2004 marikina city state of the city address

7/31/2019 2004 Marikina City State of the City Address

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State of the City AddressBy: Mayor Ma. Lourdes C. Fernando

21 January 2004

Ladies and Gentlemen:

Thank you for joining me in my 3rd report on the state of our city. I am

glad to be able to perform this duty on the culmination of my term as

Mayor of this city.

I make this report with a sense of fulfillment and a sense of hope.

Fulfillment because I feel that I have done justice to my mandate by giving

it my best shot. Hope because we can look forward to the future with

optimism as we had laid down the groundwork that will catapult us to

where we want to be.

RAISING THE BAR OF PERFORMANCE

We had taken steps to raise the bar of performance in 2003. We strived

to be a government of performance - - doing what we promised and

providing our constituents the best possible programs and services.

We tried to manage the city like a private corporation one where there

are stakeholders, workers and customers. We treated our constituents as

our clients whom we want not only to satisfy but also to delight.

In 2003, our efforts were primarily geared towards education, health,

employment, peace and orderandgood governance. All these are

engines of growth and critical elements in our bid to shape Marikina into

a little Singapore.


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Guided by a globally competitive perspective, we positioned Marikina to be

a place of choice for residential, education, investment, culture and

tourism. The citys competitive spirit brought to the fore the following

major accomplishments (delineated by sector):

1.0 In the area of Education

Establishment of Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Marikina (City

College) which provides in-city and affordable college education to

the local folk.

Completion of Fortune Elementary School - - considered as a

model of a healthy public school in the Philippines.

Provision of equipment in public schools to facilitate computer

assisted instructions for improved delivery of learning.

Buildings and grounds improvement covering thirteen (13) public

schools.

Provision of Rondalla instruments in public schools.

Intensified Speak English Campaign to raise the standard of

education.

2.0 In the area of Health/Environment and Social Services

Establishment of Senior Citizens Healthy Lifestyle Center - - -

Diagnostic Clinic at the Marikina Sports Center and Physical

Rehabilitation and Recreational Center at the Marikina River Park.

Development of Concepcion II Health Center at SSS Elementary

School and renovation of Malanday Health Center which is still on-

going and is due for completion in February.

We had maintained a high standard in the delivery of health

services and this is complemented by our other health-related

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activities to include food safety, healthy work places and healthy

city documentation that make for a city in the pink of health.

Operationalization of the Material Recovery Facility and full-scale

implementation of waste segregation scheme. Our garbage

collection efficiency rate was at its peak at 100% (zero backlog) - -

the highest in Metro Manila. But I must also thank the people for

their full cooperation and culture of discipline which were

instrumental in our effective waste management program.

We are the only city in Metro Manila implementing the Eco WasteManagement Act 9003which specifies segregation of wastes at

the household level.

Expansion of green spaces through continuous tree planting (4,260

trees in 2003), development of new community parks to include

Meralco Park and Taong Park, the establishment of mini-forests in

elementary schools, landscaping of Marikina Hotel and

development of pocket gardens.

3.0 In the area of Employment/Livelihood Generation and

Business Promotion

Graduated 1,605 trainees under the MCF Scholarship for

Livelihood Program through the Center for Excellence in

partnership with the Marikina Institute of Science and Technology

and AMA Computer School. The program had not only empowered

the training beneficiaries in terms of knowledge and skills but also

changed their values towards learning being an important element

of socio-economic amelioration.

Continuous launching of Shoe Caravan covering 22 towns and

cities and recording a total sale worth P9M.

Production of the biggest pair of mens leather shoes, which is

officially recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records, to

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prop-up the local shoe industry and put the country in the world

map.

Establishment of Shoe Gallery which provides perfect outlet for

local shoe products.

Establishment of Livelihood Centers and Products Display and

Distribution Site to support the livelihood projects of the City

Women Council.

Provision of job placement assistance to about 4,195 individuals

and launching of a total of six (6) Jobs Fair which gave

employment to about 2,241 applicants.

Launching of the Annual Marikina Christmas Festival which

provided local establishments opportunities to market their

products through the Night Bazaar. Last years Night Bazaar had

the most number of stalls numbering around 700 and had earned

for the city substantial income.

