Stepping Through Time: The Strength of Marikina's Shoe Industry

For a long time, Marikina has been known for its shoe craftsmanship and quality. Examining the data from 1991 to 2025, you can see a story of high peaks, challenging periods, and a push for revival in the present day. This is an analytical look at the manufacturing scene in the "Shoe Capital."

The Golden Age and the Big Drop

• In the early 1990s, Marikina's shoe industry was a huge success. The numbers show a big jump in the number of registered manufacturers during this time:

• The Peak in 1994: The industry reached its peak in 1994, when there were 513 registered manufacturers.

• A Decade of Stability: From the middle to the end of the 1990s, the city always had between 400 and 500 active manufacturers.

• The Turning Point: When the year 2000 came around, the numbers started to drop steadily. The number of manufacturers fell to a record low of 139 by 2008.

The Modern Landscape (2021–2025)

After a time of relative stagnation in the 2010s, the industry faced new problems in the early 2020s. But in the last few years, the community has been working hard to keep its identity.

Registered Manufacturers Over the Last 5 Years:

2021: 103

2022: 124  

2023: 130  

2024: 115  

2025: 108 

As of 2025, there are 108 manufacturers in the city, and the industry is still a major source of income for 1,727 workers.

Where the Industry's Heart Beats

The industry doesn't cover the whole city; it does best in certain "shoe hubs." Based on the data from 2025, these are the barangays with the most manufacturers:

Sto. Niño: 26 Manufacturers (The city's current leader)

Concepcion I: 23 Manufacturers

San Roque: 20 Manufacturers

Parang: 11 Manufacturers

Interestingly, while San Roque has fewer manufacturers than Sto. Niño, it is a massive employment hub, with some of its registered footwear businesses contributing significantly to the city's total workforce.

Incentivizing the Future: Ordinance No. 110

The city government passed Ordinance No. 110 (Series of 2021) to stop the number of artisans from going down and to get new ones to join. This policy gives local shoe and leather goods makers a lot of tax breaks:

For New Businesses (Starting in 2022): * 1st Year: 100% off business taxes

Second Year: 75% off business taxes

Third Year: 60% off business taxes

For businesses that are already up and running, a permanent 50% tax break to help them stay in business.

Last Thoughts

The data shows that Marikina's shoe industry is still strong, even though it is smaller than it was at its peak in 1994. With targeted tax breaks and many skilled workers employed in Marikina shoe manufacturing companies, the city keeps moving forward, and "Made in Marikina" will be a source of pride for years to come.

Reference: STATISTICAL REPORT REGISTERED - FOOTWEAR (1991-2025) - Marikina City Official Website

Which Marikina Roads Became National Roads

In recent decades, the landscape of Marikina City has seen significant infrastructure shifts as several of its key local thoroughfares were reclassified as national roads. This legal transformation, enacted through various Republic Acts (R.A.) passed by the Philippine Congress and archived in the Senate of the Philippines Legislative Reference Bureau, places these roads under the jurisdiction of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

By converting these roads, the national government takes over the funding for their maintenance, repair, and improvement—an essential move for a city that serves as a vital gateway between Metro Manila and the province of Rizal.

Here is a list of Marikina roads reclassified as national roads, based on legislative records since 2010:

Gil Fernando street sign

1. Gil Fernando Avenue

• Legislation: Republic Act No. 10079
• Date of Approval: April 20, 2010
• Scope: This act converted Gil Fernando Avenue, which traverses Barangays Sto. Niño and San Roque, into a national road. This avenue is a major commercial artery that connects Sumulong Highway to the Marikina-Infanta Highway (Marcos Highway).

Shoe Avenue

2. Shoe Avenue 

• Legislation: Republic Act No. 10138 
• Date of Approval: June 3, 2010 
• Scope: Traverses Barangays San Roque, Sta. Elena, and Sto. Niño. As one of the city's most iconic streets, named after its primary industry, the conversion ensured that the national government would oversee the upkeep of this central corridor. 

Gen. Ordonez Ave.

3. General Ordoñez Avenue 

• Legislation: Republic Act No. 10385 
• Date of Approval: March 14, 2013 
• Scope: This extensive road traverses the second district of Marikina, specifically Barangays Marikina Heights, Concepcion Uno, Concepcion Dos, and Parang. Its conversion was pivotal for the residential and commercial hubs of the "Upper Marikina" area. 

