the province of Rizal was created by virtue of Act No. 137[1] by the First Philippine Commission which during the time was acting as the unicameral legislative body in the island of Luzon.
1938 Juan Chanyungco became the first Mayor of Marikina in modern time.
February 17–19, 1945 Combined Filipino and American soldiers was invaded to the liberation of Marikina from the Japanese forces, and which saw over 400 civilians are casualties. Filipino forces under the pre-war 4th & 42nd Infantry Division of the Philippine Commonwealth Army was sent in Marikina and attacked and defeating the Japanese forces.
1956 As a town of shoemakers and shoe industry, Marikina named as the "Shoe Capital of the Philippines".
June 1975 Metro Manila Commission was created under Presidential Decree No. 824 integrating four cities and 13 towns, majority of which were in the Province of Rizal. Marikina then became part of the Metropolitan Manila area.
November 7, 1975 Marikina officially became part of National Capital Region, also known as Metro Manila.
June 1992 Bayani Fernando started to serve as a mayor of Marikina. Marikina has been rapidly transformed into what it is today.
December 8, 1996 Marikina became a chartered city and Marikina City transformed rapidly into a highly urbanized and first class city by virtue of Republic Act No. 8223 authored by Romeo Candazo.
June 2001 Marides Fernando, wife of former mayor Bayani Fernando started to serve as mayor of Marikina City. Marikina transformation continues and considered as "Developed City".
2004 Marikina City awarded as the Most Competitive Metro City in the Philippines.
2006 The first medium rise condominium, the Marquinton Residences, was inaugurated in the heart of the city. Marquinton is one of the symbolic landmark structure in Marikina today.
May 2007 Under Republic Act No. 9364 which was filed by Congressman Del R. De Guzman and Senator Edgardo J. Angara, Marikina City was divided into 2 congressional districts serving 2 representatives.
2008 Marides Fernando is one of the finalists to the 2008 World Mayor Awards, an award-giving body to all the excellent mayors worldwide. Marides Fernando is the only mayor in Asia-Pacific region who has been included in this list.
2008 The Riverbanks Center has been declared as the city’s business, finance, and commercial triangle, and Metro Manila's latest developing business and commercial district.
September 2008 SM City Marikina opens with a grand celebration, situated along Marcos Highway, near Riverbanks Center and considered as one of the largest mall in Metro Manila.
September 26–27, 2009 Marikina City was widely devastated by a flash flood due to torrential rains caused by Tropical Storm Ondoy. The City was declared under state of calamity. Flood water flowed thru the towns and barangays from 10 am and then subsided at around seven in the morning the following day. The national and international aides arrived immediately to the city for relief, retrieval and recovery operations. Most notably, Marides and Bayani rallied able Mariquenos to help clean up the city, exhibiting one of the ultimate examples of Bayanihan.
May 10, 2010 Del R. De Guzman, former vice-mayor and congressman, elected and served as the new mayor of Marikina City, ended Fernandos' reign of about 2 decades.
September 26-27, 2010 Marikina City commemorated the 1st Anniversary of Tropical Storm Ondoy disaster, the most devastated area during this calamity. The local government also celebrating the full recovery after one year.
June 24–25, 2011 Marikina River reached its rare critical water level during Tropical Depression Falcon, which the lasted was Tropical Storm Ondoy. Fortunately, the day after the Falcon's onslaught, the rain stops and the water gradually subsided and despite the water level reached its critical level, the flooding does not affected the entire communities and into the streets.
September 27, 2011

Typhoon Nesat :On 27 September 2011, Marikina River also once again turn into its limelight. Heavy rains like Tropical Storm Ondoy Dumped over Luzon including Metro Manila and nearby provinces. The water level reach the higher level than 24 June 2011. The water rises at 10:30 am. At 5pm, water reached 20.1 meters. SM City Marikina Basement Parking submerged in muddy water. Many people in Barangay Tumana, volunteered to evacuate for their safety. In Barangay Nangka, many people also went to evacuation center.They suffered on neck deep water and mouth deep water. In Bayabas St.,(near Balubad St.) Few of families are trap inside because water is rising. One of the residents said that the water outside their house is head-deep water and inside is chest deep water and they are asking for rescue. The day after, Marikina River until in critical level. Many people return to their homes and clean their house. But in the banks of the river flood doesn't subside. On 29 September 2011, 5am in the morning,finally water subside in the banks of the river and the residents started to clean. 6 am in the morning, water reaches the 15.2 meters. And so on, the water level return to normal level.

