Solidifying a legacy

Imagine the remarkable journey of a carefree youngster, once frolicking with his peers along the neighborhood streets, now standing tall as the esteemed mayor of Marikina City.

Mayor Marcelino "Marcy" Teodoro embodies the essence of every child from his community, eloquently illustrating that he is a product of the very fabric of his society.

"I was surrounded by many people, so I became a people-centered individual," he said. "I grew up playing on the street. So, when you play on the street, you develop a bond with others — no primus inter pares; all are co-equal."

Mayor Marcy fondly reflects on his roots within the public school system, where he embarked on his educational journey from elementary to college.

"The experience of studying in a public school differs from that of a private institution. Resources were scarce, and I often had to borrow textbooks from classmates. I learned to make the most of the limited materials available to me," he shared.

His educational odyssey commenced at San Roque Elementary School, where his mother imparted knowledge as a science educator. Subsequently, he pursued his high school education at the Marikina Institute of Science and Technology.

After completing his undergraduate studies at the University of the Philippines Diliman, Mayor Marcy delved into philosophy, earning a master's degree at the same institution before pursuing another mastery at the Ateneo de Manila University.

He draws inspiration from his parents' noble professions — his mother's dedication as a public school teacher and his father's ascent from a humble government employee to the role of regional director at the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources.

"I learned from them that one of the highest importance in an individual's life is accountability and commitment not only to live for yourself but for others," he said. "That's what shaped me as a person."

Recounting his initial foray into the professional world, he said he embarked on imparting wisdom as a philosophy instructor at the University of the Philippines Diliman from 1990 to 1992, following his graduation — an experience he fondly cherishes as his first job.

Transitioning from academia to public service, Mayor Marcy subsequently steered the helm of their modest family publishing enterprise, where he navigated knowledge and commerce with equal fervor.

Though the only child from his parents' union, Mayor Marcy embraced half-siblings — a brother and three sisters from his father's subsequent marriage. Raised by his grandparents, he imbibed the values of reverence for older people and the cherished tradition of communal dining.

"I grew up in that environment, so I'm a product of that epoch — of that social context," the mayor added.

In 1992, he embarked on a transformative journey into politics as a city councilor for three consecutive terms during the post-People Power revolution. A fervent believer in the power of civic contribution, he heeded the call to fortify the institutions that underpin society, and that meaningful change begins from within the corridors of governance.

"That was the post-people power revolution. I was in college then that if you want to contribute to your society, join the government and build an institution," he said.

Following this chapter, he was elected a congressman, where he dedicated nearly a decade of his life from 2007 to 2016, serving his constituents at a broader level.

Mayor Marcy undertook a campaign, triumphing over the incumbent mayor, Del de Guzman, and charted a resolute course toward realizing his vision for a thriving and unified community.

"It was just an accident because I had no plan to run as mayor, but a local political party here pushed me to run for mayor in the 2016 elections. The rest is history," he said.

He champions the noble cause of accessible education, heralding free college education as a paramount cornerstone of his vision for Marikina. To date, the city government stands determined to provide 100 percent free tuition to students enrolled at the LGU-operated Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Marikina, extending a lifeline of opportunity to indigent residents who aspire to pursue higher learning.

As he embarked on a passionate quest, meticulously seeking avenues to fund this initiative, he unearthed discretionary funds designated for miscellaneous expenses, boldly redirecting these resources to align with educational empowerment.

Undeterred, Mayor Marcy dedicated himself to elevating the standards of education, leading the charge to secure accreditation for the city's college. It bore fruit as PLMar attained recognition as an institution of higher learning.

Marikina also places a premium on the well-being of its residents as the city endeavors to inaugurate a locally-managed treatment hub this year, dedicated to extending complimentary diagnostic services, including X-rays, CT scans, and laboratory tests, along with free medication, to all Marikina residents.

Mayor Marcy also emphasized the city's steadfast support for burgeoning entrepreneurs, fostering a nurturing environment for emerging businesses to thrive and flourish.

Amid the city's susceptibility to flooding, he outlined a vision for a flood-free Marikina, emphasizing the prioritization of flood control and mitigation projects. This includes ongoing efforts such as river dredging and enhancements to the drainage system, aimed at bolstering the city's water-carrying capacity and ensuring a secure, flood-resistant community.

He said Marikina has never been flooded since typhoon "Ulysses" due to continuous dredging of the river, regular cleanup of the esteros, and proper solid waste management.

Highlighting the surge of new businesses in Marikina by 15 percent, including prominent establishments like S&R and Uniqlo, he emphasized the city's focus on generating employment through the creation of a flood-free, business-friendly environment with expedited licensing processes while also championing inclusivity and equality, striving to create a safe,
all-embracing community for everyone.

He takes pride in an inclusive community where discrimination has no place in it.

"That's what we want to achieve, to have a safe place for everybody, an inclusive community for everybody," he said.

He also said that the city government works closely with the chamber of commerce and industry to promote local businesses and develop a good relationship with the community, police, and homeowners through dialogues and consultations.

Not to mention the meticulous upkeep of infrastructure such as street furniture, waiting terminals, and roadways, alongside maintaining traffic flow and harmonious neighborhood relations.

"Orders are very important, so we also maintain the traffic properly
— even relationships among neighbors. For example, we do not allow illegal parking and stray animals in the city. We also maintain the proper easement for residential and commercial."

Boasting a clean, biologically alive river, the city manages a sustainable river system.

As he shared the transformation of open spaces into vibrant parks and playgrounds, fostering community togetherness and stronger relationships, he said the city is committed to instilling a code of conduct to cultivate a respectful and disciplined citizenry while maintaining an effective garbage collection system.

"Our waste disposal management in the city is excellent. You will see no thrash on the street, no vandalism and graffiti. We use the broken window principle that fixes already small problems. How can you manage and be able to solve problems if you can't solve small problems."

He takes pride in Marikina's successful settlement program, which has eradicated informal settlers through a proactive approach. By purchasing properties, subdividing them, and granting them to residents, the city has empowered individuals to build their own homes, resulting in a tangible community transformation.

Since he assumed office in 2016, more or less 8,000 land titles have been awarded.

Mayor Marcy emphasized the vital role of technology in enhancing government services promoting efficiency and accountability through proper data management and algorithmic processes.

"Of course, it's more efficient if we use technology, you have the proper database, and then you're following a certain algorithm," he said.

He said: "Technology is essential in keeping the proper and appropriate database, and your delivery of services is focused and targeted in a way that you can give to those who need it. Even our feedback mechanism is also digital — through social media."

This once playful Marikeño and now the father of the Philippines' "shoe capital" emphasizes collaboration with neighboring towns in Rizal province for shared resources in traffic, environmental programs, and river management.

All told, Mayor Marcy paints the picture of a sustainable and prideful city, where discipline, honor, and pride define its residents
— solidifying his legacy as a relentless local governance champion who contributed to the character of Marikina City.