The Past Leaders of Quezon City: Mathay

THE ISMAEL A. MATHAY, JR. ADMINISTRATION
May 11, 1992 – June 30, 2001

He was a person blessed with humility and fortitude. A person and leader endowed with earnest commitments, noble intentions and good governance.

Ismael Mathay was born in Manila on June 26, 1932. He is a product of both public and private schools. He took up Business Administration from the University of the Philippines. He was also a member of the U.P. Senior Council and later joined the editorial board of the Philippine Collegian. He graduated in 1953 with a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration Major in Economics. Soon after graduation he enrolled at the College of Law in San Beda and successfully passed the bar examination in 1957.

Thru sheer hard work, merit and talent he was able to occupy top notch positions in leading companies. But obviously, he was bound to hold public office as he was lured into politics.


Ismael Mathay was elected Vice-Mayor of Quezon City in 1967. In 1972, he was appointed secretary to the commissioner of the watchdog General Authority Office, a genuine recognition for his talent and integrity. His accomplishments were heralded and recognized for he was designated MMC Vice-Governor and was dubbed as the mediator of goodwill. Ismael Mathay as Vice-Governor championed several causes as he was delegated to oversee the growth and direction of premier urban centers. He was also responsible for crime, poverty, drug addiction, pollution, traffic and a multitude of other concerns. He was elected for public office in 1992 and had begun to initiate and pool his efforts to fight and alleviate poverty. In 1998, Ismael Mathay labored relentlessly to overwhelm the horrendous grip of the ills of poverty as he was at the forefront altogether with Malacanang to achieve and deliver pro-poor projects/activities.

Mayor Ismael Mathay had completed tenure of 9 years in office. From May 11, 1992 to June 30, 2001.He declared that Quezon City will be able to surmount the obstacles and challenges of the new millenium. During his tenure of office, his thrust was to diversify the city's portfolio by creating new opportunities for industries while attracting upcoming businesses. He was also responsible for the completion of the 3 Light Rail Transits traversing through key cities. Mayor Ismael Mathay believed that businesses will soon balloon and enlarge entrepreneurial opportunities. He shared a common vision as that of the city's past founding mentors which included Pres. Manuel L. Quezon, Manuel A. Roxas, Elpidio Quirino and Ramon F. Magsaysay. Mayor Ismael Mathay endeavored to apparently uphold the Quezonian sense of justice, the outright formulation of plans for the city and to employ a relatively systematic mode of governance.

He prominently figured at the calamity that befell the scavengers and their families in Payatas garbage dumpsite. For his concerns were to locate and find a viable solution to solid waste disposal. His legacies include education, housing and business management as he had endorsed a horde of programs that allowed his administration to erect schools for improvement and modernization. His landmark contribution was that he was able to facilitate the construction of 1,666 units available for employees at the Smile Citihomes Project in Zabarte, Novaliches and 1,700 units at Pugad Lawin in Bahay Toro, Porject 8.

It is common knowledge that he had brokered an amicable negotiation among fire victims to vacate the squatter colony which affected no less than 3,700 families and 480 structures along the Bangko Sentral Ng Pilipinas property. The process was so peaceful and popular that it had served as a model for demolition and clearing operations. Additional assistance attributed to Mayor Ismael Mathay were the apparent increase in the salary of underpaid schoolteachers and the program that enabled high school students to obtain free education.

Mayor Ismael Mathay reiterated that the inspiration behind his successful acheivements are the country's great leaders who helped transformed aspirations into reality by their guiding parameters which assisted him with the tools at being able to determine as well as identify solutions to complex demands. Thus, affording substantial ideas to promote learning as it was his primordial concern to educate and transform his constituents into knowledgeable and well informed citizens attuned with an environment that is destined for progress and development. Certainly, Quezon City under the leadership of Mayor Ismael Mathay had delivered and withstood the test in local governance and competence for it had indicated its decision to serve as a paragon of integrity. Moreover, the prompt delivery of public services confirmed the unbeatable formula for his political acumen and success.

