Mandaluyong History: A Glimpse into the Philippines’ Ancient Past
As one of the most densely populated cities in the Philippines, Mandaluyong is a bustling hub of activity and culture. But it wasn’t always this way. In fact, the city has a long and fascinating history that dates back centuries. Here’s a look at the history of Mandaluyong and how it has evolved over time.
The first recorded mention of Mandaluyong comes from the Spanish conquistadors in 1572. At that time, the area was known as a barangay, a type of administrative district in the Philippines. The barangay was part of the Kingdom of Maynila, which was ruled by the Rajah of Maynila.
In the early 1800s, the area was ceded to the Dominican Order, a Roman Catholic religious order. The Dominicans built a monastery and a school in the area, which became the first Catholic school in the Philippines.
In 1841, the Dominicans ceded the area to the Spanish government. The Spanish then divided the area into two districts – San Felipe Neri and Santa Ana.
In 1859, the two districts were merged and the area was renamed “Mandaluyong” after a Tagalog word meaning “river bank”. The area was also made part of the province of Rizal.
In 1901, the American colonial government took control of the Philippines and established Mandaluyong as a municipality in the province of Rizal. In 1941, the Japanese occupied the Philippines and the area was renamed “Mandaluyong City”.
After the war, the city was restored to its original name and in 1975, Mandaluyong was declared a highly urbanized city. Since then, the city has grown rapidly, becoming one of the most important economic and cultural centers in the Philippines.
Today, Mandaluyong is a bustling metropolis with a vibrant culture and a rich history. It is home to some of the country’s most important business and financial institutions, as well as a number of popular tourist attractions.
The city is also home to many important historical sites, including the San Felipe Neri Church, the Mandaluyong City Hall, and the Mandaluyong Museum. These sites provide visitors with a glimpse into the city’s past, from its origins as a small barangay to its modern-day status as a bustling metropolis.