Compiled and Edited by the Office of the Municipal ... - Tayabas.ph

Compiled and Edited by the
Office of the Municipal Planning and Development Coordinator

The picture shows detail of
a baliskog, the Tayabasin
welcome arch, exhibited at
the Mayohan Festival
2010. This folk art was
crafted by the residents of
Barangay Lakawan in
Tayabas. It depicts the
seasonal activities of
coconut or Dondi farmers as they
harvest, dehusk, and
transport coconuts using
the horse.
We, citizens of The Very Noble Town
Coconut production in Tayabas started in 1650 and has remarkably increased
through the succeeding centuries, thus making Tayabas a major producer of
coconuts in the province. Coconut industry has influenced greatly the
lifestyle of the Tayabasin. During the 1990s when the price of copra declined
in the world market, the more resilient Tayabasin converted their coco lands
into rice or vegetable farms thus affecting the agricultural landscape and
consequently the socio-economic and cultural life of our people.
OUR TOWN presents a socio-economic and cultural profile using empirical
data. It is our desire that, as you turn every page of this compilation, you are
with us traveling to the past, the present and to the future—thus completing
our life’s journey as citizens of the very noble town.
And, finally, as you leaf through each page, we wish to elicit an
understanding of the whys, the hows and where Tayabas shall become.
May
Faustino Alandy Silang, DMD
La Muy Noble Villa de Tayabas or The Very Noble Town of Tayabas is the royal title awarded by the Spanish
Monarch to Tayabas in 1703 thus, elevating the town to the ranks of nobility.
2

ORIGIN
Of Winged Beings and Ritual
One thing we should be grateful about the friars is that they didn’t change the name of what
is now Tayabas. Other towns were not lucky as when the original ethnic sounding names of
their locale were altered to Isabela (referring to Queen Isabel II of Spain), Legazpi (the
conquistador) or Magallanes.
3

Press
The scholarly mind-set of Franciscan Friar Juan de Placencia must have conditioned the preservation
of the name Tayabas. This Franciscan friar made an extensive study of Tagalog customs and tradition
and discovered the cultural significance of preserving Tayabas. But what’s in a name?
Tayabas may have originated from Tayaban – a winged being , of human form and usually seen at
night. Its body glows like swarms of tropical firefly. The idea of the Tayaban may have originated
from, or been suggested by the firefly.
Tayaba is another possibility of the origin of the place. A word encountered in E. Arsenio Manuel’s
dictionary of Tayabas Tagalog points to an indigenous practice or ritual when natives open up a farm
as in New Year’s when the magsasaka cuts down three trees on the patch he wishes to cultivate. He
then brings the cut trees to the border of the patch to mark it. Tayabas may have been applied to a
place intended for farming.
Reference:
Roy Franklin Barton, The Mythology of the Ifugaos, Notes 11 p 231
Philadelphia, American Folklore Society 1955
E. Arsenio Manuel, Lexicography of Tayabas Tagalog of Quezon Province, Diliman Review 1971
4

THE TOWN
BUILDING THE PUEBLO OR TOWN
Around the 1580s, the Franciscan Friars began the
systematic process of Hispanization and
Christianization called reduccion, a system that
involves two major processes of socio-cultural
transformation: urbanization and Christian
instruction.
The Spanish missionaries observed that the natives
tended to live near the field or on the hills where they
planted crops in the mountains and forest where they
hunted or beside the rivers or along the seacoasts,
particularly in sheltered bays and protected channels
between the many islands, where seafood
abounded. The rivers and seas likewise provided
them with means of escapes from enemies and
avenues of travel and communication. Those who lived inland were, in most cases, into slash and
burn type of agriculture. There was neither a town nor a city in the European style, let alone a
central government that unified the natives.
5

