The former mayor of Marikina and chairman of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), Bayani Fernando, passed away on Friday, September 22, 2023, at the age of 77. His passing was confirmed by his wife, Maria Lourdes.
Fernando was rushed to a hospital in Quezon City after falling from the roof of his house, where he was conducting repairs. He was pronounced dead on arrival.
Fernando served three terms as mayor of Marikina City from 1992 to 2001. During his time in office, he transformed the shoe capital from a former municipality into a model Philippine city. He was known for his strict implementation of laws and his emphasis on keeping roads and sidewalks clean of obstructions.
Fernando then served as MMDA Chairperson from 2002 to 2009 under the administration of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. He was known for his “scientific and practical approaches” in solving Metro Manila’s problems.
In 2010, Fernando ran for vice president and lost to Makati mayor Jejomar Binay. He was then elected representative of Marikina’s 1st district and served his term from 2016 to 2022.
Source: PhilNews24 | September 22, 2023
