Quezon

Quezon
Tayabas (formerly)
Province
Province of Quezon

Provincial capitol buiilding of Quezon Province

Quezon Provincial Capitol building

Flag
Seal

Location in the Philippines
Coordinates: 14°10′N 121°50′E / 14.17°N 121.83°E / 14.17; 121.83Coordinates: 14°10′N 121°50′E / 14.17°N 121.83°E / 14.17; 121.83
Country Philippines
Region Calabarzon (Region IV-A)
Founded
  • 1591 (as Kalilayan)
  • March 2, 1901 (as Tayabas)
  • September 7, 1946 (as Quezon)
Capital Lucena
Government
 • Type Sangguniang Panlalawigan
 • Governor David C. Suarez (NUP)
 • Vice Governor Samuel B. Nantes (LP)
Area[1]
 • Total 8,989.39 km2 (3,470.82 sq mi)
Area rank 7th out of 81
Highest elevation (Mount Banahaw) 2,170 m (7,120 ft)
Population (2015 census)[2]
 • Total 1,856,582
 • Rank 12th out of 81
 • Density 210/km2 (530/sq mi)
 • Density rank 45th out of 81
  Excludes Lucena City
Demonym(s) Quezonian
Divisions
 • Independent cities
 • Component cities
 • Municipalities
 • Barangays
 • Districts 1st to 4th districts of Quezon (shared with Lucena City)
Demographics
 • Ethnic groups
 • Languages
Time zone PHT (UTC+8)
ZIP code 4300–4342
IDD : area code  +63 (0)42
ISO 3166 code PH
Website www.quezon.gov.ph

Quezon (Tagalog pronunciation: [ˈkɛson]) is a province of the Philippines in the Calabarzon region of Luzon island. The province was named after Manuel L. Quezon, the second President of the Philippines. Lucena is the provincial capital, seat of the provincial government and the most populous city of the province, but is governed independently as a highly urbanized city.

Quezon is southeast of Metro Manila and is bordered by the provinces of Aurora to the north, Bulacan, Rizal, Laguna and Batangas to the west and the provinces of Camarines Norte and Camarines Sur to the east. Part of Quezon lies on an isthmus connecting the Bicol Peninsula to the main part of Luzon. The province also includes the Polillo Islands in the Philippine Sea.

A major tourism draw to the province is Mount Banahaw. The mountain is surrounded by spiritual mysticism with many cults and religious organizations staying on the mountain. Numerous pilgrims visit the mountain especially during Holy Week.

History

Precolonial Period

Archaeological excavations in the province attest to its rich precolonial past. Archaeological materials including burial jars, human bones, shell midden and pot shreds have been discovered at different sites in Bondoc Peninsula including the towns of San Narciso, San Andres, Mulanay and Catanauan. The most recent excavations were conducted in Catanauan by the Catanauan Archeological and Heritage Project.

According to the preliminary report released by the Catanauan Archaeological and Heritage Project, several excavations were conducted in the 1930s. One of the excavations was conducted in San Narciso where archaeologists found burial jars. The site, inspected by Ricardo Galang, resulted in the discovery of burial jars near the coast. Galang also went to San Andres where excavations yielded 14th and 15th century ceramics as well as shell bracelets and beads. According to the journal as well, at a site named Tala, archaeologists discovered a glazed Chinese jar containing bone fragments from the early Ming dynasty. Looking at other archaeological sites located in adjacent areas like Marinduque and Masbate, it can be inferred that these excavations date back to the metal period of the archipelago.[3]

In 2012, at Mt. Kamhantik in the town of Mulanay, 15 limestone coffins were discovered. Carbon dating on a human tooth found it to be at least 1,000 years old. According to the archaeologists, the village is proof that the ancient inhabitants of the area practiced a more sophisticated way of life. Metal tools are believed to have been used to carve the coffins, and this is the first of its kind discovered in the archipelago. The remains are said to date back to the 10th to 14th century.[4]

Spanish Period

Philippine Territorial Map 1880

Originally, what now forms Quezon was divided among the provinces of Batangas, Laguna, and Nueva Ecija. However, at different points in time, the boundaries of Quezon changed and included parts of Aurora, Marinduque, and Camarines Norte. At the early period of Spanish colonization, the province of Aurora was called El Principe, Infanta was called Binangonan de Lampon and southern Quezon was called Kalilayan. The first European to explore the area was Juan de Salcedo in 1571-1572, during his expedition from Laguna to Camarines provinces.[5][6]

In 1574, Father Diego de Oropesa, founded the town of Bumaka, now known as the municipality of Gumaca.[5]

In 1591, the province was created and called Kaliraya or Kalilayan, after the capital town which later became Unisan.[7]

In 1595, The Diocese of Cáceres was established by Pope Clement VIII as a suffragan of Manila. The diocese covered the entire Bicolandia region plus the towns in Kalilayan, and the Contracosta towns. At that time, the towns on the eastern seaboard were pertained to as the Contracosta and included towns from Mauban, Binangonan de Lampon, to El Principe.[8]

Depredation and plunder by the Moros were rampant during the Spanish regime, because they opposed the colonizers, especially in their efforts to spread Christianity. The destruction of Kalilayan in 1604 by a big fleet of Moro pirates caused the inhabitants to transfer to Palsabangon (Pagbilao).

