Singkamas, Makati

14°34′15.14″N 121°0′35.48″E / 14.5708722°N 121.0098556°E / 14.5708722; 121.0098556CountryPhilippinesRegionNational Capital RegionCityMakatiDistrictPart of the 1st District of MakatiEstablished1960Government • TypeBarangay • Barangay CaptainSean Francisco • SK ChairpersonMars Raven Del RosarioArea • Total0.1293 km² (0.0499 sq mi)Population • Total7,218 • Density56,000/km² (140,000/sq mi)Time zoneUTC+8 (PST)Postal CodeArea code02PSGC137602027

Singkamas is a barangay located in Makati, Metro Manila, Philippines.^[2] It is a predominantly residential area with a population of 7,218 recorded by the 2020 census. It is the second smallest barangay in Makati in terms of land area with a land area of 12.59 hectares (31.1 acres).

Etymology

The name of the barangay derived from the word singkamas, a local term for jicamas, which was involved in the then-barrio's past unique tradition wherein it is hanged while it was fresh and succulent instead of the usual buntings during their fiesta.

History

Singkamas was previously a sitio part of Barrio Tejeros. It had about 200 houses of light materials and 150 houses of stronger built. The first move towards this independent status was taken in the early 1950s when the residents felt it would be more beneficial for them to have their own set of leaders and the autonomy to manage their own affairs especially its Barrio Fiesta.

In 1960, after the passage of Republic Act No. 2370 (Barrio Charter), Barangay Singkamas was officially recognized as a separate barrio from Barrio Tejeros. Inspired by their independent status, the inhabitants built their own house of worship — the Holy Cross Chapel — which became the rallying point of neighborhood rehabilitation. This landmark also became the center of public forum and festivities, like Christmas and Barrio Fiesta Celebrations. Being the second smallest barangay of Makati, Barangay Singkamas struggled to sustain its existence by depending on its sparse income or revenue derived from tax collections, individual retirement accounts (IRA) and real property tax (RPT) entitlements.

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