Marikina City today

The Riverbanks Center has been declared as the city’s business, finance, and commercial triangle, and Metro Manila's latest developing business and commercial district. And also, Marikina City starts booming with residential condominiums and towers, commercial centers and business parks, mostly concentrated in 3-triangular points: Marcos Highway, Sumulong Highway, and The Riverbanks Center as the hub. Recently mall giant SM built an SM Shoemart Mall near Riverbanks and just a kilometer from the City Hall are Marquinton real estate and Blue Wave.

At present, the shoe industry has become a pride of the Philippines and a boost to the growth of its economy. The city also now boasts of hosting other big companies, multinationals, local and foreign, as well as leading exporting firms. Numerous banks, land development firms, residential realties, business centers, industrial centers, commercial centers, information and communication technology centers, hotels and condominiums is also boasts the city that Marikina rapidly into a highly urbanized city in a short time.

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, environment conscious, disciplined people and a responsive local government that puts a premium on governance, sustainable urban development and public service. Marikina City is one of the most industrialized city in Metro Manila and also one of the richest local government unit in the Philippines in terms of current assets, cash in banks, share of internal revenue allotment, gross income and gross net income.

Proof positive of the city's standing in the league of metropolitan cities in the Philippines are the numerous awards and citations that have been bestowed. Marikina was one of the many cities, particularly Puerto Princesa City and Las Piñas City, awarded as The Cleanest and Greenest City which Marikina was the second local government, after Las Piñas City, to set as Hall of Famer in that category awarded by the Philippine government. The most recent and most prestigious award received the city of Marikina was the Most Competitive Metro City in the Philippines from the prestigious Asian Institute of Management (AIM) Policy Research Center, Asia Foundation, International Labour Organization (ILO), German Technical Foundation, and Konrad Adenauer Stiflung, and the Continuing Excellence Award in Local Governance given by the Galing Pook Foundation, DILG, Local Government Authority and the Ford Foundation. Marikina is the second local government in the Philippines, after Las Piñas City, that has been honored with the prestigious Global 500 Roll Of Honour of the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP). Marikina was also considered as one of the Healthiest and Most Livable Cities in Asia-Pacific region. It has won over 200 awards and recognitions, both local and abroad, in a span of just 16 years. Since Marikina has been considered as business-friendly city in Metro Manila, it has become an ideal location for industry, business, commerce and for residences. Marikina is also one of the host cities of the recent 2005 Southeast Asian Games in the Philippines at the Marikina Sports Park. Mayor Marides Fernando was also recognized as finalist at the 2008 World Mayor Awards amongst the mayors from New York City, Paris and Sydney, as the only city mayor in Asia-Pacific belonging in the list of finalist.

City

Marikina City Hall

The city lies on a valley of the same name. Marikina River runs through the mid-west portion of the city. There are two distinct seasons namely dry season from November to April and wet season from May to October

Barangays and districts

Marikina City is divided into 16 barangays. These barangays are then grouped into 2 geographical districts, as per Republic Act No. 9364 which was principally authored by Del R. De Guzman--Districts 1 and 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 is considered as the bigger district of the 2 in terms of land area. Concepcion was formerly known as Bayan-Bayan.[2] Barangay Statistics

