CITY’S VISION

 

“ANTIPOLO: A PILGRIMAGE CITY AT THE CENTER OF THE EASTERN GROWTH CORRIDOR WITH A GLOBALLY COMPETITIVE ECONOMY AND ECOLOGICALLY BALANCED ENVIRONMENT; ACCOUNTABLE, DYNAMIC, PARTICIPATORY & RESULTS ORIENTED GOVERNANCE; EMPOWERED AND GOD CENTERED CITIZENTRY.”

 

CITY’S MISSION

 

A Responsive & Dynamic Government Committed to the Attainment of its Vision through:

1. The Creation of an Environment than will encourage Public-Private Partnership in various Development Projects;

2. Strengthening E-Governance Capability and Establishing Local and Global Linkages through Information and Communication Technology;

3. Transparent and Efficient Allocation of Resources towards a Better Delivery of Quality Public Service;

4. People Empowerment, Involvement of Various  Stakeholders in the Formulation, Policy Making & Implementation/ Monitoring of various Development Plans and Programs;

5. Enactment and Implementation of Landmark Legislation Truly Reflective of the Will and Aspiration of the People of Antipolo.

 

CITY’S BRIEF BACKGROUND

 

ANTIPOLO…The City on the mountain ridges east of Manila where the sun begins to shine; …the City of pilgrims and contemplatives, tourists and traders, artists and artisans.

The City whose name was derived from its historical tree known to be the TIPOLO Trees (ArtocarpusCummunis or ArtocarpusIncisa) growing indigenously on its land…trees with broad leaves that provide shade while gently fanning in the soothing breeze.  Moreover, it was also on its branches that the Image of Virgin of Antipolo (Our Lady of Good Voyage) was found after it disappeared three times at Sitio Santa Cruz where it was first brought(Mr. Bienvenido M. Alarcon, City’s Historian).

Rich in cultural and historical heritage, Antipolo’s history dates way before the first Franciscan Missionary recorded its work in 1578.  The land was home to indigenous tribes as the Dumagats,Tagals, Indians and Aetas.  Its virgin forests of varied tropical trees were also nests to a diverse wildlife.  Its rich water tables gushed forth as springs and waterfalls.

 

As the missionaries relentlessly pursued their ‘Christianization’ campaign, these natives desiring to keep their own way of life moved themselves into the hinterlands of neighboring mountains.  Migrants supporting the missions came to settle and the semblance of a mission town firmly established itself and grew to the proportions it is today.  The Jesuits came so did the Recollects.

 

A host of other religious congregations (both male and female) followed suit and took residence in this forested mountain whose cool breeze and verdant sceneries primed them into contemplative unions with the Creator.  Word spread.  The laity from lower lands also wanted a
share of this haven.  More so when the famed image of the Blessed Virgin Mary sculpted from a dark hardwood of Mexico was permanently enshrined   in Antipolo.

Soon enough a shrine (evolving to Cathedral stature through the years) was built for this venerated image to allow all believers to ventilate their aspirations to her.  As more pilgrims came, more were enamored to take residence in this pleasant town and established services related to pilgrims’ needs.  The trek up continued…the population grew while services expanded to the level of being a city.  By February 13, 1998, Antipolo was promulgated into a city when, then President Fidel V. Ramos signed its bill into law.

 

GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION & POLITICAL SUBDIVISIONS

 

Antipolo reaches out to its neighboring towns and cities from six points of its Circumferential Road: On the northwest, Tikling Road winds down the Ortigas Avenue Extension leading to San Juan passing through Cainta and Pasig.  Southwest, Cabrera St. flows to the Manila East Road connecting the City with Taytay.  Heading South on Manuel L. Quezon Street takes one to the City’s neighbors, Binangonan and Angono. Southeast, the Sto. Nino St. links with Teresa, doorway to Baras, Morong and Pililia.  Northwest, C. Lawis St. connects with Marcos Hiway heading towards Tanay and Quezon. And North, the Sumulong National Hiway runs all the way to Marikina where one can move on to San Mateo and Montalban or choose to turn left at Marcos Hiway to head for Cubao, Quezon City.

 

 

Antipolo is located in the northern half of Rizal Province but rather close to its meridional center.  It lies approximately between latitudes 14° 32' and 14°45' north and longitudes 121° 6' and 121° 24' east.  It is bounded on the north by the municipality of Rodriguez, on the northwest by the Marikina and San Mateo on the southwest by the towns of Taytay and Cainta on the southeast by the towns of Tanay, Teresa and Baras and on the east by Quezon Province.

In terms of size Antipolo City is the second largest in Rizal Province next only to Rodriguez (formerly Montalban).  Its total land area of 38, 575, 04 hectares represents 29.9% of the entire land area of the Rizal Province.  The City is divided into two (2) districts and subdivided into sixteen (16) barangays, to wit:

 

 

 

Listed below are Barangays which have areas currently outside the political jurisdiction of Antipolo but historically belonging to the city. (These areas are already included on the above lot areas, for information purposes only):

 

1. San Jose: 4,387.48 has & 1,481.66 has; b) Calawis: 2,935.34 has.; c) Dela Paz: 196.54 has.; d) Mambugan: 70.34 has.;   e) Cupang: 70.28 has.