In 1705, the Military Comandancia of Nueva Ecija was created and was governed by Governor General Fausto Cruzat. It included huge swathes of Central Luzon, the Contracosta towns as well as the Kalilayan area.[9]

In 1749, the capital was transferred to the town of Tayabas, from which the province got its new name.[5]

In 1853 the new military district of Tayabas was carved from Nueva Ecija and included present-day Southern Quezon as well as present-day Aurora. In 1858, Binangonan de Lampon and the Polilio Islands were separated from Nueva Ecija to form part of Infanta.[9] According to the CBCP, the two Franciscan friars named Fray Juan de Plasencia and Fray Diego de Oropesa were the ones responsible for bringing Christianity to the area. The Franciscans are also credited for spreading Christianity to towns and parishes across the province including Mauban, Sariaya and Gumaca.[10]

Between 1855 and 1885, El Principe was established as its own Military Comandancia with its capital in Baler.

After years under the Spanish regime, the colonized people grew discontented with the Spaniards over the centuries. The most important event in the history of the province was the Confradia Revolt in 1841, which was led by the famous Lucbano, Apolinario de la Cruz, popularly known as Hermano Pule. The province, under General Miguel Malvar, was also among the earliest to join the Philippine Revolution. The Revolutionary Government took control over the province on August 15, 1898.

American period and World War II

The Americans then came and annexed the Philippines. A civil government was established in the province on March 12, 1901, and Lucena was made the provincial capital.

In 1902, the district of El Principe was transferred from the jurisdiction of Nueva Ecija to Tayabas.[7] In the same year, Marinduque became part of Tayabas province by virtue of Act 499 enacted by the Philippine Commission.[11] However, by 1920, Act 2280 was passed by the Philippine Congress, reestablishing Marinduque as a separate province.

Because of the distance between Tayabas and Bicol and the growing population, Tayabas came under the jurisdiction of the Diocese of Lipa in 1910.[10]

Tayabas province in 1918
Northern Tayabas in 1918
Northern portion
Southern Tayabas in 1918
Southern portion

Japanese occupation of the province during World War II began on December 23, 1941, when the Japanese Imperial Army landed in Atimonan. The General Headquarters of the Philippine Commonwealth Army and Philippine Constabulary was stationed in Tayabas from January 3, 1942 to June 30, 1946 are military operates against the Japanese Occupation. The occupation witnessed the brutal murders of prominent sons of Tayabas. April 4, 1945 was the day the province was liberated as the combined Filipino and American army forces reached Lucena.

After the war, on September 7, 1946, Republic Act No. 14 changed the name Tayabas to Quezon, in honor of Manuel L. Quezon, the Commonwealth president who hailed from Baler, which was one of the province's towns.[12]

Even before the Philippines gained its independence, the province has already depended heavily on coconuts. This history can clearly be seen through the opulent houses built in the town of Sariaya during this period. Coconuts served as the main source of income for the landed class of Sariaya and this allowed them to build the ancestral houses that we see today.[13] This has led some companies like Peter Paul to establish its presence in Candelaria to manufacture products like desiccated coconut. as early as this period.[14]

Contemporary Period

Reestablishment of the Province of Aurora

In June 1951, the northern part of Quezon (specifically, the towns of Baler, Casiguran, Dilasag, Dingalan, Dinalongan, Dipaculao, Maria Aurora and San Luis) was made into the sub-province of Aurora.[15] Aurora was the name of the president's wife, Aurora Quezon. Aurora was finally separated from Quezon as an independent province in 1979.[16]

Quezon - Camarines Norte Boundary Dispute

In 1989, the Province of Quezon, represented by Governor Hjalmar Quintana, was involved in a boundary dispute with the province of Camarines Norte, represented by Roy Padilla, over 9 barangays of over 8,000 hectares at their border. These barangays are Kagtalaba, Plaridel, Kabuluan, Don Tomas, Guitol, Tabugon, Maualawin, Patag Ibaba and Patag Iraya. The boundary dispute originated from Act 2711 or the Revised Administrative Code which was enacted in 1917.[17] Section 42 of Act 2711 defines the Tayabas-Camarines Norte boundary as:

"Camarines Norte and Tayabas boundary. – The boundary separating the Province of Camarines Norte from the Province of Tayabas begins at a point on the eastern shore of Basiad Bay and extends to a peak known as Mount Cadig in such manner as to bring the territory of the barrio of Basiad entirely within the municipality of Capalonga, in Camarines Norte, and to exclude the same from the territory of Calauag, in Tayabas. From Mount Cadig it extends along the crest of a mountain range, a distance of 50 kilometers, more or less, to a peak known as Mount Labo; thence in a southwesterly direction, a distance of 25 kilometers, more or less, to a prominent stone monument at the source or headwaters of the Pasay River, thence along the meandering course of said river in a southerly direction, a distance of 1½ kilometers, more or less, to the Gulf of Ragay."[18]

In 1922, the then Chief of the Executive Bureau, acted upon the authority of the Secretary of the Interior.[17] This ruling by the then chief was never implemented even with repeated efforts of the provincial government of Camarines Norte and the Secretary of Interior. The Chief delineated the border as follows:

"Starting from the peak of Mt. Labo as a common corner between the provinces of Tayabas, Camarines Sur and Camarines Norte thence a straight line is drawn to the peak of Mt. Cadig; thence a straight line is drawn to the point of intersection of the inter-provincial road between Camarines Norte and Tayabas with the Tabugon River; thence, following the course of the river to its mouth at Basiad Bay."[17]

In the legal dispute, Quezon raised two points of contention. First is that Act 2711 already delineated the boundaries of the province. Second is that the Chief of the Executive Bureau had no power nor authority to change the boundaries of the province. Regarding the first issue, the court stated that it is true that Act 2711 delineated the boundary but it did not delineate the entirety of the boundary. The point on the eastern shore of Basiad Bay was never specifically located, thus, needing further delineation. On the second issue, the court stated that the Chief did not alter the borders in any way. The Chief worked with the requirement that the point be on the eastern shore of Basiad Bay. He was also acting on the consideration of Act 2809, the Act establishing Camarines Norte, which states that Camarines Norte be established with the borders it had before merging with Camarines Sur. The court then ruled in favor of Camarines Norte and ordered the provincial government of Quezon to transfer all its authority and jurisdiction to the former.[17]

By 2001, the Provincial Government of Quezon, this time represented by Governor Eduardo Rodriguez, the Provincial Government of Camarines Norte, as represented by Governor Roy Padilla, went back to court. Even with the judgment on the 1989 case was executory by 1990, the provincial government of Quezon did not abide by the court's ruling. In 1991, a DENR technical team conducted a survey of the area and erected a monument marker to delineate the boundary of the area. However, by October 1991, Quezon Governor Eduardo Rodriguez and Calauag Mayor Julio Lim caused the removal of the marker. Throughout the proceedings, several government agencies including the Department of Budget and Management, Comelec, as well as the National Statistics Office recognized the jurisdiction of the town of Santa Elena, Camarines Norte over the 9 barangays. In 2000, Judge Regino held Governor Rodriguez and Mayor Lim guilty of contempt, with a maximum imprisonment of 6 months as well as a fine of 1,000 pesos for the erection of a new boundary marker.[19]

Failed Proposal to divide Quezon

In 2007, Republic Act No. 9495 was proposed to further divide Quezon into Quezon del Norte and Quezon del Sur. (see Quezon del Sur creation plebiscite, 2008) Quezon del Norte was to be composed of the first and second congressional districts of the province (Burdeos, General Nakar, Infanta, Jomalig, Lucban, Mauban, Pagbilao, Panukulan, Patnanungan, Polilio, Real, Sampaloc, Tayabas, Candelaria, Dolores, San Antonio, Sariaya, Tiaong and Lucena), with Lucena as its capital. Quezon del Sur, with its capital at Gumaca, would have been composed of the third and fourth congressional districts (Agdangan, Buenavista, Catanauan, General Luna, Macalelon, Mulanay, Padre Burgos, Pitogo, San Andres, San Francisco, San Narciso, Unisan, Alabat, Atimonan, Calauag, Guinayangan, Gumaca, Lopez, Perez, Plaridel, Quezon and Tagkawayan). The act lapsed into law without the signature of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on September 7, 2007.[20]

As required by law, the COMELEC held a plebiscite on December 13, 2008, 60 days after Republic Act No. 9495 took effect. The majority of the votes cast rejected the division, therefore the split did not push through.

