Marikina City, Philippines

Marikina is within the National Capital Region, in the Republic of the Philippines.

People of Marikina City

• As of the 2020 Census, Marikina City had a population of 456,059.
• In 2015, the city recorded a population of 450,741, reflecting a modest growth rate of approximately 1.2% over five years.
• Historically, Marikina was part of the Kingdom of Namayan, inhabited by Tagalog-speaking riverine communities. The area was known for its fertile valley and proximity to the Marikina River, which supported early agriculture and trade.
• The major dialect spoken today is Tagalog, with English widely used in education, government, and commerce. As in all Philippine cities, English is the official medium of instruction in schools, supporting national integration and global engagement.

Location of Marikina City

• Marikina City is located in the eastern part of Metro Manila, bordered by Quezon City to the west, Pasig to the south, and Antipolo (Rizal Province) to the east. Its geographic coordinates are approximately 14.6331°N latitude and 121.0993°E longitude.
• The city spans a land area of 21.52 square kilometers and comprises 16 barangays. The terrain is valley-like and landlocked, with an elevation of around 13 meters above sea level. The climate is tropical, with a dry season from November to April and a wet season from May to October.
• The Marikina City Hall is located in Barangay Sta. Elena, near the Marikina Riverbanks and the Marikina Sports Center.
• Most people reach Marikina via land transport. It is accessible through major roads such as Marcos Highway, Sumulong Highway, and Aurora Boulevard. The nearest airport is Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), approximately 25 kilometers southwest, while the Port of Manila is reachable within 1 hour by road.

Tourist Attractions of Marikina City

• Shoe Museum: A unique museum showcasing the city’s shoemaking heritage, including a collection of shoes worn by famous personalities.
• Kapitan Moy Heritage House: A Spanish-era ancestral home that played a key role in the birth of the local shoe industry.
• Marikina River Park: A sprawling riverside park with bike lanes, gardens, and recreational spaces.
• Marikina Sports Center: A multi-purpose stadium and sports complex used for local and national events.
• Marikina Sapatos Festival: Held every November, this festival celebrates the city’s shoemaking legacy with exhibits, parades, and cultural performances.

Economy of Marikina City

• Marikina’s economy is anchored in:
  • Shoemaking and leather goods: Known as the “Shoe Capital of the Philippines,” Marikina is home to hundreds of small and medium enterprises in footwear manufacturing.
  • Retail and commerce: Malls, markets, and commercial centers support consumer activity and employment.
  • Education and public services: Schools, hospitals, and government offices contribute to the service sector.
• While city-specific GDP data is limited, Marikina ranks among the top-performing cities in Metro Manila in terms of competitiveness and governance. It is classified as a 1st-class highly urbanized city.

Educational Institutions of Marikina City

• Young residents pursue higher education at:
  • Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Marikina: A city-run university offering programs in education, business, and public administration.
  • Marikina Polytechnic College: Offers technical and vocational programs in engineering, IT, and industrial arts.
  • FEU Roosevelt – Marikina Campus: A private institution offering programs in business, education, and liberal arts.
  • TESDA-accredited centers: Provide vocational training in shoemaking, electronics, culinary arts, and other trades.

History of Marikina City

• Marikina’s origins trace back to the 16th century when it was part of the Kingdom of Namayan. Spanish missionaries arrived in the early 1600s and established the town of Jesus de la Peña, which later became Marikina.
• During the Spanish colonial period, Marikina developed into an agricultural town known for its fertile soil and river systems. In the late 1800s, Don Laureano “Kapitan Moy” Guevarra pioneered the local shoe industry, transforming Marikina into a center of craftsmanship.
• Marikina became a municipality of Rizal Province in 1901 and was later integrated into Metro Manila in 1975 under Presidential Decree No. 824. The city underwent rapid urbanization and infrastructure development in the 1990s.
• On December 8, 1996, Marikina was officially converted into a highly urbanized city through Republic Act No. 8223. Today, it is celebrated for its discipline, cleanliness, and excellence in local governance.

Elected Officials of Marikina City

• As of the 2025 elections, Marikina City is led by:
  • Mayor: Marcelino “Marcy” Teodoro (Independent)
  • Vice Mayor: Marion Andres (Independent)
  • Representative – District 1: Jose Miguel “Mike” Teodoro
  • Representative – District 2: Stella Quimbo
  • City Councilors:
    • District I: Jojo Banzon, Eva Aguirre, Rommel Acuña, and others
    • District II: Enrico Puno, Lito Cordero, and others
• For full election results and updates, visit: Marikina City Election Results.

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