 

Only 29 kms.from Metro Manila, the City can be accessed via the Ortigas Extension and the Marcos Hiway-SumulongHiway Route.  Public transportation allows easy commuting to and from the city.  Buses, jeepneys and airconditioned FX cabs wait at terminals located at EDSA Central/Crossing or SM Megamall parking lot in Mandaluyong, Farmers’ Market in Cubao, QC. and Ayala & Makati Stock Exchange parking lots in Makati.  Inter-city’s public transportation is provided by tricycles, shuttle buses and jeepneys, inter -connecting the 16 barangays of the city through various routes. Tricycles with covered side seats are the popular form of transportation within the city.

 

TOPOGRAPHY

The topography of Antipolo may be described as generally hilly and mountainous, the hilly portions lying in the west and the mountainous area concentrated in the east as part of the Sierra Madre Mountain Range.  Well-watered valleys are located in the middle of the city and in the northern and southern edges.  Plateaus of over 200 meters above sea level are seen in the western half of the study area, including the site of the Poblacion and portions of Brgy. Cupang and San Juan.  In the eastern half, these are seen in Brgys. Calawis and San Jose overlooking the Boso-Boso River Valley to the west.

 

CLIMATE

Based on PAGASA (Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Service Administration) Antipolo has Type I Climate which is marked by two (2) distinct seasons – the Wet from May to December and the Dry from January to April.  The main climatic control operating in the climate of the area is actually the monsoon wind system. The warm southwest monsoon wind brings the rain to the city after gathering moisture from the Indian Ocean while the cool northeast monsoon moves as a dry wind and comes even drier after crossing the Sierra Madre geographic barrier. 

 

SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS AND SERVICES

POPULATION GROWTH RATE PER BARANGAY

BARANGAY	CENSUS YEAR			Pop. % Share, 2007
	1995 (AGR: 11.52%)	2000 (AGR: 6.86%)	2007 (AGR: 4.19%)
District I
1. BAGONG NAYON	27,050	33,787	41,715	6.58%
2. BEVERLY HILLS	1,476	1,973	1,940	0.31%
3. DE LA PAZ	38,922	45,185	58,559	9.24%
4. MAMBUGAN	23,881	31,305	43,563	6.87%
5. MAYAMOT	26,593	40,784	46,949	7.41%
6. MUNTINDILAW	5,038	7,922	9,483	1.50%
7. SAN ISIDRO	28,991	39,242	54,842	8.65%
8. STA CRUZ	29,510	35,061	47,536	7.50%
9. Subtotal	181,461	235,259	304,587	48.04%
District II
1. CALAWIS	1,979	2,510	3,978	0.63%
2. CUPANG	34,771	56,131	76,247	12.03%
3. DALIG	24,089	31,109	41,047	6.47%
4. INARAWAN	8,193	11,040	17,740	2.80%
5. SAN JOSE	36,647	55,136	86,667	13.67%
6. SAN JUAN	3,626	5,583	8,488	1.34%
7. SAN LUIS	26,359	37,667	44,371	7.00%
8. SAN ROQUE	28,387	36,431	50,846	8.02%
9. Subtotal	164,051	235,607	329,384	51.96%
10. GRANDTOTAL	345,512	470,866	633,971	100%

 

Source: NSO Rizal (POPCEN 2007)

 

Final results of the latest Census Population (POPCEN 2007) conducted by the National Statistics Office (NSO) placed the City’s population at 633,971 persons as of August 01, 2007. These represents an increase of 34.64% compared to last 2000 census of population and housing conducted by the NSO last May 01, 2000 which is 470,866. The barangay with the biggest population percentage shared for the year 2007 is Barangay San Jose (13.67%) and the barangay which has the smallest population is Barangay Beverly Hills (0.31%).
Moreover, relative to the population of Rizal Province, Antipolo has the most percentage of residents 27.76% followed by Cainta 12.69% and Taytay 11.49%. On the other hand the least number of residents is Jala-Jala 1.26%.
In terms of the Annual Growth Rate (AGR), 2000-2007 the AGR is 4.2% while the projected AGR from 2010-2025 is 6.3%.

 

The People:Antipoleños are dominantly Tagalogs, Roman Catholics and Filipino/English speaking people. The city has 96.5% (2000 Census) literacy rate. One Percent (1%) of Antipolo’s population is Dumagats (indigenous people).

 

Utilities: There are two (2) Postal Offices in Antipolo, located in the Poblacion and in Mayamot. Courier services, cellular and telephone companies provide services in the City. Antipolo’s electricity is supplied by MERALCO since 1930 while the water supply is supplied by the Manila Water.

 

Protective Services: The Antipolo City Center for Peace, Order and Safety (POSD) serves as the main Police Headquarters of the city with 147 police personnel, while the remaining substations are distributed throughout the western section of the City. Antipolo City Fire Station has a total manpower of 51. They are complemented by 24 fire brigades and 6 fire trucks. The POSD regulates the flow of traffic, controls sidewalks and illegal vendors and conducts clearing operations along the main thoroughfares of the City.