Barangay District Zip Code Area (has.) Population ('09)
Barangka District 1 1803 116.96 28,870
Calumpang District 1 1801 72.24 21,733
Concepcion II (SSS Village) District 2 1811 184.25 27,242
Concepcion I District 2 1807 212.91 54,136
Fortune District 2 1810 219.36 32,055
Industrial Valley Complex District 1 1802 64.5 19,402
Jesus Dela Peña District 1 1804 82.34 13,646
Malanday District 2 1805 87.37 53,937
Marikina Heights District 2 1810 205.76 39,597
Nangka District 2 1808 181.68 36,372
Parang District 2 1809 164.20 52,349
San Roque District 1 1801 108.79 23,025
Sta. Elena District 1 1800 44.29 8,286
Sto. Niño District 1 1800 145.55 38,158
Tañong District 1 1803 77.83 14,291
Tumana District 2 1805 181.97 33,195
Marikina City - - 2,150 496,205
File:Kaloi city hall.JPG
Marikina City Hall

City seal

Marikina 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 barangays. 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 strength 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.

Events and festivals

These are some of the notable events and festivities in Marikina:

Events Date Place of event
Marikina Cultural Arts and Festivals February Sentrong Pangkultura ng Marikina
Marikina Holy Week Procession Holy Week Season Citywide
Ka-Angkan Festival/Marikina Foundation Day April 16 Riverbanks Center Amphitheater/City-wide
Feast of Our Lady of the Abandoned (Patroness of Marikina) Every 2nd Sunday of May Diocesan Shrine-Parish of Our Lady of the Abandoned, Citywide
Police Memorial Day September 8 Citywide
Mama Mary Fluvial Parade and Festival September 8 Marikina River Park
Ondoy Tragedy Commemoration Day September 26 Citywide
Marikina Christmas Festival and Bazaar mid-October - early January Marikina River Park and Riverbanks Center
Sapatero Festival November 15 - November 30 Riverbanks Center
Marikina Cityhood Day December 8 Citywide
Rehiyon-Rehiyon Parade and Festival December 8 Marikina Sports Park
Advance New Year's Day Fireworks Display Celebration December 30 Marikina Sports Park

Landmarks and attractions

Here are some of Marikina's points of interest:

Cityhood Park
Located at the corner of Shoe Avenue and Sumulong Highway, beside Marikina Sports Park. It is the newest attraction in the city showcasing a beautiful and colorful water fountain, with benches and trees surrounding it. Cityhood Park is now a signature landmark of Marikina because it was featured in numerous television programs. The facade looks like a church with a giant clock on top of it and bells which rings every hour accompanied with music.

Evolution Park

Jesus de la Peña Chapel

Where this park stands was once the only grazing farm in Marikina, in which 18 stone cows now stand, and is located in Marikina Heights.

Jesus Dela Peña Chapel
The first church in Marikina. In April 1630, Fray Pedro de Arce, apostolic ruler of the Archbishopric of Manila, approved the transfer of ecclesiastical control and supervision of the Marikina area to the Society of Jesus, and directed the Augustinians to cede the territory to the Society to be converted to ranch for the support of the Universidad Maximo de San Ignacio in Manila. The Jesuits also decided to build a mission chapel near the banks of Marikina River, a rocky place which they called Jesus Dela Peña. Cavada also considers the year 1630, as the year the mission church was completed, and where mass was regularly held.

Loyola Memorial Park
Located along A. Bonifacio Avenue, a privately-owned memorial park set on a sprawling area of 36,000 m² and developed in 1965. The Loyola Memorial Park is the oldest, probably one of the biggest, and most prominent memorial parks in the Philippines.

Manila Boystown Complex
This 23-hectare Manila city government-owned institution and facility in Parang, Marikina is exclusively for Manila’s abandoned, forgotten, and voluntarily surrendered children, teenagers, and senior citizens.

Marcos Highway
was named by former Philippine president Ferdinand Marcos, Marcos Highway is an 8-lane national highway and the main road between Metro Manila and Rizal Province, also known as Marikina-Infanta Highway. Marcos Highway passing the boundaries of Antipolo, Cainta, Pasig and Marikina. There are 3 main intersections in Marcos Highway such as Amang Rodriguez Avenue (Pasig), Imelda Avenue (Marikina-Cainta) and Masinag (Antipolo), and an interchange located in SM City Marikina which provide access exclusively between Marikina to major business districts such as Ortigas Center, Eastwood City and Makati City. Some of its landmarks include Sta. Lucia Mall, Robinsons Metro East, SM City Marikina, LRT2 Santolan Station, Masinag Market and Riverbanks Center. Also, Marcos Highway is well known for numerous establishments like car shops, major schools, restos, food chains, exclusive villages, billboards, industrial parks, etc.

