Cityhood of Pateros

On March 29, 1900, Pateros became one of the towns in the newly created province of Rizal, by virtue of General Order No. 40, Act No. 137 of the Philippine Commission, which was promulgated on June 11, 1901. During this period, the provinces of the Philippine Islands were being organized and restructured under American colonial rule, which introduced a new administrative framework aimed at improving governance and public service. The incorporation of Pateros into Rizal was a crucial step in its development, allowing the town to tap into the resources and political structure of a larger province.

Then, on October 12, 1903, Act No. 942 united Pateros with Taguig and Muntinlupa into one municipality under Pateros. This amalgamation was reflective of a broader trend in local governance, where smaller towns were often combined to streamline administration and reduce operational costs. The municipality was renamed Taguig on March 22, 1905, through Act No. 1308, which highlighted the dynamic and evolving nature of local governance structures during that era. This renaming indicated a shift not only in administrative categorization but also in how local identities were recognized and articulated.

Executive Order No. 20 dated February 29, 1908, partitioned Pateros from Taguig, and the town regained independent status as a municipality on January 1, 1909, by Executive Order No. 36. This separation marked a significant moment in Pateros' history, as it allowed the town to re-establish its local governance and address the unique needs and aspirations of its community. The ability to govern independently meant that Pateros could develop its own policies, prioritize local issues, and potentially manage its resources more efficiently.

On November 7, 1975, Pateros became a part of the new Metropolitan Manila Area through Presidential Decree No. 824. This designation was not merely a change in the administrative jurisdiction but also symbolized Pateros's integration into the urban landscape of Metro Manila, which has since then been characterized by rapid population growth and economic development. Being classified as part of Metro Manila opened up new avenues for investment, infrastructure development, and access to services that could enhance the lives of residents.

It was reclassified to a first-class municipality effective on November 20, 2001, pursuant to Section 2 (c) of Department Order No. 32-2001 of the Department of Finance, as implemented by Memorandum Circular No. 01-M (NCR) dated January 28, 2002. This reclassification reflects Pateros's growing economic stature and fiscal capacity, with its local government being empowered to provide better services to its constituents. The first-class status provided Pateros with a platform to leverage its financial resources for infrastructure projects, public services, and developmental programs.

Lawmakers in the plenary expressed their support and agreement to convert Pateros into a city, making it the 18th city in Metro Manila. This significant legislative action not only underscores the town's demographic and economic capabilities but also highlights the collective vision of local leaders for Pateros's future. Local government officials headed by Pateros mayor Miguel "Ike" Ponce III, together with Vice Mayor Gerald German and members of the local council, came in full force to thank Senator Juan Edgardo Angara, Committee Chairman of the Committee on Local Government, for sponsoring the bill and ensuring its passage during the third and final reading. Their presence reflects the communal spirit and commitment of Pateros' leadership to advance the interests of their residents.

The move for the conversion of Pateros into a city started in 2011 when it was proposed by Taguig City-Pateros Rep. Arnel Cerafrica. His proposal initiated a series of discussions and evaluations about the readiness of Pateros for cityhood and the potential benefits that this transition could bring to its citizens. Since then, the local government has engaged in an extensive process of consultation with stakeholders, evaluating socioeconomic indicators and readiness for such a transformation.

Pateros has an average annual income of P201,361,140, as certified by the Department of Finance, and a population of 65,227, as certified by the Philippine Statistics Authority. Such figures not only demonstrate Pateros's economic viability but also reflect the community's potential for growth. The average annual income indicates a stable financial foundation for municipal services and infrastructure improvements, while the population figure reveals a vibrant community that actively participates in the local economy.

It occupies a total of 176 hectares, as certified by the Land Management Bureau, a significant size that opens up additional opportunities for economic activities and urban development. These spatial dynamics are essential as local leaders contemplate future urban planning and the sustainable development of Pateros as a city. 

Once signed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., the law will be published and will be subject to a plebiscite to allow all the members of the electorate to participate in the democratic process. This plebiscite underscored the importance of local governance; it ensured that the decision to elevate Pateros’s status would stem directly from the will of the people. Engaging citizens in such a crucial decision symbolizes a commitment to participatory governance and reflects respect for the community's voice in charting its future.

Local officials are confident that residents of the town will embrace the development, as it promises to bring more opportunities, more jobs, and greater progress to Pateros. The transition to cityhood would not only enhance local government capabilities but also stimulate economic activities that could further improve the quality of life for residents. Furthermore, the establishment of Pateros as a city could foster a stronger sense of community identity and pride, bringing together residents in pursuit of common goals and shared aspirations. The successful navigation of the cityhood process will likely serve as a significant chapter in Pateros's storied history, paving the way for enhanced development and community engagement in the decades to come.