Marikina City: Shoe Capital of the Philippines

The Augustinians were the first to arrive at the Marikina Valley in 1500, at the spot known as “Chorillo” in Barangka. Next came the Jesuits in 1630, in a place now called Jesus dela Peña (Jesus of the Rocks). Here, the Jesuits established a mission and built a chapel.

In 1687, this pueblo became a parish known as Mariquina. In 1901, with the coming of the Americans, its name officially became Marikina. The early settlers lived along the riverbanks and nearby fertile farms. With the industry of the natives, combined with the know-how of the early Chinese settlers, the farms began to produce rice and vegetables in great quantities until the valley became part of the country’s most prized hacienda.

By the 19th century, Hacienda Marikina was owned and administered by the Tuazon family and had become the biggest in the Philippines. For its size, natural beauty, and plentiful harvest, the hacienda was declared a mayorazgo (royal estate) by the Spanish colonial government. At one time, the estate was administered by a beautiful native lass, Doña Teresa dela Paz, who was married to a scion of the Tuazon family.

By the turn of the 20th century, Marikina emerged as a town of shoemakers. Shoemaking began in 1887 through the pioneering efforts of Don Laureano “Kapitan Moy” Guevarra, assisted by Tiburcio Eustaquio, Ambrocio Sta. Ines, and Gervacio Carlos.

Honed by years in shoe manufacturing, the natives had developed a work ethic that prepared them for the arrival of heavy-duty industries in the 1950s. With the proliferation of industrial plants came waves of workers who had chosen to stay, rapidly increasing the population.

The city soon became a victim of its own growth, creating a slew of problems. One of these was the deterioration of the Marikina River, which resulted from the reckless behavior of factories and squatter colonies that lined the banks.

Recovery and Renewal

Marikina jumpstarted its efforts toward recovery and renewal when Mayor Bayani “BF” Fernando assumed office in 1992. Guided by a vision of creating a modern and livable city, BF successfully laid the foundation of a flourishing community.

On Dec. 8, 1996, Marikina was proclaimed a city through Republic Act 8223. Marikina has since transformed itself from a backward community into one that boasts of a thriving economy and hardworking, tenacious, and disciplined citizens.

Today, Marikina is a multi-awarded city, often lauded for its vibrant business life, highly skilled workforce, and a responsive local government that puts a premium on governance, sustainable urban development, and public service.