Because the natives lived in scattered settlements far from each other, it was
extremely difficult for the missionaries to catechize and administer the
sacraments to them unless they came together to live in larger communities
and build their own towns and churches.
Friar Juan de Plasencia took a leading role in resettling the dispersed natives
into compact villages or poblaciones or, in other words, in reducing the small,
scattered settlements into larger settlements as people of that time used to say. He urged the
natives to concentrate into the plains, where they should be taught how to till the land.
Furthermore, he took advantage of a royal decree granting aid to missionaries for the construction
of churches in their mission areas. To accelerate the reduccion of the natives, he asked the
Spanish monarch and the governor of Manila to compel them to live in towns.
Once the natives were resettled in suitable places they could be under the protection of the
missionary, “who would teach them how to build and to furnish simple human habitations as well
as agriculture and other elements of progress.” The head settlement or cabecera, where the basic
elements of Spanish urban life where found, constituted the poblacion or the capital of what would
come later as the pueblo. Plasencia’s project of forming “pueblos de indios” proved to be so
successful that his methods were accepted by all missionary groups working in the Philippines.
In implementing the reduccion policy, the missionaries followed what Spanish law had already
dictated on how to establish towns and cities. The poblacion had to follow on gridiron pattern, with
6

ectangular street blocks and with streets “drawn a cordel y a regal (straight and at right angles to
one another) at the center is the church, and within its perimeter was the cemetery. The people
were to live literally and symbolically debajo de la campa, under the bell or within hearing distance
of the bell. (Excerpts from Fr. Renato Pareja’s book History of the Diocese, 2010)
1956 Town Map. Notice the Spanish gridiron pattern, rectangular street blocks and streets
at right angle to one another.
7

2010 Town Map. Present urban plan evolved with slight variation from the old Spanish town
plan.
8

Number of Barangays : 66 (Urban:19 & Rural:47)
Population : 87,252 (2007 Census)
Growth Rate : 2.57% (2007 Census)
Income Class : 1st Class (as per Department of Finance Guidelines)
9

FEAST AND FESTIVALS
The people of Tayabas are very hospitable; they are partly composed of well -todo
Chinese mestizos—Jean Mallat, French Historian 1846
Pre-Hispanic Philippines or the time before 1521 showed contacts with Asian neighbors: the
Chinese. Pottery was known to the natives but the Chinese introduced porcelain and ceramics.
Though already prevalent in most south-east asian neighbors prior to Filipino contact with the
Chinese, introduction of wet-type rice farming or the native tubigan is popularly attributed to the
Chinese. Tayabas Tagalog lexicon is rich in Chinese vocabulary mostly related to culinaries. In
architecture, the presence of lion statues in front of Minor Basilica of St. Michael is reminiscence
of Chinese influence. The Chinese were skilled masons and artisans and in 1758 had
furnaces for bricks along the road to Lucena, a nearby town south of Tayabas.
Stone Stamp Pad, TAYTSINOY
Festival, 2008
Chinese Ceramics Bowl, KAISA
Lion statue, front of basilica
Chinese Ceramics Bowl, KAISA
Charred Porcelain Plates, Mi Casa en Tayabas
10

Taytsinoy Festival
Taytsinoy Festival honors the Tayabas Chinese-Filipino community
and the early Chinese settlers who came from
Amoi, China.
Celebrated during the Lunar Festival or the
Chinese New Year, the 3-day event
showcases Chinese Memorabilia
Exhibit, traditional Chinese
foods and games, fora on
Chinese culture and history,
music and movies.
Highlights of the festival
is Dragon and Lion Dance
which ushers in the Chinese
New Year.
Photo by Community Affairs Office/Tourism
11