Proposal to add the Legislative Districts of Quezon

In 2015, news reported that the Provincial Development Council is pushing to increase the legislative districts in Quezon from 4 to 7. This will allow the people of Quezon to have greater representation in congress. The new districts proposed are as follows:[21]

District 1—Real, Infanta, General Nakar and the island towns of Polilio, Jomalig, Patnanungan, Panukulan and Burdeos

District 1B—Mauban, Tayabas, Sampaloc, Lucban and Pagbilao (to separate from the current first district)

District 2A—Antonio, Tiaong, Dolores, Candelaria and Sariaya towns

Lone district—Lucena City (to separate from the current second district)

Bonpen district—Padre Burgos, Agdangan, Unisan, Pitogo, Macalelon, General Luna, Catanauan, Mulanay and San Francisco towns

District 4—Atimonan, Plaridel, Gumaca, Lopez, Calauag and the island towns of Alabat, Perez and Quezon

Ragay Gulf District—San Andres, San Narciso and Buenavista towns (to separate from the current third district) and Guinayangan and Tagkawayan towns (to separate from current fourth)

Geography

Political map
Mount Banahaw seen from the Atimonan-Pagbilao border

Physical Characteristics

Quezon, east of Metro Manila, is the 8th largest province in the Philippines having an area of 8,989.39 square kilometres (3,470.82 sq mi).[22] It is the largest province of Calabarzon, comprising 879,660 hectares or 53.21% of the total land area of the region.[23] Of this area, 513,618 hectares is categorized as agricultural land.[23] The northern part of the province is sandwiched between the Sierra Madre mountain range and the Philippine Sea. The southern part consists of the Tayabas Isthmus, which separates the Bicol Peninsula from the main part of Luzon Island, and the Bondoc Peninsula which lies between Tayabas Bay and Ragay Gulf. Because of this, majority of towns in the province have access to the sea. The province is bounded by the provinces of Aurora, Bulacan, Rizal, Laguna, Batangas, Camarines Sur and Camarines Norte. It is bounded to the east by the Pacific Ocean and to the south by Tayabas Bay. The province is said to be characterized by a rugged terrain with patches of plains, valleys and swamps.

The major islands of Quezon are Alabat Island and Polillo Islands. Mount Banahaw, an active volcano, is the highest peak at 2,169 metres (7,116 ft).[24] It supplies geothermal power to the Mak-Ban Geothermal Power Plant.[25]

The province has a total of 1,066.36 km of coastline[23] and has several bays including Burdeos Bay, Lamon Bay, Calauag Bay, Lopez Bay, Ragay Gulf, Pagbilao Bay and Tayabas Bay. The Infanta Watershed has extensive and highly productive aquifers while Mauban and Atimonan have no significant groundwater.[26] According to the DENR, in 2003, Quezon had 231,190 hectares of forest cover.[27] However, due to rampant illegal logging as well as kaingin, these forests are constantly threatened.

Climate

Because of the sheer size of Quezon, different areas have different climate patterns. Most of the province falls under Type IV Climate which means that rains are evenly distributed throughout the year. Polillo, Infanta and parts of Calauag fall under Type II climate which means that there are no dry seasons but there is a pronounced wet season from Nivember to April. Parts of the western towns of Tiaong, San Antonio, Dolores and Candelaria as well as the tip of Bondoc Peninsula including parts of Mulanay, San Francisco, San Narciso and San Andres fall under Type III climate. This means that there is a relatively dry season from November to April. Although these are the patterns observed, it is important to note that with climate change, these patterns have become more erratic. Typhoons have become stronger through the years, causing problems such as power outages, road blockages, landslides, flashfloods and crop damages.

Administrative divisions

Quezon comprises 39 municipalities and one component city named Tayabas City, which are organized into four legislative districts and further subdivided into 1,209 barangays.

The capital, Lucena City, is independent from the administrative and fiscal supervision of the province, but is eligible to vote for provincial officials.

Demographics

Population census of
Quezon
YearPop.±% p.a.
1990 1,221,831—    
1995 1,359,992+2.03%
2000 1,482,955+1.87%
2007 1,646,510+1.45%
2010 1,740,638+2.04%
2015 1,856,582+1.24%
(excluding Lucena City)
Source: Philippine Statistics Authority[2][28][29]

The population of Quezon in the 2015 census was 1,856,582 people,[2] with a density of 210 inhabitants per square kilometre or 540 inhabitants per square mile. When Lucena City is included for geographical purposes, the province's population is 2,122,830 people, with a density of 234/km2 (606/sq mi).

The inhabitants are mostly Tagalogs. The population is concentrated in the flat south-central portion which includes Lucena City, Sariaya, and Candelaria. After World War II, the Infanta area received migrants from Manila, Laguna and Batangas. People from Marinduque moved to the southern part of the Tayabas Isthmus and the Bondoc Peninsula. And people from Bicol Region migrated to eastern towns of Calauag and Tagkawayan.

Economy

Farming and fishing are the main sources of livelihood in the province. Commercial, industrial, and banking activities are mostly concentrated in the south-central part of the province.