Crime Solution Efficiency (2009):

Crime Volume:

• Out of 231 crime incidents 212 were solved
• Crime Solution Efficiency of 92%

Index Crime:

• Out of 131 index crime incidents 112 were solved
• Index Crime Solution Efficiency of 85%

Other Facts and Figures

Public Elementary Schools:              41 (SY: 10-11)
Public High Schools:                           18 (SY: 10-11)
Day Care Centers:                              187 (SY: 10-11))
Private Schools:                                  185 (SY: 10-11)
Tertiary Schools:                                 17 (SY: 10-11)
Cemeteries:                                        13
RHU/CHO & Health Centers:             32
Registered Business:                          8,785(as of Mar2010)            
           
TRADE & COMMERCE

 

Antipolo is fast becoming a major economic and financial center of Rizal. Developments have taken place in lower portion of Antipolo alongSumulong Highway and Marcos Highway in anticipation of the Calabarzon/RIZLAQUE projects.

There are 318 manufacturing industries and 217 construction firms registered in the city. Antipolo has 8 major markets located in the city’s growth nodes, with almost 4,500 retailers supporting the people’s demands for daily goods.

199 banks and financial institutions operate in the city. Tourist can take advantage of Antipolo’s hotels/motels, lodging houses, amusement places, cafes, restaurants and eateries.

 

LANDMARKS

Antipolo Cathedral:  The National Shrine of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage is the primary landmark of Antipolo City. It is the first dome-type church in the Philippines. The Antipolo Cathedral is seat of Diocese-3rd and present Bishop, the Most Rev. Gabriel Reyes. The shrine is visited by thousands of devotees every year, especially during the Pilgrimage Season (May to July).

 

White Cross: Majestically set on the highest peak of Pinagmisahan Hills, the cross serves as a reminder of the saving grace of God when the image of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage was brought to this place for a Holy Mass to save the people from the deadly Cholera plague. Since then, the image is brought to the same spot every year, signaling the start of the Pilgrimage Season. The area is now called “Via Dolorosa” with life-size Stations of the Cross.

 

HinulugangTaktak: is part of Antipolo natural and cultural heritage. Legend has it that a large church bell was thrown in the waterfalls to get rid of the harsh and unbearably loud sound that it produces during Angelus. This explains the name “HinulugangTaktak”, it means the place where the bell was dropped. The place is famous for its alluring view of natural formation and the energetic sparks of water which is conducive for physical and spiritual cleaning.

 

Boso-Boso Church: was built by Franciscan missionaries in 1578, before the Spanish colonization in Antipolo era, making it the oldest church in Antipolo. The church is also part of Jose Rizal’s 2nd novel, “El-Filibusterismo”.

 

Ynares Center: A venue for sports activities, expos, exhibitions and large gatherings. It can accommodate up to 7,000 delegates with wide ground for parking and other outdoor activities. It is an alternative venue for PBA games, boxing matches and concerts.

 

Over Looking: located along Sumulong Highway.  This long stretch allows a panoramic view of the metropolis, Laguna and Tagaytay areas especially during nights. It was coined as Antipolo’s Manila by Night, while others call it Eagle’s Nest. Over Looking offers world-class restaurants and bars.
                                                      

ACTIVITIES/ FESTIVALS

ANG TIPULO Festival (May 01): showcases the culture of Antipoleños& their local delicacies, namely suman (sweetened steamed rice), mangga (mangoes), and kasuy (cashew). The Hamaka (hammock) is the early mode of transportation of Antipoleños.

 

Alay Lakad (Maundy Thursday & April 30-May 01): The Annual Alay Lakad is held in two occasions: during Maundy
Thursday, thousands of devotees flock to Antipolo as a form of penance for Holy Week, and from the evening of April 30 until dawn of May 1. The event is a procession of the image of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage from Quiapo Church going to the Antipolo Cathedral.

 

Pilgrimage Season (May): known as the Maytime Festival, it officially begins on the first Tuesday of May with a procession of the image of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage and a celebration of the Holy Mass at the Pinagmisahan Hills, also known as the White Cross and ends on May 31.

Kapitanes at Kapitanas (Holy Week): A unique Antipolo tradition dating back to the 1920s wherein two pairs of young Antipoleños are chosen to lead the faithful in the activities during Holy Week. The 1st Pair- Kapitan Uno carries the Pontifical Emblem and Kapitana Uno carries the Paschal Candle. The 2nd Pair- Kapitan Dos, carries the Flag of the Church (Vatican City) and Kapitana Dos, carries the Candelobrum (sometimes called the Tres Marias).

THINGS TO BUY

 

 

OTHER PLACES TO VISIT

 

Mt. Purro Camp, Brgy. Calawis

Pacem Eco-Park, Sumulong Highway, Brgy. Dela Paz

Touch of Glory Prayer Mount, Boso-Boso, Brgy. San Jose

Crescent Moon Gallery, Ascension Rd., Brgy. Dalig

Pinto Gallery, Brgy. San Jose