His passion was everywhere as Mayor Ismael Mathay interminably continued to take an active role in urban planning and worked for better ways to introduce rational changes for approppriate land use. He devoted and worked for the establishment of the Quezon City Polytechnic, as he also initiated the construction of 41 school buildings, which equals to around 440 classrooms to help unburden the backlog in both public elementary and high schools. He assisted and organized the “Yakap” Day Care Center for pre- school children, where majority of those who benefited are Quezon City Hall employees.

He was at the helm when he directed institutions and other privately owned corporations to hold job fairs where most of those tasked to participate are students and youths who had to put to good use the extra time they had during the summer vacation. He also instructed the artesians to fast-track the construction of deep wells in areas and localities where the services of the MWSS are seen to be less visible. Mayor Ismael Mathay worked for the increase of 1,000 pesos the wages of police and firemen. He was also instrumental in organizing “Food Caravan” which sold basic food and commodities at much lower prices to benefit the majority of poor residents situated in depressed areas. Spearheaded the anti-smoke belching drive and campaign which afforded a cleaner environment for residents in Quezon City that is smoke-free and less infectious.

In 1997, Mayor Ismael Mathay was awarded as the most outstanding member of an international organization called Pan-Xenia as he was a consistent member all throughout his college days. His undertakings had evolved around the priorities of his commitments which were the poor, youth, his constituents, environment and the predicament of government employees. Mayor Ismael Mathay was often commended for his desire to commit and serve his constituents which he did not find difficult to pursue as he was immensely dedicated and devoted to accomplish all what he was set to do to the best of his abilities.

He was so driven that no amount of setbacks and awkward situations can dampen his element. Despite, the tragedy and misfortunes he manages to appear calm and collected to the dismay of his detractors. He oftentimes, won the hearts of his people as he may at all times emerge victorious over a precarious environment, or yet, best said in a drama laden confrontation.

At the lowest decline of the economy that saw the country in financial paralysis and an obstinate swing of events, he managed to administer sweeping details in labor patterns as he encouraged the womenfolk to indulge into jobs other than their habitual daily kitchen routine. He was so vocal and optimistic that the homes can be a source of productive growth as there was obviously a window predominantly clear and ripe for entrepreneurial possibilities and that opportunities do not only abound the cluster of boardrooms in a corporate setting but also in individual nooks and comforts of their residences.

Many have questioned the unyielding Mayor Ismael Mathay about his formula for his extraordinary wisdom and compassion. He apparently, had no known formula up his sleeve but rather, about his yearning for pedantic values and principles. One that is patterned after the truth and structure of life. A life full of love and commitments, one that is appallingly inclined towards his spiritual journey destined to accomplish something which is worthy and monumental. He had exuded a penchant for a very calculating and decent leadership one that may offer the best possibilities for others to emulate or determine their cue for a dismal failure or sweet success in this arena called life.

