Lucena facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Lucena
Highly urbanized city
City of Lucena
Clockwise from top left: St. Ferdinand Cathedral, Tayabas Capitol (Quezon Provincial Capitol), Quezon Avenue, Quezon Monument, Lucena Diversion Road Underpass, Port of Lucena
Flag Seal
Motto(s):  BOOM Lucena!
Anthem: Ang Lungsod ng Lucena
Map of Calabarzon with Lucena highlighted
OpenStreetMap
Lucena Location in Philippines
Country	Philippines
Region	Calabarzon
Province	Quezon (geographically only)
District	[[{{#property:P7938}} | — Lua error in Module:Wd at line 1804: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value).]]
Founded	November 3, 1879
Cityhood (de jure)	June 17, 1961
Cityhood (de facto)	August 20, 1961
Highly urbanized city	July 1, 1991
Named for	Lucena, Córdoba, Spain
Barangays	33 (see Barangays)
Government
• Type	Sangguniang Panlungsod
Area
• Total	80.21 km2 (30.97 sq mi)
Elevation	61 m (200 ft)
Highest elevation	1,687 m (5,535 ft)
Lowest elevation	0 m (0 ft)
Population  (2020 census)
• Total	278,924
• Density	3,477.42/km2 (9,006.5/sq mi)
• Households	66,905
Demonym(s)	Lucenahin
Economy
• Income class	First class, Highly Urbanized
• Poverty incidence	6.40 % (2021)
• Revenue	₱ 1,445 million (2020)
• Assets	₱ 2,787 million (2020)
• Expenditure	₱ 1,186 million (2020)
• Liabilities	₱ 892.7 million (2020)
Service provider
• Electricity	Manila Electric Company (Meralco)
Time zone	UTC+8 (PST)
ZIP code	4300, 4301
PSGC	[https://psa.gov.ph/classification/psgc/?q=psgc/barangays/{{#pro000&regcode={{&provcode= p {{#property:P988}} ]
IDD : area code	+63 (0)42
Native languages	Tagalog
Website	lucenacity.gov.ph

Lucena is a busy city in the Calabarzon region of the Philippines. It is officially known as the City of Lucena. In 2020, about 278,924 people lived here.

Lucena is the largest city and capital of Quezon Province. Even though it's part of Quezon geographically, it runs its own government. It's also being considered as a future "Metro Lucena" area. This bigger area would include Lucena and nearby towns like Candelaria, Tayabas, and Sariaya.

History of Lucena City

Early Beginnings

In the 1570s, Captain Juan de Salcedo explored the area then called Kalilayan. Later, in 1591, it became a province. Between 1580 and 1583, Franciscan priests founded a town named "Tayabas". Lucena was just a small part of Tayabas back then. Tayabas became the provincial capital in 1749.

The Spanish people in the 16th century called the area "Buenavista" because it was so beautiful. Later, it was renamed "Oroquieta". About a hundred years later, pirates attacked the coast. The people built forts along the sea to protect themselves. This led to the area being called Cotta, which means 'fort' in the local Tagalog language.

Trade grew at the Cotta port. When the pirates were finally defeated, Lucena grew into a town. It became the capital of Tayabas province in 1901.

On November 3, 1879, the name "Lucena" was officially chosen. This was to honor Father Mariano Granja, a Spanish friar from Lucena, Córdoba in Spain. Father Granja helped the area develop. Lucena became its own town on June 1, 1882.

During the Philippine Revolution in 1896, the people of Lucena fought for their freedom. José Zaballero led the local fighters. Later, Miguel Arguilles and Jose Barcelona formed a new government in Lucena. After the Philippines declared independence in 1898, Gen. Miguel Malvar took control of Tayabas province. Don Crisanto Marquez became Lucena's first elected leader.

Wars and Changes

An aerial view of Lucena, around the 1930s or 1940s

Lucena was part of the Philippine–American War in 1899. The Americans set up a new government. On March 12, 1901, Lucena became the capital of the province instead of Tayabas.

During World War II, Japanese forces took over Lucena on December 27, 1941. This event is known as The Fall of Lucena. The Japanese wanted to control important points in the town. However, local resistance fighters and the Hunters ROTC fought back strongly.

The underground resistance was very determined. They surprised the Japanese with sudden attacks. These fights often involved close-up combat. The constant attacks and supply problems weakened the Japanese forces.

By January 25, 1945, the Hunters ROTC guerrillas entered the town. They used their knowledge of the area to move quickly. This stopped the Japanese from setting up good defenses. After tough fighting, Filipino forces successfully drove the Japanese out of Lucena. The people of Lucena then strengthened their defenses. The Japanese tried to take Lucena back, but they failed.

The American and Philippine Commonwealth troops arrived on April 4, 1945, bringing freedom to the province.

