Lucena City and Quezon Province

[bonixx]

Tayabas is a special community, a living entity in search of its own destiny, an understanding of its inner being, meaning and history.

The municipality of Tayabas was established in 1578 by the Franciscan missionaries named Fray Juan de Placencia and Fray Diego de Oropesa.

From 1779 to 1910, Tayabas was the cabecera of the province that was also called Tayabas. Later the province was named Quezon. As the cabecera, Tayabas could be regarded as the mother of the provincial community. Tayabas was the navel, the womb, the center, the spirit life of the entire province. Tayabas nurtured the social processes of learning and change toward the whole province’s maturity.

Lucena, formerly a village of Tayabas, is now the capital of Quezon province. Lucena today is a fast growing city. But while the umbilical cord binding the child to the mother has been severed, the original navel still breathes. Tayabas remains the beginning and the mother. And her inner ties with all her children continue to flourish.

By knowing the mother and by understanding that she is the muse of the past and the future, one begins to see the entire Quezon province as one great whole awaiting its destiny.

[bonixx]

The cabecera spirit

Tayabas was the provincial capital for 131 years. The Spaniards must have chosen it as the cabecera because of its natural splendor. Of all the towns around Mount Banahaw, Tayabas has the best panoramic view of this vulcan de agua now regarded as the mystical mountain of the Philippines, which is host to at least half a million pilgrims during Holy Week.

"Jose Rizal himself must have visited the cabecera," said the late Dr. Juan Rosales, a philantropist, history enthusiast, and a Tabayense. Elias, the revolutionary character of Rizal’s Noli Me Tangere, was from Tayabas.

Art, comedia, threater dance, music and flourished here. Don Juan Alvarez y Guerra wrote De Manila a Tayabas in 1878 where he said, "Tayabas, como toda la provincia a que da nombre, es el centro de la pureza de la raza india y la buena diccion del tagalo…" (Tayabas is the wellspring of purity of the Tagalog race; the center of pristine, elegant native language.)

But despite its rich history and cultural heritage, most Tayabas folk have forgotten their glorious past. Necias Chaves Pataunia, a writer and sociologist who has been the Municipal Planning and Development Coordinator for seven seven years, laments, "The Tayabasin have had many years of sleeping. For quite a time, hardly anyone knew our history. We have had our own dark ages."

Pataunia attributes this forgetfulness to the Second World War when the Americans heavily bombarded Tayabas. "According to our elders, the ancestral homes here in Tayabas were as beautiful as the ones in Vigan. The war ruined not just the Tayabasin economy but also its heart and soul." Keenly aware that knowing history means learning to own power and responsibility over one’s destiny, Patunia believes in the revival of the cabecera spirit as the roots of Tayabasin leadership.



Celebrating the center

Mayohan sa Tayabas is a program of the municipal government that aims to facilitate the process of conscious recollection among community members. Through a 10-day celebration, from May 6-15, the Tayabanse is guided to honor the glory and bless the wounds and sacrifices of the past.

Mayohan is a season for the Tayabanses to converge at the mother navel of Quezon province. Rural folk gather at the town proper; those who study and work in Manila and other places return home. They come to the center regardless of social status, religion or education, to attend family reunions, renew ties with friends and observe the thanksgiving for the bountiful blessings of mother earth.

It is an opportunity to relish the gaiety of summer when the earth is breathing out splendor in Tayabas; when the plants and trees fully spread out into the sunlight, pregnant with flowers and fruits; when Banahaw mountain springs and rivers are teeming with dalag and shrimps.

Children paint the Tayabas skyline with the rainbows of their kites while their laughter accompanies the summer wind.



Mayohan opens on May 6 with a parade of baliskog and tao-tao. Baliskog is the Tayabas arch of welcome while tao-tao is the scarecrow that is commonly found in rice fields. This time, however, tao-tao is dressed up as a figure of history: a Spanish a friar, a Katipunero, a Japanese soldier, a New People’s Army fighter, a Tayabasin kumadrona or healer, and many others.

All 66 barangays together with government agencies and civil society showcase their baliskog and tao-tao brightly decorated with indigenous materials such as buli, rattan, dried flowers, kiping, and tistis.

Kalinangan – creative economics

Farmers, entrepreneurs, crafts people and artists come together in Kalingan sa Mayohan to experience the true meaning of center. A defined festival zone becomes the physical center of Mayohan. Here the mother navel summons producers to exchange inspiration and discoveries in the development and marketing of their work pieces and services.

Shoppers and sellers alike delight in the abundant farm produce hanging in kalinangan booths such as bundles of palay, giant upo and kalabasa. This bountiful display is mixed with old images of San Isidro and other Tayabas artifacts. Whether these items are for sale or strictly for exhibit, they make for lively conversation pieces.

Potential investors are toured around Kalinangan sa Mayohan, with the hope that they appreciate a vibrant cultural life as indispensable to genuine development. They are invited to be partners in facilitating the metamorphosis of one-sided industry and commerce into the ideal Tayabasin economic life.

At night the Mayohan festival zone is transformed into a gregarious world that froths with lambanog. Barangay residents and members of participating organizations converge in their own kalinangan booths for the customary ritual of tagayan taking turns drinking locally brewed coconut vodka from only one glass.

Ponsyunan rituals

True to being a cabecera, Tayabas is replete with traditions that are not mere echoes of the past. Through Ponsyunan, Mayohan inspires Tayabenses to reconnect with such practices as awitan, hagbungan, pamamanhikan, kasalan and awit sa krus.

Ponsyunan comes from the words funcion and posicion. This tradition refers to the invitation of the land steward who calls for bayanihan in rice planting and harvesting.

The cycles of life are remembered in ponsyunan. Rituals are enacted along with authentic Tayabasin songs, dances and prayers. Old costumes, furniture, ornaments, cooking utensils and other ancestral treasures are unearthed and exhibited. Superb delicacies form age-old recipes become the centerpiece of Mayohan fiesta tables.

Hagisan ng suman

The farmer is a being of faith who knows that physical prowess is not enough to harvest the fruits of his labor. Hence, he seeks guidance from the spirit of bounty symbolized by San Isidro de Labrador.

