Marikina

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Marikina City
Lungsod ng Marikina
Highly Urbanized City
City of Marikina
Clockwise from top left: Cityhood Park, Largest Pair of Shoes in the world, Marikina Sports Center, Riverbanks Center, Marikina City skyline, Our Lady of the Abandoned Church, Shoe Museum, Marquinton Residences, Marcos Highway, Roman Garden at Marikina River Park, Sentrong Pangkultura ng Marikina

Flag
Seal
Nickname(s): Shoe Capital of the Philippines
Motto: "Discipline, Good Taste, Excellence"
Metro Manila showing the location of Marikina City
Marikina City
Location in the Philippines
Coordinates: 14°38′24″N 121°5′50″E / 14.64000°N 121.09722°E / 14.64000; 121.09722Coordinates: 14°38′24″N 121°5′50″E / 14.64000°N 121.09722°E / 14.64000; 121.09722
Country  Philippines
Region National Capital Region
Districts 1st and 2nd Districts of Marikina
Settled April 16, 1630
Integrated (NCR) June 1975
Cityhood December 8, 1996
Barangays 16
Government[1]
 • Mayor Del de Guzman (Liberal)
 • Vice Mayor Jose Fabian I. Cadiz (Liberal)
 • Representatives First District -
Marcelino Teodoro
(Liberal)
Second District -
Miro Quimbo
(Liberal)
 • City Council
Area[2]
 • Total 21.52 km2 (8.31 sq mi)
Elevation 14.7 m (48.2 ft)
Population (2010)[3]
 • Total 424,150
 • Density 20,000/km2 (51,000/sq mi)
Demonym Marikenyo/Marikeño
Time zone PST (UTC+8)
ZIP Code 1800
Area code 2
Website www.marikina.gov.ph

Marikina (Pronunciation: /mərɪˈkɪnə/; English: City of Marikina; Filipino: Lungsod ng Marikina), located in the island of Luzon in the Philippines, is one of the cities that make up Metro Manila, the National Capital Region. Marikina shortly became a former capital of the Province of Manila during the declaration of Philippine Independence from 1898 to 1899.

Marikina was given the title Shoe Capital of the Philippines [4] because of its notable shoe industry, being the biggest manufacturer of shoes in the Philippines, producing almost 70%[5] of shoe production in the country. Marikina recognized as the world's largest pair of shoes by the Guinness World Records, the Shoe Museum houses part of the famous shoe collection of the former First Lady Imelda Marcos, shoes of some of the world leaders and celebrities and shoes of different countries, making it the world's largest collection of pair of shoes in a museum.[6]

Marikina is the main gateway of Metro Manila to Rizal Province as well as Quezon Province. It is one of the most awarded metropolitan city in the Philippines, including the prestigious "Most Competitive Cities in the Philippines" awarded by National Competitiveness Council in 2003 and 2005,[7] and until now, Marikina maintains on top 10 list in Philippine rankings, and ranking number 1 in Metro Manila for many years.[8] The city is rapidly transformed into a highly urbanized and first class city, as well as it's being the most disciplined people, government transparency, environmental concern and one of the wealthiest local government unit in the Philippines. It is also home of some of high-end communities in Metro Manila, such as Loyola Grand Villas, Provident Villages and gated communities in Barangay Industrial Valley and Marikina Heights where many of the wealthy and famous live.

Some of the famous tourist spots and major landmarks in the city are Cityhood Park, "Largest Pair of Shoes in the World" located in Riverbanks Center, Riverbanks Center, Marikina Sports Center, Our Lady of the Abandoned Church, Shoe Museum, Marikina River Park and Sentrong Pangkultura ng Marikina also known as Kapitan Moy.

Etymology

In view of the non-existence of records or documents on how the name Mariquina came into being, the following legends were gathered from the old of the different barrios in Marikina.[9]

From the name of a priests name "Mariquina"
One of the builders of the Jesus dela Peña Chapel was a young priests called "Mariquina" who was given the task of baptizing children to Christianity. Because of this very noble job "Mariquina" was named in his honor to bestow upon him glory and praise.

From a young lady called "Maria Cuina"
Before the Spaniards came to Mariquina, a beautiful, virtuous, polite and intelligent lady named "Maria Cuina" was residing in the town. Because of her expertise in business, she became rich and her fortunes were expended in charity ad eventually became famous in the whole town up to Manila. When a traveler from other towns visited the barrio, he asked for the name of the town, a resident replied "Maria Cuina" thinking that what was being asked was their admirable lady. Since then, the story spread throughout and the town was known as "Mariquina".

From the word "Marikit-na"
During the construction of the chapel of Jesus dela Peña, it was being supervised by the Jesuit priest and the laborers were Filipinos. As expected, language barrier was a problem resulting in the usual misunderstanding. When the chapel was completed and the priest asked what would be called of the structure, one worker answered "Marikit-na-Po", thinking that what was being asked was the condition of the chapel. Because the Spaniards knew that the word "Po" is a sign of respect and they were finding it difficult to express the letter "T", the Marikit-na was believed to be said as "Marikina".

From a town in Spain
In the province of Nueva Viscaya in Spain, there was a beautiful town called Mariquina. This was where Eduardo de Mariquina, a famous musician got its name. The town of Mariquina in Spain is located beside the Charmaga River, now known as Artibai River, which is the origin of the Jesuit Priests who came to the Philippines and established Jesus dela Peña. Because of this, "Mariquina" was used to honor the place where they came from. In 1901, Commissioner de Tavera changed the letter "Q" to a more vernacular “K”.

