Marikina Mayor Happy To Build On What Bayani Fernando Started

Marikina Mayor Marcelino Teodoro has a policy when it comes to programs implemented by his predecessors, particularly Bayani Fernando who cleaned up their city when he was its local chief executive: retain or build on them.

While they don’t agree on everything, Teodoro has continued if not improved the programs of Fernando, who is now a Marikina congressman.

Fernando, who was mayor of the city from 1992 to 2001, was known for his no-nonsense programs and strict implementation of laws that resulted in the transformation of Marikina into a clean, orderly and peaceful city.

According to Teodoro, Fernando’s policy on maintaining roads and sidewalks free from obstructions deserves to be continued. Teodoro said Marikina residents are aware that once they go outside their homes, they must follow the law.

“There are norms that must be followed. When you go to the street, you are part of society,” he said in a phone interview.

Teodoro likewise retained the “Munting Basura, Ibulsa Muna” program of Fernando, which instills discipline on proper garbage disposal.

The local chief executive also cited Fernando’s maintenance of a dedicated sidewalk clearing team that conducted operations on a regular basis to sustain the effort.

Just like Fernando, Teodoro did not remove the personnel at city hall when he took over from Del de Guzman whom he beat in the 2016 elections, believing that performance should be the basis for retaining workers.

Teodoro is on his second term as mayor, having won in this year’s May elections.

For Teodoro, the secret to being a successful mayor is maintaining the

good programs of predecessors instead of junking everything just to be different.

Citing his experience, Teodoro said his constituents prefer government officials who are open-minded and who will keep the programs that have benefited the city.

“They usually vote for politicians who are willing to continue the gains of the community,” he noted.

Marikina residents, he pointed out, are also fond of leaders who implement ordinances equally and fairly, meaning even the rich are penalized for wrongdoing.

Easy feat

Teodoro admitted that the efforts of Fernando as mayor made it easy for the current city administration to comply with the order of President Duterte and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to clear roads of obstructions.

They were able to do it in just 17 days instead of the 60-day deadline given by the DILG following Duterte’s directive, issued during his second State of the Nation Address last July 24, to have all roads cleared of obstructions.

In Marikina, all roads — including 376 kilometers of sidewalks — were reclaimed in those 17 days.

Marikina City Rep. Bayani Fernando and Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte attend the opening of the Iglesia ni Cristo museum on Aug. 31, 2019. Photo by Michael Varcas, The Philippine STAR

Teodoro clarified that he did not always agree with all of Fernando’s policies especially “draconian” measures that were met with resistance by the public.

“He is a top-to-bottom type of chief executive,” Teodoro said of Fernando.

Unlike Fernando, the incumbent mayor said he talks to his constituents first before implementing a particular policy so that everyone would be aware of it.

Holding a dialogue, according Teodoro, was not the style of Fernando, who would implement policies without consultation. As a result, there was opposition to what Fernando wanted to do.

“I have the language framework and the time to explain to people,” Teodoro said.

Despite some disagreements, Teodoro emphasized that he and Fernando are on good terms and are working closely to further improve Marikina for their constituents.

“We are civil and professional with each other,” Teodoro said.

During weekdays, Teodoro says he is at city hall doing paperwork and other official activities, while he spends weekends mingling with his constituents to get their pulse on different local issues.

Teodoro shuns having security escorts when he goes around, preferring to drive his own vehicle in the city to see actual conditions on the ground such as the traffic situation. Marikina does not have a number coding traffic reduction scheme.

“It’s different when you’re in front and see the situation for yourself,” he said.

A boy catches a janitor fish from Marikina River on May 3, 2019. Photo by Boy Santos, The Philippine STAR