Pateros, Philippines

People of Pateros

• As of the 2020 Census, Pateros had a population of 65,227.
• In 2015, the municipality recorded a population of 63,840, reflecting a modest growth rate of approximately 2.2% over five years.
• Pateros was historically inhabited by Tagalog-speaking riverine communities and early settlers who lived along the banks of the Pateros River. The area was once a thriving port and trade hub, with influences from Malay and Chinese traders.
• The major dialect spoken today is Tagalog, with English widely used in education, government, and commerce. As in all Philippine municipalities, English is the official medium of instruction in schools, supporting national integration and global engagement.

Location of Pateros

• Pateros is located in the southeastern part of Metro Manila, bordered by Taguig to the east and south, Pasig to the north, and Makati to the west. Its geographic coordinates are approximately 14.5448°N latitude and 121.0671°E longitude.
• The municipality spans a land area of 10.40 square kilometers and comprises 10 barangays. The terrain is flat and riverine, with a tropical climate marked by a dry season from November to April and a wet season from May to October.
• The Pateros Municipal Hall is located in Barangay San Pedro, near the town plaza and the San Roque Parish Church.
• Most people reach Pateros via land transport. It is accessible through major roads such as M. Almeda Street, P. Herrera Street, and the C-5 Road. The nearest airport is Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), approximately 10 kilometers southwest, while the Port of Manila is reachable within 45 minutes by road.

Tourist Attractions of Pateros

• San Roque Parish Church: A historic church built in the 1800s, central to the town’s religious and cultural life.
• Pateros Town Plaza: A civic space surrounded by heritage buildings and local government offices.
• Balut and Alfombra Workshops: Pateros is famous for its duck-raising industry and handmade slippers, which visitors can observe and purchase from local artisans.
• Sta. Marta Festival: Celebrated every February, this festival honors the town’s patron saint with processions, street dancing, and culinary showcases featuring balut and other duck-based delicacies.

Economy of Pateros

• Pateros’s economy is anchored in:
  • Duck-raising and balut production: The town is known as the “Balut Capital of the Philippines,” with generations of families engaged in this traditional industry.
  • Handicrafts and footwear: Alfombra slippers, made from recycled materials and handwoven fabrics, are a signature product of Pateros.
  • Retail and small enterprises: Local markets, eateries, and sari-sari stores support community livelihoods.
• While specific GDP data is limited, Pateros is classified as a 1st-class municipality and remains economically resilient through its cultural industries and proximity to major business districts in Metro Manila.

Educational Institutions of Pateros

• Young residents pursue higher education at:
  • Pateros Technological College: A state-run institution offering bachelor’s degrees, certificate programs, and technical skills training. It is covered under the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act, providing free tuition to qualified students.
  • Saint Genevieve School of Pateros: A non-sectarian private school offering pre-school to high school education with a Christian formation focus.
  • Public high schools: Each barangay has access to DepEd-supported secondary schools and senior high programs.
  • TESDA-accredited centers: Provide vocational training in culinary arts, electronics, and other trades.

History of Pateros

• Pateros was originally a barrio of Pasig known as “Aguho” or “Embarcadero,” referring to the shady trees and its role as a small port. It was a focal point of trade and commerce, attracting Malay, Chinese, and Indian traders who introduced duck-raising and slipper-making to the area.
• On March 29, 1900, Pateros was made a municipality by virtue of General Order No. 40. It was incorporated into Rizal Province in 1901 through Act No. 137, and later consolidated with Taguig and Muntinlupa in 1903 under Act No. 942. Pateros regained independence in 1909 via Executive Order No. 36.
• During the Philippine Revolution, Pateros played a role in the Katipunan movement. In 1896, the Balangay Magtanggol chapter was organized in the house of Angel Francisco in Barrio Sto. Rosario, with Macario Almeda elected as its commander.
• On November 7, 1975, Pateros became part of Metropolitan Manila through Presidential Decree No. 924. Today, it remains the only municipality in Metro Manila, known for its rich heritage, disciplined governance, and community pride.

Elected Officials of Pateros

• As of the 2025 elections, Pateros is led by:
  • Mayor: Gerald German (PFP)
  • Vice Mayor: Carlo Santos (Nacionalista)
  • Representative – Taguig-Pateros District: Ricardo “Ading” Cruz Jr.
  • Municipal Councilors: John Mendiola Cerafica, John Peter Marzan, and others as listed in the official Halalan 2025 results.
• For full election results and updates, visit: Pateros Election Results.

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