The word “creativity” is usually associated with art, talent and aesthetics but not with good governance and city building. This seemingly unfitting term for a highly technical field is shoved aside to give way to more structured political jargons. But what most cities thought was useless and can be thrown outside the window was what Marikina picked-up. The City where the “biggest shoe” lies used creativity to prove that a clean and green city is possible in the Philippines.
By repackaging traditional ideas and patterns to something more modern in approach, Marikina was successful in “fixing the broken window pane,” a principle which states that the behavior of a person adapts the environment he is in. When the surroundings are in chaos, the people will also be in chaos, but when the environment is healthy, the people are happy and content.
Working towards creating a home, Marikina has taught its people how to live well. By formulating innovative policies and using creativity as a strong implementing arm, following the rules finally makes sense.
Heading home
Gone were the days when informal settlers dominated the Marikina River.
Marikina’s public land is absolutely squatter free, according to Mr. Tomas C. Aguilar of the City Planning and Development Office. Though there are still roughly more than 1,500 illegal occupants found in private lands, there had been no influx of new squatters in Marikina.
The people living along the Marikina River and other public lands were relocated in the 106-hectare settlement sites provided for by the government. The roads are paved, the street signs are clear, and the basic needs are met as part of community upgrading. A façade was also built both to contain the settlement areas and to project a better view of these areas to tourists.
Coupled with the settlement program is a livelihood component. By teaching them how to make money, there is no reason why they cannot pay for the lot they are using through the community mortgage program.
So how did they do it?
The Marikina Settlement Office (MSO) encouraged the people to form into organizations for easier recognition and communication. Since they have already made a directory of informal colonies, it is easier for them to contact the people for regular focus group discussions. These sessions are used to discuss the latest program developments and to resolve any concerns they have.
The biggest challenge of the city is they do not have enough land for relocation. The Marikina is now considering medium-rise housing projects which can maximize the vertical space of buildings.
The process was not easy. In every change there is resistance and pain but in the case of Marikina, the outcome was worth the struggle.
A clean treat
The best way to teach the young and the not so young about littering is by giving them candies!
The key is discipline. “Mumunting basura, ibulsa muna.” Packed in small plastic bags, this simple reminder are reward treats for keeping the surroundings clean. After tasting the sweetness of the candy, the wrapper acts as a habit-forming technique that trains children to hold on to their litter. An experiential reminder is the strongest form of learning.
Having no trash cans along the roads of Marikina, the people take responsibility in disposing their trash. According to Mr. Aguilar, if they provide trash cans in the sidewalk, it gives the impression that they allow everyone to throw their trash until the trash can overflows and be the cause of discomfort to the community.
Split it or keep it
Waste segregation in Marikina is not an option. It’s a must. And its color coded too!
There is a three-day door-to-door garbage collection in Marikina. The first two days are for collecting biodegradable garbage while the third day is for the non-biodegradable wastes. A green ribbon tied on the sealed garbage bag means biodegradable and a pink ribbon means non-biodegradable. Mix it up and your garbage will surely be with you much longer. By ordinance 135, non-compliance to any of these would earn a P2,000 worth ticket or a choice to either render community service or donate 10cc of blood.
Marikina has proven that garbage is not garbage if you know how to handle it. Through a Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) which encourages resource conservation and recovery, the protection and health of the public and environment is ensured. When it comes to dealing with biodegradable waste, it is processed through the Marikina composting facility which transforms waste into sellable fertilizer.
The children are also involved in taking care of the environment through the Eco Savers Program integrated in schools. Once a week, they are encouraged to bring “sellable” garbage like cans, bottles, paper, plastic, and the likes. Then the weight of their entry will be converted to the corresponding points, 1000 points is equal to P1. By November, the points that they have collected can buy them groceries and school supplies. The program both teaches the students the importance of recycling and at the same time, the value of helping the family.
From all sides
One of the factors that Marikina boasts of is the transparency in governance and this can be seen through the walls of public schools and 16 barangay halls, literally.
Concrete walls were replaced with see-through fences and glass for easier monitoring of employees and to encourage a welcoming atmosphere for visitors.
At your service
Creativity exemplifies the competence of government employees in Marikina. Their navy inspired uniform gives them a united look from the lowest to the highest position. Innovation has also made the system more efficient and simple by combining employees’ identification card, biometrics and ATM in one plastic card.
With all these improvements, the contentment of employees reflect to the people they serve. Through the five-minute quick response team, the people of Marikina feel safer and more taken cared of. After the Ondoy incident, it only took Marikina less than 30 days to get back on their feet, except for some totally devastated areas.