CHINESE LEXICON IN EVERYDAY TAYABASIN DIALECT
TUA-DI – Landing Certificate LOMI – Noodle Dish Cooked in Cream
SANGLEY – Tawag sa Tsinoy LUMPIYA – Dish of sliced vegetables wrapped in doughy wrappers
SENG-LI – Sa salitang hokkien ay SELL or SELLING MAMI – Noodle dish with pork and chicken and cook in soup
HOKKIEN – Pangunahing lengwahe na ginagamit ng mga tayabasing tsinoy MIKI – Kind of noodles, cooked or uncooked
AM – Rice Broth MISUA – Kind of fine noodle made from flour
ATE – Elder Sister PANSIT – Dish that is conveniently cooked
BAKYA – Wooden Clogs PETSAY – Chinese Cabbage
BATAW – Climbing plants with edible pods PONG – Term used in mahjong
BATSOY – Soup Dish with Loin of Pork as main Ingredients PUTHAW – Small axe with a short handle
BIHON – White Rice Noodles SIYANSE – Frying spoon, kitchen turner
BIKO – Sweetened Rice Cake SIOMAI – Steamed Dumpling
BILAO – Device for Winnowing Rice SIOPAO – Steamed cakes with meat and condiments
BILU-BILO – Sticky Rice SOTANGHON – Small white crinkly rice noodles translucent when cooked
BITHAY – Rice Sifter SUKI – Important Costumer
BITSO – Fried Cake made of Rice Flour SUNGKI – Protruding Tooth
DIKIYAM – Salted Preserved Plums SUSI – Key
DIKO – Elder Brother TAHO – Bean Curd
DITSE – Elder Sister TANSO – Copper Wire
GOTO – Cow’s Tripe TIKOY – Sweetened Rice Cake
GUNGGONG – Stupid TOKWA – Hardened Bean Curd
GUYA – Young Cow TOGE – Bean Sprouts
HIBE – Dry Salted Shrimps TOYO – Soy Sauce
HIKAW – Earrings UKOY – Cake made from taro
HOPYA – Sweet Mongo Bean Cake UPO – Gourd
HUMBA – Highly Spice Dish of Pork
HUSI – Quality Silk
HUWETENG – Number Pairing Game
INKONG – Grand Father
INSO – Elder Brothers Wife
KINTSAY – Celery
KUSOT – Saw Dust
KUYA – Elder Brother
Sa mga tsinoy at sa salitang “HOKKIEN” ang pantig na “BA” ay binabasa na “MA”.
Halimbawa: BASTA sa salitang tsinoy MASTA sa ingles JUST SO
TABAKO sa salitang tsinoy TAMAKO sa ingles TOBACCO
Ang salitang Pansit ay nagmula sa salitang Hokkien na “PIAN-SIT” na ang ibig sabihin ay
madaling lutuin hindi ibig sabihin ay noodles.
12

Folks of Tayabas and neighboring towns scampered for a shower of suman during
Hagisan ng Suman-one of the highlights of Mayohan Festival.
Photo by CAO/Tourism Office
Suman as ritual gift during
Mayohan Festival
Suman is the ritual gift of Hagisan. Hagisan is an opportunity for the
Tayabasin to share their prosperity. Bundles of suman are gaily tied in a bamboo called
15

agakay, exhibited and installed at households along the procession route. As soon as the
image of San Isidro passes by the bagakay must be emptied of its colourful array of
abundance, which aside from suman, includes banana, mango, buko, pineapple and other
local farm produce. In most houses, suman and other farm produce are no longer tied in
bagakay, they simply throw them with passion and great enthusiasm from their decks,
balconies, or windows to the multitudes of peasants and workers. Hagisan means throwing
or sharing away.
“Pa’yas kay San Isidro” is visual delight. All houses along
Felimon Perez Street in the four barangays of Muntingbayan
District are decked with indigenous materials and fresh farm
produce. Viewing is every May 13 th to 15 th .
Mayohan Festival ranks as major festival in the region. It
continually draws large number of crowd since it started in
1989.
16

Trece De Agosto---Araw Ng Tayabas (August 12 th -13 th)
Heroism and victory is the theme of celebration every 13 th of August or Trece de Agusto.
Calle Trece de Agosto, the street named after the historic day of victory and liberation
from the Spanish colonizers is the place of celebration. .
Fun, food and drinks. Street parties, concerts, singing contests, marathon and other
games capped the celebration.
The Local Chief Executive delivers State of the Municipality Address on this day.
Fiesta---The Feast Of Saint Michael The Archangel (29 th September)
The fiesta is in honour of Saint Michael the Archangel, Tayabas’ patron saint. Ushering
the celebration is a nine-day novena leading to the feast day, September 29 th . The town
glows white with angels on parade--- children dressed as cherubims fill the streets.
17

