By Carla Calleja, MBA, REB
Quiz: What was Makati called before 1914?
A) Nuevo Manila B) Hacienda Ayala C) San Pedro de Macati
I’ve sold and leased property in Makati for years, and I still love asking clients this question. Most guess “Hacienda Ayala.” The answer is C) San Pedro de Macati.
The short answer
Makati was established in 1670 as the town of San Pedro de Macati. On February 28, 1914, Act No. 2390 shortened the town’s name to simply Makati.
A timeline every Makati owner should know
- 1670 — San Pedro de Macati is established as a town.
- 1901 — Under Act No. 137 of the Philippine Commission, San Pedro de Macati becomes one of the towns of the newly created Province of Rizal.
- February 28, 1914 — Act No. 2390 shortens the name to Makati.
- November 7, 1975 — Makati is separated from Rizal and becomes part of Metropolitan Manila.
- January 2, 1995 — Republic Act No. 7854 converts Makati into a highly urbanized city.
Why this history matters in real estate
History isn’t just trivia when you own property. Old documents can carry old names. If you are settling an estate or tracing the history of a family property, you may come across older deeds, tax declarations or records that refer to “San Pedro Macati” or to the Province of Rizal rather than Metro Manila. Knowing the timeline helps you, your lawyer and your broker read those papers correctly and match them with the current title and tax records.
It also explains why Makati’s market is so mature. A town that has existed for more than three centuries, and that grew into the country’s best-known business district, carries a long paper trail — from Spanish-era landholdings to today’s condominium titles.
What this means for you
- Inheriting an old Makati property? Gather every older deed and tax declaration, even ones that use the old name.
- Buying a resale lot or house? Ask for the title history and check it against the Registry of Deeds.
- Comparing values? Remember that Makati’s land values reflect decades of development; look at current, official valuation data for the exact location.
FAQ
When did Makati become a city?
On January 2, 1995, when Republic Act No. 7854 was signed, converting the municipality into a highly urbanized city.
Was Makati part of Rizal province?
Yes. It was one of the towns of Rizal from 1901 until 1975, when it became part of Metro Manila.
What law changed the name to Makati?
Act No. 2390, dated February 28, 1914.
Ask Broker Carla
Want more Makati stories, or have a question about a property in Makati or BGC? Comment HISTORY on my post, message me on Facebook at facebook.com/carlacallejabrokerphilippines, or email buyrentph@gmail.com.
Carla Calleja, MBA, REB · PRC License 0021912 · DHSUD Accred. No. 0024330. The cover image is an AI-generated illustration.
Sources
- Philippine Daily Inquirer: Did you know: Makati Foundation Day (1670 founding; Act 2390 in 1914; Metro Manila in 1975; RA 7854 on Jan. 2, 1995)
- Makati (Wikipedia) (founding, 1901 Rizal, Feb. 28, 1914 renaming, Nov. 7, 1975, RA 7854)
- Rizal province (Wikipedia) (Act No. 137 of June 11, 1901; PD 824 of Nov. 7, 1975)
