Quezon

Quezon is a province of the Philippines located in the Calabarzon region on the island of Luzon. It is named after Manuel L. Quezon, the first president of the Commonwealth of the Philippines. The area was created in 1902 as Tayabas Province and was renamed Quezon in 1946 to honor the statesman.

Geography and administration: Quezon lies southeast of Metro Manila and has a coastline along Tayabas Bay to the north and the Pacific Ocean to the east. The terrain ranges from coastal lowlands and river valleys to uplands, with portions of the Bondoc Peninsula and Polillo Island belonging to the province. The capital is Lucena City. The province is subdivided into numerous municipalities and component cities.

Economy and society: The economy is predominantly agricultural, with coconuts as a key crop, along with rice, corn, and other staples. Fishing and aquaculture are important in coastal towns. Tourism is supported by historic towns such as Lucban and Tayabas, the Pahiyas Festival in Lucban, and attractions like Villa Escudero Plantations in Tiaong and beaches on the Bondoc Peninsula.

Culture and heritage: The Pahiyas Festival in Lucban honors the harvest season with vivid decorations and is one of the province’s best-known cultural events. The area also preserves historic churches, shrines, and ancestral houses that reflect its diverse heritage.

Transportation and notable features: The province is connected to Metro Manila by major highways via the South Luzon corridor, with ports along the coast supporting inter-island travel and trade. Notable geographic features include the Bondoc Peninsula and Polillo Island, contributing to biodiversity and tourism potential.