4.0 In the area of Good Governance

Launching of the Marikina Citizens First Privilege Card with 15,000

real property taxpayers availing of the program and its myriad of

benefits to include 10% additional discount on real property tax,

discounted fees on the use of certain government facilities, access

to certain government services, among others.

Full-scale program development towards e-governance, more

particularly Management Information System (MIS), Geographical

Information System (GIS) and Call Center.

Intensified Speak English Campaign for global competitiveness

Development of client-friendly lounge equipped with

facilities/amenities like the electronic queuing system, projection

TV, magazine rock, sofa and others.

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Introduction of newer schemes for improved transactions and

inter-office coordination such as Document Tracking System,

Electronic Procurement System and Central Warehousing.

Formulation of the Long-Term Master Plan which will serve as

Marikinas development blueprint. The project was funded by the

World Bank, City Development Strategy, through the Singapore

Trust Fund, and was undertaken in coordination with Singaporean

Planning Experts.

Partial completion of the Justice Hall and the subsequent transfer

of the City Council to the 2nd floor of the building. Other offices will

follow suit within the next few months.

5.0 In the area of Economic Enterprise

Conversion of the Satellite Housing in SSS Village into 85-room

Marikina City Hotel.

Renovation of the east and west wings of the Marikina Sports Park

for commercial purposes including a Police Station to provide

security in the area.

We capitalized on our existing economic enterprises to generate

additional revenues. Our Public Market realized P23.5M, the Sports

Center P8.8M, Teatro Marikina P3.0M and Parking Stations P3.7M.

The newly established Marikina Hotel has the potential of becoming a

major income earner for the city. What used to be a structure lying

inconspicuously idle had been remodeled into a hotel which is a major

economic enterprise for which we would like to enlist the support of

all Marikeos in terms of marketing and promotion.

Year 2003 also saw the dramatic increase in local tourist traffic. We

recorded an average of 2,500 visitors a week, most of whom were on

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a study tour wanting to learn a thing or two about our good practices

in local governance. Even on weekends, fleet of tourist buses was a

common sight in the city. This encouraging figure was also a key

factor in the development of Marikina Hotel. We have a captive

market, but the challenge is for us to live-up to the popular

perception of a well-managed city to keep the visitors coming.

6.0 In the area of Infrastructure and Facilities

Concreting of 9 kms. of sidewalks including curb and gutter.

Drainage improvement covering some 27 kms.

Concreting of almost 3 kms. of road.

Construction of 3.4 kms. of bicycle lanes using local funds.

Package I of World Bank assisted bicycle lane project along

Sumulong and Katipunan (covering 964.46 meters) and Package II

covering Molave St. with a length of 2,833 meters have started last

December. While Package III covering some 2 kms. is expected to

commence within the first quarter of 2004.

Repair and maintenance of streets and sidewalks covering some

8,200 square meters.

Completion and full operationalization of Teatro Marikina - - our

citys legacy on arts and cultural development in the country.

7.0 In the area of Peace and Order

There is pronounced peace and order in our city. Our local PNP

recorded a crime solution efficiency rate of 97% - - one of the

highest in Metro Manila. I must say that we have the finest police

force ever under the leadership of Col. Felipe Roxas. This

sterling performance can be attributed to increased police visibility,

highly professionalized Police Force and effective integration of

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Police, Barangay Tanod, Bantay Bayan and other civilian

volunteers in our peace-keeping efforts.

Traffic management has been equally laudable. We have

consistently enforced traffic and parking rules and regulations

without fear and favor. True enough, it is only in Marikina in Metro

Manila where you can drive around without any obstructions.

Our RESCUE 161 recorded the fastest average response time at

3.14 minutes since its inception. It only demonstrated that we

have institutionalized our efficacy in emergency and disaster

management.

8.0 In the area of Resource Mobilization

We generated an annual income of P1.14B (inclusive of 21M

financial assistance) in 2003. Our competent and dedicated men

and women in government should be credited for our tax collection

performance.

We also received financial grants and commitment from external

sources last year to include US$43,000 from Singapore Trust Fund for

the formulation of our citys Long Term Master Plan, PIM from PCSO

for the acquisition of X-ray machine for our health center, P.8M from

Earthquake and Tsunami Disaster Mitigation Technologies and their

Integration to Asia Pacific Region (EQTAP) for Non-Engineered

Housing Study, P.5M from World Health Organization for the

construction of Senior Citizens Healthy Lifestyle Center and

US$20,000 from UNDP which is due for release upon formalization of

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Memorandum of Agreement concerning the utilization of said fund for

the citys educational campaign on waste segregation.