On May 15, Mayohan gives tribute to San Isidro with a procession reminiscent of the yearly Quiapo devotion to Jesus Nazareno. From many towns of Quezon, multitudes of peasants and workers--predominantly male--flock to Tayabas. They clamor for suman and other pabitin as their sweat, strength and rivalry pervade the air. Impelled by their yearly panata or sacrificial devotion to San Isidro, they participate in hagisan ng suman, believing that the bounty gathered in their sacks heralds economic upliftment. It portends the amount of their next harvest or income for the year.

Suman is the ritual gift of hagisan. It is cooked with great enthusiasm by Tayabenses because hagisan is an opportunity to share their prosperity. Bundles of suman are gaily tied in the pabitin made out of a special kind of bamboo called bagakay. As soon as the image of San Isidro passes by, the pabitin must be emptied of its abundance which, aside from suman, includes bananas, mangoes, buko, pineapple and other summer fruits.

Incarnating a vision

Mayohan sa Tayabas began in 1988 with writer and film director Orlando "Dandy" R. Nadres and then-Mayor Faustino "Dondi" A. Silang constructed the Mayohan as a vision for the social and cultural renewal of Tayabas. The sublime Spirit of the Mother was given flesh. The Tayabas municipal government institutionalized Mayohan to ensure that the initiative would meet its destiny.

When Atty. Walfredo "Boy" Sumilang, the present town mayor, assumed his post in 1998, he integrated new features in Mayohan. First, he infused the spirit of novenario by extending the number of days from five to ten, turning Mayohan into a celebration with a nine-day novena leading to the Feast of San Isidro on the tenth day.

Second, the former tiangge was elevated to its next essential stage, allowing the progressive development of Mayohan to take its course. He enlisted the full involvement of all 66 barangays to install their own booths, showcase their agricultural produce and crafts, and highlight creative economies from the countryside. The tiangge was thus renamed kalinangan sa Mayohan.

Third, ponsyunan was enlarged and made a regular feature of the summer festival. It was first launched in 1997 during the inaugural program of the restored Casa de Comunidad, originally built in 1831 as guesthouse for visiting Spanish dignitaries.

Now on its 12th year, Mayohan has indeed created the center of Tayabas whose soul is now fully emerging.

Becoming a model town

It is hoped that the dynamism of Mayohan stimulates the organism not just of Tayabas town but of the entire Quezon province. Tayabas will not again be the capital of Quezon province since Lucena City is already there, but it can be restored both as the center of Quezon history and culture and as a model of town planning and development. Its leaders are not only aware of its resources; they are determined to manage them well.

The local government of Tayabas has a comprehensive Development and Land Use Plan that specified general land use, socio-economic opportunities and the needed infrastructure. Tayabas is the first town in Quezon province, and one of the few in the country, with such a plan, as mandated by the Local Government Code.

Mayor Sumilang ensures the well-being of the whole community by looking after the simultaneous development of the cultural, political and economic aspects of Tayabasin life--aiming to make them mutually interdependent.

It has a holistic government program that gives priority to the farming sector, thus serving the majority of the Tayabas population. "Ours is a town that is basically agricultural, whose land is fertile and wide, whose raw materials are plenty, and whose water is fresh, thanks to the blessing of our sacred mountain," Mayor Sumilang said.

Convinced that an ecologically sound agriculture will ensure for Tayabas a sustainable economy, Mayor Sumilang has directed the conduct of scientific research on indigenous knowledge systems and pilot projects to demonstrate their viability, and retrieve and popularize them. These initiatives are made more promising by the fact that the soil in Tayabas is very fertile due to ideal rainfall distribution at the foot of Mount Banahaw.

Boy Sumilang was an active human rights lawyer of the Protestant Lawyers’ League before he joined the government in 1995. He served as vice-mayor for one term before running for mayor.

When asked about his dream as father of the town, he answered, "It is not too ambitious. I want enough livelihood for the Tayabasin--not even wealth yet. Along with this is good health, joyful contentment and a peaceful relationship with the environment."

"This is workable!" says the mayor, whose confidence is is enhanced by that fact that there are no feudal lords in Tayabas. The ordinary Tayabas farmer owns an average of two to three hectares that he himself cutivates.

Now 422 years old with a population of 72,000, Tayabas has a total land area of 31,889 hectares spread over 66 barangays. Sixty percent (60%) of its land is devoted to rice farming, making it a major rice supplier in Quezon province. It is 150 kilometers southeast of Manila.

Meeting the challenges

Although Tayabas has a rich cultural heritage and committed leaders who possess a vision, it has a cause for grave concern. Similar to the fate of many towns of the country, it is not excluded from the encroachment of materialist globalization.

In the realm of culture, this is manifested in television screens filled for 24 hours by HBO movies and other canned foreign shows that are brazenly opposed to the warm and gentle Tayabasin sensibility.

A subliminal assault to Tayabasin consciousness is the proliferation of dance revolution and computer games that initiate children and youth into a culture of automation and violence. What is more alarming is that they are seen by the younger generation as "educational" and "highly entertaining".

The cultural seduction of Tayabas is but one impact of modernization that has spilled into the town from nearby Lucena. Responding to this challenge Pataunia muses, "The eventual urbanization of Tayabas cannot be avoided. But there must be a balance. We have individual and communal values that we must not lose amidst technological progress. They are our hope, hence, we enliven them in Mayohan sa Tayabas."

He wants to take this opportunity to work for a healthy and mature relationship between Tayabas and Lucena City--the mother and the son.

Pataunia elaborates, "The unavoidable spill of Lucena’s fast urbanization into Tayabas is increasing. But if we could mutually handle this with a sense of who we really are and where we must really go, then we could, as a family, move forward with nurturing support for each other, while respecting our uniqueness and contrasting preferences."

The MPDC office which Pataunia heads, is vested with the responsibility of pursuing the goals of Mayohan: the passing of ancestral memory and revelations to the present generation, and building a community that will embody the Spirit of the Mother.

Two doors are therefore open to the Tayabasin. One looks to the past, another to the future. He stands between them, illuminated by a guiding light that is no less than the cabecera spirit. By choosing to resurrect it, Tayabas has found its high purpose. Blessed by the power of its sacred culture, it has paved the way to a new future

[bonixx]

History began with the years 1571 and 1572, when Capitan Juan de Salcedo first explored the province of Tayabas. The Franciscan priests Juan de Plasencia and Diego de Oropesa between 1580 and 1583 founded its town, also named Tayabas. Lucena was just one of its barrios.

