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 comprehensive list of Marikina roads converted into national roads, based on legislative records:
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| Gil Fernando street sign |
1. Gil Fernando Avenue
2. Shoe Avenue
Summary Table of Converted Roads
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).
- 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).
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| 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.
- 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.
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| 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.
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| corner of Katipunan St and Rainbow St., SSS Village |
- 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.
| 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 |
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.
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