4. Roxas Street 

• Legislation: Republic Act No. 10415 
• Date of Approval: March 26, 2013 
• Scope: Located in Barangays Kalumpang and San Roque, Roxas Street serves as a critical link for commuters heading toward the boundaries of Pasig and Santolan. 

corner of Katipunan St and Rainbow St., SSS Village

5. Katipunan Street 

• Legislation: Republic Act No. 10418 
• Date of Approval: March 26, 2013 
• Scope: Katipunan Street traverses Barangay Concepcion Uno and Barangay Concepcion Dos. It is a major residential thoroughfare that supports the flow of traffic within the city’s second district.

Summary Table of Converted Roads

Road Name	Republic Act	Date Approved
Gil Fernando Avenue	R.A. 10079	April 20, 2010
Shoe Avenue	R.A. 10138	June 3, 2010
Gen. Ordoñez Avenue	R.A. 10385	March 14, 2013
Roxas Street	R.A. 10415	March 26, 2013
Katipunan Street	R.A. 10418	March 26, 2013

Why Conversion Matters

The conversion of these local streets into national roads is more than just a change in nomenclature. According to the standard provisions of these Republic Acts, the Secretary of Public Works and Highways is mandated to include the improvement and maintenance of these roads in the Department’s annual program. The funding is specifically sourced from the annual General Appropriations Act (GAA).

For Marikina residents, this means more consistent road quality and better-integrated drainage systems, which are crucial for the city's flood mitigation efforts. By offloading the financial burden of these major roads to the national treasury, the local government can redirect its own budget toward smaller community projects and barangay-level services.

References: 

https://issuances-library.senate.gov.ph/bills/house-bill-no-3394-15th-congress-republic

https://issuances-library.senate.gov.ph/bills/house-bill-no-4723-14th-congress-republic

https://issuances-library.senate.gov.ph/bills/house-bill-no-4664-14th-congress-republic

https://ldr.senate.gov.ph/bills/house-bill-no-2767-15th-congress-republic

https://issuances-library.senate.gov.ph/legislative%2Bissuances/Republic%20Act%20No.%2010385

More Than Just Government: The History and Resilience of Marikina City Hall

The current Marikina City Hall, located at the heart of Santa Elena, was constructed in 1969.

Marikina City Hall isn't just a center for permits and paperwork; it is a symbol of the city's transformation from a humble "shoe capital" to a multi-awarded, highly urbanized model city.

Whether you’re a local walking through Freedom Park or a visitor curious about how this city became a multi-awarded model for the Philippines, the history of City Hall offers a fascinating glimpse into the soul of Marikina."

Before this building existed, the municipal government operated out of the Chanyungco House (a beautiful ancestral home located beside the Kapitan Moy Building in San Roque) and later a smaller building. The 1969 structure was built during the term of Mayor Osmundo de Guzman to accommodate the growing administrative needs of what was then a rapidly industrializing municipality.

This is the back of Marikina City Hall, but it looks as impressive as its facade.

Key Milestones & Historical Facts

• From Town to City (1996): One of the most significant events to occur within these walls was the transition of Marikina from a municipality to a highly urbanized city. On December 8, 1996, President Fidel V. Ramos signed Republic Act No. 8223, officially granting Marikina its cityhood.
• Marikina “Clean and Green" (1990s): Under the leadership of Mayor Bayani Fernando, the City Hall became the "war room" for the city's famous radical cleanup. This era saw the clearing of sidewalks, the rehabilitation of the Marikina River, and the implementation of strict discipline that made Marikina a Hall of Fame awardee for being the "Cleanest and Greenest City" in the Philippines.
• Resilience Post-Ondoy (2009): The City Hall stood as a crucial command center during Typhoon Ondoy. While the building itself faced the challenges of the massive flood, it remained the central hub for the massive recovery efforts that defined Marikina’s reputation for disaster resilience.

  

  Freedom Park. A lot of events are held here, including shoe bazaars.

The Freedom Park Connection: Directly in front of the City Hall is Freedom Park, which serves as the "living room" of the city. It was designed to be an open space where citizens could interact directly with their government, reflecting a transparent and accessible leadership style.

While the core structure dates back to the late '60s, it has undergone several renovations to keep up with the times. Today, the facade features a blend of classic government architecture with modern glass finishes. Interestingly, the back of the City Hall looks as impressive as the front, showcasing busts of all the former Marikina mayors aligned parallel to the back entrance.

Marian Exhibit 2025 at Riverbanks Center, Marikina City

To celebrate the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Riverbanks Center in Marikina City is hosting its fifth annual Marian exhibit. This year's event, titled “Aba ‘Ginoo’ Maria: Pag-asa ng aming Bayan” ("Hail Mary: Hope of our Nation") is its largest yet, featuring 96 images of the Blessed Virgin.