Viernes Dolores De Turumba
Viernes de Nuestra Senora Virgen de Los Dolores de Turumba is a religious festival.
Folksy dance and chants filled the air as devotees join the procession.
Holy Week/Lenten Season---Passion Of The Christ
A tableu on the Passion and Death of Christ is staged at the patio of the Saint Michael
the Archangel Minor Basilica. Local artists, actors and talents perform the roles.
18

There are four (4) Episcopal Districts in the Diocese of Lucena. The Minor
Basilica of St. Michael the Archangel belongs to the Episcopal District of St.
Luke in the Vicariate of St. James. As a whole the Vicariate of St. James
comprises three (3) parishes—Parish of St. Michael the Archangel, Parish of
San Roque, Parish of Mother of Perpetual Help.
19

PARISH OF ST. MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL
Founded 1580
Location Tayabas, Quezon
Pioneering Evangelizers Friars of the Franciscan
Province of San Jose, Spain: Friar Juan de Plasencia and Friar Diego de Oropesa
Erected as Minor Basilica on October 18, 1988 by the Congregation for Divine Cult
Declared by National Museum thru Presidential Decree 374 as National Cultural
Treasure on July 31, 2001
Feast Day September 29
Rev. Msgr. Carlos Pedro A. Herrera, PC Parish Priest
Fr. Gerald A. Garcia Parochial Vicar
Fr. Arvin C. Pitahin Parochial Vicar
Msgr. Beato S. Racelis, HP Resident Priest
20

PARISH OF ST. MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL
2009 PARISH REGISTRY
Baptism : 1,014
Confirmation : 900
Matrimony : 223
Defunctorum : 345
21
Source: Dulce Rea, Parish Secretary

Photo courtesy of LUCENA The Story of a Diocese 2010,
Fr. Renato Pareja
Fr. Amado Alandy. Tayabasin. He was the second Filipino
priest to have served the Parish of Saint Michael the
Archangel in 1899 to 1900; Fr. Isabelo Martinez being the
first Filipino assigned priest (1896-1899). In May 1907 to
August 1922 he became the first Filipino who served the town
of Sariaya as cura parroco.
Source: Alaala ’88, Susi ng Tayabas 1989
LUCENA The Story of a Diocese 2010, Fr. Renato Pareja
22

PARISH OF SAN ROQUE
Founded 1960
Location Brgy. Ilasan, Tayabas, Quezon
Pioneering Priest Fr. Javier Villaverde
Present Parish Priest Fr. Antonio Salvania
Feast Day August 16
2009 PARISH REGISTRY
Baptism : 171
Confirmation : 5
Matrimony : 5
Defunctorum : 26
23
Source: Fidela Reyes, Parish Secretary

PARISH OF MOTHER OF PERPETUAL HELP
Founded 1969
Location Brgy. Iba. Bukal Tayabas, Quezon
Pioneering Priest Fr. Severiano Salvania
Present Parish Priest Msgr. Emmanuel Villareal
Feast Day June 27
2009 PARISH REGISTRY
Baptism : 341
Confirmation : 178
Matrimony : 41
Defunctorum : 57
Source: Johnny Llamado, Parish
Secretary
24

REVENUE & LOCAL ECONOMY
25

The share of each province, city and municipality is computed based on the following
factors:
Population - 50%
Land Area - 25%
Equal Share - 25%
The IRA share based on population is computed using the population data from a census of
population conducted by the NSO every 10 years as contained in a Presidential
Proclamation Order. The IRA share based on land area is computed using the consolidated
masterlist of land area prepared by the Land Management Bureau (LMB) of the Department
of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) every three (3) years.
The allocation of the individual share in the case of barangays, shall be P80,000.00 for each
barangay with a population of not less than 100 inhabitants. The balance to be distributed
shall be based on population (60%) and equal sharing (40%).
Source: Office of the Local Budget Officer, Tayabas
26