Agro-industry

Quezon is the country's leading producer of coconut products such as desiccated coconut, virgin coconut oil, coconut juice, coconut oil[6] and copra. A large part of the province is covered in coconut plantations. Several large companies geared toward processing coconuts have factories in the province. This includes companies in Candelaria including Peter Paul Philippine Corporation, Primex Coco Products Inc., Pacific Royal Basic Foods, SuperStar Corporation, and Tongsan Industrial Development Corporation which are focused on processing desiccated coconut and other specialty coconut products. Other companies in Lucena like Tantuco Enterprises, and JNJ Oil Industries on the other hand are focused on producing coconut oil and other coconut oil based products like margarine, and lard. Because of the coconut industry, copra traders from provinces like Marinduque, Romblon, and Masbate regularly visit the province.

However, the coconut industry is faced with several threats from cocolisap to the coconut lumber trade.[30] When cocolisap posed a huge threat to the coconut industry, the government had to act swiftly with countermeasures aimed at fighting the coconut scaling insect.[31]

Aside from coconuts, Quezon is also the most important agricultural province among the provinces in Calabarzon in terms of producing staple food items such as rice and corn. The province supplies 200,000 MT of rice and corn annually or around 42% of the total rice and corn requirement of the region.[32] Other major crops are rice, corn, banana, and coffee.

Fishing

Because of its long coastline and the presence of numerous marshes and bays, fishing is also a large part of the province's economy. Quezon accounts for 33% or around 132,239 MT of fish produced in the region. Several fish port complexes exist in the province, including ports in Atimonan, Lucena, Infanta, and Guinayangan. These ports serve as hubs for the trade of fish and other aquatic resources like round scad, anchovies, tuna, and groupers. The province has three fishing districts. The first is found in the northeast encompassing Lamon Bay. The southeast portion includes the Ragay Gulf while the south central portion covers Tayabas Bay. Aside from fishing, aquaculture is also important in the coastal municipalities of the province. Bangus and prawns are among the most cultured species.[32]

Commerce and Banking

The capital city of Lucena is considered to be the economic center of the province. There are currently three malls in the province. Two of them are located in Lucena namely SM City Lucena and Pacific Mall Lucena. Citymall, located in Tiaong, is the third mall in the province. Major banks like BDO, Metrobank, Land Bank, BPI, PNB, RCBC UCPB, among other Manila-based banks are present in the western part of the province. BDO however made a move to establish a regional head office at Lucena due to the growing demand and economic importance of the province itself. On the other hand, namely QCRB, Rural Bank of Atimonan and Card Bank rural banks serve the far-flung towns.

Infrastructure

Transportation

Road

Manila South Road, part of Pan-Philippine Highway (N1/AH26), in Sariaya.

Quezon has a total of 931 kilometres (578 mi) of national roads, mostly paved with concrete.[33] Pan-Philippine Highway (N1/AH26), which comprises most of Manila South Road, and Quirino Highway (N68), the Quezon leg of Andaya Highway form the highway backbone network, and the secondary and tertiary roads interconnect most cities and municipalities, except for Infanta, Real, and General Nakar, whose highways used to access those municipalities interconnect with the national highway network in Laguna and Rizal. The provincial government maintains provincial roads which supplements the national roads.

In order to spur development in the province, several proposals have been made to expand the expressway network to Quezon. The South Luzon Expressway, which terminates at Santo Tomas, will be extended to Lucena with the construction of Toll Road 4 (SLEx TR-4).[34] Two expressways being proposed for construction includes the Manila - Quezon Expressway (MQX), which will pass through Rizal and eastern Laguna,[35] and Quezon-Bicol Expressway (QuBEx), which will link Lucena with Bicol Region.[36]

Rail

The South Line of Philippine National Railway's North-South railway passes through the different towns of Quezon from Tutuban to Bicol. This includes stops in Lucena, Malicboy, Agdangan, Plaridel, Gumaca, Lopez, Hondagua, Aloneros, and Tagkawayan.[37] However, no trains are operating along this line as of present.

Seaports

The Dalahican Port and Cotta Port in Lucena provide direct access to the neighboring island provinces of Marinduque, and Romblon. The Port of Real provides access to the islands of Polillo while the Atimonan and Gumaca ports provide access to the island of Alabat. The port in San Andres provides access to Masbate and Burias islands.

Airports

There exist several airports in Quezon. This includes the Lucena Airport, Pagbilao Grande Airport, Alabat Airport (Alabat Island) Jomalig Airport (Jomalig Island), and the Balesin (Tordesillas) Airport (Balesin Island). Only Balesin Airport is being used as of present for Manila-Balesin flights.