The exhibit showcases various Marian images with titles from Antipolo, Marikina, Manila, Quezon City, and Taytay, Rizal. The images on display are owned by camareros (caretakers), some of whom were invited to join, while others voluntarily participated.

The exhibit is a partnership with the San Jose Manggagawa Parish in Marikina. It is open to the public from September 7 to September 21 at Outlet Avenue, Riverbanks Center. Admission is free, and you can visit daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

All are welcome to visit and pray the Holy Rosary, which is recited daily at 6 p.m. in front of the image of Nuestra Señora de Fatima de Marikina.

A Closer Look at Marikina's Population Growth (2020 - 2025)

Nestled within the vibrant metropolis of Manila, the City of Marikina, famously known as the "Shoe Capital of the Philippines," is a community with a compelling story of growth and development. Marikina is estimated to produce 70% of the country's shoes, but a closer look at its recent population projections indicates that the city is still changing. 

From 2020 to 2025, Marikina's population is expected to steadily rise, showing that it is a dynamic urban area that attracts both people and businesses. This consistent growth demonstrates a city that is not only holding its own but also maintaining its status as a significant player in the National Capital Region (NCR).

The March of Marikina's Population: 2020-2025

The population data for Marikina tells a story of steady, albeit slowing, growth over a five-year period.2020-2021: The population saw an increase of 3,973 people, from 476,108 to 480,081.2021-2022: The population grew by 3,583, reaching a total of 483,664.2022-2023: The population climbed by 3,192, bringing the total to 486,856.2023-2024: An increase of 2,799 brought the population to 489,655.2024-2025: The population is projected to grow by 2,391, reaching a total of 492,046.

Marikina's Position in the Capital's Crowd 📊

Despite its consistent growth, Marikina's ranking among other NCR cities remained largely stable before a slight dip in the final year. For the years 2020 to 2024, Marikina held the 11th rank among the listed cities in the National Capital Region.By 2025, Marikina's rank is projected to shift to 12th, as the City of Mandaluyong overtakes its population. This data underscores the dynamic nature of urban populations, where small shifts in growth rates can lead to changes in a city's standing.

Beyond the Numbers: Marikina's Enduring Legacy

Marikina's population story is intertwined with its rich history and unique character. A strong work ethic in the city's industries has helped it grow. This work ethic started in the early 20th century when the city had a booming shoe manufacturing industry. This industrial base got the city ready for the arrival of heavy industries in the 1950s, which brought in many people who wanted to work there. Today, Marikina is a multi-award-winning metropolitan city known for its lively business life, skilled workforce, and responsive local government. People say it is one of the most competitive cities in the Philippines and one of the richest local government units. The city's dedication to urban growth is clear in its programs, like the bikeways program and efforts to manage solid waste. These have helped it become known as one of the healthiest and most livable cities in the Asia-Pacific region. All of these things affect how well the city can attract and keep its growing population.

Reference:

• Philippine Statistics Authority -  Updated Projected Mid-Year Population for the Philippines Based on the 2015 POPCEN Results: 2020 - 2025

Your Next Job Opportunity Awaits: Kalayaan Job Fair At SM City Marikina This June 12!

In celebration of the 127th anniversary of Philippine Independence on June 12, 2025, SM City Marikina will hold a Kalayaan Job Fair. This will give people in Marikina easy access to a wide range of job prospects.

This job fair, put together by SM Supermalls and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), is meant to connect people who are looking for work with a lot of companies that are hiring. And for people who live in Marikina, the fact that this big event is happening right in SM City Marikina is very convenient.

This isn't just any job fair; it's a chance to meet potential employers in person, learn about a lot of different fields, and hopefully find a fulfilling job. The Kalayaan Job Fair is for people with all kinds of skills and levels of experience, whether they are recent college graduates, seasoned professionals looking for a change, returning OFW’s, or people looking for new challenges.

To register for the Kalayaan Day Job Fair, scan the QR code below or visit this link to fill out the form: https://pia.gov.ph/dole-ncr-job-fairs-offer-gainful-employment-this-independence-day/

Proceed to the Ground Level, Hallway of SM City Marikina on June 12, 2025 for the Kalayaan Job Fair.

If you're there early, you can witness the Philippine Independence Day flag-raising ceremony at the canopy parking area at 8:00AM.