Becoming a City

Lucena became a chartered city thanks to Congressman Manuel S. Enverga. A law was passed on June 17, 1961. The city officials, led by Mayor Castro Profugo, officially started their work on August 20, 1961. On July 1, 1991, Lucena became a highly urbanized city. This meant it became fully independent from the province.

Geography and Climate

The Iyam River in Cotta

Lucena from the air

Lucena is located about 130 kilometers (81 miles) south of Manila. The city center is between two rivers: the Dumacaa River to the east and the Iyam River to the west. Seven other rivers and six creeks help drain water from the city. Its port on Tayabas Bay is a hub for boats and ferries. These connect Lucena to different parts of the region and even to the Visayas islands.

As the provincial capital, Lucena has many government offices, businesses, banks, and services. It serves as a major center for the Southern Tagalog region.

Barangays

Lucena is divided into 33 smaller areas called barangays. Each barangay has its own smaller sections called puroks and sometimes sitios.

• Barangay 1 (Poblacion)
• Barangay 2 (Poblacion)
• Barangay 3 (Poblacion)
• Barangay 4 (Poblacion)
• Barangay 5 (Poblacion)
• Barangay 6 (Poblacion)
• Barangay 7 (Poblacion)
• Barangay 8 (Poblacion)
• Barangay 9 (Poblacion)
• Barangay 10 (Poblacion)
• Barangay 11 (Poblacion)
• Barra
• Bocohan
• Cotta
• Gulang-Gulang
• Dalahican
• Domoit
• Ibabang Dupay
• Ibabang Iyam
• Ibabang Talim
• Ilayang Dupay
• Ilayang Iyam
• Ilayang Talim
• Isabang
• Market View
• Mayao Castillo
• Mayao Crossing
• Mayao Kanluran
• Mayao Parada
• Mayao Silangan
• Ransohan
• Salinas
• Talao-Talao

Climate in Lucena

Lucena has a climate with no clear wet or dry seasons. The wet season usually runs from June to November, sometimes into December. This is when the southwest monsoon winds blow. The dry season is from January to May, but it can have some unexpected rain.

The average yearly temperature is 27°C (81°F). February is the coldest month, with temperatures dropping to 20°C (68°F). May is the warmest month, reaching up to 35°C (95°F).

Population and Economy

Lucena's Population Growth

Shopping and Businesses

Downtown Merchan Street in Poblacion (Bayan)

Lucena's economy is strongest in the city center and nearby areas. This is where many businesses are located. As more people move to Lucena, new businesses open up. This creates smaller shopping areas outside the main center.

You can find many shops and services in the city's main areas. SM City Lucena is the biggest mall in the city. It is one of the first SM Malls built in Luzon. Other shopping centers include Pacific Mall Lucena and Puregold Gulang-Gulang.

Local Industries

Many large factories and warehouses are found in Lucena's suburban areas. Companies like San Miguel Brewery, Coca-Cola Bottlers Philippines, Inc., and Nestlé Philippines operate here. They handle sales, distribution, and transport of various products.

Lucena produces many farm-based products. These include dried and smoked fish, distilled drinks, and furniture made from bamboo and rattan. The city also grows ornamental plants and vegetables.

Lucena is known as the "Cocopalm City of the South." It has many coconut oil mills. These mills make household products like cooking oil, soap, lard, and margarine. They also produce oil-based medicines. Tantuco Industries and Monaco Oil Company are some well-known coconut oil companies here.

Car assembly plants have also opened in Lucena. Car shops like Toyota-Lucena and Isuzu-Lucena have branches in the city.

Places to Visit

Quezon Convention Center

Perez Park

Lucena is easy to reach from other cities and towns in Luzon. Good roads make it simple to transport goods and supplies in and out of the city.

Many visitors come to Lucena because of its modern facilities. These include the Quezon Convention Center, which hosted a basketball tournament in 2004. Other places are the Kalilayan Civic Centre and the Alcala Sports Complex.

Historical Sites and Tourist Spots

• Lucena Botanical Garden & Arboretum
• Orchids Country Farm
• Perez Park
• Quezon Convention Center
• Saint Ferdinand Cathedral
• Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Church
• Talaba Eco Park
• Lucena City Promenade
• Museo de Lucena
• Port of Lucena

Old and Historic Buildings

• Cabana Ancestral House
• Calixto (Zaballero) Ancestral House
• Granja Panciteria
• Governor's Mansion
• Old Carlos Superdrug
• Farmacia Chionglo
• PNR Lucena Station

Culture and Celebrations

Festivals in Lucena

The city has many celebrations. One of the most famous is the Pasayahan in Lucena.

Pasayahan sa Lucena Grand Parade

Pasayahan sa Lucena is a fun festival that shows how nature and people are connected. The local government of Lucena organizes and hosts this event. It also highlights the way of life of the people of Lucena. The festival includes entertainment, local food, dancing, live music, and other fun activities.

