Cainta, Rizal

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Municipality of Cainta
Official seal of Municipality of Cainta
Location
Map of Rizal showing the location of Cainta
Map of Rizal showing the location of Cainta
Government
Region CALABARZON (Region IV-A)
Province Rizal
District 1st District of Rizal
Barangays 7
Income class 1st
Founded November 30, 1571
Mayor Hon.Mon Ilagan
Official website cainta.gov.ph
ZIP Code 1900
Physical characteristics
Area 26.81 km²
Population

     Total


289,833

Population Census of Cainta
Census Pop. Rate
1995 201,550
2000 242,511 4.05%
2007 289,833 2.49%

The Municipality of Cainta (Filipino: Bayan ng Cainta) is a first-class urban municipality in the province of Rizal, Philippines. One of the oldest (originally founded in August 15, 1571), and the town with the second smallest land area of 26.81 km² next to Angono with 26.22 km².

Cainta serves as a gateway to the rest of Rizal province from Metro Manila. It is one of Rizal's most urbanized towns due to its proximity to Manila. This town is famous for its delicious bibingka (rice cakes).

With a population of 289,833 inhabitants, Cainta is the second most populous municipality in the Philippines, per the 2007 Census of Population conducted by the National Statistics Office. Its income of PhP490 million makes it the 3rd richest municipality in the country.

Contents

[edit] Tagnames

  • Your Gateway to the East
  • Gateway to the Province of Rizal
  • Information Technology Capital of the Province of Rizal
  • Bibingka Capital of the Philippines
  • The Premier Town of the Province of Rizal

[edit] Geography

Cainta is bounded on the north by Marikina City and San Mateo, on the west by Pasig City, and on the east and south by Taytay. It lies in the Marikina Valley, is 10% rolling hills and 90% residential-industrial. It has the province's most number of rivers and streams. Historians claim that Cainta's old geographical boundaries encompassed the mountain slopes of Montalban.

[edit] The Seal

The logo of Cainta – the emblem inside the double circle represents the flag of the Philippines in red, white and blue color. The three stars represent Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. The eight sun rays represent the eight provinces that started the revolt against the Spaniards. The buildings represent the different business establishments operating in the municipality. The suman sa ibus, suman sa lihiya and suman antala represent the livelihood of its people; the same with bottled sweets made out of coconut milk called matamis na bao, nata de coco, caong, beans and many others. The piglets represent the backyard hog raisings, a small scale industry.

[edit] Legend

Legend has it that there was an old woman called "Jacinta" who was well known not only in her own native town but also in the neighboring towns. In her youth, she was very popular because of her great beauty, kindness, and wealth. Although she was a member of a very rich clan, she showed generosity of heart to the poor. Hence, she became very much loved and respected. Jacinta grew to be an old maid because after her sweetheart got sick and died, she never fell in love with anyone else. When her parents died and she was left alone in the house, she continued her charity work. She gave alms to the long line of beggars who came to her, and housed and took care of the orphans and children in the streets.

In her old age, she was still very popular and was fondly called "Ka Inta" ("Ka" referring to a term of respect for the elderly, as well as a term for the feeling of comradery or "kapwa" feeling for someone).

One Christmas Day, however, when the old and the young called on her to give their greetings, she was not by the window to welcome them. People wondered at her absence and shouted her name to call her attention but no one came to answer. Concerned, they went up the house and discovered the dead body of "Ka Inta" lying on the floor. Beside her were the piles of Christmas gifts she was preparing to give to her well-wishers that day. People far and wide grieved over her death. In memory of her goodness and her generosity, her native town was named after her and was called "Cainta".

[edit] People

According to the 2007 census, it has a population of 289,833 (see above). Its population consists of 70% Catholic, 10% Protestant, 10% atheist and 10% of various sects, including Iglesia ni Cristo, Muslim and others. The people of Cainta are mostly Tagalog-speaking Filipinos.