Energy

Quezon is home to several power plants that supply energy to the Luzon grid. The Pagbilao Power Station is the first power plant in the province. Located at Isla Grande in Pagbilao, the 735 MW coal fueled power plant started operations as early as 1993. This power plant is currently being managed by Team Energy Corp. and is undergoing a 420 MW expansion.[38] The Mauban Power Station is also a coal fueled power plant located in Barangay Cagsiay I. Managed by Quezon Power, the 420 MW power plant started operations in the year 2000.[39] The third power plant, a 600 MW coal fueled plant, is currently in the planning stage and is going to be located in Barangay Villa Ibaba in the town of Atimonan.[40] Together, these three provide jobs to the people as Quezon as well as addressing the energy needs of the province and the greater Luzon area.

There are three power distributors in the province, namely Meralco, Quezon I Electric Cooperative (QUEZELCO-I), and Quezon II Electric Cooperative (QUEZELCO-II). Meralco provides electricity to the province's second district as well as the adjacent towns of Pagbilao, Lucban, Sampaloc, Mauban and Tayabas City. QUEZELCO-I distributes power to the towns of the province's 3rd and 4th districts. QUEZELCO-II distributes power to the towns of the province's first district, except for the towns served by Meralco.

Water Security

The Quezon Metropolitan Water District (QMWD), formerly known as the Lucena Pagbilao Tayabas Water District or LUPATA, serves the Metro Lucena area including Lucena City, Tayabas City, and Pagbilao.[41] It draws its water largely from the May-it Spring although this source has prove inadequate to supply the area.[42] Other towns are served by their own water districts. Some areas like the Infanta area are characterized by highly productive aquifers but other areas like Mauban and Atimonan have no significant water productivity.[26]

Due to the pressures of a growing population, Quezon is one of the provinces from which the government plans to source part of the demand for water of Metro Manila. In General Nakar, construction is ongoing as of 2016 on a tunnel to divert water from the Sumag River to Angat Dam.[43] The tunnel will link up with the Umiray-Angat Transbasin Tunnel to provide water to Angat Dam.[43] Aside from this, there are plans for the construction of the New Centennial Water Source Project - Kaliwa Lower Dam and the Kanan Dam in Northern Quezon for power generation and water supply of Metro Manila.[44] The Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Quezon is against the construction of this project stating that it will not allow water from the Agos River, both on the left (kaliwa) and on the right (kanan) sides of the river.[44] Locals fear that the construction of the project would cause massive destruction of forests, crops, animals and property in the REINA area.[44]

Tourism & Culture

As of now, tourism is still a minor but growing part of the province's economy. Several attractions draw tourists from here and abroad including festivals, beaches, old structures and other sights.

Festivals

Pahiyas 2012

Among the festivals of Quezon, the two most prominent and famous are probably the Pahiyas Festival of Lucban and the Niyugyugan Festival. The Pahiyas Festival is the unique celebration of the people of Lucban of the Feast of St. Isidore, the patron of farmers. Held every May 15 of the year, the Pahiyas Festival is the time when neighbors compete against each other in decorating their houses in the most creative manner. The natives of Lucban use vegetables and grains like rice, chayotes and radishes as well as a special material called kiping. Kiping is an ornament made of grounded rice flour shaped into leaves and dyed in different colors. These materials serve as the ingredients for the colorful houses that the Pahiyas has become famous for.[45] Other colorful festivals that was celebrated in the province during May 15 of the year are Mayohan Festival of Tayabas City, Agawan Festival of Sariaya, and Araña't Baluarte of Gumaca. The Niyugyugan Festival is a relatively new festival started in 2012 celebrating the province's main product, the coconut. The festival celebrates the diversity of the different towns of the province through an expo. During this expo, the different towns build their own booths showcasing the best qualities of their town and then presents the products that their respective towns produce.[46]

Beaches and springs

To the north, the island of Balesin has become playground to the rich and famous. The exclusive island resort features seven uniquely themed resorts, providing its members the luxury of choosing to stay in differently themed villas.[47] Although quite far, Salibungot beach of Jomalig is known to backpackers for its golden shores. Real on the other hand is becoming renown for surfing. Cagbalete Island of Mauban on the other hand is known for its white beach which becomes even more beautiful during low tide when the receding waters form ripples on the sand bar it leaves behind. In the south central portion of the province, the beaches of Guisguis in Sariaya have long been considered a local destination. Several resorts including Villa del Prado Resort, Dalampasigan Beach Resort and the Montevista Beach Resort are some of the resorts in the area.

For those looking for a hot spring, the Mainit Hot Spring in Tayabas is popular among locals

Baroque Churches, Heritage Houses and others

Villa Sariaya

Quezon is home to heritage houses from the early 20th century built in the American architecture of the time such as the Enriquez-Gala Mansion, Gala-Rodriguez House and Villa Sariaya. Not only do these houses tell stories of the opulence afforded by coconut landlords but also gives us a glimpse of the uncertainty during wartime.[13] Some of these stunning buildings are considered endangered due to road widening plans within the poblacion that will destroy these cultural icons forever.[48]

The Philippine country life is what the present Villa Escudero offers its guests. Featuring its famous waterfall restaurant, the plantation resort actually has deep historical roots tracing its origins back to the coconut growing industry of Quezon. Other Spanish-era structures also exist outside Sariaya such as the Casa de Comunidad de Tayabas, Malagonlong bridge and the churches of Lucban and Tayabas serve as testament to the history of the province.

