SPEAKING OUT
On the occasion of the 107th founding anniversary of Muntinlupa, city leaders Mayor Ruffy Biazon and Congressman Jimmy Fresnedi paid tribute to the everyday heroes and heroines of Muntinlupa who, through their individual or collective actions and achievements, have made the city proud. Additionally, Congressman Fresnedi urged Muntinlupeños to look back and recall what their ancestors did to bring Muntinlupa to where it is now.
The public recognition was made during fitting ceremonies held last Friday at a packed Muntinlupa Sports Center. The event was attended not only by city employees, the city council (led by Vice Mayor Temy Simundac and Majority Floor Leader Raul Corro), and barangay leaders (led by ABC head Allen Ampaya), but also by representatives from national offices (DepEd, the courts, fiscal’s office, PNP, BJMP), people’s organizations, civic organizations, and the religious sector. The ceremonies were live-streamed via the city’s online channels.
Mayor Biazon cited ordinary Muntinlupeños for their integrity, courage, and compassion. He narrated inspiring acts of honesty and service shown by Muntinlupa residents, such as tricycle driver Romeo Boso and his wife Aida, Tunasan High School student Gian Ong, and 65-year-old resident Renato Corpuz. They all immediately returned lost valuables without expecting any reward, just thinking that it was the right thing to do.
He also recognized six homeowners associations for being models of cleanliness, orderliness, and environmental protection. He praised members of the Muntinlupa disaster and rescue team, who, at the height of Typhoon Carmina (Gaemi), braved the raging floodwaters in Malabon, rescuing 86 individuals, including infants.
Special recognition was given to outstanding city government employees of Muntinlupa – namely Alicia Tanabe of the City Health Office, Sarah Jean Cummings from the Business Permits, and Michael Ariel Enriquez from the Office of the Mayor.
Finally, Mayor Biazon paid tribute to the entire workforce, led by City Administrator Alan Cachuela, who collectively were responsible for earning numerous national recognitions, including Muntinlupa’s third consecutive Seal of Good Local Governance Award from the DILG.
Dec. 19, 1917, marked the date when Muntinlupa, then a barangay of Taguig, was granted independent status as a municipality via an Executive Order signed by Governor General Francis Burton Harrison. The first municipal mayor was Vidal Joaquin. Interestingly, among the early leaders who lobbied for the “independence” of Muntinlupa was Marcelo Fresnedi, great-grandfather of Congressman Fresnedi. Mayor Joaquin was followed by Mayor Primo Ticman (1919-1922) and Mayor Melencio Espeleta (1922-1924).
I have heard of Mayor Pedro Diaz, a pre-war Mayor (1925-1930). He was killed by the Japanese for suspected connection with the guerrillas. A public high school has been named in his memory. His son, Noli Diaz, later served with distinction in the city council.
Growing up, I had the opportunity of meeting Mayor Bandong Viñalon (1945–1946, 1952-1959), a wartime guerrilla leader who repeatedly harassed Japanese forces during their occupation of Muntinlupa. He was followed by Mayor Bonifacio Ticman, who served brief interim terms in 1946 and 1960. I never met Mayor Francisco de Mesa (1960-1964), but I know he was responsible for constructing the old municipal hall on the present site of city hall. A public elementary school has been named in his honor.
Then came Mayor Demy Loresca (1964, 1966-1971), Mayor Minong Argana (1964-1966, 1972-1985), and Mayor Jun Carlos (1985-1986).
Post-EDSA, I was appointed OIC in 1986 and went on to serve as elected mayor from 1988 until 1998. Mayor Vic Aguinaldo served briefly as OIC in 1987 when I, then Vice Mayor Jimmy, and practically the entire municipal council were preventively suspended and later convicted by the Sandiganbayan for rescinding a virtual 50-year contract leasing the Alabang Public Market to a private cooperative. The Supreme Court vindicated us with an acquittal. In 1995, Muntinlupa achieved the status of a First Class Highly Urbanized City.
I was followed by the Education Mayor (now Congressman) Jimmy Fresnedi (1998-2007), Mayor Aldrin San Pedro (2007-2013), Mayor Fresnedi again (2013-2022), and Mayor Ruffy Biazon (2022 to the present). ([email protected])