A considerable number of the population are descended from Indian soldiers who mutinied against the British Army when the British briefly occupied the Philippines in 1762 to 1763. These Indian soldiers called Sepoy settled in town and intermarried with native women. The Sepoy ancestry of Cainta is very visible today, particularly in Barrio Dayap near Brgy. Sto Nino. Their unique physical characteristics make them distinct from the average Filipinos who are primarily of Malay and Chinese origins.

[edit] Culture

During Cainta's modernization period, traditions became more glamorous, most especially during the lenten season. The most noteworthy rituals are the Cenakulo (a stage play of the passion and death of Christ) and the Ang Pagpapapako or Penetencia (a re-enactment of the crucifixion of Christ).

[edit] The Cenakulo

The Cenakulo in Cainta dates back to 1904. It originated from Barrio Dayap (the entire area now includes Barangays Sta. Rosa, Sto Niño and Sto. Domingo). At that time the population consisted of a small group of residents who were mostly related to each other. Since most of the people believed that calamities were brought in by evil spirits, they decided to put up cross on a vacant lot to counter them. The barrio people paid homage to the cross by lighting it every night. One memorable incident happened during the lenten season when a strange fragrance supposedly emanated from the cross. The news spread out not only in the barrio but also in the entire town of Cainta.

Believing in the mystery of the cross, many people in Barrio Dayap and the whole town of Cainta have since then vowed to read the Pasyon (Seven Last Words of Christ) every lenten season. This has been enriched by an actual portrayal of the Passion of Christ on the streets which was formerly called "Officio". Many problems have been allegedly solved and illnesses cured through the cross as many people continuously believed.

Over the years the followers of the cross have multiplied rapidly. To give deeper meaning to their devotion and showcase their religiosity, they broached the idea of staging the Pasyon. The first stage play was held a few years later, although initially it was limited in scope. It became so popular that the presentation was expanded to include stories from the Old Testament and other stages in the life of Christ and has become known as the Cenakulo. The venue was transferred to an open field in 1966 to accommodate a larger audience.

Samahang Nazareno Inc. was organized in 1960, developed and enhanced the various aspects of cenakulo. The local Roman Catholic parishioner gave the association its moral and financial support for it believed that it was an effective means of imparting its Christian message to the public.

[edit] Penetencia

On Good Friday, the town witnesses a yearly depiction of the station of the cross in the crucifixion of Christ. A devotee, in hopes of being absolved from sin plays the role of Christ and voluntarily sacrifices himself to be flailed and whipped and be "nailed" on a cross, although most of the wounds are shallow and superficial. This spectacle might seem barbaric to a foreigner, however it has been a long-held tradition accepted by many of the inhabitants not only of Cainta, but of other parts of the country as well. This is held by 10 different groups at the Liwasang Bayan (town plaza) and in other parts of town.

[edit] Barangays

Municipal Hall of Cainta.

Cainta is politically subdivided into 7 barangays. In the mid 1990s, Cainta submitted a petition to the Rizal provincial government to consider a proposal for additional barangays, to make a total of 25 barangays. The proposal is still pending.

Barangay Population
(2000)
San Andres (Pob.) 61,708
San Isidro 32,730
San Juan 91,196
San Roque 7,646
Santa Rosa 1,519
Santo Domingo 41,084
Santo Niño 6,628

[edit] History

[edit] The Spanish rule

Founded in November 30, 1571, Cainta was a fiercely independent village that fought valiantly against the Spaniards but was later defeated and became a visita (annex) of Taytay in 1571 under the Jesuits. Changes in ecclesiastical administration made Cainta a part of Pasig under the Augustinians but it was deeded back to the Jesuits by the King of Spain in 1696. Cainta became a separate township in 1760.

After the death of Rajah Matanda, Adelantado Miguel de Legaspi received word that two ships, San Juan and Espiritu Santo, had just arrived in Panay Island in the central Philippines from Mexico. One ship was under the command of Don Diego de Legaspi, his nephew, and the other of Juan Chacon. The two ships were in such disrepair when they arrived in Panay that one of them was not allowed to return to Mexico. Legaspi ordered that it be docked on the river of Manila. The Maestro de Campo was sent to Panay to oversee its transfer to Manila, with Juan de la Torre as captain.

