Mayor Marcy turns challenges into progress for 9 years in building a better Marikina

With compassion and unity driving his goal of turning Marikina into a better city, Mayor Marcy Teodoro shared how the city hurdled the challenges over the past nine years.

In his final State of the City Address (SOCA) as city mayor, Teodoro thanked all those who helped turn his vision for the city into a reality through their support and cooperation on Wednesday, Feb. 5.

Teodoro outlined all the challenges the city has overcome, reflecting the saying "Per aspera ad astra (Achieving greatness despite difficulties).”

He said the challenges included the Covid-19 pandemic, destructive typhoons, the city's natural vulnerabilities as a flood basin and an area with an earthquake fault line, a limited Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) due to being a small city, and restricted business expansion opportunities due to the lack of large vacant lots for major investments.

Despite these challenges, the mayor stated the city government was still able to achieve significant milestones and earn prestigious recognitions.

The recognitions included the Seal of Good Local Governance from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG); the Urban Governance Exemplar Awards; the Kaagapay sa Kalusugan at Kapaligiran, 1st Place in Sewer Coverage from the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) Regulatory Office; the Gawad Kalasag Seal of Excellence from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC); the Partner of the Year award (LGU category) for contributions to the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program; and the Seal of eBoss Compliance for a fully streamlined and automated electronic Business One-Stop Shop.

Aside from the challenges that shaped the city, Teodoro also looked back on Marikina’s most significant achievements in 2024 which contributed to its improvement.

Social Protection and Sensitivity

In nine years, Teodoro said they made progress to help develop the city, such as being able to open the Marikina Dialysis Center, provide vaccination for influenza and pneumonia, and continuous supplemental feeding programs for preschool learners. It also conducts comprehensive welfare programs for senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and solo parents, along with free wedding, baptism, and late birth registration services.

Marikeños have also been provided with high-quality free college education at Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Marikina (PLMar), with PLMar first-time takers achieving a 100 percent passing rate in the 2024 Nursing Licensure Exam, including Top 5 placer Christian Eley Bismonte. PLMar also recorded a 90.59 percent passing rate in the Licensure Examination for Teachers and a 60.98 percent passing rate in the 2024 Criminologist Licensure Examination.

Meanwhile, the city also maintains a high crime solution efficiency rate of 82.71 percent and a 99.75 percent crime clearance efficiency. A total of 600 closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras have been installed across 81 communities, along with a lighting program to make Marikina safer and brighter.

Infrastructure development and environmental management

Along with healthcare and education, the city strengthened its infrastructure by boosting flood resilience through dredging to increase the Marikina River's water-holding capacity, which has slowed water rise despite strong typhoons. Regular cleaning and maintenance of the river, creeks, drainage systems, and other waterways have also been conducted, along with efforts to enhance disaster risk reduction and management capacities.

The city also developed parks, playgrounds, and open spaces in subdivisions and communities. It also constructed multi-purpose halls and provided appliances and equipment to homeowners' associations.

The promotion of bike culture in the city was also strengthened with the opening of End-of-Trip Bicycle Facilities, which include a repair station, toilets and showers, changing areas, lockers and storage, as well as dedicated restrooms for PWD bikers.

Related story: https://mb.com.ph/2024/8/29/cyclists-thank-marikina-lgu-do-tr-for-bike-lanes-expansion-1

The mayor also pointed out that, in line with the local economy, small carinderias and sari-sari stores in the city continue to thrive due to their exemption from paying taxes and business permits.

Teodoro emphasized that the city’s success is a testament to the power of a united family, neighborhood, and community working together to build a better and stronger future for all Marikeños.