The main event of Pasayahan is the Grand Parade, also called Mardi Gras. It features huge, colorful floats made by local businesses and groups. There are also street dancing, marching bands, and a hat competition.

The first Pasayahan in 1987 was a big success. Now, it happens every year. Many people come to enjoy the fun. Pasayahan also includes the Chami Festival, which promotes Lucena's special dishes like chami (a noodle dish) and tinapa (smoked fish). Other events include a fashion show and street concerts. What started as a three-day party has grown into a week-long or even month-long attraction.

The festival also happens around the Feast of St. Ferdinand. He is one of the patron saints of the Catholic churches in Lucena. This feast is celebrated every May 30th.

City Infrastructure

Getting Around Lucena

Old Manila South Road

Land Transportation

Lucena Grand Central Terminal

Lucena City has a main transport center called the Lucena Grand Central Terminal. It is located on Lucena Diversion Road. The city's LTO is also there.

Modern buses connect Lucena to Pasay, Quezon City, and Alabang in Muntinlupa. Vans also link Lucena to Taytay, eastern Laguna, and other parts of Quezon. Bus companies like JAC Liner and JAM Liner travel between Manila and Lucena.

Lucena also has many jeepney routes. These start from the city center and go to major barangays and nearby towns. Thousands of tricycles also operate in the city, especially at night. A new expressway, the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) Toll Road 4 (TR-4) Extension, will end in Lucena.

Air Travel

Lucena Airport runway in 2003

Lucena has an airport, known locally as Landing. However, it is no longer used for planes. A road was built across it during the presidency of Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

Train Services

A Philippine National Railways train at Lucena station

The Philippine National Railways (PNR) is working to fix the train line from Manila to the Bicol Region. This line includes stops in Quezon province, like PNR Lucena station. In the past, this station was a major stop for passengers and cargo. Modern, air-conditioned trains will soon use this route.

Even though it is being renovated, Lucena station is still active. It serves passengers traveling to and from San Pablo City every day.

Sea Travel

Gate to the Port of Lucena

The Passenger Ferry Terminal in Lucena has RORO (Roll-on/Roll-off) vessels. These ships carry passengers across Tayabas Bay to islands like Marinduque, Romblon, and Masbate.

The Port of Lucena, located in Dalahican, is known as a main entry point for Southern Luzon. The port area is 5,174.75 square meters (55,700 sq ft). It is easily reached by a paved road. Passenger ferry services include Montenegro Shipping Lines.

Communication Services

Lucena City has landline and mobile phone services. Companies like Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company (PLDT) and Digitel provide these. Major mobile phone providers are Globe, Smart, and DITO Telecommunity. Wi-Fi providers like Converge ICT also operate in the city.

Hospitals in Lucena

Quezon Medical Center

Lucena has both private and public hospitals. They offer similar healthcare standards.

Here are some hospitals in the city:

• Lucena United Memorial District Hospital, 178 Merchan Street
• Lucena MMG General Hospital, Maharlika Highway, Ibabang Dupay
• Mt. Carmel Diocesan General Hospital, Allarey Extension
• Lucena United Doctors Hospital and Medical Center, Barangay Isabang
• St. Anne General Hospital, 51 Gomez Street
• Quezon Medical Center (Quezon Memorial Hospital), QMC Compound, Quezon Avenue
• St. Mary's Hospital, Quezon Avenue
• Quezon MMG Medical Plaza, Quezon Avenue

Education in Lucena

The main building of Quezon National High School

In 2006, about 98.6% of people in Lucena could read and write. Lucena City has many colleges and high schools, both public and private. These schools offer university degrees and vocational courses.

Some institutions offering degrees include Southern Luzon State University (Lucena Campus), STI College Lucena, and Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation. Sacred Heart College is the oldest Catholic school in Quezon.

The city also has many pre-schools, elementary schools, and high schools. Examples include Holy Rosary Catholic School and Infant Jesus Montessori Center. There are also many day-care centers throughout the city.

Famous People from Lucena

• Encarnacion Alzona, a historian and the first Filipino woman to get a Ph.D.
• Nilo Alcala, a composer who won The American Prize in Composition.
• Proceso Alcala, a former Secretary of the Department of Agriculture.
• Fides Cuyugan-Asensio, a National Artist of the Philippines for Music.
• Jessie Dellosa, a former Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
• Jenny Miller, a Filipina actress.
• Mau Marcelo, the first winner of Philippine Idol.
• Neil Ryan Sese, a film and theater actor.
• Paz Márquez-Benítez, a Filipina short-story writer.

Sister Cities

• Tayabas City, Philippines
• General Santos, Philippines
• Calabanga, Camarines Sur, Philippines
• Cabanatuan, Philippines

Images for kids

• 

  Lucena Airport runway in 2003

See also

In Spanish: Lucena (Filipinas) para niños