To also make transportation easier and cheaper, Marikina has developed the most extensive bike lane in the Philippines. A 52 Km bicycle passage and safe parking spaces have continued to encourage more people to travel using two wheels. With this, taking care of the physical self through exercise as well as taking care of the environment by minimizing carbon emission has made cycling a very convenient vehicle for travel.
Where there is peace and order, discipline follows. Where there is discipline, contentment thrives. In a city like Marikina where so many changes and development took place, the city’s pride is measured by the former Mayor’s statement that “The best city hall is where no people go.”
By painting the city with political will, creativity and initiative, the “pink of health” that Marikina was aiming for was achieved.
By: Pia Angelica Suiza
The people living along the Marikina River and other public lands were relocated in the 106-hectare settlement sites provided for by the government. The roads are paved, the street signs are clear, and the basic needs are met as part of community upgrading. A façade was also built both to contain the settlement areas and to project a better view of these areas to tourists.
Coupled with the settlement program is a livelihood component. By teaching them how to make money, there is no reason why they cannot pay for the lot they are using through the community mortgage program.
So how did they do it?
The Marikina Settlement Office (MSO) encouraged the people to form into organizations for easier recognition and communication. Since they have already made a directory of informal colonies, it is easier for them to contact the people for regular focus group discussions. These sessions are used to discuss the latest program developments and to resolve any concerns they have.
The biggest challenge of the city is they do not have enough land for relocation. The Marikina is now considering medium-rise housing projects which can maximize the vertical space of buildings.
The process was not easy. In every change there is resistance and pain but in the case of Marikina, the outcome was worth the struggle.
A clean treat
The best way to teach the young and the not so young about littering is by giving them candies!
The key is discipline. “Mumunting basura, ibulsa muna.” Packed in small plastic bags, this simple reminder are reward treats for keeping the surroundings clean. After tasting the sweetness of the candy, the wrapper acts as a habit-forming technique that trains children to hold on to their litter. An experiential reminder is the strongest form of learning.
Having no trash cans along the roads of Marikina, the people take responsibility in disposing their trash. According to Mr. Aguilar, if they provide trash cans in the sidewalk, it gives the impression that they allow everyone to throw their trash until the trash can overflows and be the cause of discomfort to the community.
Split it or keep it
Waste segregation in Marikina is not an option. It’s a must. And its color coded too!
There is a three-day door-to-door garbage collection in Marikina. The first two days are for collecting biodegradable garbage while the third day is for the non-biodegradable wastes. A green ribbon tied on the sealed garbage bag means biodegradable and a pink ribbon means non-biodegradable. Mix it up and your garbage will surely be with you much longer. By ordinance 135, non-compliance to any of these would earn a P2,000 worth ticket or a choice to either render community service or donate 10cc of blood.
Marikina has proven that garbage is not garbage if you know how to handle it. Through a Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) which encourages resource conservation and recovery, the protection and health of the public and environment is ensured. When it comes to dealing with biodegradable waste, it is processed through the Marikina composting facility which transforms waste into sellable fertilizer.
The children are also involved in taking care of the environment through the Eco Savers Program integrated in schools. Once a week, they are encouraged to bring “sellable” garbage like cans, bottles, paper, plastic, and the likes. Then the weight of their entry will be converted to the corresponding points, 1000 points is equal to P1. By November, the points that they have collected can buy them groceries and school supplies. The program both teaches the students the importance of recycling and at the same time, the value of helping the family.
From all sides
One of the factors that Marikina boasts of is the transparency in governance and this can be seen through the walls of public schools and 16 barangay halls, literally.
Concrete walls were replaced with see-through fences and glass for easier monitoring of employees and to encourage a welcoming atmosphere for visitors.
At your service
Creativity exemplifies the competence of government employees in Marikina. Their navy inspired uniform gives them a united look from the lowest to the highest position. Innovation has also made the system more efficient and simple by combining employees’ identification card, biometrics and ATM in one plastic card.
With all these improvements, the contentment of employees reflect to the people they serve. Through the five-minute quick response team, the people of Marikina feel safer and more taken cared of. After the Ondoy incident, it only took Marikina less than 30 days to get back on their feet, except for some totally devastated areas.
To also make transportation easier and cheaper, Marikina has developed the most extensive bike lane in the Philippines. A 52 Km bicycle passage and safe parking spaces have continued to encourage more people to travel using two wheels. With this, taking care of the physical self through exercise as well as taking care of the environment by minimizing carbon emission has made cycling a very convenient vehicle for travel.
Where there is peace and order, discipline follows. Where there is discipline, contentment thrives. In a city like Marikina where so many changes and development took place, the city’s pride is measured by the former Mayor’s statement that “The best city hall is where no people go.”
By painting the city with political will, creativity and initiative, the “pink of health” that Marikina was aiming for was achieved.
By: Pia Angelica Suiza
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