PHYSICAL FEATURES
27

Geographical Location
Tayabas is at 14 0 50 latitude east-southeast of Mount Banahaw and positioned
between 14°01’40.3” N Latitude and 121°36’54.5” E Longitude. Bounded on the
north by Lucban; Mauban on the east; Pagbilao to the south-east; Lucena City to
the south; and Sariaya and Mount Banahaw to the west.
Distance from Lucena City and Manila
150 km. South-east of Manila and only about 10 km. from the provincial capital,
Lucena City.
28

Soil Types
Mountain Soil
(Undifferentiated)
d)
Luisiana Sandy Clay Loam
Macolod Clay Loam
Ibaan Loam
Bolinao Clay Loam
Soils of the area are Macolod Clay Loam, Ibaan Loam, Bolinao Clay Loam, Luisiana Sandy Clay Loam and Mountain Soil.
(Source: Department of Soil Science University of the Philippines at Los Baños Laguna, June 1980
29

Topography
The slopes of Tayabas are level to nearly level (0-3%) nearly level to undulating (3-8%), undulating to rolling (18-30%), and
steep to very steep (>50%).
Generally, areas with slopes of 0-18% are good farmlands suited for seasonal inter-tilled crops. Those with 18-30% slopes
are best suited to agro-forestry, while those with greater than 50% slopes should be devoted to forest development or
wildlife. (Source: National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA))
30

Description
Area
Hectare Sq. Km. Percent
Level to nearly level 1,806 18.06 7.8
Nearly level to undulating 8,669 86.69 37.5
Undulating to rolling 5,809 58.09 25.2
Rolling to hilly 3,413 34.13 14.8
Hilly to steep 974 9.74 4.2
Steep to very steep 2,424 24.24 10.5
TOTAL 23,095 230.95 100.00
Source: Comprehensive Development Plan of Tayabas, 1995
31

Climate
Second type of climate characterized by the absence of a distinct dry season.
Temperature is generally warmer than normal for the month of June, July, and
August. Average temperature ranges are 21°C to 32°C for the year 2009.
Total Monthly Rainfall
Month Rainfall Amount
No. of days w/ RR
Monthly Mean Temperature
Maximum Minimum
January 120.0 mm. 31 26.8 D.C 20.4 D.C
February 164.9 mm. 21 28.9 D.C 21.3 D.C
March 253.5 mm. 17 30.8 D.C 22.4 D.C
April 911.3 mm. 25 30.9 D.C 23.0 D.C
May 232.9 mm. 28 30.5 D.C 23.1 D.C
June 296.0 mm. 20 31.3 D.C 23.1 D.C
July 155.2 mm. 21 31.4 D.C 23.4 D.C
August 100.9 mm. 24 31.8 D.C 24.0 D.C
September 327.3 mm. 24 30.5 D.C 23.4 D.C
October 344.2 mm. 22 30.6 D.C 22.6 D.C
November 400.3 mm. 26 29.9 D.C 22.8 D.C
December 119.3 mm. 20 28.3 D.C 20.9 D.C
Yearly Total RR 3,425.8 mm. 279
Table shows a more pronounced wet season in Tayabas with
279 rainy days in a year
Source: PAG-ASA Tayabas, Rainfall info 2009
32