I must also cite the City council for passing important pieces of

legislation to include the following: Ord. No. 152 Ordinance

Providing Relief to Real Property Taxpayers and Amending

Ord. 42, s. 2002, Ord. No. 153 Ordinance Imposing

Domestic Household Garbage Fee, Ord. No. 81 Ordinance

Imposing the Penalty of Revocation of Business License of

an Establishment Used as Site for Illegal Drug Activities. We

have seen a City Council at work. They did their homework well.

Our close working relationship with our lone Congressman Del de

Guzman has reaped dividends in terms of meaningful projects

ranging from school buildings, multi-purpose buildings, road

improvement to water system development with an aggregate cost of

P50M. Our Congressman also played a pivotal role in the

appropriation of over a hundred million pesos for the construction of

all weather Tumana Bridgeby the Department of Public Works and

Highways. Congressman Delhad silently done his job well and we

are all witnesses to that.

Our city played host to a number of important events, namely:

Conference of Asian Network of Major Cities (attended by 12

Asian major cities), Conference of National Council of Women

in the Philippines, and UNDP-Sponsored Multi-Lateral

Training on Waste Management(participated by 11 African and

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Asian cities). This is an affirmation of our competence to host and

manage conferences of such stature and magnitude.

Awards and Recognition

Year 2003 was a banner year for Marikina in terms of awards and

recognition. Some of the important citations received by the city are as

follows :

Marikina Citizens First Privilege Card. One of the Top Five

Best Practices of LGUs in the Philippines

Given by : League of Cities of the Philippines

Continuing Excellence Award in Local Governance (A

special award for sustaining previous Galing Pook- award winning

programs).

Given by : Galing Pook Foundation, DILG-Local Government

Academy and Ford Foundation

Good Urban Local Governance (One of only Two LGUs, city

level, to be given such award).

Given by : Galing Pook Foundation, DILG-Local Government

Academy and Ford Foundation

Healthiest Public Market in the National Capital Region

Given by : World Health Organization, Department of Health

Outstanding Community Mortgage Program (CMP)

Originator

Given by : Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor

Best Police Station in the National Capital Region

Given by : National Capital Region Police Office

SANDUGO Most Outstanding Local Chief Executive Award

on Blood Donation Program

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Given by : Department of Health and Philippine National Red

Cross

Outstanding Emergency Medical Service, National Capital

Region

Given by : Department of Interior and Local Government and

Bureau of Fire Protection

Just recently, Marikina City was cited as the Most Competitive Metro

City in the whole Philippines. It is a recognition of our citys ability to

provide an environment that nurtures the progress and dynamics of local

enterprises and industries. Marikina obtained the highest competitiveness

rating based on the cost of doing business, infrastructure, human

resources, linkages and accessibility, quality of life, dynamic local economy

and local governance. It was a big leap from 2002 when Marikina was

recognized as the third Most Competitive Metro Citybehind Cebu and

Davao City.

The award is prestigious considering the stature of the award giving body

which consists of: Asian Institute of Management- Policy Research

Center, The Asia Foundation, Konrad Adenauer Foundation,

German Technical Foundation and International Labor

Organization.

Looking Ahead

We have the elements to pursue the platform: Invest in Marikina Year

in 2004. We will aim for P20B new investment. Alongside continuing

improvement of our citys infrastructure, social services, health,

education, peace and orderand others, we will put in place programs

and policies that will promote business and investments. Our

measurements will be the influx of new businesses and employment,

increase in citys annual revenue, and per capita income.

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While business promotion will take prominence in 2004 we will not slacken-

off in our other concerns. We have institutionalized programs and

mechanisms and have competent men and women that will ensure their

sustainability.

There ought to be a centerpiece to which our various efforts will be

directed. Our declaration of 2004 as Invest in Marikina Year entails

performance excellence in all facets of governance. We need to continue

to provide elements that will make Marikina conducive and welcoming to

investors and those that are already doing business. Let me qualify that

our concern is not only confined to new investors but also to the interest of

the existing ones. What benefit would it give to see new investments on

the block while some old ones start packing-up to look for a new home or

to quit doing business?