Based on history and documents in the custody of the municipal government of Marikina, the town was called Marikit-na in 1787 and was later changed to Mariquina. According to Dr. Trinidad Pardo de Tavera, the word Mariquina was in recognition of Capt. Berenguer de Mariquina who led the town in 1788.

History

Felix Berenguer de Marquina

Kingdom of Tondo, arrival of Augustinians and Jesuits, established as a town and settled as a town of shoemakers
The first settlers are the descendants of Lakan Dula in 1560s and the area is part of Kingdom of Tondo, followed by Augustinians were the first to arrive at the valley in 1570s, at the spot known as Chorillo in Barangka. In 1572, Our Lady of the Abandoned Parish was established. Next came the Jesuits in 1630, in a place now called Jesus dela Peña (Jesus of the Rocks). Here, the Jesuits established a mission and built a chapel known until today as Jesus dela Peña Chapel. Fray Pedro de Arce, apostolic ruler of the Archbishop of Manila that time, approved the transfer of ecclesiastical control and supervision to the Jesuits, and settled a place as a town.[10]

The town was later called "Mariquina" after Felix Berenguer de Marquina in 1687 who was the governor-general at that time, and the town was declared a pueblo under the Spanish colonial government. In 1690, Don Juan Pimentel, Alcalde de Tondo, to vacate and demolish the visita of Jesus dela Peña due to the turbulent river (Marikina River now) which floods the area during rainy season. The visita could not accommodate the growing population of the community. This finally led the friars to cross the river to find a higher place for a bigger church which is Our Lady of the Abandoned Parish and subsequently made an independent parish in Mariquina. In 1787, Don Benito Mendoza became the first Gobernadorcillo of Mariquina. [citation needed]

By the 19th century, Hacienda Mariquina was owned and administered by the Tuazon family and had become the biggest in the Philippines. The hacienda was declared a mayorazgo by the Spanish colonial government. Don Juan Gregorio became the first Alcalde Capitan of Mariquina in 1822. In 1887, Mariquina emerged as a|town of shoemakers. Shoe-making began through the pioneering efforts of Don Laureano "Kapitan Moy" Guevarra (known as the father of shoe industry in the Philippines), assisted by Tiburcio Eustaquio, Ambrocio Sta. Ines, and Gervacio Carlos. [citation needed]

Under Philippine Revolution, official name established, incorporated in Rizal Province and the Marikina train line and airfield
During the Philippine Revolution in 1896, Andrés Bonifacio arrived in Mariquina before he and his Katipuneros proceeded to the caves of Montalban. Mariquina became the capital of the Province of Manila in 1898, when the Philippine Revolution broke out, a period when Philippine Independence was declared by Emilio Aguinaldo, the first Philippine president. Don Vicente Gomez became the first Alcalde Presidente of Mariquina in 1900.

On 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 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. In 1906, the Manila Railroad Company completed the 31-kilometer steam train line called "Marikina Line", also known as Rosario-Montalban branch, [11] (currently converted into road which is known today as Daang Bakal including Shoe Avenue), "Marikina Railway Depot" (Marikina Elementary School in the present-day) and "Marikina Railway Station" (which now stands today as Marikina Sports Center), connecting Montalban and Rosario (now known as Tramo, in Pasig) that time. [12] During the construction of train line and not far from Marikina Railway Depot, "Marikina Airfield" (runways converted into road known today as E. Rodriguez Avenue and E. Santos Streets and the airfield stands today as Paliparan Subdivision) was completed and used for civilian airfield. [13] In 1936, the train line was completely abandoned before the World War II while the airfield became primarily used by the Japanese during the World War II. After the war, both was never rebuilt. Juan Chanyungco became the first Mayor of Marikina in 1938. [citation needed]

Under Japanese invasion, World War II and tagged as the Shoe Capital of the Philippines
In 1942, the Japanese Imperial forces occupied Marikina. And in 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 400 civilians casualties at the end of World War II. Some the local Filipino troops under the pre-war 4th and 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.

Bayani Fernando, former city mayor from 1992 to 2001 and MMDA chairman.

In 1956, Marikina had emerged as a town of shoemakers again after World War II. Honed by years in shoe manufacturing, the natives had developed a work ethic that prepared them for the arrival of heavy industries, and was finally named as the "Shoe Capital of the Philippines". With the industrial plants came waves of workers who chose to stay, rapidly increasing the population. Marikina soon became a victim of runaway growth, resulting in the Marikina River being polluted by the factories and squatters along the riverbanks. Kapitan Moy's house (and now known as Sentrong Pangkultura ng Marikina) was declared a national shrine in 1968, by the town council and the National Historical Commission. In 1969, Rodriguez Sports Complex, known today as Marikina Sports Center was completed.

Integrated in Metro Manila, transformations, cityhood and calamities
On November 7, 1975, by virtue of Presidential Decree No. 824, integrating four cities and thirteen towns of Rizal including Marikina, were made part of Metropolitan Manila Area. On October 23, 1988, Typhoon Unsang brought heavy rains causing widespread flooding in Marikina for the first time. Large parts of Marikina was submerged by floods and many residents were stranded on their house rooftops and trees and their properties and businesses are extremely damaged.

In 1992, Marikina has since been transformed into the beautiful and industrialized urban municipality under the leadership of Bayani Fernando. Marikina River transformed into beautiful waterways along the beautiful parks on the riverbanks. On December 8, 1996, the municipality of Marikina became a city and transformed rapidly into a highly urbanized. Marikina was classified into first class city by virtue of Republic Act No. 8223,[14] the day of the Feast of Immaculate Concepcion, signed by President Fidel V. Ramos.

