Marikina: The shoe also rises
MANILA, Philippines - Once a valley’s sleepy town known only for its century-old shoe industry that was deteriorating because of the neglect of the local government then, now Marikina has metamorphosed into one of the most progressive cities in the Philippines. With a complete transformation that was not incidental, but a product of long years of hard work through the guidance and strong advocacy for excellence of its leaders, the onset of the ‘90s brought out the best of Marikina began to be seen by everyone. And this is my turn to give a tour of this city that I’ve grown up with.
Marikina City today is a modern and progressive city yet in tune with Mother Nature. Its rich cultural heritage, insightful history and successful industry and commerce make it an attractive tourist destination and a place for profitable investment for businessman. I’ve personally witnessed and experienced Marikina’s rite of passage. The long-neglected river underwent major rehabilitation and was successfully revived; today it is an enjoyable place for family bonding. We believe that a progressive city is a healthy and livable city, hence the city government pursued an environmental advocacy by planting more trees, implementing proper waste management, creating bike lanes and sidewalks to promote clean air practice and healthy lifestyle.
Public service is also of major importance and the residents can confidently rely on Rescue 161 to respond to emergency situations. Marikeños are given free access to health services; no wonder everyone and everything is in the pink of health.
Marikeños remain loyal to their cultural heritage; the Ka-Angkan Festival is a unique and lovely tradition of gathering of clans that have already spent 100 years of residency in Marikina. (I’m proud to be part of Angkan ng Nepoomuceno!) Meanwhile the Rehiyon-Rehiyon Festival showcases the diverse tradition and culture of the regions of our country through its street dancing competition and ethnic games performed by the very artistic Marikeños. And of course, the annual Marikina Christmas Festival is very much awaited by everyone, where the RiverPark is constantly booming with people buying at tiangges and enjoying the different performances on the floating stage and taking pictures of every barangays’ entry in the decoration contest held by the LGU of Marikina.
Marikina also pulled off an astounding feat, making our country proud as well as regaining the city’s prestige as the “Shoe Capital of the Philippines” by becoming the record holder for the Largest Pair of Leather Shoes in the World in the Guinness Book of World Records. It is truly an award-winning city.
It is a pride to be a Marikeño and I know that SM shares the same sentiments about Marikina. And I’m prouder than ever that there is an SM City Marikina in the neighborhood. I love this mall, not just because it is a source of enjoyment and employment to people here, but also because it is a testament to the trust and confidence SM holds in Marikina City and its people for having the ability to achieve success.
From a struggling shoe industry to a competent and fully developed city ready for global competition armed with Discipline, Good Taste and Excellence — the virtues that each Marikeño is committed to pursue with zeal and ardor. There will be, I’m sure, a lot more things that I can be proud of about Marikina City in the coming years.
