Marikina City
First Field Visit of CAP-SP
June 24-25, 2010
There is something different about Marikina City and the Communication and Advocacy
Program (CAP) team was set to discover what it was.
From creativity to political will, the local government of Marikina was able to transform
the city into a home. The discipline that was introduced and instilled in every individual
was their key to success. By creating order and setting the right attitude, the people of
Marikina earned a renewed sense of pride and ownership toward their city.
Marikina City
Discipline, Good Taste and Excellence
“It is not enough to be good,
you have to be different.”
- Mr. Tomas “Jun” Aguilar
Chief, Marikina City Economic Development Authority
“Kung sino ang tatanga-tanga,
naka-tsinelas, may putik ang paa
siya mong unahing paglingkuran.”
Osmundo “Munding” De Guzman, Sr.
Marikina Mayor, 1960-1986
Mayor of Marikina City
Bayani F. Fernando first ran for public office in 1992, becoming mayor of Marikina
City. His administration as mayor transformed the former municipality into one of the
best-managed cities and a paradigm of responsive and effective governance. His
term saw the transformation of Marikina from a 4th class municipality to a model
Philippine city accorded with 55 citations and distinctions. He was re-elected mayor
twice, serving until 2001. He was succeeded by his wife, Ma. Lourdes C. Fernando.
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bayani_Fernando
“Marikina’s public land is
absolutely squatter free...”
The process was not easy. In every change there
is resistance and pain but in the case of Marikina,
the outcome was worth the struggle.
“Pag nakita ng tao ang ilog, kung
saan siya ay malapit, sasabihin niya
dapat ang tubig malinis.”
Gone were the days when informal settlers
dominated the Marikina River.
Water Sewage Treatment Plant
Barangay Industrial Valley Complex, Marikina City
No longer just settlements, these are homes.
The people living along the Marikina River and other public lands were
relocated in the 106-hectare settlement sites provided for by the government.
The roads are paved, the street signs are clear, and the basic needs are met
as part of community upgrading. A façade was also built both to contain the
settlement areas and to project a better view of these areas to tourists.
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.
Going beyond creativity
“Marikina has proven that garbage is not
garbage if you know how to handle it.”
Marikina City
Discipline, Good Taste and Excellence
Below are the objectives set for the b. Ms. Carlota Contreras (Marikina Sanitation Office)
c. JP Agulay (Public Information Office)
Marikina field visit: d. Mr. Oliver Cruz Fulinara (Marikina Cultural,
Tourism, Trade and Investments Promotion Office)
1. To generate information through interviews with experts and e. Mr. Jose Taniegra (City Demolition Office)
critics as to how the Marikina government has been able to f. Ms. Nerisa David (Pamatasan ng Lungsod ng
surmount and address communication and public relations Marikina)
challenges with the urban poor.
2. To establish networks and come up with agreements 2. CAP-SP was able to explain clearly the concept
with local organizations like the media, civic groups, Marikina of DEVELOPinas and was able to gain support
government officials, Marikina government employees union from the Marikina LGU. Flyers introducing the
to support and take part in the DEVELOPinas, the online
DEVELOPinas were given to all interviewees.
information and knowledge network built to advocate the
MTPDP. We also target to form partnerships with these
groups in the advocacy of the MTPDP. 3. CAP-SP was able to visit key project sites
a. Marikina City Hall
3. To learn about the exciting programs and projects of
b. MCDA Exhibit Area
Marikina by going to project sites, touring the city, and
exposing us to the Marikina culture. c. Settlement sites
d. City Environment Management Office
(CEMO) composting facility
Accomplishments: e. City Health Office
f. Water treatment facility
1. Interviews conducted: g. Shoe Museum
a. Mr. Tomas “Jun” Aguilar (City Planning and h. Shoe factories
Development Office)
CAP-SP Team
Jose Ryan Babon Faye Angeli Argamosa
Fatima De Leon Ronaldo Anarna
Edith Palabon Antonio Mojana
Pia Angelica Suiza Tedong Ferreras
Photos/Cover Design/Overall Layout
Tedong Ferreras
Story/Words/Additional Texts
Pia Angelica Suiza
COMMUNICATION AND ADVOCACY PROGRAM
TRAVEL VISITS DOCUMENTATION SERIES 2010