The Spaniards of the 16th century called the present site "Buenavista" because of its awe inspiring scenic beauty. Several years later, the barrio was renamed "Oroquieta". A century later, Muslim pirates began terrorizing the entire Philippine coastline, and Oroquieta was not spared from the notorious raids. The barrio folks built forts along the seashores to defend it against the attacking pirates. Hence, the place became known as "Cotta" which is the Spanish name for "fort".

Finally on November 5, 1879, the Orden Superior Civil officially adopted the name 'Lucena" in honor of a Spanish friar by the name of Father Mariano Granja in Andalucia Spain. Fr. Granja was responsible for the development of the barrio that became a Parish in 1881. Lucena became an independent municipality on June 1, 1882.

During the heat of the Philippine Revolution in 1896, the people of Lucena showed their brand of patriotism. Jose Zaballero led the local revolutionists and helps their own force under the barrage of Spanish muskets. Later, Miguel Arguilles with Jose Barcelona as President formed a revolutionary government in Lucena.

After Aguinaldo proclaimed the nation's independence on June 12, 1898 in Kawit Cavite, Gen. Miguel Malvar, as Commanding General for Southern Luzon, took over Tayabas Province on August 15, 1898. Don Crisanto Marquez became Lucena's first elected Municipal president during the first Philippine Republic.

Lucena's fertile soil became soaked with the blood of many Filipinos and Americans at the outbreak of the Fil-Am War in 1899. The foreigners established a civil government in the country, and on March 12, 1901, the provincial capital was transferred from Tayabas to Lucena.

During the Second World War, the Japanese Imperial Force occupied Lucena on December 27, 1941, 19 days after they set foot on Philippine soil. But the underground resistance movement was so tenacious in Lucena that by January 25, 1945 (even before the Americans have returned), the Hunters ROTC guerillas penetrated into the town and successfully drove out the Japanese. The rest of Quezon Province (new name of Tayabas Province) had to wait for the American Liberation forces to hand freedom on April 4 of that same year.

On June 17, 1961, by virtue of Republic Act No. 3271, Lucena was made into a Chartered City through the efforts of the late Congressman Manuel S. Enverga. It was officially inaugurated on August 19, 1962, during the 84th anniversary of Manuel Luis Quezon. On July 1, 1991, Lucena became a Highly Urbanized City.

Between 1571 and 1572 when Capitan Juan de Salcedo first explored Tayabas Province. Eight years later, from 1580 to 1583, Franciscan priests Juan de Plasencia and Diego de Oropesa founded a town inside the province named after the Province. So at that time it must have been usual to refer to it as Town of Tayabas from the Province of Tayabas. Lucena was just one of its barrios.

At the 16th Century, the Spaniards had renamed this barrio "Buenavista" for its awesome scenic beauty. After several years it became known as "Oroquieta". Aside from its official name, the barrio was popularly referred to as "Cotta". Cotta is the Spanish name for "fort" which the barrio folks built along the seashores to defend it against attacking pirates. Building defense walls became necessary when Muslim pirates began terrorizing the entire Philippine coastlines. Oroquieta was not spared from the notorious raids and a century later the barrio became known for the forts along the seashores.

Lucena was born Nov. 5, 1879. The name was a tribute to Father Mariano Granja of Andalucia, Spain, an honor vested by the Orden Superior Civil to the Spanish friar who had been responsible for the development of the barrio that became a Parish in 1881.

If Lucena was born 1879, it came of age on June 1, 1882 by becoming an independent municipality.

1896, at the height of the Philippine Revolution, Lucena folks displayed their own brand of patriotism. The known leader of the local revolutionists fighting against Spanish muskets was Jose Zaballero. Later on, Miguel Arguilles together with Jose Barcelona as President formed a revolutionary government in Lucena.

June 12, 1898, General Emilio Aguinaldo proclaimed independence in Kawit, Cavite. Two months later on August 15, 1898, it was General Miguel Malvar's turn to take over Tayabas Province as Commanding General for Southern Luzon. Don Crisanto Marquez was elected as the First Municipal President at this First Philippine Republic

Peace time had been elusive for Lucena because the following year, 1899, Filipino-American War broke out. Americans established a civil government in the Philippines. Under this administration the capital of Tayabas Province was transferred from Tayabas Town to Lucena on March 12, 1901.

December 27, 1941, on the 19th day from day one of Japanese Imperial Force on Philippine soil, Lucena fell into the hands of Japanese conquerors. It was World War II. The tenacity of the people of Lucena became the backbone of the underground resistance movement. By January 25, 1945, the Hunters ROTC underground guerillas had penetrated the town and successfully drove out the Japanese even while the rest of Quezon Province (new name of Tayabas Province) was still waiting for the American Liberation Forces to declare freedom which took place on April 4, same year.

Lucena became Chartered City by virtue of Republic Act No. 3271 on June 17, 1961 through the efforts of the late Congressman Manuel S. Enverga. On August 19, 1962, Lucena City was inaugurated while celebrating the 84th Anniversary of Manuel Luis Quezon.

And on July 1, 1991, Lucena became Highly Urbanized City.

[bonixx]

latest pic of Lucena City and Tayabas to follow tnx ....muhay ang mga Tayabense at lucenahin.

[bonixx]

pls visit www.quezon.gov.ph and www.lucenacity.qzn.ph

[Rajah_Soliman]

Hey Bonnixxx... thanks for starting this thread.... my maternal and (partly paternal) roots can be traced back to tayabas (quezon) province... are you from lucena? i was there last year... so much has changed, i should say...

Originally Posted by bonixx

Tayabas is a special community, a living entity in search of its own destiny, an understanding of its inner being, meaning and history.

The municipality of Tayabas was established in 1578 by the Franciscan missionaries named Fray Juan de Placencia and Fray Diego de Oropesa.

From 1779 to 1910, Tayabas was the cabecera of the province that was also called Tayabas. Later the province was named Quezon. As the cabecera, Tayabas could be regarded as the mother of the provincial community. Tayabas was the navel, the womb, the center, the spirit life of the entire province. Tayabas nurtured the social processes of learning and change toward the whole province’s maturity.

Lucena, formerly a village of Tayabas, is now the capital of Quezon province. Lucena today is a fast growing city. But while the umbilical cord binding the child to the mother has been severed, the original navel still breathes. Tayabas remains the beginning and the mother. And her inner ties with all her children continue to flourish.

By knowing the mother and by understanding that she is the muse of the past and the future, one begins to see the entire Quezon province as one great whole awaiting its destiny.

