Beyond the Balut, lies the story of Pateros. This is the only municipality in Metro Manila. Pateros is small in size but big in history.
Pateros’ name most likely comes from its duck-raising industry. The Tagalog word for duck is “pato”. Pateros means duck raisers. Another theory suggests the name comes from its shoe-making industry. The Tagalog word for shoe is “sapatos” and shoemakers are called “sapateros”.
Before 1799, Pateros was a barrio of Pasig. It was called Aguho or embarcadero meaning small port. Pateros was a trading hub for Pasig and nearby towns. The Spanish Governor-General made Pateros an independent municipality. The town had five barrios: Aguho, San Roque, Santa Ana, Santo Rosario, and Mamangcat.
During the Philippine-American War in 1899, American soldiers arrived in Pateros. They fought battles to take control. They established a temporary camp. American soldiers experienced the local culture. They enjoyed roast duck. Some even sent postcards of Pateros back to the USA.
In 1900, an American Lieutenant Charles Nosler renamed Ive’s Landing in Washington State to Pateros. Pateros in Washington State became an American city on May 1 1913.
On March 29, 1900, Pateros became part of Rizal province. In 1903, Pateros united with Taguig and Muntinlupa. The municipality was renamed Taguig in 1905. But in 1908, Pateros separated from Taguig. It regained its independent status in 1909.
In 1975, Pateros joined Metropolitan Manila. The city government claims its original land area was larger. It included Fort Bonifacio. This claim led to a boundary dispute with Makati. Pateros filed complaints but the courts dismissed the case. The Supreme Court suggested an amicable settlement. Pateros invited Makati to a dialogue. A joint resolution led to a conference between Pateros, Taguig, and Makati.
Pateros is famous for Balut. This is a boiled fertilized duck egg. The town is also known for red salty eggs and inutak. Inutak is a local rice cake. Alfombra is another product from Pateros. These are locally made carpet-like footwear.
Today, Pateros is politically divided into 10 barangays. These include Aguho, Magtanggol, and Poblacion. Poblacion serves as the town’s commercial center.
Pateros may be the smallest municipality. However, it has a rich history and unique culture. From duck raisers to alfombra makers, Pateros has much to offer.