Biography
Bayani Flores Fernando, born July 25, 1946 in San Juan, Rizal, Philippines, is a prominent Filipino politician and mechanical engineer, recognized for his influential contributions to the public.
As Mayor of Marikina City from 1992 to 2001, he played a key role in turning the city into a model of urban planning, cleanliness and discipline. His governing style, marked by strict enforcement of order, received both praise and criticism, especially for initiatives such as “Gwapo Subway” campaign aimed at beautifying the Manila metropolitan area.
Following his term as mayor, Bayani Fernando served as Chairman of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) from 2002 to 2009, where he continued his urban management efforts, focusing on transportation and environmental policies.
In 2003, he served as Secretary of Public Works and Roads under President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, focusing on infrastructure development and public works.
Former Secretary of the Department of Public Works and Roads, Philippines
Bayani Fernando |
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 Bayani Fernando: History ‧ Bio ‧ Photos |
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| Wiki Events & About Data | |
| Real name: | Bayani Flores Fernando |
| Stage name: | Bayani Fernando |
| Born: | July 25, 1946 (age 77) |
| Place of birth: | San Juan, Philippines |
| Deceased: | September 22, 2023 (age 77), Quezon City, Philippines |
| Nationality: | Filipino |
| Education: | Mapua Institute of Technology |
| Height: | Do not have |
| Parents: | Gil Fernando, Remedios Flores Fernando |
| Siblings: | Ligaya Fernando-Amilbangsa |
| Couple: | Marides Fernando (m. ?–2023) |
| Girlfriend • Partner: | Do not have |
| The children: | I am Fernando |
| Job: | Politician • Mechanical Engineer |
| Net worth: | $13.06 million (USD) |
Early life and education
Bayani Fernando was born on July 25, 1946 in San Juan, Rizal, Philippines. He is a Filipino, and although specific details about his religion are not widely documented, given the cultural context of the Philippines, it is generally assumed that he may have been Roman Catholic, which is the predominant religion in the country.
Bayani is the son of Gil Fernando, former mayor of Marikina, and Remedios Flores Fernando. He has an older sister named Ligaya Fernando-Amilbangsa.
To study, Bayani Fernando attended Mapua Institute of Technologydegree in Mechanical Engineering. This engineering background significantly influenced his approach to governance, especially in urban planning and development, which he later applied in his political career.
Career
Bayani Fernando’s career has been shaped by his extensive contributions to public service, particularly in urban development and governance. His background as a mechanical engineer has influenced his pragmatic approach, with an emphasis on infrastructure and practical solutions.
As Mayor of Marikina City from 1992 to 2001, Fernando transformed the city through strict zoning laws, beautification projects, and maintaining clean public spaces. His efforts turned Marikina into a model of urban planning, earning praise for the cleanliness and orderliness of the city. He prioritized consultation and preparation in the relocation of informal settlers, ensuring that relocation areas were well planned.
Appointed as Chairman of Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) from 2002 to 2009 under President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Bayani Fernando continued to focus on urban discipline. His “Gwapo Subway”The campaign aims to improve Metro Manila’s standard of living through beautification and strict traffic management, although his methods, such as painting sidewalks pink and cracking down on illegal street vendors, have been controversial.
In 2003, he briefly served as Minister of Public Works and Roads, focusing on infrastructure projects and removing obstacles on national highways.
Fernando ran for Vice President in 2010, finishing fourth. From 2016 to 2022, he represented Marikina’s 1st District in Congress, continuing to advocate for good governance and urban development. His approach, while effective, has often been criticized as being too harsh, especially on street vendors.
Bayani Fernando was admired for his tireless work ethic, straightforwardness, and sense of humor. He left a lasting impact on urban development in Marikina and Metro Manila, combining engineering precision with management to focus on beautification, discipline, and infrastructure.
Personal life
Bayani Fernando is married to Maria Lourdes “Marides” Carlos-Fernando, who had a career in the entertainment industry before turning to politics. Marides Fernando, born February 10, 1957, is 67 years old and is known for her roles in Philippine films and television in the 1970s and 1980s.
The couple’s marriage was marked by their shared dedication to public service, with both serving as mayors of Marikina at different times. There are no public records showing that Bayani Fernando had any other marriages.
They have a daughter, Tala Fernando, who has largely kept her life private. Tala is married to John Paul L. Ang, the eldest son of Ramon Ang, connecting the Fernando family to one of the Philippines’ most prominent business families, although Tala herself has kept a lower public profile than her parents.
Details regarding the exact height of Bayani Fernando and Marides Fernando are not available from the sources provided.
Cause of death
Bayani Fernando passed away on September 22, 2023, at the age of 77. According to our previous reports, he fell from the roof of the house he was repairing, resulting in his death.
The incident was confirmed by multiple sources, including his wife, Marides Fernando, and was widely reported in the media.
Net worth
Bayani Fernando, who passed away on September 22, 2023, had an estimated net worth of $13.06 million during his tenure in the House of Representatives, making him one of the wealthiest members of the Philippine Congress.
However, his net worth may fluctuate over time due to his investments, political activities, and personal financial management. Fernando’s extensive public service career, which includes serving as Mayor of Marikina City and Chairman of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), may have affected his financial situation.
It is important to note that these figures are based on past statements and may not reflect his net worth at the time of his death or current valuation.