[Sera]

Lucena city is one of the Boom Cities to watch for in the Future

[bonixx]

Originally Posted by rajah_soliman

Hey Bonnixxx... thanks for starting this thread.... my maternal and (partly paternal) roots can be traced back to tayabas (quezon) province... are you from lucena? i was there last year... so much has changed, i should say...

glad to hear thwt from U, actually Tayabas is named for a province and a town the i reffered is tayabas, tayabas and right now its tayabas,Quezon . and FYI lucena city now is only a barangay of Tayabas,Quezon since. yes Lucena city is on the rise and simply transforming to a higkly competetive city ....a barangay to became a town, city, and now a highly urbanized city that something to be proud of. on tayabas side maybe next year it will became a city also because of its slowly but surely progress

[bonixx]

DPWH STARTS CONSTRUCTION OF LUCENA CITY – BATANGAS CITY COASTAL ROAD

In its bid to further attract tourists to the scenic Southern Tagalog Region as part of the Metro Luzon Urban Beltway, the Arroyo government is opening up a 122.37 km coastal road connecting Lucena City (Quezon) to Batangas City (Batangas) costing P1.2 Billion. The new coastal road linking the Quezon Eco Tourism Road and the Batangas City – Lobo – Laiya – San Juan Road also serves the Nation Gas (power depot) and the proposed food terminal and grain granary in Sariaya, Quezon. With the release of an initial funding of P30 Million of the needed P265 Million for Phase I, the DPWH starts the construction of 7.44 km Talaan – Guisguis road section of the Quezon Eco Tourism Road. During his ocular inspection in Quezon, DPWH Hermogenes E. Ebdane, Jr. urged the local government units to assist in the acquisition of the needed right-of-way for the new coastal road. “I am appealing to the local officials and the lot owners where this new road traverses to extend their cooperation for the construction of this road which will directly benefit them in terms of easier access to markets and trade centers as well as the increase in the value of their properties once this road shall have been opened up and completed,” Ebdane said. DPWH Quezon District Engineer Demetrio Aleta has reported that the road construction has already posted an accomplishment of 35% on the gravel surfacing of the new road. To complete the Quezon Eco tourism road are the Guis-guis – Bantiallan Road (Phase II) and the Manila South Road Ibabang Talim – Salinas – Talaan Road (Phase III) which has a total length of 21.63 km with funding requirement of P458 Million. On the Batangas province side, the Batangas City – Lobo – Laiya – San Juan road is composed of 41 – km Batangas City – Lobo road costing P157.89 Million, 28.612 km Lobo – Malabrigo – Laiya road costing P240.95 Million; and the 23.45 km Laiya – San Juan road costing P90.607 Million funded under the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC).

[bonixx]

check this out for pics.
http://pictures.mylucena.com/

[manileño]

Lucena, Quezon - Gateway to the South

Lucena City is the capital of the Quezon province of the Philippines. Lucena was first as "Buenavista" which means beautiful scenic spots. Later, the name "Buenavista" was changed to Oroquieta" in honor of the Spanish Governor-general Oroquieta. Then the place was called "Cotta" meaning strong port. Pursuant to an "Orden Real Super Civil" promulgated on November 5, 1879 the name Lucena was given to the community as tribute to the late Reverend Mariano Granja, a Jesuit prelate of the town of Lucena, Province of Andalucia, Spain. Before Lucena became a municipality on June 23,1880, it was a barrio of the town of Tayabas, then the capital of the Province of the Tayabas (now Quezon Province).When the civil government was established in the Province of Tayabas on March 12,1901, Lucena was made the capital of the province.During WWII Lucena experience some grim realities of war in the hands of the Japanese military forces. Fortunately, the city was not devastated by the war.

LOCATION



Bounded on the north and northeast by the Municipality of Pagbilao, on the south and southeast by the Tayabas Bay, on the southwest by the Municipality of Sariaya, and on the northwest by the municipality of Tayabas, Lucena City at the Southeastern part of Quezon Province is approximately 137 kilometers southeast of Manila via the Philippine-Japan Friendship Highway.

As one of the busiest fishing ports and a major domestic passenger seaport in Luzon, Lucena has become a gateway to Southern Tagalog, Metro Manila and other parts of Mainland Luzon from the Bicol region and the island provinces of Marinduque, Masbate, Palawan, and Romblon. The City is linked to its neighboring towns, cities, and provinces through various transport networks--roads, railways, sea and air.

Land Area

The land area of Lucena is small--approximately 8,315.73 hectares. This represents 0.95% of the provinces and 15% of the district total land areas. About 97.9% of the total land area of Lucena belongs to barangays outside the city proper. The biggest five of which are Mayao Castillo, Ibabang Iyam, Isabang, Mayao Silangan, and Ibabang Dupay that makes up almost 40% of the City’s total land area.
Topography Lucena is situated on a flat terrain with slightly rolling hills. The greatest part of the land has a slope of 0 to 3%. Slope of 10 to 20% comprise only a little portion of the land. Nine rivers and six creeks serve as natural drainage for the city. The City is wedged between two big rivers, the Dumacaa River in the eastern part, which abounds with boulders, and Iyam River in the west which has an abundant deposit of gravel and sand. There are few marshes along the seacoast, because most of them have been converted into fishponds.
Political Subdivision

Lucena City is composed of 33 barangays, 11 of which are classified as urban; 16, rural; 6, coastal.


HISTORY

Lucena City history began with the years 1571 and 1572, when Capitan Juan de Salcedo first explored the province of Tayabas. The Franciscan priests Juan de Plasencia and Diego de Oropesa between 1580 and 1583 founded its town, also named Tayabas. Lucena was just one of its barrios.

The Spaniards of the 16th century called the present site “Buenavista” because of its awe inspiring scenic beauty. Several years later, the barrio was renamed “Oroquieta”. A century later, Muslim pirates began terrorizing the entire Philippine coastline, and Oroquieta was not spared from the notorious raids. The barrio folks built forts along the seashores to defend it against the attacking pirates. Hence, the place became known as “Cotta” which is the Spanish name for “fort”.

Finally on November 5, 1879, the Orden Superior Civil officially adopted the name ‘Lucena” in honor of a Spanish friar by the name of Father Mariano Granja in Andalucia Spain. Fr. Granja was responsible for the development of the barrio that became a Parish in 1881. Lucena became an independent municipality on June 1, 1882.