NATURAL RESOURCES
EVOCATION OF LOVE AND SHADOWS: The Flora and Fauna of the 19 th Century
From valley to valley and always traveling between a savage and exuberant vegetation, among small houses
situated at certain distances from each other, the dwellings of farmers or the shelter of travelers, we reached
the heights of the Bridge of the Princess (Tulay ng Prinsesa, so named after the Princess of Asturias), from
which a strong odor of rotten eggs indicated to us that we were in the vicinity of a sulfuric spring. As we
advanced, the odor became stronger and finally we noted on that same plateau some shallow furrows
impregnated with mineralogical residues carried by the water...
r
The landscape that can be admired from the Bridge of the Princess is the most beautiful
landscape which nature can ever create. The river runs between two hills in which the
Great Creator has spread out one of the most beautiful scenes; all the shades and
colors of flowers, all the mysteries of the forest, all the grandeur of the intertropical
vegetation, are exhibited in those heights, in which the strident shriek of the
monkey, the divining sound of kalaw or hornbill, the sad groans of the bato-bato or the
quail, the monotonous peep of the solitario or thrush and the merry warble of the bajaro
del sol are heard. All of these factors together, almost always overlaid with a layer of
mystic clouds, predispose one to melancholy. I cannot imagine myself laughing while I
pass over the Bridge of the Princess.
That panorama oppresses the soul, those heights encircle the spirit with sadness,
and the mists that spread out from the fissures of Banahaw endow fantasy with life,
transforming them into foreboding shadows.
How sad, how savage and at the same time how beautiful is all this!
Source: Alvarez Guerra, Juan De Manila a Tayabas, 2 nd Ed. 1887 Madrid Ch.5 p.62-63
33

Minerals
Geological setting signifies occurrence of non metallic mineral deposits
with high economic potential. Huge quantities of cement raw material and lime
stone are present in the vicinity of Ibabang Palale, a barrio south-east of
Tayabas.
Forest Products
Forest area measures 2804 hectares and the bigger part is located in
Mount Banahaw, a Vulcan de Agua or Water Volcano; 473 of which are identified
as Multiple Use Zone, 2331 are Protected Area.
34

Flora ( Plants )
There are 358 species of
trees, 19 species of vines, 15 species of
palms, 39 species of ferns, 15 species of
grasses and 42 species of fungi.
35

F
a
u
n
a
(
W
BEGONIA. Frequently spotted in east windows. Each gay leaf has a
maroon star in the center, surrounded by a rippling pink pattern, next a
pattern of white, then green, and finally an edging of maroon. Grows
compact and full with foliage that overlaps. This tropical plant often
displayed in ceramic pastel color flow er pots charmed the lives of
many Tayabasin.
POPULAR HOUSE
PLANTS OF THE 1950s
CALADIUM, FANCY-LEAVED. Glamorous foliage plant from tropical
America. The leaves are of many colors, red, pink, white, green,
silver and some with marbled effects. Often found in shady areas
or in most silong ng bahay.
36
MAIS-MAISAN OR CORN PLANT. This tropical foliage
plant has arching leaves and resemble a miniature stalk
of field corn. It can grow from 15 inches to 15 feet and
popular among houses in barangays Bukal and Ilasan.

Fauna (Wildlife )
Bats and non-volant mammals documented in Tayabas, Quezon
Province, Luzon are as follows:
Study Area
Scientific Name Common Name Iba.
Palale
Lawigue Total
Cynopterus brachyotis Common short-nosed fruit bat 1 2 3
Ptenochurus jagori Musky fruit bat 12 3 15
Pteropus spp. Flying foxes P P
Rousettus amplexicaudatus Common rousette P P
Hipposideros ater Dusky roundleaf bat 1 0 1
Hipposideros bicolor Bicolored roundleaf bat 1 0 1
Hipposideros diadema Diadem roundleaf bat 2 6 8
Hipposideros lekaguli Large Asian roundleaf bat 3 0 3
Hipposideros pygmaeus Philippine pygmy roundleaf bat 17 0 17
Rhinolophus cf. arcuatus 1 Arcuate horseshoe bat 21 0 21
Rhinolophus cf. inops Philippine forest horseshoe bat 18 2 20
Rhinolophus cf. philippinensis 1 Enormous-eared horseshoe bat 37 0 37
37

