PROFILE: Bayani "BF" Flores Fernando
Date of Birth: July 25, 1946
Place of Birth: San Juan, Metro Manila
Civil Status: Married Ma. Lourdes Fernando, the incumbent mayor of Marikina City
Children: Tala Fernando
LinkedIn: https://ph.linkedin.com/in/bayanifernando
SUMMARY:
The former administrator of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) first caught the public eye as the mayor who cleared Marikina's sidewalks during his term.
During his term, Marikina's status was elevated from a 4th class municipality to a model Philippine city accorded with 55 citations and distinctions.
Fernando also applied his no-nonsense approach when he assumed leadership of the MMDA. Apart from his sidewalk clearing operations, Fernando also initiated such controversial projects as the "wet rag" scheme where MMDA personnel are supposed to throw wet rags at jaywalkers.
He was re-elected mayor twice, serving until 2001. He was succeeded by his wife, Ma. Lourdes C. Fernando.
On Dick Gordon: “In spite of his visage, he’s very humble. You know, I’ve heard him say, ‘I learned this from Dick Gordon.’
On bolting out of Lakas-Kampi-CMD: He believes that if Lakas remained solid, they would have chosen him as the standard bearer of the party.
“I was more loyal, like no one can dispute that I was more loyal than the other [standard bearer Gilbert Teodoro]. But we have set aside loyalty. As far as I know, Lakas is practically done.”
On his political will: “OUR LAWS ARE THE SOLUTION TO ALL THE PROBLEMS OF THE PEOPLE.”
” WE NEED LEADERS WITH POLITICAL WILL TO IMPLEMENT THE LAWS THAT WOULD ELEVATE OUR COMPETITIVENESS GLOBALLY.”
On MMDA’s alleged violation of vendors’ rights: “Yan ay batas (That is a law).”
Educational Attainment
Fernando earned a Mechanical Engineering degree from the Mapua Institute of Technology in 1967. He pursued graduate studies in the same institution in 1983.
Career Timeline
1992-2001: He won as mayor of Marikina City and served for 3 terms. Under his leadership, Marikina City garnered numerous awards for having efficient and clean schools and public markets. It became the best NCR local government unit in the NCR in 1994 and was declared most outstanding city in the Philippines in 1997
2000-2001: President, Metro Manila Mayor’s League
2002: After his term as the Marikina Mayor ended in 2001, Fernando was placed as Chairman of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA).
2003: Fernando became secretary for Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) under the Arroyo administration.
2009: He agreed to run for vice-president with Richard Gordon under the newly-formed Bagumbayan party.
Awards
- Philippine Quality Award 1999, Silver Award – Proficiency Level for Organizational Excellence awarded by Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP) and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)
- Philippine Quality Award 1999, Bronze Award – Commitment Level for Organizational Excellence awarded by DAP / DTI
- Galing Pook Hall of Fame Award Five Winning Program
Business Affilaitions
- Founder, BF Group of Companies: construction, steel, manufacturing and real estate
Sources: www.abs-cbnnews.com, www.bayanifernando.com.ph, www.newsbreak.com.ph, www.iluvmayana.lefora.com, www.linkedin.com, www.bworldonline.com