In 2006, under Republic Act No. 9364 signed by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, Marikina was divided into two congressional districts serving two representatives in 2007. On September 26, 2009, Marikina suffered and widely devastated by flash flood from overflowed Marikina River due to torrential rains caused by Tropical Storm Ondoy, and this was the worst flooding in the Marikina for the past 2 decades. Marikina River reached 23-meter high of water. Marikina was declared under state of calamity, flood water flowed throughout the towns and barangays. The national and international aides arrived immediately in Marikina for relief, retrieval and recovery operations.

On August 7, 2012, Marikina suffered and was devastated by flood from overflowed Marikina River reached almost 20 meters, a level is enough to inundate 30% of Marikina, due to torrential rains caused by 8-day active Southwest Monsoon or Habagat, which this period surpassed the amount of total rainfall that bring of Tropical Storm Ondoy for just 7 hours on September 26, 2009.

Geography

Land area
The total land area of Marikina is approximately 2.15 square kilometers (km²) or 2,150 hectares (ha). This represents about 3.42% of the total land area of Metro Manila. At present, the city is composed of 16 barangays.[15]

Barangay Area (km²) District
Barangka 1.17 1st
Calumpang 0.72 1st
Concepcion Uno 2.13 2nd
Concepcion Dos 1.84 2nd
Fortune 2.19 2nd
Industrial Valley Complex 0.65 1st
Jesus Dela Peña 0.82 1st
Malanday 0.87 1st
Marikina Heights 2.06 2nd
Nangka 1.82 2nd
Parang 1.64 2nd
San Roque 1.09 1st
Sta. Elena 0.44 1st
Sto. Niño 1.46 1st
Tañong 0.73 1st
Tumana 1.82 2nd

Land use
The south portion of the city occupies the numerous commercial, industrial and residential areas, heritage sites and mixed use zones, while the north and northeast portion are primarily for residential and industrial zones, and various establishments such as small and medium enterprises. Loyola Grand Villas, located at the northwest portion of the city is a rich gated community that occupies upper-middle class and rich residential areas. At present, it comprises 38% residential, 19% commercial and industrial, 17% Roads, 8% Mixed-use, 18% for parks and open spaces, development areas, institutional, cemeteries and others. [16]

Boundaries
From north, Marikina occupies most of the south bank of Nangka River. The east slices the foot end of Sierra Madre mountains of Antipolo and sliced by the streets of Montserrat Hill, Bonanza and Starlite in Barangay Concepcion Dos. The southeast slices by Sapang Baho River occupies the north-west bank. The south portion sliced by Marcos Highway and occupies most of the north side of the highway and extends to the west until it occupies the LRT-2 Santolan Station depot until it reaches the Marikina River. The east occupies the southernmost of Quezon City hills which lies Barangay Industrial Valley and slices by C5 Road occupies the west side until it reaches Ateneo de Manila University campus. The east part of the campus covers the city extends up to the north and sliced by several roads of Loyola Grand Villas which covers the east part of the village until it reaches Marikina River and its tributary Nangka River to the north.

Location
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 north by San Mateo, Rizal and to the east by Antipolo City, the capital of Rizal province. It is approximately 21 kilometers away from Manila and lies within 14°38′24″N 121°5′50″E / 14.64000°N 121.09722°E / 14.64000; 121.09722.

The location of Marikina lies on so-called the Marikina Valley which extends to the south towards Pasig City and Cainta, Rizal. Sierra Madre mountains lies to the east and Quezon City hills to the west. Marikina River runs through the mid-west portion of the city, with its tributary including Nangka River. Nangka River runs through the north slicing between Marikina and San Mateo, while the small waterway called Sapang Baho Creek slicing the southeast between Marikina and Cainta and Antipolo City. It is also threatened by flash floods usually along the riverbanks and creekside during heavy rains.

Physiography zones

City Center zone (Poblacion) Newtown zone (Ibayo)
  • Barangka
  • Industrial Valley Complex
  • Jesus Dela Peña
  • Tañong
 Riverside zone (Tabing-Ilog)
  • Concepcion Uno
  • Malanday
  • Nangka
  • Tumana
 Foothills zone (Bundok)
  • Concepcion Dos
  • Fortune
  • Marikina Heights
  • Parang
Tropical Storm Ketsana(Ondoy)

Disaster prone

Main articles: Typhoon Ketsana and 2012 Philippines flooding

Marikina is prone to many various disasters. Flash floods and landslides frequent in Marikina especially when struck by heavy rains. Primarily, flooding within Marikina is caused by the increase of water level in major rivers and its tributaries, followed by overflowing from its riverbanks to low-lying areas throughout the city. Landslides are another threat, particularly at the foot of the higher grounds.

Main article: Marikina Valley Fault System

Another major threats are earthquakes, because the most active fault line that generates the epicenter of the earthquake is in Marikina itself. The West Valley Fault lies at the west of Marikina, the east of the fault line constantly sinking which the large portion of Marikina is included.

Climate
Marikina features a tropical monsoon climate. Together with the rest of the Philippines, Marikina lies entirely within the tropics. Its proximity to the equator means that the temperature range is very small, rarely going lower than 18 °C (64 °F) and going higher than 38 °C (100 °F). However, humidity levels are usually very high which makes it feel much warmer, especially the city lies in the valley. It has a distinct, relatively short dry season from January through May, and a relatively lengthy wet season from June up to December.

