Koko Pimentel vows to make Marikina ‘marikit’ again

Pimentel rallies supporters with his signature “Use Your Kokote” campaign slogan

MANILA, Philippines – Thousands of Marikeños turned out for the Team Bagong Marikina Grand Rally to support the slate led by mayoral frontrunner Stella Quimbo, Senator Aquilino ‘Koko’ Pimentel III for 1st District congressman, and former congressman Miro Quimbo for 2nd District representative.

“Let’s make Marikina marikit again,” declared Pimentel.

A veteran lawmaker, Pimentel said he had already drafted some measures in response to long-standing needs of Marikenyos. 

“Excited na po tayong lahat. Sa sobrang excited natin, ginagawa na natin. ’Di pa nag-uumpisa ang termino, nagawa na natin ang dapat nating gawin para mas episyente nating mapagsilbihan ang Marikina,” Pimentel told the crowd. 

Pimentel authored a measure for the creation of a city hospital, directly addressing demands raised during his house-to-house consultations.

“Noong sinabi niyo sa akin, gusto ninyo ng city hospital—nasulat ko na ang panukalang batas,” he said.

For Marikina’s elderly, Pimentel authored an ordinance establishing an Active Ageing Program.

“Sinabi ko sa mga senior, mayroon tayong programang Active Ageing—nasulat ko na ang ordinansa. Bibigay natin sa ating mga konsehal,” he added.

He said he had also drafted a Sustainable Livelihood Program Ordinance inspired by the daily struggles of Marikenyos he had met personally. 

Bagong Marikina slate led by frontrunners Stella Quimbo, Koko Pimentel, and Miro Quimbo takes center stage at the grand rally.

“Yung mga humihingi ng puhunan sa house-to-house, nakikita ko may dalang baby na katabi ng superkalan, nagluluto ng siomai—seryoso na maghanapbuhay – kailangan niya ng tulong sa puhunan. Sumulat na po ako ng ordinansa,” Pimentel said.

Pimentel emphasized his commitment to revive Marikina’s shoe industry through the filing of the Shoe Industry Development Act, a measure originally authored by Vice Mayor Del De Guzman during his earlier term as congressman. 

“Sinulat ko na panukalang batas pero palakpakan natin ang orihinal na nakaisip nito—ang ating Vice Mayor Del De Guzman,” he said.

He laid out his “B.T.S.” agenda, which includes Baha (flood control), Trabaho (employment), and Sapatos (revival of the shoe industry), as well as other priorities: Barangay development, youth empowerment through SK, and continued social aid programs like AICS, medical assistance, livelihood support, and senior citizen benefits.

Pimentel also expressed his full support for Teacher Stella Quimbo in her bid for mayor and praised her as a capable leader who deserves to lead Marikina. 

“Full support ako kay Teacher Stella Quimbo—Mayor ng City Hall—kay Vice Mayor Del De Guzman, sa ating mga Konsehal,” he said.

The senator also made a promise to provide funding for Marikina’s 1st District. 

Pimentel concluded his speech by asking Marikenyos to be more discerning in choosing the next local and national leaders. 

“Pagdating ng araw ng halalan, pag-isipan po natin ano ang pinakamagandang kombinasyon ng mga lider natin sa Marikina para sa ikabubuti ng ating lungsod. Use your kokote. We will make Marikina marikit again,” Pimentel said.