Marikina City Hall
Marikina City Hall is one of the most beautiful city halls in Metro Manila and it has state-of-the-art facilities inside. The city hall is surrounded by many city government agencies and offices, spacious parks, monuments and open areas, and it was located in the heart of the city. Another building is the Justice Hall Building which the extension to the main city hall building. Marikina City Hall has e-government services offered for the people of Marikina. It also has an emergency hotline, Marikina Rescue 161, which is exclusive to the residents of Marikina.

Marikina City's Largest Pair of Shoes in the World
This is certified by the Guinness Book of World Records as the world's largest pair of shoes. It is currently displayed at the Riverbanks Center and it is one of the top attractions in the city.

Marikina Hotel
This is the city's first government-owned hotel that will further boost the influx of tourists in the city, and located at SSS Village.

Marikina Entertainment District
A. Tuazon Avenue's (Gil Fernando Avenue) well-known line-up of having many adventurous bars, live acoustic bands restos, nightclubs and other drinking joints, nearly the entire stretch.

Marikina Industrial Zone
Located at the northeast portion of the city which was established in the 1970s. It is home to a number of industries and some of which are the biggest and are the leaders in their fields, some of these are Purefoods-Hormel, Nestlé, Fortune Tobacco, Armscor and other leading industries and big companies.

Marikina Market Mall
Metro Manila's cleanest and well-maintained market is Marikina Public Market, known as Marikina Market Mall. It is also one of the biggest market place in Metro Manila in terms of area.

Marikina River Park

Marikina River Park
Most awarded river which set as the Hall of Fame awardee for the Cleanest Inland Body of Water in the Philippines. Marikina River Park is a popular camping site, picnic grounds and recreational park, such as concrete jogging and bike lanes, benches and skating rink. At night, Marikina River Park transforms into a modern nightlife events center because of numerous bars, restaurants, cafés and night clubs along the riverbanks. Other attractions in Marikina River include the Roman Garden, Chinese Pagoda, Kawayanan, Youth Camp, Animal Trail, Skating Rink and Women's Park. It is also a traditional venue for the Marikina Christmas Festival which begins annually as early as October.

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 also one of the premier sports complex established in the Philippines. It is now a popular venue for national, regional and international sports competitions and other sports and entertainment events, such as the 2005 Southeast Asian Games. Inside the sports park includes the bronze statues of different Olympic sports, Olympic-size oval and swimming pool, boxing, tennis, table tennis, taekwondo, aerobics arena and others.

OLA Parish Church, houses the Patron Saint of Marikina

Diocesan Shrine-Parish of Our Lady of the Abandoned
Also known as OLA Church, this Spanish-era church is located along J. P. Rizal Street in Santa Elena. The church was started by the Augustinians in 1687 and was finished in 1690. On October 21, 1791, the whole parish was consecrated under the Marian title, Nuestra Sra. Delos Desamparados (Our Lady of the Abandoned), the second oldest parish in the Philippines after that of Sta. Ana in Manila under that title 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 City, Our Lady of the Abandoned (OLA), which was canonically crowned last October 15, 2005 by virtue of Pope Benedict XVI, the first under his papacy. Leading the coronation rites was His Eminence, Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales of the Archdiocese of Manila. On August 5, 2007, the church was elevated into a diocesan shrine by the Most Rev. Gabriel V. Reyes, D.D., Bishop of Antipolo. Also in 2007, the parish was made the residence of the new auxiliary bishop of the Diocese of Antipolo, Most Rev. Francisco M. de Leon, D.D. who serves as its parish priest. The shrine has now become a center of pilgrimage not only for Marikina residents but also from devotees of Our Lady of the Abandoned from Metro Manila and other neighboring provinces.

