INTRODUCTION
By virtue of Republic Act No. 8223, which we approve today, Marikina becomes the 9th city, out of seventeen (17) local government units (LGUs) in Metro Manila, otherwise known as the National Capital Region (NCR).

In the Philippine context, a city connotes progress and urbanization, in contrast to the rural countryside. The conversion of a municipality into a city, therefore, signifies that said LGU has accomplished a great deal to merit elevation of its status.

When I assumed the presidency in 1992, Metro Manila consisted of four (4) cities and 13 municipalities. In a matter of four years, the cities in Metro Manila, including Marikina, now outnumber the municipalities — nine to eight.

I would like to think that the attainment of cityhood by Mandaluyong, Pasig, Makati, Muntinlupa and Marikina one after the other is an indication of the remarkable progress we have made in those four years towards the industrialization and modernization we aspire for.

A few years back, Marikina was just another sleepy town in the northeastern part of Metro Manila. Except for its multi-million-peso shoe industry, nothing much was heard of this municipality of almost half-a-million people. Marikina then seemed to be bound to be relegated in our history as “the One-Time Shoe Capital of the Philippines.”
MARIKINA: A CLEAN INDUSTRIAL CENTER
Unknown to many, Marikina is now home to large manufacturing and industrial firms. It is the leader in meat processing in the country, and likewise our biggest manufacturer of ceramics, clothing and chocolate products.

This transformation is evident in its litter-free sidewalks, clean and green river, effective squatter resettlement program, and improved peace and order, among others. This is the new Marikina — clean and green and orderly, inside and out.

These achievements have not gone unnoticed, as evidenced by the numerous awards the town has received over the years, including the following: the Cleanest and Greenest Town, as well as the Best Local Government Unit, in the National Capital Region for 1994 and 1995; the “Galing Pook Award” for Innovation and Excellence in Local Governance in 1994; and the “Gawad Pamana ng Lahi (National Heritage) Award” in 1995.

This is what the town’s slogan “Marikina Gets it Done” is all about. This is also what made it into the city that it is now.

Marikina is also fast developing into the country’s skills capital, providing highly skilled manpower that can compete globally. Annually, thousands are graduating from technical courses being offered free by the Marikina Manpower Development Center (MMDC), a joint undertaking of congress through the office of congressman Romeo Candazo and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

The massive skills development program, coupled with livelihood projects, including innovative credit programs to small entrepreneurs, are the main factors why Marikina has one of the lowest, if not the lowest, unemployment rates in the country.

Unemployment is expected to be further reduced by the influx of local and foreign investors, and by the economic boom that could come with the accelerated development of the Marilaque (Manila-Rizal-Laguna-Quezon) Growth Area.

I have also learned that industrial peace and a working bureaucracy exist in this emerging industrial center. I have seen Marikina’s vastly improved infrastructures and facilities coupled with a competent engineering unit. All these augur well for its sustained growth in the coming years.
PROPELLING THE EAST RIZAL BLOC
I have been informed that the towns of Marikina, Cainta, Antipolo, San Mateo and Rodriguez, together with the city of Pasig, have recently clustered themselves into a conglomerate called the “East Rizal Bloc.” this grouping should effect better coordination and consolidation of efforts to fast-track development in the area.

This law, RA 8223, is in recognition of the indefatigable efforts of the people of Marikina towards development led by its energetic and creative Mayor Bayani Fernando. Let us take this opportunity to commend Congressman Romeo Candazo, principal author of RA 8223 and the rest of the members of both houses of Congress who passed the law.

I am sure that the residents of Marikina are equally eager to manifest their concurrence through a plebiscite which is to take place sixty days hence.
A TRIBUTE TO PRESIDENT CARLOS P. GARCIA
We also approve into law today Republic Act No. 8224, renaming the Circumferential Route No. 5 or C-5 in Metro Manila as the “President Garcia Avenue.”

This tribute is especially timely in view of the celebration in 1996 of President Garcia’s birth centennial which is on November 4, 1996. Since C-5 is one of the major infrastructures in the NCR constructed during the Ramos administration, I am proud that it will now bear the name of one of my most illustrious predecessors.

Last February 6, 1996, I declared 1996 as President Carlos P. Garcia Centennial Year through Proclamation No. 728.

President Garcia, a staunch nationalist and the father of the “Filipino First Policy”, had devoted a great part of his life in selfless, dedicated and sincere service to our country and people as a teacher, representative, governor, senator, vice-president and later, President of the Republic, and finally, as president of the 1971 Constitutional Convention.

I congratulate the bill’s principal author, Speaker Jose de Venecia, Jr., for his foresight in making this appropriate commemoration happen at this time. I also thank, in behalf of the Presidency and the Garcia family and the people of Bohol, particularly, all our legislators who recognized the need to perpetuate President Garcia’s memory through this major road artery.
CLOSING
These two new laws are, in effect, new bridges to the 21st century. They should remind us that the Filipino has always had what it takes to be among the best, and that it is about time that we pursue more vigorously our country’s advance to sustainable development.

In times of crisis, let us — as a nation — emulate the determination displayed by Marikina in standing up to the challenge of transforming an ordinary town into a clean, green, orderly and industrializing city.

In times of trials, let us — as individuals — remember the integrity consistently exhibited by the late President Carlos P. Garcia during his long rise from a humble public servant to a leading nationalist, statesman, president and Filipino citizen.

Thank you and good day.

Mabuhay kayong lahat!

Mabuhay ang Pilipino!