During the heat of the Philippine Revolution in 1896, the people of Lucena showed their brand of patriotism. Jose Zaballero led the local revolutionists
and helps their own force under the barrage of Spanish muskets. Later, Miguel Arguilles with Jose Barcelona as President formed a revolutionary government in Lucena.

After Aguinaldo proclaimed the nation’s independence on June 12, 1898 in Kawit Cavite, Gen. Miguel Malvar, as Commanding General for Southern Luzon, took over Tayabas Province on August 15, 1898. Don Crisanto Marquez became Lucena’s first elected Municipal president during the first Philippine Republic.

Lucena’s fertile soil became soaked with the blood of many Filipinos and Americans at the outbreak of the Fil-Am War in 1899. The foreigners established a civil government in the country, and on March 12, 1901, the provincial capital was transferred from Tayabas to Lucena.

During the Second World War, the Japanese Imperial Force occupied Lucena on December 27, 1941, 19 days after they set foot on Philippine soil. But the underground resistance movement was so tenacious in Lucena that by January 25, 1945 (even before the Americans have returned), the Hunters ROTC guerillas penetrated into the town and successfully drove out the Japanese. The rest of Quezon Province (new name of Tayabas Province) had to wait for the American Liberation forces to hand freedom on April 4 of that same year.

On June 17, 1961, by virtue of Republic Act No. 3271, Lucena was made into a Chartered City through the efforts of the late Congressman Manuel S. Enverga. It was officially inaugurated on August 19, 1962, during the 84th anniversary of Manuel Luis Quezon. On July 1, 1991, Lucena became a Highly Urbanized City.

[manileño]

LUCENA CITY TODAY

Today, Lucena dons a new image and character. A saturation of banks and other financial institutions dotting the city’s commercial center serve as strong pillars for commerce and industry.

The construction business that shapes the city’s landscape and skyline has never been this lucrative. First-comers to the city are awed to see high-rise buildings those house entertainment hubs, shopping malls, business offices and a plethora of novelty stores and food chains. Hotels, lodging houses and restaurants are among the finest. From early dawn to midnight, Lucena pulsates with life in a cacophony of sounds and motions. An array of trendy entertain­ment venues boast of good food, drinks and services at affordable prices.


METRO LUCENA

Metro Lucena has an estimated population of 700,000 w/c is mostly concentrated in the flat-south central portion of Quezon, which includes the city of Lucena, Sariaya, Candelaria, Tayabas, Lucban & Pagbilao . The people are characterized as friendly and hardworking.


INVESTMENTS

While the central business district is home to most of the city’s commercial and trading establishments, the outlying barangays near the sea and those that sit on fertile lands serve as the city’s food baskets. All year round a variety of agricultural products are produced for local and domestic consumption. The coastal barangays. on the other hand, serve as good landing points for fresh fish, crusta­ceans, and a host of other marine products.

Ever the Melting Pot and Gateway, Lucena enjoys a geographic advantage over other nearby urban centers. The city is accessible from all fronts of the country. Well-paved road networks connect the city to as far north as the llocandias and to as far south as the Bicolandias. TheTayabas Bay south of Lucena serves as an open sea lane to passenger ships bound for the Visayas and neighboring island-pro­vinces south of the city. To date, Lucena City showcases the newly constructed Grand Terminal at lbabang Dupay and Fish Port at Brgy. Dalahican. Built at the outskirts of the busy city proper, these land­marks decongest city streets while providing means for more access to the city.

BUSINESS COMMUNITY

Economic activities in Lucena are heavily concentrated in the poblacion and other sub-urban barangays where the highly densed and constricted Central Business District (CBD) is home to a large cluster of different business enterprises. As population grows in tandem with new and promising business prospects, business activities spill over adjoining barangays, thus forming mini satellite commercial areas. New business establishments are now common sights in other sub-urban barangays like Metro Gaisano and Pacific malls in Barangay III and SM City in Barangay Ibabang Dupay.

Other commercial strips are located at 10 suburban barangays where both retail and wholesale trade, including other essential services, are being engaged in. Big commercial depots and warehouses in these suburban barangays do business in sales, distribution, and transport of assorted business products in bulk. To mention a few, these big depots and warehouses are those owned by La Tondeña Corp., Coca-Cola Bottling Co., Nestle Philippines, San Miguel Corporation, Asia Brewery, Magnolia, Unilever, and Procter and Gamble.

Of the total 8,316.90 hectare land area of Lucena City, 19% or 1,651.77 hectares cover the existing built up area. Almost 3% of this or 46.62 hectares cover the industrial section, located in different barangays of the city. These areas are home to significant industrial and manufacturing activities.

Nestled amidst a wide expanse of coconut lands, Lucena has coconut oil mills which produce oil-based household products like cooking oil, soap, lard, margarine, and oil based medicines. Car assembly/manufacturing plants have also established good business in the city, turning out quality vehicles and accessories. Industry in Lucena produces a sustainable amount of agro-industrial based products, dried and smoked fish, distilled liquors, bamboo and rattan furniture, ornamental flowers/plants, vegetable as well as meat products.

Road network provides access from all key cities and towns in the island of Luzon to this highly urbanized capital. Well-paved radial and by-pass routes criss-crossing in and out of the city facilitate the transport of unlimited assortment of merchandise, supplies, and raw materials to and from the city on a round-the-clock basis.


INFRASTRUCTURE

Road Network

City is considered as one of the growth centers in Southern Tagalog. It is the gateway to Southern Tagalog, Metro Manila and other parts of mainland Luzon from the Bicol region and the island provinces of Marinduque, Masbate, Palawan and Romblon. The city is linked to its neighboring towns, cities and provices through various transports. The most used transport networks are the city roads with a total length of about 18.38 kms.of well paved roads. Traffic congestion is of the major problems being addressed by the present administration.

Big volume of vehicles is attributed to the big demand of the growing population of the city (196,075 as of May 2000). The estimated daily road users are between 120,000 to 140,000 commuters. We also have to consider the fact that Lucena is a center of Government with (10 Regional and National offices), education (with learning institutions) and of Commerce and Trade (with registered business establishments) majority of which are located within the heart of the city. Lucena City’s road network was conceived for ordinary barangays, as Lucena was then a part of Tayabas and known as Barangay Cotta.