Our Lady of Perpetual Succor College
OLOPSC is a private, non-sectarian, Filipino tertiary learning institution located in Concepcion, Marikina. It was founded by Dionisio Salvador, Sr. in 1978. The institution is a reputable source of students with morale and discipline. As of 2009, there are already 5000+ estimated students enrolled. OLOPSC is considered as a landmark due to its structural design. The passersby describe OLOPSC as one with the castle-like design structure which is pleasing into the eyes of toddlers.

Philippine Science Centrum
This is the Philippines largest and well-maintained science centrum and it is one of the most visited amenities inside Riverbanks Center especially the field trips of students came from different schools in Metro Manila.

The Riverbanks Center

Marikina Riverbanks Center at night

Formerly Universal Textiles, Asia's largest textile mills company, located along A. Bonifacio Avenue and nearby Marcos Highway. It is now a center for shopping, commerce, business and entertainment in Marikina, and in 2008, it was declared as Metro Manila's latest developing business district. Other attractions and buildings in Riverbanks Center include Riverbanks Mall, Riverbend Hotel, Riverbanks Amphitheatre, Gazebo, Philippine Science Centrum, Floating Stage, Open-air food stalls and Stone Carabaos. At Riverbanks Mall, here you will find almost everything you need at a price reasonably affordable, such as supermarkets, department stores, a numerous boutiques, cellphone shops, shops, food stands, fastfood chains and many more. Also, Riverbanks Center is a home of ICT Group, one of the largest IT call centers in the Philippines. SM City Marikina is also nearby within Riverbanks Center.

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, a dioramas showcasing the events and history of Marikina. This building is the center of culture and arts of Marikina.

Shoe Museum
The Shoe Museum houses about 800 pairs of shoes belonging to former First Lady Imelda Marcos. It is also a place which a record-holder as the most numerous pair of shoes in the world.

SM City Marikina

SM City Marikina
SM City Marikina is the first shopping mall that has a wi-fi connecetion. The mall was designed by dsgn associates, an award-winning design firm based in Dallas, Texas, in the USA. Interior design was by EDGE Interior Design Pty. Ltd., a design consultant based in Australia, together with SM City Marikina’s design team includes Jose Siao Ling and Associates (architects), D.A. Abcede and Associates (project managers), and BF Construction Corporation, the general contractors of the mall. SM City Marikina is a part of SM's 50th Anniversary and it was the first SM mall to open on 2008.

Teatro Marikina
This is the center of performing arts of Marikina and eastern Metro Manila. This facility also caters to various events such as plays, concerts, shows, exhibits and seminars. Teatro Marikina is also the venue of annual pre-pageant of Miss Earth in the Philippines, notable concerts and plays played by the biggest celebrities and artists in the Philippines.

Women's Park
Located beside Marikina River Park. It is a park dedicated to females of Marikina.

World of Butterflies
You will find hundreds of butterflies in different variety, kind and sizes. Also, frogs, caterpillars and all animals necessary for the food chain of the butterfly is bred there. A souvenir house is also available. It's considered as the Philippines largest collection of different butterflies and other species. Field trips and tourist are attracted to this place because of its natural ambiance especially for the nature lover.

St. Scholastica's Academy Marikina
St. Scholastica’s Academy of Marikina (SSAM) is a Catholic educational institution providing elementary and secondary education. It is established in accordance with the policies and standards set by the Department of Education and owned and administered by the Missionary Benedictine Sisters of Tutzing. It is registered with SEC as a non-stock, non-profit corporation, with its assets and income used directly and exclusively for educational purposes including expansion when needed to carry out the aims and objectives of the school.

Other landmarks

Blue Wave Mall, Marquinton Residences
Bayan-Bayanan Avenue, Concepcion Uno
Circle Mall, Marikina Heights
Doll Museum at Marikina Sports Park
Loyola Grand Villas
LRT Line 2 Santolan Depot Station
Maria Quina Statue at Marikina River Park
TESDA Main Office

People

People native to Marikina City refer to themselves as "Marikeños". Marikeños are remarked to be some of the most disciplined people in the Philippines, largely due to the influence, ethics and administration of its former mayor, Bayani Fernando.