To help spread the faith, several Augustinian friars were commissioned by Spain and were among the ship's passengers. One of them was Father Alonso de Alvarado, who had been in the armada of Villalobos. Another was Father Agustin de Albuquerque, who became the first parish priest of Taal town, south of Manila. Some of the missionaries were sent to Cebu province in the central Philippines to accompany Father Martin de Rada the Prior. Four stayed to work in Pampanga province and the environs north and south of Manila, which included the then-village of Cainta..

[edit] Conversion to Catholicism

The chief religion is Roman Catholicism. When the Spaniards came they celebrated the feast of St. Andrew the Apostle and a mass was held in a chapel made of nipa (coconut branches) and wood. Many people came to attend and consequently were baptized into the faith.

The Church of Cainta was completed in 1715. It was gutted during World War II. Only the outer walls and the facade remained which was repaired with a coat of Portland cement. In 1727, an image depicting Our Lady of Light was brought to Cainta from Sicily, Italy, and was among the structures destroyed by Japanese and American bombs. Except for the outer walls, now greatly renovated, hardly anything remains of the old church. Extensive damage was also caused by recurrent earthquakes and typhoons that plagued the Philippines. The natives helped in its restoration and the new building was completed in February 25, 1968 and blessed by then Manila Archbishop Rufino J. Cardinal Santos.

[edit] The Battle of Cainta

Meanwhile Legaspi was determined to subjugate the people of Cainta and Taytay, a neighboring town. He sent his nephew Juan de Salcedo with a galleon (a small ship propelled by oars and sails) and 16 small boats accompanied by a hundred Spanish soldiers and many Visayas natives allied with them. Salcedo sailed on August 15, 1571, arriving in Cainta on the 20th. He sought peace from the villagers but the village chief, Gat-Maitan, responded arrogantly, told him the people of Cainta, unlike those of Manila, were not cowards, and would defend their village to the death. Confident in the defenses offered by their fort and the security of the site, they were joined by people from Taytay.

These two villages are on a plain on the shores of a river that flows from La Laguna and before arriving there divides in two large arms, both with abundant water. On its banks are found the two villages, half a league from each other, with the river passing through both before finally becoming one in a part of the terrain encircled by thick bamboo groves. These bamboos were tied together with liana, turning them into a thick wall where the people had constructed two ramparts with their moats full of water. By the river, they had built strong bulwarks with wooden towers and good artillery, guarded by a large number of warriors armed with arrows, swords and other projectile-type arms.

Deciding to attack, Salcedo first sent Second Lieutenant Antonio de Carvajal with some escorts to reconnoiter the town and determine the weakest point where they could enter. Carvajal, wounded by an arrow in his arm, returned with the information that the weakest spot, the least fortified and with the easiest access was the other part of an arroyo on the side of La Laguna where many boats could be seen entering the river.

Salcedo ordered installed in the prow of the galley a stone-throwing mortar. He and his men then spent the night on shore, while 20 soldiers and numerous allies from Manila remained with Carvajal on the galley with orders that when they heard firing, they should proceed with the attack on the bulwarks and the houses in the town, while Salcedo and his men tried to enter through the wall by the arroyo. When they heard the sound of the bugle, the signal that they had taken the town, they were to stop firing.

After giving these instructions, Salcedo began his march and turned toward the river where the attack was to take place. He arrived in the arroyo and found it defended by a fistful of valiant Cainta men who started to fire arrows and hurl lances.

Taken by surprise, the soldiers without waiting for Salcedo's order attacked the rampart and were overwhelmed by a rain of arrows. Finding such tenacious resistance, they began to retreat and flee in disarray.

Salcedo berated his men harshly for having attacked without his orders. Observing that in the other part of the arroyo the rampart was lower, he ordered a skiff brought there and after beaching it, he ordered some of his soldiers to use it as passage to the other side and take a more elevated point from where they could fire at the defenders of the town.

With the defenders retreating, Salcedo and his men were able to approach the wall and breach it. The intrepid Gat-Maitan with his Cainta men came to close the breach, forcing Saavedra to back off.

