Historical focus
The origin of the name "Muntinlupa" came from at least three versions. First, its association with the thin top soil in the area, thus the term Muntinlupa. Second, residents, purportedly replying to a question by Spaniards in the 16th century what the name of their place was, said Monte sa Lupa, apparently mistaking the question for what card game they were playing. Third, the topographical nature of the area, where the term Monte or mountain was expanded to Muntinlupa or mountain land.
Some documents suggest that the first and third versions of Muntinlupa and Monte sa Lupa respectively eventually became Muntinlupa either through misspelling or mispronunciation. But no record to date can firmly establish which of the three versions is historically correct.
Muntinlupa is an old term, which refers to a village now known as the Poblacion. As early as 1800, the Catholic priest Father Joaquin de Zuniga chronicled it as La Poblacion que Sigue se Llama Muntinlupa.
Historical timeline
- 1601Under Augustinian supervision
Muntinlupa was under the religious supervision of the Augustinians. The religious education of the residents was under the convent of the Guadalupe Sanctuary until one Quijano Bustamante bought from the residents the land of Muntinlupa.
- 1869Town formation approved
The project of forming a town out of the barrios of Muntinlupa was approved by the Civil Government.
- 1901District of Morong
Muntinlupa was one of the districts of Morong.
- November 25, 1903Placed under Laguna
By Act 1008 of the Philippine Commission, the Municipality of Muntinlupa was included within the boundary of Laguna Province and placed under Binan along with San Pedro. Muntinlupa protested against this Act, through Marcelo Fresnedi, the head of the Municipality.
- March 22, 1905Returned to Rizal
A petition presented to the Governor General for the return of Muntinlupa to Rizal Province was heard and granted through Act 1308. Muntinlupa was returned to Rizal and became, with Pateros, a part of Taguig from which it was eventually separated because of its physical distance.
- December 19, 1917Independent municipality granted
Residents petitioned for independent status, granted under Executive Order 108 with the approval of Governor General Francis Burton Harrison. It took effect on January 1, 1918.
- 1918First mayors
Vidal Joaquin, a native of Alabang, served as the first appointed mayor while the first elected mayor was Melencio Espeleta.
- After 1945Post-World War II rebuilding
Infrastructure projects were implemented. The first municipal hall was constructed under Mayor Francisco de Mesa. There was an increase in residential housing, factories and other business establishments. Portions of the town's 4,673 hectare land area (mostly farmlands) were developed. Road widening and development projects were undertaken by the local government.
- November 7, 1975Part of Metro Manila
With the creation of the Metropolitan Manila Commission, Muntinlupa was proclaimed as one of the 17 municipalities and cities comprising the Metro Manila area.
- Priority on education
Under the Loresca and Argana administration, education was given priority. Elementary public schools at different barangays were established.
- Bunye appointed mayor
After the EDSA Revolution, lawyer Ignacio R. Bunye was appointed mayor by President Corazon Aquino. He served for three consecutive terms and the administration undertook various projects that converted the municipality into a very progressive town in the south.
- Political districting
With the ratification of the 1986 Constitution, Muntinlupa together with Las Pinas formed one political district. Muntinlupa was divided into two districts. District I included Barangays Tunasan, Poblacion, Putatan and Bayanan while District II consisted of Barangays Alabang, Cupang, Buli, Sucat and New Alabang Village (Ayala Alabang).
- March 1, 1994Sisterhood pact with Gunma, Japan
During the Bunye Administration, Muntinlupa signed a sisterhood pact with Gunma, Japan. The covenant called the Muntinlupa-Gunma Sisterhood Pact that will establish bilateral relations between the two municipalities.
- February 16, 1995Cityhood of Muntinlupa
House Bill No. 14401 converting the Municipality of Muntinlupa into a highly urbanized city was approved by the House of Representatives. Muntinlupa formally became a charter city when President Fidel Ramos signed Republic Act 7926 proclaiming Muntinlupa as a city. Bunye became the first representative of Muntinlupa City in Congress.
Transcribed from infographic:
- December 19, 1917 - Independence from the province of Rizal was granted to Muntinlupa.
- November 7, 1975 - Muntinlupa was included in the 17 local government units comprising Metropolitan Manila.
- March 1, 1995 - Cityhood of Muntinlupa (R.A. 7926).
Transcribed from infographic:
Designed by Manuel Amorsolo, son of a national artist, the City Seal features the Philippine Eagle - the biggest, the strongest and the highest flying bird of the Philippine Republic - a bird that symbolizes our dream, one day, to make Muntinlupa the Premiere Emerald City of the 21st Century.
Parts of the City Seal:
- Philippine Eagle: symbolizes the City's aim of soaring into new heights in terms of progress and prosperity.
- Bamboo surrounding the Seal: symbolizes the ability of the citizens of Muntinlupa to cope up and withstand trials amidst fast changing times.
- "Lakas, Talino, Buhay": words taken from the lyrics of the Muntinlupa March, the official anthem of the City.
- 1917 & 1995: 1917 marks the time of Muntinlupa becoming an independent town and in 1995 when it became a city.
- Philippine Flag: symbolizes the Muntinlupa City as a part of the Republic of the Philippines and its government.
- Nine Stars: symbolizes the 9 barangays comprising the City namely Tunasan, Poblacion, Putatan, Bayanan, Alabang, Cupang, Buli, Sucat and Ayala Alabang.
Vision
Muntinlupa City is the Model Smart Urban Village of Metro Manila, the Leading Investment Destination in the Philippines, and One of the Recreation and Sports Development Hubs in the region; propelled by a robust, diversified, and competitive economy; populated by a healthy, empowered, and God-centered citizenry; situated in an ecologically-balanced environment; supported by a well-planned infrastructure and land use; and led by a responsive and accountable local governance.
Mission
a. To promote broad-based economic growth and revitalize local business-friendly environment for sustainable and inclusive development;
b. To protect every individual, inclusive of all genders, from natural and human-induced hazards by ensuring strict enforcement of necessary safety measures and climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies;
c. To provide equitable social services that include education, health and nutrition, livelihood and employment, socialized housing, protective services and further community development responsive to all genders and sectors;
d. To advance holistic development through strategic management of land use and institutionalization of accessible, disaster-resilient, and energy-efficient infrastructure; and,
e. To steer local development by upholding the elements of good governance with prime focus on digital transformation, fiscal accountability, and civic participation.