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

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

Trivia: Marikina Is In The Top 20

According to Wikipedia taken from a 2007 Census source, Marikina City is the 20th largest city in the Philippines. Its neighboring cities, Quezon City, Antipolo City and Pasig City are the 1st, 7th and 8th largest cities respectively.

Marikina City has an average population of 424,000.

Marikina Population and Voter Stats

I recently visited the National Statistical Coordination Board website,  searched for Marikina and got some interesting stats.

As of August  2007, the Marikina City population is a bit over 420,000 with nearly 200,000 registered voters (figures on registered voters are partial data from Commission on Elections (COMELEC).).   I didn't realize that I lived in a city with almost half a million residents.