In the meantime, the cannons of the galley destroyed the bulwarks and the houses in the town in a manner the people had not seen before. And the shouts of the 600 Visayans allied with the Spanish made the natives believe that the Spaniards were already inside the poblacion [town proper]. Because of this, the valiant defenders of the breach abandoned it and retreated to the center of the town.

Salcedo observed this from a distance and ordered the breach attacked again. This time, the Spaniards encountered little resistance. Led by Salcedo and with Saavedra carrying the Spanish banner, they succeeded in entering the town. Together with their soldiers, they advanced rapidly and shortly scaled the wall where a bloody battle was fought.

The Cainta men, encouraged by their chief Gat-Maitan, preferred to die rather than surrender. Having taken over the walls, the Spaniards climbed the towers and hoisted the Spanish banner. At the blare of the bugle, the cannons stopped firing from the galley.

Cainta became an independent town in 1760. During the brief British occupation of Luzon (1762-1763), part of its British India troops known as Sepoys lived and intermarried with the natives in one of the town's barrios. The Indian left a culinary legacy in the spicy and highly-seasoned dishes that are now part of mainstream Cainta cuisine. Cainta became part of Tondo (starting 1763) but separated in 1883 and incorporated with the district of Morong.

[edit] The Post-Spanish era

In 1913, under the American rule, Cainta and Angono were consolidated with Taytay as one government entity. In January 1, 1914, it once again became an independent municipality and remained so to this day. Cainta is one of fourteen (14) municipalities of Rizal Province after the inclusion of other towns of what are now referred to as Antipolo, Binangonan and Taytay.Angono

[edit] Administration

Mayors

Mayor Year Started Year Ended
Exequiel Ampil 1898(?) 1901
Jose Dela Cruz 1901 1911
Julian Javier 1911 1923
Francisco P. Felix 1923 1941
Jose Ampil 1941 1945
Francisco P. Felix 1945 1980
Benjamin V. Felix 1980 1986
*Benjamin Felix was deposed after People Power Revolution; replaced by an OIC Mayor 1986 1987
Benjamin V. Felix 1987 1998
Nicanor C. Felix 1998 2004
Ramon A. Ilagan 2004 present
Vice Mayors Year Started Year Ended
Jimmy Alcantara 1972 1976
Benjamin V. Felix 1976 1980
Octavio Gripal 1981 1984
Zoilo V. Tolentino Sr. 1987 1998
Vicente Landicho 1986 1988
Reynaldo Matias 1987 1995
Julio Narag 1998 2007
Arturo Sicat 2007 present

[edit] Across the Town

The main road of Cainta is Ortigas Avenue Extension, a heavily congested corridor that passes through the business district of Ortigas Center and leads to Mandaluyong City and San Juan in the west and the town of Taytay and Antipolo City in the east. Another major road is Felix Avenue (better known as Imelda Avenue) which runs across Ortigas Avenue Extension and connects the town to Marikina City to the north and Taytay to the south. The point of intersection between these two main arterials is known simply as Junction. Bonifacio Avenue, located in the town proper, is the town's most frequently-traversed street.

At the current time, Cainta is under the management of the MMDA, which pertains to the traffic situations, particularly in the Junction area.

[edit] Development

Public Works

Cainta continues to strive for growth and advancement. Recently a proposed road widening along its busiest corridor, A. Bonifacio Avenue, has come into reality. This major road is set to be widened from its existing 10 meters width to expand by 15 meters. The span of expansion is from the Junction area up to the Cainta Church. This would result to a two-lane accommodation for traffic flow.

[edit] Basic Services and Utilities

[edit] Water

In past decades Cainta had been suffering a lack of potable surface water supply, with only deepwell water source available. Today, almost the entire municipality of Cainta is supplied 24 hours a day with potable water from the Manila Water Company Inc., MWSS concessionaire for East Zone.

Cainta was flooded by Typhoon Ondoy in Sept 2009.

[edit] Telecommunications

Cainta is primarily served by the Philippine Long Distance Telecommunications Co. (PLDT) and Digital Communications (Digitel). Mobile carriers Smart, Globe and Sun Cellular also cater Cainta's mobile communication needs.

