Categories
Metro Manila

Makati Day

Makati Day, also called Makati Foundation Day and Araw ng Makati, is an annual founding anniversary celebration in Makati City, Metro Manila, Philippines every first of June. The date can be a holiday: special public holiday in 1967 and 1972, as well as special working holiday in 1993.

History of Makati City

Before colonial period, Makati City was part of the Kingdom of Namayan ruled by Lakan Tagkan and his consort Bouan. The Franciscans set up the church in Makati as a visita (chapel-at-ease) of Sta. Ana de Sapa on June 1, 1670. This is the date that the Makati Day commemorates every year.

It was called San Pedro de Makati or San Pedro Macati after its patron saint and from kati, which means low tide. The area was along the flood plains south of the Pasig River, hence its name.

By the 18th century, it became an estate of the Jesuits. At the time of their expulsion in 1767, it was placed into public auction and sold to the highest bidder. In 1851, it was acquired and owned by Jose Bonifacio Roxas.

Afterwards during the American occupation, it was part of the province of Rizal through Act No. 137 that was passed on June 11, 1901.

On February 27, 1914, Act No. 2390 was passed that changed the name of the town of San Pedro Macati to simply Makati. It became a part of Metro Manila through Proclamation No. 824 that was issued on November 7, 1975.

On January 2, 1995, it was transformed from a municipality to a city by virtue of Republic Act 7854, otherwise known as “An Act Converting the Municipality of Makati into a Highly Urbanized City to be Known as the City of Makati.”

From the colonial period up to the years before the war, it was a largely agrarian society. Its people were engaged in the farming of crops such as rice. From this humble beginning, it has become the country’s financial hub. It is also where the first commercial airport was built, Nielson Airport, that is presently known as Ayala Triangle.

Makati Day Activities

In 2015, the calendar of Makati Day activities extends until June 26. In 2018, its schedule spanned from June 1 to June 10. Events included parade, street party, film screening, nigh market, art exhibits, beauty pageant (Miss Makati), concerts.

And in 2022, Makati Day coincided with oath-taking of elected city officials to their office as well as events such as awards and recognition, raffle, program, performances of artists, and fireworks display. And in 2023, a job fair, Eucharistic celebration, and bike fest were slated.

How to reach Makati City

Makati City is accessible from Ninoy Aquino International Airport (about 10 kilometers away).

References

Makati Day Summary

NameMakati Day
CelebrationFounding Anniversary
Contact(632) 8870-1000
CountryPhilippines
DateJune 1
DurationVaries
Emailmakati@makati.gov.ph
Facebookwww.facebook.com
Historical eventFounding of Makati in 1670
LocationMakati City, Metro Manila
OrganizerCity Government of Makati
Websitewww.makati.gov.ph