Ethnic groups

Like other places in Metro Manila, the original settlers are Tagalogs. Throughout the centuries, there has been constant migration of Spaniards, Visayans, Bikolanos, Ilokanos, Chinese and Americans. There are also very small migration from Indians, Koreans and Japanese.

Languages

The main language is Filipino, which is based on Tagalog. In addition, due to continuous development of the city, English language is used in education, business and information technology.

Religions

Marikina was one of the seats of the Spanish colonial government in the past centuries, and has been used as the base of Roman Catholic missions to the Philippines. Among the religious orders include the Dominicans, the Franciscans, the Jesuits and the Augustinians which the first to arrive in Marikina. Almost 94% of Marikeño are Roman Catholic.

Parish of Our Lady of the Abandoned is the seat of Nuestra Señora de los Desamparados, the Patron Saint of Marikina City. Other notable churches in the city include Jesus Dela Peña Chapel, this first chapel established in Marikina, and Immaculate Conception Parish (ICP) in Concepcion Uno, second largest and most populated church in Marikina. Other Christian faiths like The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (also known as Mormons), Pentecostal Missionary Church of Christ (4th Watch) (which its international headquarters are located here), Iglesia ni Cristo, Seventh-day Adventist Church, Members Church of God International (known as Ang Dating Daan) Philippine Independent Church (Aglipayan) and some others. Some other religions in Marikina are Hinduism, Sikhism, Buddhism and Islam. There is also a growing number of free thinkers such as agnostics and atheists.

In 2009, a new parish was erected in Marikina was inaugurated. Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Tumana was erected early this year.

Government

Government

Marikina City is governed by a Mayor and Vice Mayor elected to three-year terms. The Mayor is the executive head and leads the city's departments in executing the city ordinances and improving public services while the Vice Mayor heads a legislative council. Marikina City is divided into 2 districts, Districts 1 and 2, where each districts is represented by a congressman in the House of Representatives of the Philippines.

Marikina boasts one of the wealthiest local governments in the Philippines in terms of current assets, cash in banks, share of internal revenue allotment, gross income and gross net income.

Current Government

The focal point of governance is people. The status of living of people, particularly the vulnerable members of society, provides the most important yardstick of community management. Much has been done on infrastructure development and other areas of community building in the past year, and it is high time that efforts be geared toward human upliftment.

It is in this light that the present administration has adopted as its governance philosophy, “Tunay na Kaunlaran, Tao Naman.” Simply put, Marikina residents will feel secure because they know and feel that the city government is working with them in mind and their interests at heart.

The 7K program of the city will now translate this philosophy into concrete action and results in the areas of Health (Kalusugan), Education (Karunungan), Peace and Order (Kapayapaan at Kaayusan), Livelihood (Kabuhayan), Environment (Kalikasan), Housing (Katiyakan sa Paninirahan), and Good Governance (Katapatan at makataong paglilingkod).

It is hoped that the pursuit of the various programs/projects that are attuned to the 7K will bring new spirit, new character, and new hope to Marikina and its people.

A new approach, a new atmosphere – one that respects and champions human dignity. This is what a new Marikina is positioned to be.

Past Mayors

Mayor Year Started Year Ended
Juan Chanyungco 1938 1945
Enrique Dela Paz 1945 1948
Gil Fernando 1948 1951
Juan Chanyungco 1952 1955
Gil Fernando 1956 1959
Osmundo De Guzman 1960 1986
Teofisto Santos 1986 1986
Rodolfo B. Valentino 1987 1992
Bayani Fernando 1992 2001
Ma. Lourdes Fernando 2001 2010
Del R. De Guzman 2010 present

Education

The city government prides itself in giving quality free education to its constituents through its primary, secondary and tertiary schools including one science high school. Marikina's literacy rate is about 98%.