Innove Communications Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Globe Telecom, has expanded its telecommunications services to the Municipality of Cainta.

[edit] Economy

Today Cainta has a robust economy as evidenced by several commercial and industrial establishments that have sprouted. The town continues to attract businesses because of its proximity to Manila and the town's burgeoning population which mostly consists of hard-working and hospitable people. The early part of the 21st century witnessed the founding of numerous manufacturing firms, including the Mitsubishi Motors Philippines, the largest car manufacturer in the country, the Monde M.Y. San Corporation, one of the nation's leading biscuit manufacturers and BF Construction Philippines, owned by MMDA Chairman Bayani Fernando.

Here are some of the prominent businesses in Cainta:

[edit] Call Centers

[edit] Malls, Department Stores and Supermarkets

  • Robinson's Place Cainta
  • Sta. Lucia East Grandmall
  • Makro Philippines - Cainta
  • Puregold Cainta
  • Robinson's Place Metro East (disputed *with claims with Pasig City)

[edit] The native delicacies

The most common livelihood in Cainta is the making of native delicacies, which is largely a cottage industry. Its native desserts are among the nation's best. Dating back to the 15th century, it became the town's principal source of income for more than four centuries. Suman (rice cake wrapped in banana leaf), latik (boiled down coconut milk used for glazing), coconut jam and the famous bibingka, are but a few of the sweet delights that lure many visitors to this town.

During the 20th century, Cainta dazzled the whole country when it baked the biggest rice cake ever and the town became known as the "Bibingka Capital of the Philippines". Bibingka is believed to have been adapted from the Indian cuisine, an influence from its Sepoy population. It comes from the Indian word bebinca also known as bibik, a dessert made of flour, coconut milk, and egg. The Philippine version is made of rice flour, coconut milk and salted duck eggs. Butter and sugar are used for glazing after cooking and before serving.

[edit] Built up area

With the continuous expansion of Metro Manila, the city is now included in the Manila built up area which reaches Cardona in its Westernmost part.

[edit] Landmarks

Sta. Lucia East Grand Mall, Cainta's premier mall.
The restored Church of Cainta blessed on February 25, 1968
  • Cainta Junction- A major intersection, adjoining the Metropolitan Highways (Imelda Avenue at the North, A. Bonifacio Avenue to the South, and Ortigas Avenue on its East and West Bounds). The busiest and a critical point where it connects Metro Manila and the rest of the Rizal province.
  • The Cainta Municipal Hall- when the old municipal building (located at the current Town Plaza) was destroyed by a fire, then-Mayor Benjamin Felix called the attention of the Provincial Government to build a new one at a lot in Rosepack Subdivision. it was finished in 1995.
  • Hunters ROTC Monument- located at Brgy. San Juan, this place is a memorial for those who bravely faced the Occupation Authorities during the World War II.
  • Valley Golf and Country Club- one of the two well-known golf courses in the province of Rizal aside from Eastridge in Binangonan, Rizal.
  • Liwasang Bayan (Town Plaza)- located at the Poblacion (town proper). It was the former place of the old Municipal Hall destroyed in 1995. Today, is host to some convocations and assemblies for Caintanos. In Holy Week, a Senakulo is shown for the public.
  • Our Lady of Light Parish- standing firmly as one of the most beautiful and oldest churches in the province, it is erected upon the directives of Fr. Gaspar Marco, S.J. in 1707 and was finished by Fr. Joaquin Sanchez in 1715. Upon its elevation into a Parish in 1760, this church is renovated many times because of the fluent heavy rains and earthquakes. In 1889, this church was destroyed during the Filipino-American war, leaving only the adobe wall surviving. A mural depicting the patroness of the town, painted by national artist Fernando Amorsolo, has replaced the image ravaged during the war. This image is currently placed on the left side portion of the Church's main altar. On 1966, a reconstruction of the church emerged upon the initiative of Rufino Cardinal Santos. It was solemnly blessed on February 25, 1968. On December 1, 2007, during the official town fiesta, a Historical Marker was installed by the National Historical Institute on its facade, coinciding with the celebration of the third centenary of the construction of the Church. The current parish priest is Rev. Msgr. Arnel F. Lagarejos.
  • Sta. Lucia East Grandmall- the premier mall of Cainta, hence, the whole province as well. This mall provides easy shopping galore with exquisite fun through its technological amenities. See note 1 below;
  • Robinson's Place Cainta- located at the heart of Junction, this mall allocates Caintanos the shopping galore. Not only that, it also houses Teletech, a call center company.
  • Robinsons Metro East- Near Sta. Lucia mall. Before then it was the Uniwide Cainta, up to this point in time Robinsons Metro East pays taxes to the Pasig City Government. See note 1 below.