Climate data for Marikina, Philippines
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Average high °C (°F) 29
(84)		 29
(84)		 31
(88)		 33
(91)		 34
(93)		 34
(93)		 33
(91)		 31
(88)		 31
(88)		 31
(88)		 31
(88)		 31
(88)		 32
(90)
Average low °C (°F) 20
(68)		 20
(68)		 21
(70)		 22
(72)		 23
(73)		 24
(75)		 24
(75)		 24
(75)		 24
(75)		 24
(75)		 23
(73)		 21
(70)		 22
(72)
Precipitation mm (inches) 25.4
(1)		 25.4
(1)		 38.1
(1.5)		 25.4
(1)		 38.1
(1.5)		 127
(5)		 254
(10)		 431.8
(17)		 406.4
(16)		 355.6
(14)		 203.2
(8)		 152.4
(6)		 2,082.8
(82)
Source: Pagasa DOST


Marikina River

Main article: Marikina River

Marikina River runs to the western part of the city and surrounded by many lushes trees on the riverbanks. At the south portion of the river is surrounded by structures and concrete walkways. Marikina River covers an area of around 220 hectares and measures about 11 kilometers in length, its depth measures and rises to 12 up to 18 meters during heavy downpour. The rehabilitation of the River started in 1992. The river traverses 11 city barangays have streets and alleys going to the river making it accessible and convention to river park. Aside for being the principal drainage system, the river park today is a popular sports and recreational center not only in Metro Manila but throughout the Philippines.

Demography

People
The native people in Marikina refer to themselves as "Marikeño" (or Marikenyo, in Filipino). Marikeños are remarked to be some of the most disciplined people in the Philippines, largely due to the influences, ethics and urbanity from the past administrations. Like other places in Metro Manila, the original settlers are Tagalog. Throughout the centuries, there has been constant migration of Bicolanos, Ilocanos, Cebuanos and other Visayan settlers.There is also a notable number of non-indigenous ethnic groups that had migrated there, including Koreans, Americans, Chinese, Japanese, etc. [citation needed]

Notable people
Notable people such as politicians, artists and actors came from Marikina, some of them being permanent residents in the city and others native Marikeños, such as Bayani Fernando (former MMDA chairman and mayor), Marides Fernando (former mayor), Juan Ponce Enrile (former senate president), Jericho Rosales (actor), Cristine Reyes (actress), Andi Eigenmann (actress), and among others.

Languages
Tagalog is widely spoken and the main language in Marikina, while English is used in education, business, government and information technology. Other languages such as Cebuano, Bicolano, and Ilocano are prevalent among some families and their respective communities. [citation needed]

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 are the first to arrive in Marikina.

The Our Lady of the Abandoned Church completed in 1572, is the seat of Nuestra Señora de los Desamparados, the Patron Saint of Marikina. Other notable churches in Marikina such as Jesus Dela Peña Chapel, where the first chapel and mass established in Marikina, and Immaculate Conception Church.

Other Christian faiths in Marikina including Pentecostal Missionary Church of Christ (4th Watch), Iglesia ni Cristo, Seventh-day Adventist Church, Members Church of God International, Philippine Independent Church, Jesus Miracle Crusade, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, more than a dozen Baptist churches and other small Christian groups. Other religions in Marikina are Hinduism, Buddhism and Islam.[(Kanorian Witnesses)]

Barangays

Marikina consist of 16 barangays, where each barangay is headed by a barangay chairman along with their barangay councilors.

Government

Marikina City Hall
Healthy City Center
Public Safety Center
Del de Guzman, former Congressman and current city mayor

Local government

Like in other city governments in the Philippines, Marikina is governed by a mayor and a 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 along with city councilors while the vice mayor heads a legislative council along with barangay councilors. Every barangay also has its own set of projects, providing community service in the city as well as basic services provided for remote residences. It was also awarded numerous times in good governance and integrity. 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.[18]

Public safety

Every barangay has a police station that provides security and crime prevention in the area. Fire stations are also located in strategic areas to easily access in case of fire. CCTV cameras are also set in major intersections and busiest areas in the city to monitor traffic and crime events. There are public safety and security offices in the city, and its justice hall is beside the city hall. Rescue 161 is a hotline number that provides help within the city. [19]

List of city mayors

  • Juan Chanyungco (1938–1945)
  • Enrique Dela Paz (1945–1948)
  • Gil Fernando (1948–1951)
  • Juan Chanyungco (1951–1955)
  • Gil Fernando (1956–1959)
  • Osmundo De Guzman (1960–1986)
  • Teofisto Santos (1986)
  • Rodolfo B. Valentino (1987–1992)
  • Bayani Fernando (1992–2001)
  • Ma. Lourdes Fernando (2001–2010)
  • Del De Guzman (2010–present)

Legislative districts
Marikina is divided into 2 districts, Districts 1 and 2, where each district is represented by a congressman in the House of Representatives of the Philippines.

District 1
  • Barangka
  • Calumpang
  • Industrial Valley
  • Jesus Dela Peña
  • San Roque
  • Sta. Elena
  • Sto. Niño
  • Tañong
 District 2
  • Concepcion Uno
  • Concepcion Dos
  • Tumana
  • Marikina Heights
  • Fortune
  • Parang
  • Nangka

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.[20]

Social services

Marikina Science High School
Amang Rodriguez Medical Center
Marquinton Residences

Education

Marikina's literacy rate is 99% [citation needed] and every barangay has a public primary schools and also a growing numbers of public secondary schools. It has also a public tertiary and vocational schools for continuous education in the city.Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Marikina (PLMar) sets the first city-owned university along with Marikina Polytechnic College (MPC) and Marikina Science High School. Department of Education division office and TESDA office is located in Marikina.