The opening of the Isabang-Cotta-Dalahican road and the Pleasantville bridge connecting Gomez street to Pleasantville subdivision will give an alternative route to the commuters. This year construction of the city roads will begin. This will enhance the development of the areas covering the stretch from Isabang to Dalahican

Water Facilities

Lucena City proper is wedged between two (2) rivers. The Iyam and dumacaa rivers emptying into the Tayabas Bay at the southern part of the city. It gets its abundant water supply for domestic use from May-it Spring in Lucban, Quezon, and is administered by the Quezon Metropolitan Water District.

Electrical Facilities

MERALCO provides power and electricity to the city and to its rural barangays. Electrification covers 100 percent of the total number of barangays. The number of customers served by MERALCO as of 1997 was 29,580. In 1999 there are a total of 29,736 customers served by MERALCO, of which 27,114 are residential, 2,482 commercial, 95 are industrial and 45 (per account) are streetlights.

Telecommunications Systems

In the past, PLDT had the monopoly of providing telephone service in Lucena City with its telephone-household ratio of 1:9. At present, the telephone-household ratio dropped to 1:4 with the entry of other telephone companies such as DIGITEL, SMART, GLOBE, and SUN CELLULAR.

As of 1999, PLDT has an existing 12,000 number of subscribers and 1,500 potential subscribers / pending applications. Its system of operation is telecommunications through radio relay stations and via satellite. Cable and switching facilities averages about 15,000 lines.

In 1997 another land telephone facility, Digitel, opened in Lucena City. Its system of operation is telecommunications through fiber optics, radio relay stations and via satellite. As of June 2000, Digitel has an existing 4,167 number of subscribers / pending applications. Its cable and switching facilities average 8,057 lines.

PLDT and Digitel provide land telephone facilities in Lucena, while Smart, Sun Cellular and Globe provide mobile phones. There are about 60 payphones installed in selected hospitals, schools, government offices, restaurants and other public places and main thoroughfares of the city.

INDUSTRY

Almost 3% of the total land area of Lucena, or 46.62 has. Comprised industrial and manufacturing activities. Local industries include fabrication of cars and jeeps, sewing of garments for export as well as a sustainable amount of agro-industrial based products like coconut oil, milled rice, baked products, dried and smoked fish, distilled liquors, bamboo and rattan furniture, handicrafts, ornamental plants flowers, distilled water, vegetable, as well as meat products, among others. Lucena has 196 industrial establishments composed of 78 light, 71 medium, and 47 heavy intensity industries.

COMMERCE

In the poblacion (city proper) the dense central business district is home to a large cluster of different business enterprises. Retailers and small business enterprises now form the bulk of economic activity in Lucena while banking and financing industries dominate the commerce sector. Shoe Mart Lucena is one of the three new, big malls that had opened for business in Lucena. The other two are Metro Gaisano and Pacific Mall located just a stone throw away from the central business district. These companies have provided local employment and new business opportunities to small entrepreneurs.

AGRICULTURE

Lucena’s agricultural area measures 4,775.83 hectares or roughly 57.42% of the city’s total land area. Riceland is about 2,257 hectares while fishponds cover about 126 hectares or 2.64% of the total agricultural area. Aside from rice and coconut, most of the farmers engage in cultivation of corn, banana, vegetable, citrus, root crops, mango, and other crops.

[manileño]

IMAGES of DOWNTOWN LUCENA (BAYAN)


View facing Brgy. Gulang-Gulang with St. Ferdinand Cathedral towering over the district.


The majestic and mystical Mount Banahaw provides a backdrop to the city.
St. Ferdinand Cathedral Complex is seen in lower right. The yellow building in left center is Pacific Mall.


Looking towards Tayabas Bay and Dalahican Port with the lights of Pagbilao's Hopewell Power Plant in the background.



Ocean Palace Mall (OPM) is still Lucena City's tallest building.


Narrow one-way streets is typical of an old city like Lucena.

[manileño]

TOURING LUCENA and the Province of Quezon

Over the years, it was observed that a growing number of visitors from other places come to Lucena. Travelers of various types and sizes are drawn to Lucena because of modern facilities and good amenities that could be found in the city. Others come for various reasons and purposes.

Only 113 kilometers south of Metro Manila, Lucena is accessible to almost all types of transport vehicles, except for commercial airliners. The narrow airstrip in Barangay Ibabang lyam can only serve helicopters and small airplanes but could be expanded to serve larger aircraft. The Tayabas Bay provides an open sea lane for cargo and passenger ships coming to and from neighboring municipalities south of Quezon and provinces of Bicol, including the island provinces of Romblon, Masbate and Marinduque. The well-paved Philippine-Japan Friendship Highway, better known as the Maharlika Highway, stretches out and links the city of Lucena to all provinces of Luzon island from as far north as Ilocos and Cagayan to as far south as Sorsogon in the Bicol Region.

Wedged by two small but navigable rivers, lyam and Dumacaa, Lucena's geographical location is considered strategic. The city is often referred to as the Melting Pot or Gateway of travelers to neighboring municipalities and provinces south of the city. An agro-industrial metropolis, Lucena has the lowest crime incidence in all of Region IV, reflecting the general trait of Lucenahins as peace loving, cheerful and religious.

With good potentials for a convention hub, the City of Lucena offers fine venues for out-of-town conferences, seminars, conventions, and other social flora. At reasonable prices, convention centers and social halls in the city provide complete facilities and amenities, e.i. from modern audio and visual equipment to clean and sanitary rest and comfort rooms. Organizers can choose from among a number of centers and halls ideally located outside the busy city proper.

The cost of food, board and lodging, hotel accommodation and entertainment in Lucena City is much cheaper compare to those found in other urban centers in Region IV. Budget-conscious travelers find Lucena as a well-suited destination for organized tours.

Dalahican Port


Serves as a major transportation hub to and from Southern Luzon.


Ferries to Marinduque, Romblon, Masbate, and elsewhere in the Visayas.

Lucena Grand Terminal Station




IMPORTANT CHURCHES AND RELIGIOUS SHRINES

San Diego de Alcala Cathedral, Gumaca - Largest and oldest Catholic Church in Quezon.

Church of St. Louis of Toulouse, Lucban - Surrounded by gardens and grottos all fenced-in by old stone walls.

Minor Basilica of St. Michael D' Archangel, Tayabas - An old church built in 1585.

Sta. Lucia Kinabuhayan, Dolores - Important pilgrimage centers have been established here. Religious sects of Mt. Banahaw believe that this is where Jesus Christ spent his Calvary.

