Marikina City Mayor Maan Teodoro on Monday, Dec. 8, acknowledged residents as the city’s strength during the celebration of its 29th Cityhood Anniversary, saying their unity and cooperation help the city progress and remain resilient.

The event began with a visual presentation tracing Marikina’s history, from the link between the Pasig and Marikina Rivers, early Tondo rulers, and Chinese migrants to Spanish colonization and modern times.

The highlight of the event was the lighting of a giant Christmas tree accompanied by fireworks that lit up the sky, marking the start of the city’s Christmas season. The local government said it symbolizes light, hope, and unity for every Marikeño family.

The mayor was joined in the lighting by her husband, 1st District Rep. Marcy Teodoro, and several city councilors, while actors Gerald Anderson and Bella Padilla also attended to celebrate with Marikeños.

In her speech, the mayor thanked all Marikeños who joined the celebration and emphasized their importance, saying that it is through their unity that Marikina continues to grow and thrive.

“Sa napakahabang panahon na tayo ay isang lungsod, ang Marikina ay naging tahanan ng mga kuwento ng pagkakaisa, pagtutulungan, at alagang hindi napapagod magmahal (Over the long years since becoming a city, Marikina has become home to stories of unity, cooperation, and care that never tires of loving),” she said.

She also acknowledged the hard work, worries, and sometimes heavy days of the residents, saying that despite these challenges, Marikeños continue to smile and help one another with care and compassion. She assured them that the government will always support them.

“Kapit lang, dahil may pamahalaang laging nasa tabi ninyo. Laban lang dahil mas matibay tayo kapag magkakasama at h'wag na h'wag tayong mawawalan ng pag-asa (Keep holding on, because you have a government that is always by your side. Stay strong, because we are stronger when we are together, and never, ever lose hope),” Teodoro said.

“Iisa lang ang ating lungsod, kaya dalhin natin ang diwa ng alagang Marikina, alangang ramdam, alagang may malasakit, at alagang para sa lahat (We have only one city, so let us carry the spirit of Marikina’s care—care that is felt, care that is compassionate, and care for everyone),” she continued.

The mayor also explained the reason behind the butterfly she uses in her branding, which is also reflected in the butterfly decorations on the giant Christmas tree.

“Actually, a butterfly is a symbol of hope. It's a new life. So, yung metamorphosis, yung pagbabago hanggang sa maging paru-paro siya. It's a symbol of hope (it's a metamorphosis, the change it goes through to become a butterfly),” she said, emphasizing that people must never lose hope, no matter their struggles, just as Marikina has faced challenges and keeps moving forward.

“Sa marikina, iisa lang tayo. Sama-sama tayo, tulong-tulong, palaging may pag-asa (In Marikina, we are one. We stand together, help one another, and always keep hope alive),” she added.

According to the local government, on June 11, 1901, Marikina was incorporated into the newly created Province of Rizal by Act. No. 137 of the Philippine Commission. In 1975, when the Metro Manila Commission was created under Presidential Decree No. 824, integrating four cities and 13 towns, the majority of which were in the province of Rizal, Marikina became part of the Metropolitan Manila area.

On December 8, 1996, Marikina was proclaimed a city through Republic Act 8223.

“Marikina has since transformed itself from a backward community into one that boasts a thriving economy and hardworking, tenacious, and disciplined citizens,” it said.