There are also a growing number of private schools such as Roosevelt College, Our Lady of Perpetual Succor College, Kostka School, Mother of Divine Providence School, St. Nicholas School, Holy Trinity School, Charis School, Infant Jesus Academy-Marikina, San Lorenzo Ruiz de Manila School, Academy of God's Children, many to mention. Exclusive schools are also located in the city such as Marist School Marikina, St. Scholastica's Academy Marikina and part of Ateneo de Manila University. Technical and IT schools are also growing in the city including AMA Computer University, STI College and other private technical and vocational school. There are also a catholic school such as Marikina Catholic School and numerous Christian-owned school like National Christian Life College.

Health

Local government provides free medical and dental missions, health seminars and check-ups, proper disposals and hygiene training, special services for seniors, pregnant woman and children, and other free medical operations. It also has a privilege card that offers discounted fees and free services such as emergency, medical, and security services. Marikina Sports Park provides an outdoor gym, sections for senior citizens, dance exercises, oval track, and other sports activities. Marikina River Park and Riverbanks Center provides a jogging path, walk and run exercises and breath exercise by taking clean, fresh air along the riverbanks. Every barangay has a health center to provide basic medical services in the community, and also has a city health main office to assist in every barangay health centers.

Housing

Majority of households in the city has its own house, numerous apartments and dormitories are scattered across the city. Housing projects are also provided by local government in Marikina for those relocated or has no permanent resident. Villages and subdivisions in the city are among the most common housing in the entire city such as Provident and SSS Villages. Exclusive villages are also located in the city like Loyola Grand Villas and Monte Vista. Residential condominiums are now boosting in the city including Marquinton Residences, Federaland Garden Terraces, Bali Oasis, Garden Terraces Residences and Blue Tower Residences.

Economy

Riverbanks Center at night
SM City Marikina

Shoe industry

Marikina was the biggest manufacturer of quality shoes, and Marikina produced 70%[21] of the shoe production in the Philippines. It is also the Philippines' largest exporter of leather shoes throughout the world. Most of locally produced shoes are made in Marikina, it produced shoes which is made of rubber, wood (bakya) and plastic as well as sandals, slippers and other footwear that tagged Marikina as the Shoe Capital of the Philippines. Hundreds of footwear establishments are located across the city and generates thousands of jobs that remained the shoe and leather industry still the top livelihood in the city. By the 2000s, the Marikina shoe industry was affected by competition from Chinese manufacturers, [22] that is why the local government boost the shoe industry in the city by established the Sapatero Festival to promote the quality shoes of Marikina not only in the Philippine but throughout the world.

Local markets

Public markets in Marikina are often divided into two, the dry goods section and the wet goods section. Commerce in these public markets are mostly active, especially in the early morning. Under the urban renewal program of the city, some of the public markets had been refurbished, like the Marikina Public Market, popularly known as "Marikina Market Mall", one of the biggest and cleanest market in Metro Manila, located in the city center of Marikina.

Local restaurants and bars are among the new interesting markets in Marikina. More visitors from other places are coming to the city to try the local cuisines and taste the Marikina-style delicacies and the ambiance of these establishments. Another local markets here are bazaars, handicraft stores, as well as outlet stores which you can buy the good quality but factory price items, such as shoes and other local products.

Shopping and commercial centers

Modern shopping malls dot the city especially in the southern portion of Marikina. SM City Marikina, Blue Wave Mall at Marquinton, C&Ps Cirlce Mall, are some of Metro Manila's major shopping and commercial centers. The popular recreation and commercial center in the city is the Riverbanks Center. Other major shopping centers that lies in Marcos Highway are Sta. Lucia East Grandmall, Robinsons Place Metro East and SM City Masinag.

Almost all of the major commercial international and local, and government banks in the Philippines operate a branch in the city. At this time, there are 60 [citation needed] 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.

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, Sykes, 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.

Industries and manufacturing

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. Most of these are scattered across the city but the large companies and industries are concentrated in the area called "Marikina Industrial Zone" in Barangay Fortune. Aside from shoes, the city manufactures food processing, cigarettes, porcelain and chinaware, automobile, confectionery, appliances, electronics, firearms, crafts like bags, hats and jeans, and among other.

Culture

Local cuisines

  • Everlasting – This famous and signature dish Marikina-style meatloaf which has similarity of ingredients to that of Embutido. However, Everlasting dish is cook on the "llanera" or the baking pan and is garnish with chopped hard boiled eggs, stripes of bell pepper, chopped carrots, slices hotdogs and the likes. This can be decorated with vegetables which is perfect dish for festive occasions.
  • Waknatoy – Also called Woknatoy, is a dish unique to Marikina. The name is unique to Marikina but the dish itself is not. Waknatoy is simply a variant of Menudo. The only marked difference is the addition of pickles which gives waknatoy a sweet-tangy flavor. The rest of the ingredients are the same — meat (pork, most of the time), liver, potatoes, carrots, sausages, bay leaf and tomato sauce.
  • Laoya – Sometimes called Lauya, is also a unique dish in Marikina which can be compared with the typical Nilagang Baka except for the addition of luya (ginger), garlic and sweet potatoes (camote). The dish is cooked by adding those ingredients in the broth and boiling altogether with the beef, baguio beans, pepper, and cabbage until the broth is ready and the beef has tendered. Most people would be confused by Laoya’s taste as it is similar to Nilaga or Tinola with beef as the main ingredient instead of chicken.
  • Colored Putong Pulo – Putong Pulo is a small, reddish brown puto made of rice, sugar, baking soda, and achuete for coloring. It is steamed and topped with a small, thin slice of cheese. Putong Pulo is also famous in Marikina. Aside from its traditional reddish brown color, it also comes in assorted flavors and colors like white, green, pink, and purple.
  • Pininyahang Manok – This dish is also a famous in Marikina and also has its own version, aside for its basic ingredients, Marikina-style Pininyahang Manok has tomatoes. In the addition of tomatoes did make it distinctive flavor and color would improve.
  • Binabayasang Alimango – This signature dish is a rich and flavorful seafood dish that best served with steamed rice. Basically the main ingredients are crabs and ripe guava, but the difference is cooked it in a low fire until the crab's shell turns into reddish color and the sauce become thick.
  • Sinigang sa Bayabas – Typically the main ingredient is guava, and the dish depends on what kind of meat (or seafood), but the authentic dish is came from Marikina and the dish is very popular in every Marikina home.
  • Tapsilog – Traditionally, beef tapa is made by marinating slices of beef overnight and then drying them out in the sun. Arguably, the Tapsi or Tapsilog, a combination of tapa, sinangag (fried rice), and later itlog (egg), was originally intended to be quick breakfast fare and the word originally established in 1980's and came from the famous Tapsi ni Vivian restaurant. But the combo has become so popular that Pinoys, opt to eat it for lunch and dinner as well. In fact, the tapsilog has produced a number of iterations (replacing tapa but retaining the "si" and "log") such as tocilog (tocino) and longsilog (longganisa), among many other iterations.