[edit] Schools

[edit] Public Schools

[edit] Elementary

  • Janssenville Elementary School
  • Cainta Elementary School
  • San Juan Elementary School
  • San Juan Elementary School- Unit 1
  • F. P. Felix Elementary School
  • KABISIG Elementary School
  • San Francisco Elementary School
  • Marick Elementary School
  • St. Joseph Elementary School
  • Exodus Elementary School
  • Karangalan Elementary School

[edit] High School

[edit] College

  • University of Rizal System- Cainta Campus
  • Brainworks School of Cainta
  • Valley View Academy
  • Colegio Sto. Domingo (CSD)
  • Cainta Catholic College
  • San Benildo Integrated School
  • MAGIS ACADEMY
  • St. Francis of Assisi Montessori School of Cainta
  • Roots of Learning
  • Lorenzo Ruiz de Manila School
  • Faith Academy, Manila
  • Faith Christian School
  • STI College- Cainta
  • Dayspring Academy
  • Hope Academy
  • Queen Mary Learning Center
  • Sacred Heart School of Cainta
  • Vista Verde Lerning Center
  • Philippine Christian Schools International
  • Philippine Women's University
  • ABE College- Cainta
  • AMA School of Medicine- East Rizal Campus
  • IETI Technical School
  • Informatics International College -Cainta Campus
  • Morning Dew Montessori School
  • Roosevelt College of Cainta
  • ICCT College
  • Greenland Academy
  • St. Michael Montessori Integrated School
  • Scholastica de Saint Francis Montessori
  • Faith Christian School
  • Zion Center of Knowledge School
  • Life Touchers Community School
  • Agapeland Learning Center

[edit] External links

Largest Municipalities of the Philippines
Rank Municipalities Province Population Rank Municipality Province Population
1 Bacoor Cavite 441,197 11 Santa Maria Bulacan 205,258
2 Cainta Rizal 289,833 12 Mabalacat Pampanga 203,307
3 San Pedro Laguna 281,808 13 Silang Cavite 199,285
4 Biñan Laguna 262,735 14 San Mateo Rizal 184,860
5 Taytay Rizal 262,485 15 Tanza Cavite 171,795
6 Imus Cavite 253,158 16 Marilao Bulacan 160,452
7 Binangonan Rizal 238,931 17 Lubao Pampanga 143,058
8 Rodriguez Rizal 223,594 18 Mexico Pampanga 141,298
9 General Trias Cavite 218,387 19 Jolo Sulu 140,307
10 Cabuyao Laguna 205,376 20 San Miguel Bulacan 138,839
Philippines 2007 Census
Largest Municipalities of the Philippines (Income)
Rank Municipalities Province Income (in million) Rank Municipality Province Income (in million)
1 Biñan Laguna PhP 677 6 Rosario Cavite PhP 408
2 Cabuyao Laguna PhP 593 7 Imus Cavite PhP 370
3 Cainta Rizal PhP 490 8 Rodriguez Rizal PhP 310
4 Bacoor Cavite PhP 456 9 San Pedro Laguna PhP 302
5 Gen. Trias Cavite PhP 415 10 Carmona Cavite PhP 298
Commission on Audit 2007

Coordinates: 14°34′N 121°7′E / 14.567°N 121.117°E / 14.567; 121.117