Mountains

Mt. Banahaw is a pilgrimage site for some locals who believe the mountain to be holy. Although considered an active volcano, hiking has been popular with both religious pilgrims as well as hikers. There are two trails to the mountain, both originating from Barangay Kinabuhayan in the town of Dolores. The most frequently used trails are the Cristalino and Tatlong Tangke, taking an average of 9 and 5 hours, respectively but both converges at the volcano's summit. At the peak are viewpoints, labeled as Durungawan I, II, and III, which are the usual destination for pilgrims and hikers. However, due to pollution and trash left by these visitors, Mt. Banahaw was closed to the public until further notice.

Food

Quezon's food is richly influenced by the native ingredients found in the area like the coconut. As such, gata or coconut milk can be found in different dishes like ginataang suso(snail), sinugno, and pinais.[49] As the province is relatively near Bicol, some bicolano dishes like ginataang santol and laing are relatively common in the area. Unique dishes from Quezon include Pancit Habhab, Lucban Longganisa, Chami, and dishes made of a local ferm called Pako. Other famous food items include Broas, Budin, Bonete, Kalamay, Minukmok, Pinagong, Lambanog, Yema Cake and Sapinit products.[49][50]

Notable people

Metro Lucena

Metro Lucena has an estimated population of 700,000 which is mostly concentrated in the flat south-central portion of Quezon, which includes the cities of Lucena City and Tayabas City and the municipalities of Sariaya, Candelaria, Lucban & Pagbilao. The people are often characterized as friendly and hardworking. It is the center of commerce and tourism in Quezon Province.

