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.

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.

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.