It boils down to competitive edge to make our target for 2004 viable.

Competitive edge is encompassing - - - it involves the physical, social,

political, cultural and other aspects of community life.

CONTINUOUS PHYSICAL UPGRADING

We will maintain and improve on the physical soundness of our city. The

need to address the perennial flooding problem in some low-lying areas

near the river will be given priority. We will fast track the construction of

Road Dike being the ultimate antidote to our flooding problem. Along

with the construction of Road Dike is the installation of High Masks and

other park amenities all the way to Nangka.

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We hope to see the completion of the all-weather Tumana Bridge in 2004.

This will enhance access and mobility within and around the city. It will

also help decongest vehicular traffic along the citys major thoroughfares.

We will be putting-up a hanging bridge somewhere in Kalumpang that will

cross the Marikina River. This will improve access to pedestrians from both

sides of the river.

Using the Katipunan Avenue Extensionas a model, we will improve the

drainage system, pave the sidewalk and construct bicycle path whenever

possible. We will identify at least three (3) streets in every barangay

where the Katipunan Avenue Extension can be replicated.

We still have about 561 kms. of sidewalks to concrete. Pavement of

sidewalks will thus be undertaken in accelerated pace to make them

pedestrian-friendly. Maintenance of streets, sidewalks and facilities will be

pursued with greater push. Streets will be kept motorists-friendly at alltimes.

By 2004, we hope to complete a network of bicycle lanes (both WorldBank

- - assisted and locally-funded). Its completion will make Marikina a

bicycle-friendly city - - a new signature image which will highlight our

resolve to do things above the ordinary.

Part of our physical upgrading is the relocation of the remaining squatter

families. As we have already run-out of spaces to be developed into

settlement sites, we will look into other feasible alternatives like

construction of medium rise buildings for housing and the acquisition of

land outside Marikina to realize our target of squatter-free Marikina.

Eventually, the function of the Marikina Settlements Office will be shifted to

site improvement and maintenance.

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Development of Peoples Parks will continue. This is our main strategy in

expanding our citys greenery and creating a balance between nature and

urban environment. Greenery has been our differentiating factor and it will

continue to be such in the coming years.

The development of the faade in Dutch Olandes will be completed in

2004. This will cover the whole stretch from the boundary of Libis and IVC

to FVR Road.

We will look into the feasibility of providing a pedestrian overpass in an

appropriate site in the Public Market Zone which will cross SumulongHighway. Expansion of the Market Mall in the other side of Sto. Nio will

be seriously considered. Establishment of Bagsakan Center (unloading and

wholesaling of goods) in a strategic area will also be pursued.

A SPACE FOR LEISURE AND SOCIAL INTERACTION

A Cityhood Park will be developed at the corner of Shoe Avenue and

Sumulong Highway, Marikina Sports Center. The park will have as its main

features a huge clock and a dozen of traditional cast-iron bells which can

be heard within half kilometer radius. The bells will be rung every 9:00 AM

to signal the start of work, 12:00 PM lunch break, 1:00 PM resumption of

work and 5:00 PM end of work. This will promote the new culture ofMarikeos as time-conscious people.

COMPETITIVE EDUCATION

We will capitalize on our good headstart in providing our constituents

access to quality basic education. We will attune our public school system

to the information or knowledge society to enhance its competitiveness.

The Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Marikinawill be an important asset.

We will be opening a night school for Adult Education Program. The night

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school will also encourage part-time teaching jobs for qualified local

residents.

In line with our efforts at positioning Marikina as an education center,

we will be upscaling our City Library into world-class standard. We are

looking at the 2nd floor West Wing of the Marikina Sports Center to relocate

our library. This will provide people access to information using state of

the art technology.

PEACE AND ORDER

To further improve our peace and order I have urged our policemen not

only to strive to prevent the commission of major crimes but should also

focus on the day-to-day enforcement of laws and ordinances. I still have to

hear a Policeman having apprehended a violator of our anti-littering

ordinance. Diligent enforcement of laws and ordinances is essential in

sustaining our citys march to economic progress. As order precedes

peace, enforcement should focus on maintaining order.