Atimonan Church, Atimonan - First built in 1640, but burned down during the Dutch invasion. Rebuilt in 1643 but was totally destroyed during the World War II. Reconstructed again in 1979.

HISTORICAL SITES

Ancestral Homes, Sariaya - A number of well-preserved Spanish homes.

Hermano Pule Shrine, Lucban - Shrine of the “King of the Tagalogs”, Apolinario dela Cruz.

San Diego de Alcala Fortress, Gumaca - Recognized by the National Historical Commission as a national treasure in 1981, the fortress was constructed by the Spaniards under the leadership of Franciscan Father Francisco Coste.

Iskong Bantay Observatory Tower, Atimonan - Built by the Spaniards as a watchtower to warn the people of Atimonan of impending attack of pirates from the sea.

Kutang San Diego, Gumaca - The only remaining structure built under the supervision of Franciscan priests during the later part of the 18th Century and was erected to help guard the town against sea pirates.

Malagonlong Bridge, Tayabas - A five-span century-old bridge.

MAJOR ATTRACTIONS of Quezon Province

Mt. Banahaw, Western part of Quezon Province - This 7,382 feet extinct volcano is famous for its mystical attributes. Unique religious rites are held every Holy Week by pilgrims who believe that Christ walked in this mountain. Also a favorite site of amulet hunters.

Quezon National Park, Western municipalities of Atimonan, Pagbilao and Padre Burgos - a huge park that spreads over 983 hectares of wild life with intricate system of caves, waterfalls, springs, creeks, gorges, and ravines against a quaint backdrop of lush greenery.

Puting Buhangin Beach, Pagbilao - A pure white sand beach that stretches about 70 meters long and 10 meters wide. With crystal-clear water and a small cave at one end of the beach.

Lamon Bay, Northern part of Quezon - The body of water connecting the northern part of Quezon to the Pacific Ocean. Most parts of the bay consist of gray sand, some parts are filled with rocks and some are with living corals.

Baluti Island, Off the coast of Real - The island that is almost part of the mainland is only separated by a wide river. Many parts of the island are covered with pine trees instead of coconut trees.

Puting Bato, Burdeos - Its major attractions are the cliff walls that look very much like the ones in El Nido, Palawan. It also has small isolated beaches that are good for swimming.

EVENTS

Araw ng Lucena/Manuel L. Quezon’s Day (August 20)

The annual selection and the giving of awards to five Natatanging anak ng Lucena highlights the Araw ng Lucena and Manuel L. Quezon’s Day on August 20. Recipients of the award are selected based on their excellent performance and contributions in their respective fields of endeavor, i.e. education, arts, literature, economics and public service and/or administration.

International Women’s day

The annual celebration for the International Women’s Day in March 8 gives a fitting recognition to women via the Search for the Huwarang Babae ng Lucena. Among women-candidates from the 33 barangays of Lucena, only five would be awarded the Huwarang Babae ng Lucena. Final selection of the five winners is based on how each of them realized their simple dreams and rose above themselves to promote development, peace and harmony within their respective family and community.

Lucena Varsitarians

As a social organization, the Lucena Varsitarians aim to hold annual slam-bang, a big dance party, to promote friendship, brotherhood and camaraderie among varsitarians and their invited guests from the neighboring towns of Lucena. Included in its objectives is the college scholarship program for indigent but deserving youth in Lucena, which made Lucena Varsitarians a socio-civic club. The contributions and donations from various sources would bankroll the objectives of the Lucena Varsitarians.

The Feast of San Isidro Labrador (May 15)

It is the feast day celebration of the farmer's patron saint, a thanksgiving for a year-long bountiful harvest. The celebration involves hanging all sorts of fruits, candies, food crops and multi-colored kiping on bamboo poles.


Pasayahan sa Lucena (May 27-29)

Pasayahan sa Lucena was conceptualized to showcase the natural and ecological interrelationship and independence between nature and man. It also promotes the ways of life inherent among the people of Lucena. All these find exquisites and appreciative expressions through a mammoth gathering of colors, outlandish costumes and symbolic floats reminiscent of Mardi Gras in Rio de Janeiro and New Orleans.

The first Pasayahan in 1987 was a big triumph that it has become an annual affair. Year after year the Pasayan draws a sea of frolicking humanity. Pasayahan sa Lucena 2006 features Chami Festival to promote Lucena’s very own native delicacy, the chami. Other features such as the Midnight Madness Sale and street concerts take stage in the Pasayahan.

Ugat Lucena (May 29)

Ugat Lucena is characterized by a grand party and gathering of all balikbayang Lucenahins including those who have migrated to other parts of the world. The celebration aims to rekindle old familial roots, friendship and camaraderie through nightlong dances, music and merrymaking.

City Fiesta/St. Ferdinand (May 30)

Feast day celebration in honor of Saint Ferdinand, the Patron Saint of Lucena.

Santacruzan (May 31)

A traditional Philippine celebration, it draws many spectators, flooding the main street of the City. It showcases the talents of Lucena's coturiers and artists on aesthetics and fashion design via a religious setting.

Panunuluyan (December 16)

[manileño]

HOTELS AND LODGING

Queen Margarette Court
Diversion Road., Brgy Domoit Tel.
http://www.queenmargarettehotel.com

Lucena Fresh Air Hotel
Barangay Isabang, Lucena City
http://www.freshairhotel.com/

Castle Bernardina hotel
Dalahican Road, Beside SM City Lucena

Diamond Resort and Hotel
Maharlika High-Way, Red-V

Green View Hotel
Ibabang Iyam Lucena City

House of Halina
Gomez St., Brgy. IV Tel # (042)710-2902

Ouans Worth Farm
Diversion Road., Brgy. Kan. Mayao Tel # (042)710-4552

South Waters Marina Country Club
Iyam, Lucena City

Star Tower Garden Hotel
Quezon Ave., Lucena City



SHOPPING AND ENTERTAINMENT

SM City Lucena
Maharlika Highway cor. Dalahican Rd.
Brgy. Ibabang Dupay
Lucena, Quezon

Opened: October 2003
Land Area: 80,000 sq. meters
Floor Area: 72,057







Pacific Mall Lucena
Opened: October 2003
Land Area: 5.3 hectares



Strategically located in the heart of the City, Pacific Mall Lucena is the premiere shopping, dining, and entertainment destination in Quezon. Located in downtown Lucena City, this three-level, 5.3-hectare complex would surely give its locals a hundred and one reasons to enjoy and relax! This hosts a complete mix of merchandise that will surely satisfy the needs of the entire market. A showcase of exciting mall features and facilities worth exploring. All-adding up to what a modern shopping haven should be, an all-time leisure complex offering only fun and entertainment at its best.

