PATEROS-THE SMALL TOWN WITH A BIG HEART

Pateros Municipal Hall
Image Credit: The Urban Roamer

In the midst of progressive urban here in Metro Manila, Pateros is the only remaining municipality and the smallest, both in population and land area, in the metropolis, but it is the second most densely populated around 29 thousand people per square kilometer after Manila. According to visitmyphilippines.com, Pateros' land area is only 10.4 square kilometers and the population is approximately 63, 840 people. Pateros is bordered by Pasig city to the north, Makati city to the west, and Taguig city to the south. 

The Largest Serving of Balut
Image Credit: United News International

Red Salty Egg or "Itlog na Maalat"
Image Credit: Elmer I. Nocheseda

Inutak is a tasty delicacy from Pateros made with ube (purple yam)
Image Credit: Filipino Scene

The municipality of Pateros is famous for its duck-raising industry and especially for producing "balut", a Filipino delicacy, which is boiled, fertilized duck egg. Pateros is also known for the production of red salty eggs or in Tagalog term, "itlog na maalat" and "inutak". In addition, the town is known for manufacturing "alfombra', a locally-made footwear with a carpet-like fabric on its top surface. 

Thus, the name of the town itself symbolizes trade and industry because the name "Pateros" most likely derived from the duck-raising industry. The name "Pateros" came from the two words "pato", the duck that lays the eggs for balut making and "sapatero", an old Filipino term for a shoemaker. In short, "Pateros" means duck-raiser and a shoemaker which is the main source of business of the locals in Pateros. 

Alfombra Slipper
Image Credit: elmerlovescanon

Even the Pateros' main Catholic Church has a connection to ducks as well. The San Roque Church or also known as the "Shrine of Sta. Marta de Pateros" is originally built in 1819. Sta. Martha of Bethany in the Bible was not known to be a duck-raiser, she became the town's patron saint because of the townspeople's gratitude as it was believed that her intercession saved the town's duck raising industry from a crocodile threat that occurred in the town during the 17th or 18th century. 

San Roque Parish Church
Image Credit: The Urban Roamer

Inside San Roque Parish Church
Image Credit: The Urban Roamer

So if there is one place that is worth visiting, it is the municipality of Pateros. The Municipality of Pateros is very progressive and thriving municipality that still firmly holds on to its rich history and colorful culture. 

WELCOME TO THE SMALL TOWN WITH A BIG HEART-PATEROS. #wheninpateros