Festivities

  • Ilognayan Festival – Also known as River Fiesta is a cultural event held every second week of February along Marikina River. This festival is about letting the people know about the Marikina River’s significance.
  • Ka-Angkan Festival – The feast coincides with the founding anniversary of Marikina on April 16. It is an event that honors the big native clans of the city that has unique monikers. It also serves as a reunion and venue for the present generation to get a chance to know their ancestors and acquaint themselves with other clan members. Ka-angkan teaches the value of strong family ties, pride of place and the importance of acknowledging your past. Exhibits and cultural shows depicting the old way of life and Marikina legacies are demonstrated as a way of sustaining local traditions.
  • Marikina Christmas Festival – This is Marikina's famous festival wherein Marikina River, mostly concentrated in Marikina River Park and Riverbanks Center, is filled with stalls selling a wide variety of stuff at affordable prices and the festival starts as early as October until January next year. The Marikina Christmas Festival has always attracted many people from different places who finds the event enjoyable even by just strolling around the riverbanks at night with all the lighted stores.
  • Rehiyon-Rehiyon Festival – A festival that showcases the various ethnic groups that make up the people of Marikina. It serves as a tribute to the active community who came from other regions of the country and chose to settle in Marikina. It only proves that unity can be achieved despite diverse backgrounds and different dialects. The festival celebrates every year on December 8, where Marikina established as a city.
  • Sapatos Festival – Since Marikina was tagged as the Shoe Capital, Marikina celebrate the Sapatos Festival every year starts mid-September until the year ends. This is a celebration of the ingenuity and craftsmanship of shoemakers in Marikina. It gives due importance to their hardship and the local shoe industry itself.

Landmarks

Cityhood Park
Largest pair of shoes in the world, located at Riverbanks Center
Cityhood Park
Our Lady of Abandoned Church
Jesus de la Peña Chapel
Marikina River Park

Major landmarks

  • Cityhood Park – An open public park and signature landmark of Marikina located at the corner Shoe Avenue and Sumulong Highway. It features a spectacular fountain as its centerpiece and framed by a Spanish inspired facade, upon which 12 carillons are set. The bells were imported from Italy and have been programmed to play tunes every hour from 8 in the morning to 6 in the evening and can be heard within a 700-meter radius. At a prominent spot in the Spanish wall there is a big clock like those seen in European parks, lending it an old world charm.
  • World's Largest Pair of Shoes – This is certified by the Guinness Book of World Records in December 2002 as the largest pair of shoes in the world. It is located and displayed at the Shoe Gallery section of Riverbanks Mall in Riverbanks Center and it is one of the top attractions in the city. The shoes measures 5.29 meters long, 2.37 meters wide and 1.83 meters high. The heel of the shoe was measured 41 centimeters or 16 inches. It is made of genuine leather which took 77 days to finish and the shoes were made in October 2002. [citation needed]
  • Riverbanks Center – It is the largest center for shopping, commerce, business, recreation, entertainment and convention venue in Marikina, located along A. Bonifacio Avenue and nearby Marcos Highway and former location of Universal Textiles, Asia's largest textile mills company. Riverbanks Center's e-Com buildings are listed as approved IT Centers by the Philippine Economic Zone Authority. The World's Largest Pair of Shoes are located inside the Shoe Gallery section of Riverbanks Mall, as well as Philippine Science Centrum and Renaissance Convention Center. SM's very first standalone market chain, SaveMore Market was opened in 1999.
  • Marikina Sports Center – Also known as Marikina Sports Park, it is one of the premier sports complex established in the Philippines and touted as "the first of its kind in Asia" in early 1970s. Established in 1969 and then known as the Rodriguez Sports Center, the property was bought from the provincial government of Rizal in 1995. It features an Olympic-size swimming pool, arena, a 15,000-seat grandstands and covered gymnasium. It is now a popular venue for recreation, as well as for national, regional and international sports competitions, and entertainment, concert and other grand events.
  • Our Lady of the Abandoned Church – Also known as Nuestra Señora de los Desamparados, this Spanish-era church is located along J. P. Rizal Street. Completed in 1572, and in 1687, it ordered the transfer of Marikina to the care of the Augustinians and became an independent parish in 1690. It is the center of Roman Catholicism in Marikina.
  • Shoe Museum – It is one of famous attractions in Marikina located near Our Lady of the Abandoned Church. The museum holds shoes of several famous people including a pair of shoes from each president of the Philippines in chronological order. Other shoes are those of celebrities, ambassadors, political figures and even traditional shoes from several countries. On the upper floor, you'll read history about shoe-making including life-size mannequins depicting the art of shoe-making. You'll also find some unusual shoe sizes like one being 3 feet long. The main bulk of shoes on display was contributed by former first lady of the Philippines, Imelda Marcos, 749 pairs of shoes to be exact. You'll see all different kinds of shoes she owned for different occasions. Shoes both made in Marikina and made abroad with different brands, styles, shapes and colors are all on display, making it as one of the largest collection of shoes in the world.
  • Marikina River Park – Marikina River is one of 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 system of expansive tree-lined walkers. It’s perfect for morning jog and has 56-kilometer bike-ways along the riverbanks dedicated to bikers and also park benches and playgrounds for children. There is a floating stage for events and riverboats. The park is also a popular camping site, picnic grounds, sports, leisure and recreational activities, and at night, the park transforms into a modern nightlife events center because of numerous bars, restaurants, cafés and night clubs. Other attractions in the park includes Youth Camp, Ka-Angkan Park, Skating Rink, Senior Citizen Healthy Lifestyle Center, Marikina Bridge, Marikit-Na Statue, Roman Garden, Chinese Pagoda, Women's Park, Butiki Park, Animal Trail Park, San Antonio de Padua Parish, Riverbanks Amphitheater at Riverbanks Center, Carabao Trail, SM City Marikina, Industrial Valley Green Garden, Dutch Marikina and Marikina Christmas Night Bazaars during Christmas season.
  • Sentrong Pangkultura ng Marikina – Known as Kapitan Moy Building, it is the center of culture in Marikina located along J. P. Rizal Street. This 200-year-old building was once owned by Don Jose Guevarra and Don Laureano "Kapitan Moy" Guevarra, the father of shoe industry in the Philippines. The building established in 1780 and this is where the first pair of shoes in Marikina was designed and made in 1887. Andres Bonifacio once visited the place, and American soldiers made it a camp in 1901. The building declared a national shrine in 1968, by the town council and the National Historical Commission. Inside the building can be found Doll Museum, a dioramas showcasing the events and history of Marikina. Kapitan Moy's house now named as Sentrong Pangkultura ng Marikina in 1993.