References

  1. ↑ "List of Provinces". PSGC Interactive. Makati City, Philippines: National Statistical Coordination Board. Archived from the original on January 21, 2013. Retrieved 22 November 2013.
  2. 1 2 3 4 Census of Population (2015). Highlights of the Philippine Population 2015 Census of Population. PSA. Retrieved 20 June 2016.
  3. ↑ Paz, Victor. Ragragio, Andrea. Medrana, Jack. "Preliminary Archaeological Survey of the Municipality of Catanauan, Bondoc Peninsula, Quezon Province". Catanauan Site Reports.
  4. ↑ "1,000-year-old village found in Philippines". Telegraph.co.uk. Retrieved 2017-02-07.
  5. 1 2 3 "History of Quezon Province". Provincial Government of Quezon. Retrieved 4 April 2016.
  6. 1 2 Ramos, Lily O. (18 July 2012). "Quezon province’s impressive historical and cultural heritage". Balita.ph. Retrieved 4 April 2016.
  7. 1 2 "Aurora, Philippines - History". www.aurora.ph. Retrieved 2017-02-07.
  8. ↑ "The Archdiocese | Archdiocese of Caceres". caceres-naga.org. Retrieved 2017-02-07.
  9. 1 2 Jose, Diocese of San. "Diocese of San Jose, Nueva Ecija - History". www.dioceseofsanjose.org. Retrieved 2017-02-07.
  10. 1 2 "Diocese of Lucena". www.cbcponline.net. Retrieved 2017-02-07.
  11. ↑ "Full text of "Acts of the Philippine commission, no.1-1800"". archive.org. Retrieved 2017-02-05.
  12. ↑ "Republic Act No. 14; An Act to Change the Name of the Province of Tayabas to Quezon". Chan Robles Virtual Law Library. Retrieved 6 January 2016.
  13. 1 2 "The stunning, endangered heritage buildings of Sariaya". GMA News Online. Retrieved 2017-02-05.
  14. ↑ "Peter Paul Official Website - The Premier Manufacturer of Quality Coconut Products". www.peterpaul.com.ph. Retrieved 2017-02-05.
  15. ↑ "Republic Act No. 648 - An Act Creating the Subprovince of Aurora, Which Shall Comprise the Municipalities of Baler, Casiguran, Dipaculao and Maria Aurora, Province of Quezon". Chan Robles Virtual Law Library. 14 June 1951. Retrieved 4 April 2016.
  16. ↑ "Batas Pambansa Blg. 7 - An Act Separating the Sub-Province of Aurora from the Province of Quezon and Establishing It as an Independent Province". Chan Robles Virtual Law Library. Retrieved 4 April 2016.
  17. 1 2 3 4 "G.R. No. 80796". www.lawphil.net. Retrieved 2017-02-07.
  18. ↑ "An Act Amending the Administrative Code". Retrieved 7 February 2017.
  19. ↑ "Province of Camarines Norte vs Province of Quezon : 80796 : October 11, 2001 : J. Sandoval-Gutierrez : En Banc". sc.judiciary.gov.ph. Retrieved 2017-02-07. line feed character in |title= at position 79 (help)
  20. ↑ "Republic Act No. 9495: An Act Creating the Province of Quezon del Sur". The LAWPHiL Project. September 7, 2007. Retrieved 22 November 2013.
  21. ↑ Jr., Delfin T. Mallari. "More legislative districts pushed in Quezon". newsinfo.inquirer.net. Retrieved 2017-02-06.
  22. 1 2 3 "Province: Quezon". PSGC Interactive. Quezon City, Philippines: Philippine Statistics Authority. Retrieved 8 January 2016.
  23. 1 2 3 "Provincial Government of Quezon". www.quezon.gov.ph. Retrieved 2017-02-13.
  24. ↑ "Active Volcanoes". Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology. 30 July 2008. Retrieved 6 January 2016.
  25. ↑ "Makiling-Banahaw". National Geothermal Association of the Philippines, Inc. (NGAP). Retrieved 26 June 2016.
  26. 1 2 "State of Region's ENR". calabarzon.denr.gov.ph. Retrieved 2017-02-05.
  27. ↑ "Forest Cover within CALABARZON". calabarzon.denr.gov.ph. Retrieved 2017-02-05.
  28. 1 2 Census of Population and Housing (2010). Population and Annual Growth Rates for The Philippines and Its Regions, Provinces, and Highly Urbanized Cities (PDF). NSO. Retrieved 29 June 2016.
  29. ↑ Census of Population and Housing (2010). "Region IV-A (Calabarzon)". Total Population by Province, City, Municipality and Barangay. NSO. Retrieved 29 June 2016.
  30. ↑ Jr., Delfin T. Mallari. "Almost P200K worth of illegally cut coconut lumber seized in Quezon". newsinfo.inquirer.net. Retrieved 2017-02-05.
  31. ↑ Jr., Delfin T. Mallari. "War against coconut pest starts in Quezon province". newsinfo.inquirer.net. Retrieved 2017-02-05.
  32. 1 2 "Provincial Commodity Investment Plan" (PDF). Retrieved 5 February 2017.
  33. ↑ Kilometer count tabulated from data for the 4 district engineering offices in Quezon in the 2015 Road Data by the Department of Public Works and Highways
  34. ↑ "SOUTH LUZON EXPRESSWAY (SLEX) TOLL ROAD 4 (TR-4) | Department of Public Works and Highways". www.dpwh.gov.ph. Retrieved 2017-02-06.
  35. ↑ "Manila-Quezon Expressway | Department of Public Works and Highways". www.dpwh.gov.ph. Retrieved 2017-02-06.
  36. ↑ "QUEZON–BICOL EXPRESSWAY | Department of Public Works and Highways". www.dpwh.gov.ph. Retrieved 2017-02-06.
  37. ↑ "Route Map". www.pnr.gov.ph. Retrieved 2017-02-07.
  38. ↑ "BusinessWorld | Pagbilao expansion seen operational in late 2017". www.bworldonline.com. Retrieved 2017-02-05.
  39. ↑ "Quezon Power (Philippines), Limited Co.". www.qpl.com.ph. Retrieved 2017-02-05.
  40. ↑ "Our Business | MGen". www.meralcopowergen.com.ph. Retrieved 2017-02-05.
  41. ↑ "news_quezon". www.lwua.gov.ph. Retrieved 2017-02-17.
  42. ↑ Asian Development Bank (2010). "Water District Management Sector Project" (PDF). Subproject Appraisal Report: Quezon Metro Water District. 4.
  43. 1 2 Jr., Delfin T. Mallari. "1 dead, 5 missing as flood hits MWSS tunnel in Quezon". newsinfo.inquirer.net. Retrieved 2017-02-07.
  44. 1 2 3 Bello, John. "Local govts, residents reject construction of dam for power generation, Metro Manila water supply | BusinessMirror". www.businessmirror.com.ph. Retrieved 2017-02-07.
  45. ↑ "The Pahiyas Festival - Lucban San Isidro Pahiyas Festival". Retrieved 2017-02-05.
  46. ↑ "Provincial Government of Quezon". www.quezon.gov.ph. Retrieved 2017-02-05.
  47. ↑ corporation, alphaland. "Balesin Island: Overview". www.balesin.com. Retrieved 2017-02-05.
  48. ↑ "Heritage group protests DPWH road-widening project in Sariaya, Quezon". GMA News Online. Retrieved 2017-02-05.
  49. 1 2 "The flavors of Quezon province". GMA News Online. Retrieved 2017-02-07.
  50. ↑ "Quezon delicacies". Retrieved 2017-02-07.
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