Fernando first ran for public office in 1992, becoming mayor of Marikina City. His administration as mayor transformed the former municipality into one of the best-managed cities and a paradigm of responsive and effective governance. His term saw the transformation of Marikina from a 4th class municipality to a model Philippine city accorded with 55 citations and distinctions. He was re-elected mayor twice, serving until 2001. He was succeeded by his wife, Ma. Lourdes C. Fernando.
Chairmanship
In 2002, he was appointed Chairman of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, directing him to duplicate his transformation work in Marikina City, but for the entire Metro Manila. For his work as Chairman, he was conferred the Doctor of Humanities, Honoris Causa, Ateneo de Cagayan, The Outstanding Filipino Award for Government Service, the H.R Reyes Academic Medallion of Honor, Central Colleges of the Philippines and Doctor of the Public Administration, Honoris Causa by the Polytechnic University of the Philippines. He is notable for introducing U-Turn slots, greatly increasing the amount of pedestrian overpasses at road intersections, pioneering broadcasting of the MMDA, sidewalk clearing operations, and revitalizing the assets and fleets of the government agency. Although some of his policies and structures were met with resistance and complaints, many of these can be still seen today. Subsequent MMDA chairmen continued many of BF's contribution, particularly the construction of footbridges.
On January 4, 2008, Fernando announced that he would be running for the presidency in the 2010 elections. Fernando hinted that he had gathered the funds and logistics required for a nationwide campaign and was intent on running for the presidency with or without the support of his party, Lakas-CMD. But on September 16, 2009, when Lakas-CMD chose Gilbert “Gibo” C. Teodoro to represent their party for the presidency, Fernando reiterated "he is keeping his options open and may possibly run as an independent candidate or bolt out of the party." After talks with Richard Gordon, he agreed to slide to Vice-President under Richard Gordon's party. But he lost to Makati City Mayor Jejomar Binay and finished fourth.
After holding positions
Nothing was heard from Bayani Fernando after the elections; however, he made an appearance again with then MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino, in the issue of informal settlers and the perennial flooding crisis, defending Tolentino in the flood control issues. On July 25, 2012, a Telephone Interview with Bayani Fernando was made by Senator Richard Gordon in a TV5 Radio Program. Bayani is now busy with his construction and metal fabrication business at BF Corporation.
Run for 1st district Cong. of Marikina City
He ran again, this time for the position of Congressman of 1st district of Marikina City in the 2016 local elections, marking his political comeback in Marikina. He won the congressional race beating incumbent Councilor Samuel Ferriol and television host Jopet Sison. Fernando garnered 43,127 total votes.
Business Career
BF Corporation
Later on, he established BF Corporation, an umbrella company that includes BF Construction Company and BF Metal Works. His company became involved in the construction of structures for the Mall of Asia Arena, SM City Marikina, SM City Sucat, Robinsons Galleria, Robinsons Ermita, Shangri-La Plaza, Edsa Shangri-La, Manila, and buildings in Makati's business district such as Rufino Tower and one of the Philippines' tallest, PBCom Tower. Long after leaving MMDA, his construction company won a Public–private partnership bid that will build classrooms and school buildings for the Department of Education. His company was again involved in a government project, the Common Station for lines Line 1, Line 3, Line 7, and Line 9, supplying steel foundations for the structure. The same company would also supply steel that would become the foundation for large span girders in the NLEX Segment 10.1 Harbor Link section.
Personal Life
He is married to Ma. Lourdes Fernando, the former mayor of Marikina City. He had one daughter named Tala Fernando, married to John Paul L. Ang who is the eldest son of Ramon Ang. Fernando is a member of the Philippine Independent Church.
