Marikina CityFirst Field Visit of CAP-SPJune 24-25, 2010

There is something different about Marikina City and the Communication and Advocacy Program (CAP) team was set to discover what it was.

From creativity to political will, the local government of Marikina was able to transform the city into a home. The discipline that was introduced and instilled in every individual was their key to success. By creating order and setting the right attitude, the people of Marikina earned a renewed sense of pride and ownership toward their city.

Marikina CityDiscipline, Good Taste and Excellence

“It is not enough to be good, you have to be different.”

- Mr. Tomas “Jun” AguilarChief, Marikina City Economic Development Authority

“Kung sino ang tatanga-tanga, naka-tsinelas, may putik ang paa siya mong unahing paglingkuran.”

Osmundo “Munding” De Guzman, Sr.Marikina Mayor, 1960-1986

Mayor of Marikina CityBayani F. Fernando first ran for public office in 1992, becoming mayor of Marikina City. His administration as mayor transformed the former municipality into one of the best-managed cities and a paradigm of responsive and effective governance. His term saw the transformation of Marikina from a 4th class municipality to a model Philippine city accorded with 55 citations and distinctions. He was re-elected mayor twice, serving until 2001. He was succeeded by his wife, Ma. Lourdes C. Fernando.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bayani_Fernando

“Marikina’s public land is absolutely squatter free...”

The process was not easy. In every change there is resistance and pain but in the case of Marikina, the outcome was worth the struggle.

“Pag nakita ng tao ang ilog, kung saan siya ay malapit, sasabihin niya dapat ang tubig malinis.”

Gone were the days when informal settlers dominated the Marikina River.

Water Sewage Treatment PlantBarangay Industrial Valley Complex, Marikina City

No longer just settlements, these are homes.

The people living along the Marikina River and other public lands were relocated in the 106-hectare settlement sites provided for by the government.

The roads are paved, the street signs are clear, and the basic needs are met as part of community upgrading. A façade was also built both to contain the settlement areas and to project a better view of these areas to tourists.

EducationThe city government prides itself in giving quality free education to its constituents through its primary, secondary and tertiary schools including one science high school.

Going beyond creativity“Marikina has proven that garbage is not garbage if you know how to handle it.”

Marikina CityDiscipline, Good Taste and Excellence

Below are the objectives set for the Marikina field visit:

1. To generate information through interviews with experts and critics as to how the Marikina government has been able to surmount and address communication and public relations challenges with the urban poor.

2. To establish networks and come up with agreements with local organizations like the media, civic groups, Marikina government officials, Marikina government employees union to support and take part in the DEVELOPinas, the online information and knowledge network built to advocate the MTPDP. We also target to form partnerships with these groups in the advocacy of the MTPDP.

3. To learn about the exciting programs and projects of Marikina by going to project sites, touring the city, and exposing us to the Marikina culture.

Accomplishments:

1. Interviews conducted: a. Mr. Tomas “Jun” Aguilar (City Planning and Development Office)

b. Ms. Carlota Contreras (Marikina Sanitation Office)

c. JP Agulay (Public Information Office)

d. Mr. Oliver Cruz Fulinara (Marikina Cultural, Tourism, Trade and Investments Promotion Office)

e. Mr. Jose Taniegra (City Demolition Office)

f. Ms. Nerisa David (Pamatasan ng Lungsod ng

Marikina)

2. CAP-SP was able to explain clearly the concept of DEVELOPinas and was able to gain support from the Marikina LGU. Flyers introducing the DEVELOPinas were given to all interviewees.

3. CAP-SP was able to visit key project sites a. Marikina City Hall b. MCDA Exhibit Area c. Settlement sites d. City Environment Management Office (CEMO) composting facility e. City Health Office f. Water treatment facility g. Shoe Museum h. Shoe factories

COMMUNICATION AND ADVOCACY PROGRAMTRAVEL VISITS DOCUMENTATION SERIES 2010

Photos/Cover Design/Overall Layout

Tedong Ferreras

Story/Words/Additional Texts

Pia Angelica Suiza

Jose Ryan BabonFatima De LeonEdith PalabonPia Angelica Suiza

Faye Angeli ArgamosaRonaldo AnarnaAntonio MojanaTedong Ferreras

CAP-SP Team