Marikina has a numerous public and private elementary and high school, colleges and universities, and the city-owned institutes like Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Marikina, Marikina Polytechnic College and the Marikina Science High School. There are also privately-owned academic institutions such as Marikina Catholic School, and Our Lady of Perpetual Succor College, which is known as the "Center of Future Teachers" for it has graduated most of its college Education students as LET passers. Exclusive private schools here are Marist School Marikina, St. Scholastica's Academy Marikina, Mother of Divine Providence School, Our Lady of Perpetual Succor College, Kostka School, St. Nicholas School (which sits as the head of Marikina Private Schools Administrators Association), Holy Trinity School, Charis School, Infant Jesus Academy Marikina, Roosevelt College, to name a few.

There are also some of the famous branded institutions in the city such as AMA Computer College, Informatics, IETI, Roosevelt College and Voice Academy of the Philippines.

Health

Marikina became one of the healthiest cities in Asia-Pacific. Marikina provides medical missions and free medical operations in the city. There are numerous hospitals in Marikina, one of the public hospital in Marikina is Amang Rodriguez Medical Center (AMMC). There are also privately owned Marikina Valley Medical Center, just a few blocks away from AMMC and ST. Vincent General Hospital. Other private hospitals include Garcia General Hospital and SDS Medical Center Inc, Immaculate Concepcion Hospital and Medical City Marikina Clinic.

Numerous clinics provide basic health check-ups and free health services for Marikeños. The city also offers services such as health centers in each barangay to provide basic medical and services needs in the community and the city has also a privileges card for discounted fees and free services like emergency, medical and security services.

Peace and order

Marikina has clean surroundings, tree-lined streets, hassle-free roadways, walkable sidewalks, parks and playgrounds, a healthy public market, good shopping centers and restaurants, free public elementary, high school and college, squatter-free environment, free-health services, minimum traffic, less pollution and a low crime rate. Marikina established Rescue 161, a hotline number for emergencies within city and a team of paramedics, policemen and firemen will come in less than 5 minutes.

Marikina won several awards and recognitions and now a hall of famer of such awards including Cleanest and Greenest City in Metro Manila and the Philippines, Best Police Stations due to effectiveness to resolve and minimized crimes in the city, Best Public Market due to cleanliness and orderliness, Best Public Schools in Metro Manila, Most Effective Bike-Lanes and most of all, Marikeños are one of the Most Disciplined People in the Philippines.

Tourism

Marikina has its own share of attractions to offer. Sports and recreational facilities are available to its residents and those from nearby towns and cities. Historical landmarks and church, antiquated houses and galleries view to the attention of history and culture buffs. It's also attracts major commercial centers, man-made parks, large structure buildings, and most of them, a traditional shoe-making in the city, the natural river parks and the hospitality of Marikeños.

Economy

Marikina was the biggest manufacturer of quality shoes, and Marikina produced 80% of the shoe production of the Philippines. All locally produced shoes are made in Marikina, from slippers to shoes. Marikina also produced shoes which is made of rubber, wood (bakya), and plastic.

Industries

Marikina is the home to a member of industries, some of which are the biggest and most successful in their fields, and foremost of all, shoe manufacturing, being the best in local craftmanship.

Manufacturing

The city manufactures food processing, cigarettes, porcelain and chinaware, confectionery, automobiles and cars, appliances, electronics, crafts like bags, hats and slippers, and foremost of all, shoes.

Commerce and trade

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 city, 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 locally called the "Pamilihang Bayan", the biggest and cleanest market in Metro Manila.

Modern shopping malls dot the city especially in the southern portion of Marikina. SM City Marikina, Blue Wave Mall at Marquinton, Robinsons Place, are some of Metro Manila's major shopping and commercial centers stands along Marcos Highway. The popular commercial center that lies in Marikina is the Riverbanks Center.

For the adventurous shoppers, you may venture beyond the hotel or 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 that area, as it sells goods at rock-bottom prices. Riverbanks Center gives a comfort to the shoppers as it offers air-conditioned mall, but the price of the goods here is still very similar to the goods bought outside. Some of goods are cheap electronic products, toys and other cheap equipments needed into your homes.

Banking

Almost all of the major commercial international and local, and government banks in the Philippines operate a branch in the city. Major banks operate in the city with more than one branch. At this time, there are 60 banking institutions offer banking services to businesses and residents. Most of these are concentrated in Barangay Sta. Elena, Sto. Niño, Concepcion Uno, San Roque, Calumpang and Barangka.

