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.

Photo: Robot Guarding City Hall

This is one of the many robots behind Marikina City Hall surrounding the fountain area.  At the robots back is the Marquinton Residences.

Pacquiao-Clottey Boxing Match Televised In Front Of City Hall

For all the Manny Pacquiao fans and boxing enthusiasts, you can watch the Manny Pacquaio - Joshua Clottey boxing match at the park area in front of the Marikina City Hall today. A large screen will be situated in front for spectators to watch at the shady park for everyone to be accommodated.

Definitely there will be cheering going on at the park during the fight and even more crowd cheering and celebration should Manny Pacquiao win this fight.

We hope Pacquiao once again give glory and honor to the Filipinos. Goodluck to you Manny !

(Photo taken from http://www.pacquiaovideo.com)

Unang Hirit On Location at Pamilihang Bayan

Last December 14, a part of the GMA 7 morning show, Unang Hirit was seen broadcasting live at the park in front of City Hall. A stunning Regine Tolentino was featuring a segment on the Pamilihang Bayan of Marikina.

Several stalls at the park were being shown to televiewers as Regine interviewed stall owners about the items they had for sale.

Marikit Na Pasko Traffic Advisory

Starting November 10 to January 10, 2010, McDonalds Street (City Hall Service Road behind Marikina Sports Park) shall be closed to vehicular traffic from 6:00pm till 12:00 midnight to make way for the Animated Display entitled "Marikit Na Pasko".

Motorists can take Shoe Ave. from Sumulong Highway if heading to City Hall.

Real Property Tax Delinquency List Available at City Hall

The list of all delinquent accounts for real property tax can be checked at the City Hall. A printed list for all 15 barangays of Marikina is posted at the bulletin board in front of the cashier. Check out the folder of your respective barangay for the full list.

Extended Deadlines For Marikina Taxpayers

Ordinance Nos. 113 and 114, S-2009 has extended deadlines for Taxpayers till the end of the month. The following tax schedules are as follows:

• Real Property Tax (3rd Quarter) - originally Sept. 30 deadline
• Business Tax (4th Quarter) - originally Oct. 20 deadline
• Market Fixed Stall - originally Oct. 20 deadline
• Supervision Fee (Linear) - originally Sept. 30 deadline

All tax payments filed at the Marikina City Hall before October 31, 2009 will be accepted without penalty.

Marikina Sports Building

There's a new building in Marikina City and it's right at the corner of the Marikina Sports Center.

Aptly called, Marikina Sports Building, it's an 8 storey building established to cater to different sports per floor.  The exterior of the building facing the Marikina City Hall has labels of each sport per floor.

A golf driving range is located on the 3rd floor with boxing, muay thai, tae-kwon-do, martial arts and a gymnast/fitness center from the 4th floor till the top floor respectively.

The building is covered in steel fences instead of walls and windows so the building is pretty much transparent.

It's not open to the public as of yet but looks like it's almost ready for the sporting residents of Marikina.

Marikina Inaugurates the Ka-Angkan Family History Center

In celebration of Marikina's 379th founding anniversary today, April 16, 2009, the city of Marikina also inaugurates the Ka-Angkan Family History Center.   What used to be the Marikina Library located at the corner of Shoe Avenue and W. Paz streets in Sta. Elena, just across Freedom Park and Marikina City Hall is now where the Ka-Angkan Family History Center resides.  It was inaugurated at 9:00am earlier this morning.

This family history center aims to collect and ensure the preservation and accessibility of genealogical, biographical, and historical information on ancestors, lineage and family trees over clans who lived in Marikina from generation to generation.   Over 40 clans' histories dating back to the 1900's are documented and archived in the form of personal and family papers, photos, and microfilm records.

The uniqueness of this Family History Center is derived from the Ka-Angkan Festival, a homegrown festivity spearheaded by former Mayor Bayani Fernando in 1998, which also makes the facility to be the first of its kind among local government units in the Philippines.

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Preparing for Valentines Day

If you're the type who loves to give flowers to your loved-ones, then the best place to go in Marikina is in Bayan. Just at the side of the plaza (beside Ministop) fronting Marikina City Hall is a line of flower boutiques. They are open as early as 6am till 9pm. And during special occasions like Valentine's day, they are open as long as there are customers.

Their prices are very affordable even if it would increase during this peak season for flowers.

It's advisable to get there early cause even though flowers are delivered to them several times a day, the sheer demand for flowers during Valentines day may cause flowers to be sold out. You'll see cars parked all around them as the days come closer to Valentines.

I personally get my flowers from my suking florist, June & Chat flowers. They can create custom arrangements based on your requirements. Look for the morena with the smiling face and she'll happily assist you.

Free Internet Access for Marikenos

If you enter Marikina City Hall, you'll notice that behind the information booth of the rear entrance are four computer terminals placed on high tables just enough for a good stance and positioning.   These terminals offer free internet access for Marikenos.

You'll need to login.  If you don't have an account yet, you'll need to register.  To register, just enter your landline number as username.  The system will check if your phone number is a registered phone number residing in Marikina.  Once verified, you'll be given your own account details. 

Once logged in, a timer will appear in a small window on the bottom right of your screen. You'll be given five minutes free, enough to check your e-mail, get details from any other website or visit the official website of Marikina and access their e-services.

Happy Surfing !