Other attractions

  • Jesus Dela Peña Chapel – this was the first mass held in Marikina, established in April 1630 by Jesuits. Located in Barangay Jesus Dela Peña.
  • SM City Marikina – SM City Marikina is the first shopping mall that has a wi-fi connection upon its completion. 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 shopping 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.
  • Angel Tuazon Entertainment District – Gil Fernando Avenue, also known as A. Tuazon Avenue, is well-known line-up of having many adventurous bars, live acoustic bands, restaurants, nightclubs and other drinking joints, nearly the entire stretch especially at night.
  • Evolution Park – Features the 18 sculptured cows stand as a marker of Marikina's expanse of grazing farmland formerly owned by the illustrious Tuazon Clan. Located in Barangay Marikina Heights.
  • Loyola Memorial Park – Sprawling area of 36,000 m² and developed in 1965, the Loyola Memorial Park
  • Manila Boystown Complex – A 23-hectare Manila city government-owned institution and facility is exclusively for Manila’s abandoned, forgotten, and voluntarily surrendered children, teenagers, and senior citizens. Located in Barangay Parang.
  • Marikina Industrial Park – 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.
  • Marcos Highway – Was named by former Philippine president Ferdinand Marcos, a newly rehabilitated 10-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 are Riverbanks Center, SM City Marikina, MRT-2 Santolan Station, Sta. Lucia Mall, Robinsons Metro East, AMA Computer College, SM City Masinag, Masinag Market and Cogeo Market. Also, Marcos Highway is well known for numerous establishments like car shops, major schools, restaurands and food chains, exclusive villages, industrial parks, and among others.
  • 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.
  • Our Lady of Perpetual Succor College – OLOPSC is a private, non-sectarian, tertiary learning institution located in Concepcion, Marikina. It was founded by Dionisio Salvador, Sr. in 1978. As of 2009, there are already 5000+ estimated students enrolled. OLOPSC is considered as a landmark due to its structural design. [citation needed]
  • Philippine Science Centrum – This is the Philippines largest [citation needed] 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.
  • Women's Park – Located beside Marikina River Park. It is a park dedicated to females of Marikina.

Infrastructure

Transportation

Roads
Marikina is located at the eastern border of Metro Manila and it is the main gateway to Rizal Province and as far as Quezon Province. Marikina-Infanta Road, popularly known as Marcos Highway, is the main highway east of Metro Manila connecting Marikina and other surrounding cities such as Quezon City, Pasig City, Antipolo City and Cainta.

Other main roads that connected to Marikina, such as A. Bonifacio Avenue and Riverbanks Avenue-C5 Access Road connects to Quezon City, J. P. Rizal Street and Fortune Avenue connects to San Mateo, Sumulong Highway connects to Cainta and Antipolo City, and Gil Fernando Avenue connects Pasig City and Cainta.

Rails
Currently, elevated train line run through Marikina City. The east-end station of LRT 2 is Santolan located along Marcos Highway. The station connects to the west-end, Claro M. Recto Avenue in Manila.

Long before the LRT-2 finally opened its services in Santolan in the Pasig-Marikina border in the early 2000s, Steam train services had once served those places in the past, even before World War II.