Information Technology

Marikina lined up as one of Information Technology hub in Metro Manila and continuously growth of outsourcing and call centers, among them is ICT Groups, Skykes, NCO, Teletech, to name a few. There are numerous contact centers worldwide with IT-based offices in the Philippines in Makati City, Ortigas Center and Riverbanks Center in Marikina City.

Transportation

Currently, elevated light rail systems run through Marikina City. The first station of LRT 2 is Santolan located along Marcos Highway. The station connects to Claro M. Recto Avenue in Manila.

Public transportation within the city, like in most of the urban areas in the Philippines, is facilitated mostly using inexpensive jeepneys and buses. Tricycles (motorbikes with an attached two seater carriage) are the usual transportation used for short distances, while Taxi cabs are used by the upper middle class. The roads are organized around a set of long narrow and circumferential roads that radiate and circle in and around the city.

One of the most notable attractions in Marikina is the bikeways and bikelanes along major roads and streets. This is the only city in the Philippines which has an effective bikeways.

Utilities and communications

Marikina's source of electricity is part of the Manila Electric Company or Meralco. Water supply for the city is supplied by the Manila Water Company. Marikina's communication system is powered by the Philippine Long Distance Telephone company, Globe Telecom, Bayan Telecommunications Corporation (BayanTel) and others. Cellular network in the Philippines particularly the metropolitan areas is increasing rapidly together with the low cost of calls and text messaging. Such big companies that control the cellular networks in the Philippines and Marikina itself are Globe Telecom, Smart Communications (PLDT) and Sun Cellular from Digitel. Cable television access is provided by SkyCable, Home Cable and Global Destiny. Internet Digital Subscriber Line or DSL coverage is provided by PLDT, cable internet is serviced by Sky Cable's ZPDee and Global Destiny. Wireless broadband is provided by Globeliness Broadband and Smart Communications. Marikina has its own radio station operated and owned by the city government, DZBF-AM (BF named after Bayani Fernando, the owner of radio station and a former mayor of Marikina and former chairman of MMDA), is an AM radio station that provides information, news and events happening in Marikina, and it also provides some entertainment like other commercial AM radio stations.

Miscellaneous

Hospitals in Marikina

These are the major hospitals in Marikina:

Public Hospitals

  • Amang Rodriguez Medical Center
  • Marikina Diagnostic and Specialty Center

Private Hospitals

Roads in Marikina

These are some of the major roads in Marikina:

National (Major) Highway

National (Major) Roads

  • A. Bonifacio Avenue
  • Bayan-Bayanan Avenue (Immaculate Concepcion Ave.)
  • J. P. Rizal Avenue
  • Shoe Avenue (Marikina Avenue)
  • Gil Fernando Avenue (Angel Tuazon Avenue)
  • Fortune Avenue (Claro. M. Recto Avenue)
  • Erano Manalo Avenue (E. Rodriguez Avenue)
  • Major Dizon Avenue
  • General Ordoñez Ave. (Molave Street)
  • C5 Access Road
  • Katipunan Road

Bridges and Overpass

  • Marikina Bridge (Marikina River)
  • Marcos Highway Bridge (Marikina River)
  • Disodado Macapagal Bridge (Marikina River)
  • Gil Fernando Bridge (Marikina River)
  • Nangka Bridge (San Mateo River)
  • Modesta Bridge (San Mateo River)
  • Balara-San Mateo Bridge (Marikina River)
  • SM City Bridge (Marikina River)
  • C5 Overpass
  • SM City Marikina Overpass

Twin/Sister Cities

International

Local

See also

References

Prints

  • Marikina Yellow Pages Directory, Directory Publications, Inc.
  • Marikina Citizens' Factbook, Annual City Factbook
  • Marikina River Digest, Official Publication of Marikina
  • Balitang Komunidad, Official Newsletter of Marikina
  • Marikina City Annual Report, Annual City Report Book
  • WOW (World of Women) Magazine

External links


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