#Kalayaan2025 #PatuloySaPagtuklas #MakeItHistoric

#SMJobFairs #IndependenceDay2025 #TrabahoParaSaLahat

Sources:

• DOLE-NCR Job Fairs Offer Gainful Employment this Independence Day

• SM Supermalls to Hold Kalayaan Job Fairs on June 12

Robinsons Supermarket Bluewave Then And Now

Robinsons Bluewave Marikina: A Landmark for Community and Convenience

Nestled along the bustling intersection of Sumulong Highway and Gil Fernando Ave. in Marikina City, Robinsons Bluewave has long stood as a prominent landmark, serving as a vital hub for shopping. More than just a commercial complex, it represents a significant point of convenience for residents of Marikina and the surrounding areas.

A Look Back: The Genesis of Bluewave

Robinsons Bluewave Marikina first opened its doors to the public in the mid 2000s. Before Sumulong Highway became populated with commercial establishments, Bluewave was one of the earlier establishments to occupy this major intersection. Its establishment marked a strategic move to cater to the growing population and emerging commercial landscape of Marikina City. From its inception, Bluewave was envisioned as a comprehensive lifestyle center, designed to offer a wide array of services and retail options under one roof, thereby enhancing the daily lives of its patrons.

The Heart of Convenience: Robinsons Supermarket

At the core of Robinsons Bluewave's appeal is the expansive Robinsons Supermarket. Open conveniently from Monday to Sunday, 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM, the Robinsons Supermarket at Bluewave Marikina caters to every household's needs. Shoppers can expect a wide array of products, ensuring a one-stop grocery experience. From the freshest fruits and vegetables to premium cuts of meat and seafood, the supermarket prioritizes quality and variety.

Beyond the basics, the supermarket also houses a payment center for bills, a bakery with fresh breads and pastries, and a cooked foods section where snacks and meals can be eaten there or bought for takeout.Ample parking is also available at the back and front of the supermarket. A small parking fee ensures security plus a nearby place to bring your groceries after shopping. At the Gil Fernando side is a jeepney stop where commuters can conveniently choose between taking a jeep or riding a tricycle.

Robinsons Bluewave Marikina is located at Marquinton Bluewave 2, Sumulong Highway corner Gil Fenando Ave., Brgy. Sto. Niño, Marikina, Metro Manila, Philippines.

Tel No.: 8681-1181 / 8681-4136

Learn More About Barangay Tumana, the second most populated Barangay in Marikina City

Tumana, which is in the northwest of Marikina City, is more than just a neighborhood. It's a community whose past is deeply connected to that of Marikina.

Sitio Tumana was formerly a part of Barangay Concepcion Uno before it was officially designated as Tumana. With Republic Act No. 9432 signed on April 10, 2007, Barangay Tumana formally became a separate administrative unit somewhat recently. The act made the barangay publicly known as Barangay Tumana in the City of Marikina, Metro Manila. This solidified the barangay's place in the city's government.

Among the sixteen barangays making up Marikina City is Barangay Tumana. Among Marikina's barangays, it has the second-highest population. Geographically speaking, Barangay Tumana occupies 8.27% of Marikina City's total land area—191.4 hectares. It is found on the northwest side of the city, bounded by Barangay Nangka to the northeast, Barangay Concepcion Uno to the east, and Barangay Malanday to the south. With 46,874 people overall as of 2021, Tumana is clearly a populous community within Marikina.

Tumana sadly is also prone to flooding. According to a 2009 study, Barangay Tumana was severely affected by Typhoon Ondoy. The area's proximity to the Marikina River makes it vulnerable to river swelling with heavy rain. This fragility has impacted the experience of the community and been a major influence on initiatives of planning and development.

The MMDA Tumana Impounding Area, a prominent location within the barangay, serves as the destination for towed and stalled vehicles from Metro Manila. Also, the bridge crossing Marikina River in Tumana connects Marikina to Quezon City.

Tumana also thrives as a community with several companies. Tumana had 996 registered businesses as of 2023. With 435 sari-sari stores, which account for more than 40% of all registered businesses in the barangay, reflecting the entrepreneurial energy commonly found in Filipino communities. This underlines the significance of the local economy's small-scale retail sector.


References:

Map of Tumana
https://www.citypopulation.de/en/philippines/marikina/137402016__tumana/

Republic Act No. 9432 (April 10, 2007)
https://lawphil.net/statutes/repacts/ra2007/ra_9432_2007.html

Facts and Figures 2023, Marikina City Official Website
https://marikina.gov.ph/facts-and-figures

Philippine Statistics Authority, City of Marikina
https://psa.gov.ph/classification/psgc/barangays/1380700000