Features and Amenities

* Three-level anchor stores Metro Gaisano Supermarket and Department Store
* Four (4) state-of-the-art cinemas
* Varied boutiques ad retail shops
* Food court
* Fast-food chains, cafes and restaurants
* Hardware and appliance store
* Amusement Center
* 127-stall Shoppers' Lane, the mall's premiere bargain haven located in the third level

The Facade


Hallway


State of the art Cinemas


The Food Court




The 13X24 Atrium




Metro Lucena Mall
(Metro Gaisano Lucena)
M. L. Tagarao St., Brgy. 3
Lucena City, Quezon
Opened: July 2003



Located at the heart of the city, the Metro Gaisano Lucena was opened for business on July 2003. It is the anchor store of the Pacific mall.



Ocean Palace Mall

Lucena's first modern shopping center.
Opened: 1994?

[Sinjin P.]

^ Nice photos Manileno! So I presume your hometown is Lucena?

[manileño]

^ Not my hometown, but my parents'
I go see it often tho when im in p.i.

[manileño]

RESTAURANTS

All Quezon Club, Quezon Corp. Tower
Barholt
Berakka
Bergs Bar and Restaurant *
Buddy Pizza *
Chowking
Don Vittorio's Restaurant
Eastern Treasures Cuisine
Gerry's Grill
Greenwich
Hacienda Inn *
Happy Wee
JM Tsuki Restaurant
Jollibee
Koffee Klatch *
Luisa's Restaurant
Mezzah
Mug Café *
New Cherry Blossom
Pizza Hut
Plaza Food House
Rai Rai Ken
Red ribbon
Tarcisious Bar and Restaurant
Tokyo Tokyo
Tonton's Bacolod Chicken Inasal
Woodbridge Driving Range Restaurant
Zymurgy Café and Lounge


OTHER PLACES OF INTEREST

Botanical Garden & Arboretum
Brgy. Ibabang Dupay

Dalahican Beach Resort
Brgy. Dalahican

Lucena Fish Port
Brgy. Dalahican

Lucena Grand Central Terminal
Brgy. Ilayang Dupay

Lucena Perez Park
Brgy. 9 Poblacion

Orchids Country Farm
Brgy. Ilayang Dupay

Ouans Worth Farm
Brgy. Silangang Mayao

Provincial Capitol Building
Brgy. 9, Poblacion

Shopping Malls
Poblacion, & Brgy Ibabang Iyam

South Waters Marina & Country Club
Brgy. Ibabang Iyam

St. Alphonsus Seminary

St. Ferdinand Cathedral
Center of the Poblaction

Talao-Talao Beach Resort
Brgy. Talao-Talao


MUSEUMS

Quezon Museum
The museum houses a collection of the memorabilia of former President Manuel L. Quezon, former Senator Lorenzo Tañada, and former Congressman Manuel S. Enverga. A large section of the museum contains the memorabilia of some of the prominent citizens of the province. It is located at the former Provincial Health Building, Provincial Capitol compound, Lucena City.

Gintong Yaman ng Quezon Museum
The museum houses a collection of the memorabilia of former President Manuel L. Quezon. A large section of the museum contains the personal belongings of prominent men of the province. It is located at the Provincial Health Bldg., Capitol Compound, Lucena City.

[manileño]

QUEZON PROVINCIAL CAPITOL COMPOUND



Quezon Provincial Capitol
This provincial government site of Quezon Province was built on a seven-hectare lot donated in 1908 by its former Governor, Don Felimon E. Perez.







Manuel L. Quezon Monument
It was erected in memory of the First President of the Philippine Commonwealth, who is known as “Ama ng Wikang Filipino” in support to his full measure of devotion and service to the cause of Philippine independence from the United States. It is located at the Perez Park, Lucena City, Quezon.





Governor’s Mansion
This is the official residence of the past governors of the province and is now used as guesthouse for visitors. It is situated in front of the Perez Park, overlooking the impressive plaza. It is located in Lucena City, Quezon.





Quezon Convention Center





Provincial Governor's Office





Another government building

[manileño]

Perez Park
The park consists of seven hectares of fully developed and well-maintained area located at the heart of Lucena City, the provincial capital. It features a children’s playground, a beautifully landscaped garden, a man-made cave, and a large area for outdoor dancing. It is located at the Capitol Compound, Lucena City, Quezon.










A Walk in the Park (old article)
by Toni de Villa

One wouldn’t dare walk or take their dogs out in the only park Lucena City has ever had. Lights are scarce and one wouldn’t want to get himself in trouble. But this was years ago, when Perez Park doesn’t leave a good mark to most of Lucenahins.

Tracing the history of this park, we owe it to a brilliant man named Don Filemon Perez. He was sent by his father Don Simeon Perez, an influential leader in Lucena, to study in the United States. And there he finished a degree in engineering until such time that he had to go back to the Philippines after a terrible accident that left Don Filemon a widower to his first wife. But later on, he was remarried to a Filipina who a is a local of Lucban and in Lucena, they built a sunken garden that was then donated to the city of Lucena by the Perez family along with tracts of land.

Years passed and the glow that was once there, had been temporarily put to rest. In 2000, a committee was appointed to launch a project that will restore and beautify Perez Park. This is an initiative of the provincial government under Governor Wilfrido Enverga. After making this effort, people started to come back and held activities. In fact, there was a time when people from all ages will come together for a tae-bo session every morning. Each participant will only have to pay P10 just to sweat out. In the afternoon, strollers and photographers are visible. Safety during night time is no longer a problem because of an array of lights that are in place and roving policemen are also present.

Year 2003 is set to make another mark in making this place a better one both for the locals and visitors as they formally launched a project that will make Perez Park a top-of-the-line site. Last December 11, 2003, the opening of phase 1 of was presented to the public. Giant “parols,” Christmas tree and Christmas lights are everywhere. The expected completion of this site is set by 2004. Some highlights that we can look forward to are the skating rink and an ambiance that is much like Libis in Quezon City but catering not only to youngsters but everyone in the family. www.discoverquezon.com