Industrial Securityshould be one of our citys selling points. Investors

should be guaranteed security from burglaries, pilferages, vandalism and

such other criminal activities. Our Police Force should devise a mechanism

by which they can effectively coordinate intelligence activities with the

various local industries.

Our main strategy for peace and order, however, is to make everybody

busy. Idleness breeds poverty and leads to breakdown in peace and

order. We will continue on training our people to mainstream them to

economic activities. The focus of our training program will beentrepreneurship and marketing. But we will monitor the post-training

scenario to make sure that the training program really leads to

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employment. Human resource development will be a key strategy in our

development programs.

A MODEL TOWN IN PRODUCTIVITY

Year 2004 will be productivity year for Marikina. Our target is 100%

improvement in efficiency. Our city will play the role of a catalyst of

productivity beginning with the shoe industry by way of setting

productivity standards. We will establish specific performance

measurement which will guide the management, labor and government

sectors. Awareness on productivity should start from Marikina.

Productivity means job. This will be a key factor in our Invest in Marikina

program and our contribution to our countrys march to economic

prosperity.

OPTIMIZING INCOME GENERATING CAPACITIES OF EXISTING

ECONOMIC ENTERPRISES

We will optimize the income-generating capacity of our existing economic

enterprises. We expect the commercial spaces in the Marikina Sports Park

to be fully occupied within the year. Other facilities that would be subject

of more aggressive promotional campaign are the Teatro Marikina and

Marikina Hotel. We will make sure that Teatro Marikina will be full-packed

with activities all throughout the year.

HIGHLY PROFESSIONAL BUREAUCRACY

We will see a highly professionalized bureaucracy in 2004. This year our

Information Technology (IT)will be functional. It will initially involve

training and transfer of technology. It will set the tone for an on-line

transaction which will enhance the business-friendly mage of our city. The

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GIS will improve the efficiency in business transactions as it will ensure

accuracy in declarations, hence, expediting real property assessment,

issuance of building permits and others. With our computerization

program in full-swing information will be literally on the fingertips of our

clients.

We will continue to introduce new strategies by which to improve further

business transactions in the city hall. Customer satisfaction will be given

primordial concern.

Speak English Campaign will be intensified. Speak English is an important

strategy because it means job.

BUSINESS PROMOTION STRATEGIES

All these efforts will be complemented by a package of business incentives

to include tax holidays for business fees of new businesses for the first

year of their operation. New programs and policies will be formulated to

make business option in Marikina more appealing. This includes the

organization of Investment and Business Promotion Group to be

headed by Coun. Lea Santiago which will be in charge of identifying

growth opportunities and possible investment areas in the city, establishing

Business One-Stop Shop, marketing and promotion using the citys

Investment Code as instrument, negotiating with prospective investors,

among others. Marikina City Development Authority (MCDA) will

improve on the standards of its exhibits - - one that will provide a clear and

definite vista of future development scenario.

In line with our business promotion efforts, we will be expanding the

Marikina Citizens First Privilege Card. Phase II of the privilege card

will cover discounts in local establishments. This strategy will encourage

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patronage of local products or services and, consequently, greater income

for local establishments.

We still have an unfinished business. Year 2004 presents itself as a good

opportunity for us to get closer to our collective vision of a better

Marikina. Our city has earned the respect and admiration of its

constituents and the Filipino people. What we have accomplished clearly

demonstrated that teamworkcould spell success.

As we face the challenges ahead, let us be guided by the same spirit of

teamwork, creativityand unwavering passion for excellence. The

Department Heads, the City Government Employees, the City

Council, the Educators, the Judiciary, the Barangay Governments,

the Police and the community should once again work together to

realize our target in 2004.

We must and we will exceed the previous benchmarks of performance. We

will continue to provide a government of competence, integrity and

performance. We will do our best and most honestly that we can in

discharging our duties as we have done in the past years.

As we move forward those who are lagging behind on performance and

creativity need to double their efforts to measure up to our peoples

expectations. Education and communication will play a vital role in

harnessing the industrial potentials of 500,000 Marikeos. Let us think

strategically before we decide, think creatively before we act and

think positively that we can get things done. Our future is in our hands.

Join me as we sail towards more successes. May the force of God be

with us.

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Thank you.

2004 marikina city state of the city address

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