BATAMPASIG: Examining the Identity Divide in Pasig

 

Pasig City, often hailed as a model of progressive governance, carries within it an overlooked cultural divide—one that separates longtime residents with deep folkloric roots from newer, often more affluent arrivals. This quiet tension underscores the identity of the Batampasig—a term used to describe those born and raised in the traditional heart of Pasig, from Kapasigan to Pinagbuhatan. —whose faces were often smudged with dust and dirt, marked by runny noses. "We didn’t mind. Our ancestors were the ones Bonifacio described as “tunay na magigiting.” For these residents, being Batampasig is more than birthplace; it is a lived experience shaped by shared struggles, ancestral pride, and community ties that trace back generations.

While Pasig prides itself on being inclusive, the distinction between native Pasigueños and so-called dayuhan (outsiders) persists. In practice, a newcomer can shed the outsider label—not through property ownership or social connections—but through genuine immersion in the city’s rhythms, customs, and people. For many, truly belonging means understanding not just the commercial west of the Marikina River, but also the densely populated east, where most of the city's working-class citizens reside.

This divide takes on sharper clarity during election season, where the term Parachute Candidate resurfaces—referring to politicians who seek office without substantial ties to the city. Often establishing residency only for eligibility, these candidates are perceived as disconnected from Pasig’s history, character, and everyday challenges.

As the city looks ahead, the challenge to future leaders is clear: to understand Pasig, one must first understand its people—and be willing to walk both sides of the river.