In Marikina, there is a street named "Daangbakal", also called by the names of "Shoe Avenue Extension", "Munding Avenue" and "Bagong Silang". There is also a similar "Daangbakal" in the San Mateo-Montalban (Rodriguez) area, and on the maps one can notice that the two roads should have been connected with each other. In fact, as the name suggests in Tagalog, these streets were once a single railway line. The two sides of the "Daangbakal" roads were once connected by a bridge in the San Mateo-Marikina border. However, as the railroad tracks have been largely ignored after the Japanese Occupation and was transformed into separate highways, the railway connection was abandoned.

The old railroad tracks, called the Marikina Line, was connected from Tutuban station in Manila, passing through Tramo (Brgy. Rosario, Pasig) coming all the way to the town of Marikina up to Montalban. On the northern end of the "Daangbakal" road in Montablan is a basketball court. That basketball court which stands today, surrounded by the Montalban Catholic Church and Cemetery, was once the railway station terminus of that particular line.

The Marikina Line was completed in 1906, and continued its operation until 1936. These railways were dismantled during the 1960s and were converted into ordinary roads. [citation needed]

Today, the citizens are dependent on Tricycles, Jeepneys, Taxis, FX, Buses, and AUV's which contribute to the everyday unusual and unbearable traffic of Metropolitan Manila. Even now, there is uncertainty in the Northrail project, which links Manila to the northern provinces of Luzon, because of corruption within the project's construction.

Aside from the Marikina Line, two other lines have existed before but are now removed permanently.

First is the Cavite Line, which passed through Paco, Parañaque, Bacoor and up to Naic, Cavite. Completed in 1908, its operation continued until 1936.

Second is the Antipolo Line, which passed through Santa Mesa, Mandaluyong, Pasig, Cainta, Taytay, up to Antipolo near the "Hinulugang Taktak" Falls. There is also a street named "Daangbakal" in Antipolo, where like the "Daangbakal" roads on Marikina and San Mateo, a railway line once existed. The railroad tracks also passed through what is now the Ortigas Avenue Extension. Its operation ceased in 1917.

Bikeways
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 city streets. Marikina is one of the first few local government units in the Philippines to implement the bikeways. [citation needed]

Riverways
Marikina River is the main waterway in Marikina and the main transportation here is river ferries. There are 2 river ferries station located in Marikina, such as Riverbanks Station and Sto. Nino Station. Both are under construction, and once completed, this will be more efficient transportation for commuters.

Communication

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.

Sister cities

There are seven sister cities of Marikinaoutside the Philippines: three cities in North America, three cities in Asia and one in Europe. Brampton in Canada is the first and official twin/sister city. In the Philippines, Marikina is one of Metro Manila city with the most number of sister cities within Metro Manila, and also the only Metro Manila city with sister cities from the two other biggest metropolitan areas: Cebu City and Davao City.

Wikinews has related news: Brampton, Canada and Marikina, Philippines seeing double as cities twin

See also

  • Metro Manila
  • Legislative districts of Marikina City
  • Marikina Valley
  • List of renamed cities and municipalities in the Philippines

References

  1. ↑ "Municipalities". Quezon City, Philippines: Department of the Interior and Local Government. Retrieved 30 November 2012. 
  2. ↑ "Province: NCR, SECOND DISTRICT". PSGC Interactive. Makati City, Philippines: National Statistical Coordination Board. Retrieved 30 November 2012. 
  3. ↑ "Population and Annual Growth Rates for The Philippines and Its Regions, Provinces, and Highly Urbanized Cities". 2010 Census and Housing Population. National Statistics Office. Retrieved 2012-11-07. 
  4. ↑ http://www.philstar.com/sunday-life/676720/marikina-shoemakers-and-retailers-talk-about-their-city-and-their-sm
  5. ↑ http://www.dlsu.edu.ph/research/centers/aki/_pdf/_concludedProjects/_volumeI/Tanchuco.pdf
  6. ↑ http://www.atlasobscura.com/places/world-s-largest-shoes
  7. ↑ http://iuhpe.gesundheitsfoerderung.ch/pages/you_at_the_conference/presenters/speakers/keynote_speaker_fernando.php
  8. ↑ http://www.philstar.com/business/2013/07/31/1032611/cdo-tops-list-phls-most-competitive-cities
  9. ↑ http://www.marikina.gov.ph/#!/history
  10. ↑ http://www.marikina.gov.ph/#!/history
  11. ↑ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Philippine_National_Railways_stations#Rosario-Montalban_branch
  12. ↑ http://d0ctrine.com/2011/11/08/railways-of-old-in-manila-and-rizal/
  13. ↑ http://www.pacificwrecks.com/airfields/philippines/marikina/index.html
  14. ↑ "Republic Act No. 8223". Philippine Congress. Retrieved August 29, 2013. 
  15. ↑ http://www.marikina.gov.ph/#!/url=geography.php
  16. ↑ http://www.marikenya.com/2008/10/marikina-general-information/
  17. ↑ "Know Your Barangay". Marikina.gov.ph. 
  18. ↑ http://vigattintourism.com/tourism/articles/Marikina-City-The-Shoe-Capital-of-the-Philippines
  19. ↑ http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/420641/marikina-firm-beef-up-rescue-161-team
  20. ↑ http://marikinacity.wordpress.com/2009/04/01/marikina-city-seal/
  21. ↑ http://www.dlsu.edu.ph/research/centers/aki/_pdf/_concludedProjects/_volumeI/Tanchuco.pdf
  22. ↑ http://www.journals.upd.edu.ph/index.php/kasarinlan/article/viewFile/435/400
  23. ↑ "Brampton Unites in Friendship with Marikina City". City of Brampton. August 9, 2005. 

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