Bayani Fernando, former MMDA Chairman and Marikina Mayor, has tragically passed away, he was 77
Former Chairman of the MMDA and Marikina Mayor Bayani Fernando has died. In a most unfortunate accident, the stalwart public servant passed away last week, September 22, 2023. He was 77 years old. The news, at that time, was confirmed by his wife, Marides Fernando.
Bayani Fernando and his works live on in Marikina and the rest of Metro Manila
Photo: Metro Manila Development Authority
Fernando first won the Mayor seat of Marikina – then a 4th class municipality – in 1992. His term as Mayor saw Marikina’s transformation into a model city, and he was re-elected as its Mayor twice. With his brand of public service and leadership, he headed the city until 2001.
2002 saw the appointment of Bayani Fernando as MMDA Chairman by then-President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. It was Fernando’s time at the helm of the Metro Manila Development Authority that saw the proliferation of U-Turn slots, “beautification” and tree planting efforts along sidewalks and center islands, the putting up of footbridges, sidewalk clearing operations, and even the use of the highly visible pink signs that were associated with his agency. His tenure ended 7 years later in 2009.
A loss in the Vice Presidential elections in 2010 saw Fernando move to the “sidelines” but made a return to public service as Congressman and Representative for the 1st District of Marikina. He served in this post until 2022.
Photo: Bayani Fernando on Instagram
Fernando was born in San Juan Del Monte, Rizal (now part of Metro Manila), and earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Mapua Institute of Technology. Aside from his foray into public service, Fernando was also the founder of the BF Corporation, and under its wing, includes BF Construction Company and BF Metal Works.
Photo: Bayani Fernando in Instagram
On Friday last week, Bayani Fernando met an accident; he fell from the roof of his house while he was conducting repairs and was immediately rushed to nearby Quirino Memorial Medical Center in Quezon City. Sadly, Fernando passed away.
Fernando is survived by his wife, Marides (Carlos) Fernando, and his daughter Tala Fernando.
Our sincerest condolences go to the bereaved family of the model public servant and the strong, stalwart example to emulate who was Bayani Fernando.