Some of the visions that Mayor Ismael Mathay had for Quezon City:
A. A City where civic order rules – that there shall be peace and order in the communities of Quezon City. And over and above, a law abiding citizenry living harmoniously with one another in an environment that is fair and just.
B. A City where there is efficient and adequate public service – a law that is for and by the people. Where significant bills and ordinances are promulgated to bear the concerns and apprehensions of the people.
C. A City that provides and sustains the delivery of social, medical and education services – a government that shall primarily focus on education and the welfare of the working denomination. To provide and assists in obtaining adequate services and other opportunities that is pro-poor. An institution that is bent to pass and enact laws for both the young and old, poor or rich, handicapped, oppressed etc.
D. A City that implements a quick response – a city where specifically public assistance is administered to constituents at all times. A government where the needs of the people are best served in an utmost care and consideration.
E. The City, given it's state of underdevelopment compared to others in Metro Manila, and given it's resources, shall exploit it's still unlimited opportunities for economic and business development – that the government of Quezon City shall institute reforms in a vast commercial and industrial development sufficient enough to sustain the present and future prospects of progress.
F. Our City is the venue of academic, intellectual and cultural citadels and institutions giving our city the enviable reputation – that Quezon City shall always institute and coordinate, thus, promote cultural and educational development. This city will at all times support such initiatives in and among institutions and other related activities.
G. Our City shall have the ideal setting and accommodation for a convivial living and productive life and work for all socio-economic sectors – since Quezon City initially has the fastest growth rate, it shall concentrate and center it's programs and services to generally address this concern, provide alternatives and solutions to this worsening circumstances.
H. The youth, the hope of the fatherland shall have a special consideration in our country – the population of Quezon City is predominantly 65 per cent below 24 years old, so it is of great concern that initiatives should dwell on programs that shall benefit and encourage the majority of the youth to engage in worthwhile activities, thus addressing their socio-economic and educational affairs.
I. For the governance of our city and to support the initiatives in all of the areas of concern above stated, there shall be instituted in city administration an efficient and effective financial and budgetary management – that the government of Quezon City should readily implement measures to increase revenues to basically support programs and projects that essentially lead to progress and development.
J. Likewise, the city shall have an improved administrative management to achieve our missions and deliver the essential city government services – that the task of the city government is to taper the administrative ranks to assume a better position in the delivery of basic services, thus, devote training and management to assume competence, values, skills and discipline.
Indicators according to Mayor Ismael Mathay are possible problem situations in Quezon City:
Quezon City has one of the fastest growth rate compared to Manila, Makati, Pasay, Kalookan and Mandaluyong. At 3.5 per cent which is even higher than the national average. In 1991 the official figure was 1.728 million with a density of 172.28 per hectare. Age level below 24 years is 65 per cent, 22.6 per cent are below 15 years old. Generally 245,027 are situated in depressed areas of which only 58 per cent are employed. 40 per cent of the household populations are considered below the official NEDA poverty line with a monthly income of only P 4,644, with most families earning less. Only 9.72 per cent earn from entrepreneurial services. 106,175 squatter families out of 301,283, while there are more family members in squatters than those who are not, apparently, contributing to around 55 per cent in squatter population. There are 140 barangays of which 90 barangays are identified to be situated in depressed or semi-depressed areas.

Here are some of Mayor Ismael Mathay's formulated and outlined programs for Quezon City:

1) Public Order and Safety – work for the strengthening of the public forces wherein we are obligated to train, equip and pay them well. Revive the foot patrol where police visibility in critical areas of concern are established and monitored. Open and structure more roads and traffic flows. More improved signs, flyovers and counter flows in traffic.
2) Business and Economic Development of the City – That we should prepare and afford opportunities to develop land resources. For this will enhance collection for the city, while increasing the valuation of properties. Re- classification of industrial estates whereby, non-toxic and other concerns for a friendlier environment are adopted. Encourage business to establish and promote mutual concerns and activities.
3) Public Services of the City – provide better access to un repaired roads, bridges and other illegal structures. Addressing flood prone areas, dredging canals, esteros, creeks and other floodways. Provision for more potable outlets or sources of water. Improved traffic management group that shall administer fast and quick emergency responses at a given time and place. Well coordinated engineering staff and men. Whereby, linkages are established with other national agencies where better and competent skills are endeavored.
4) Social Services – the Quezon City government shall provide an array of services laden with competent and skillful men and women. Task the outreach sector to fully address relief assistance and other major disasters and calamities. Train the barangays while honing their capabilities in their respective communities. Organize and coordinate medical service programs in hospitals and other government institutions. Resettlement and livelihood programs for squatter colonies, while minimizing the flow of informal settlers in the city. Build more schools while working for an increase in the salary of underpaid schoolteachers. Address the growing reality for the development of skillful workers and technicians.
5) Public Assistance – organize a command center for the mobilization of assistance and coordination. Thus, enhancing the immediate monitoring of capabilities.
6) Financial and Administrative Management of the City – the government of Quezon City shall exhaust all means to generate the voluminous possibilities to accelerate advances in social, cultural, educational, political and economic growth. It will also devote relentless efforts to facilitate the reconstitution of titles, which obviously is one detrimental factor to progress and development. The city shall foster transparency as it will also deliver a report as where most of its collection was dispensed.

Mayor Ismael Mathay had a tremendous appreciation for the gift of life. He fully appreciated the potentials of our God-given talents and skills He encouraged and solicited technical and managerial services, employed the brilliance of traditional and upcoming political leaders, endeavored his constituents to dialogue and infuse their thoughts and concerns for the future, focused on the ideals and principles of successful professionals and academes as well as other detailed concepts that could craft the most prudent outline for growth and development.

http://www.qcpubliclibrary.org/qcmanuscript.php#mathay_administration