Marikina City 2nd district Rep. Stella Quimbo's mayoral bid in the fast-approching May 12 mid-term has received a major boost with the endorsement of former city mayor Marides “MCF” Fernando.
Fernando is the widow of the late former mayor and congressman Bayani “BF” Fernando, with the couple viewed as a pillar in the transformation of Marikina as a model city.
Speaking before over 1,000 women from all the city, Fernando--known for her legacy of women’s empowerment and urban reform--delivered what many call Quimbo's strongest if not most significant endorsement yet.
She drew parallels between her own journey in life and Quimbo’s. Both women studied at Poveda, and while born into privilege they both chose the path of public service—marrying into Marikina and dedicating themselves to building stronger, more inclusive communities.
As a businesswoman, Fernando was the architect behind Marikina’s transformation into the so-called “Little Singapore.” In Quimbo, she said she sees the next chapter of leadership—a health economist and UP professor who can steer Marikina out of its financial crisis.
“Dati may engineer para sa imprastruktura. Ngayon, kailangan na natin ng ekonomista para ayusin ang bilyong utang ng siyudad. Nasa kamay ni Teacher Stella ang kakayahan at tapang para gawin ito,” said Fernando, referring to her late husband.
(Before, we had an engineer for infrastructure. Now, we need an economist to fix the city’s billion-worth debt. Teacher Stella has the ability and courage to make it happen.)
She declared that under Quimbo, the city’s long-dormant Women’s Council—once composed of more than 50 active organizations—would be revived and revitalized.
Quimbo, for her part, thanked Fernando for her trust and vowed to honor the legacy of both Bayani and Marides by bringing back principled, people-centered governance to City Hall.
“Sa bagong Marikina, walang maiiwan—lalo na ang kababaihan. Hindi lang natin ibabalik ang Women’s Council. Sisiguraduhin nating bawat ina, anak, at manggagawang babae ay may boses, may suporta, at may kinabukasan,” said Quimbo, one of the resident economists in the House of Representatives.
(In the new Marikina, no one will be left behind—especially women. We won’t just reinstate the Women’s Council; we will ensure that every mother, daughter, and female worker has a voice, receives support, and secures a future.)
Quimbo is running against Marikina City 1st district Rep. Marjorie Ann Teodoro for the mayor's seat.