Study Area
Scientific Name Common Name Iba.
Palale
Lawigue Total
Rhinolophus rufus Large rufous horseshoe bat 17 3 20
Miniopterus australis Little net-winged bat 16 6 22
Miniopterus schreibersi Common bent-winged bat 16 0 16
Miniopterus tristis Greater bent-winged bat 2 0 2
Macaca Fascicularis Long-tailed macaque P P
Apomys microdon Small Luzon forest mouse 3 0 3
Phloeomys cumingi Southern giant cloud rat P P
Rattus everetti Common Philippine forest rat 11 0 11
Paradoxurus hermaphroditus Palm civet P P
No. of trap-nights 686 0 686
No. of net-nights 19 3 22
No. of harp trap-nights 6 1 7
No. of non-volant small mammal species
12 0 2
No. of bat species 16+ 6+ 16+
1 -
probably includes 2 or more species, P – Present but not captured
Source: Progress Report on a Preliminary Mammal Survey of Caves in Tayabas, Quezon Province, Luzon by Danilo
S. Balete, Lawrence R. Heaney and Joel Sarmiento, October 12, 2009.
38

Other mammal species are found in Tayabas- Lucban area of Mount
Banahaw like Common Dawn Fruit Bat (Eonycteris spelea glandifera), Long
Tongue Fruit Bat (Macroglossus minimus) and Phil. Monkey (Macaca
fascicularis philippinesis). 1
Protected/Watershed Area
A lake in Busal, Barangay
Ibabang Palale, south-east of
Tayabas measures 1.5 hectares, a
watershed that helps sustain
biodiversity in the area. Freshwater
fish like palos, tilapia, dalag, hito,
baculi and mollusk such as suso,
bituo and bikuyo are abundant. A
Presidential Proclamation declaring it
as Protected Area is underway.
(Source: LABB Members: Jojit Rojas et. Al)
1 Mts. Banahaw-San Cristobal Protected Landscape page 13
Dagatan Lake in Sitio Busal, Brgy. Iba. Palale,
Tayabas Quezon
39
Photo by LABB

Total Labor Force (15 years and over)
Age &
Sexes
Both Sexes
EMPLOYMENT
No. of
Total
Population
(15 years
& over)
Total
Labor
Force
Employment Status
Employed Unemployed
Not in the
Force
Tayabas 56, 827 36, 589 33,149 3,440 20, 238
15 – 24 16, 260 7, 480 6,777 703 8, 780
25 - 34 12, 593 9, 319 8,443 876 3, 274
35 - 44 11, 289 8,805 7,977 828 2,484
45 - 54 8, 344 6, 508 5,896 612 1, 836
55 – 64 4, 508 3, 020 2,736 284 1, 488
65 –over 3, 833 1, 457 1,320 137 2, 376
*Source: Based on 2007 Survey of National Statistics Office
40

HEALTH INFORMATION
41

Thirteen (13) Health Stations are spread strategically on various points in Tayabas. The
66 barangays, comprising the town are clustered and serviced by thirteen (13) health
stations. Each health station serves an average of five (5) barangays.
Position Permanent
Employee
Job Order Contract of
Service
Total
Public Health Doctor 1 3 4
Dentist 1 3 4
Public Health Nurse 2 7 9
Midwife 11 17 28
Medical Technologist 1 1 2
Laboratory Aide 1 1
Sanitation Inspector 1 1
X-ray Technologist 1 1
Health Aide 21 21
Utility 2 1 3
TOTAL 19 52 3 74
Source: Office of the Human Resource Management Officer, 2010
42

TRANSPORT FACILITIES
There are about 234 kilometers of roads in the town and most are concentrated
in the rural areas. There are approximately 36 kilometers of national roads, 16
43

kilometers of provincial roads, 7 kilometers of municipal roads and 176
kilometers of barangay roads. (Source: Office of the City Engineer, 2010)
A national highway traverses Barangay Isabang, southwestern portion of
Tayabas. The Lucena-Tayabas, Tayabas-Lucban, Tayabas-Sariaya, Tayabas-
Pagbilao and Tayabas-Mauban are first class roads made of concrete and
asphalt.
Public Transportation
Types of Vehicle Number
1. Buses
19
2. Vans (Garage to Terminal
Express)
66
Tayabas - Pacific Route- 30
Tayabas - SM Route - 36
3. Jeepney (with franchise) 44
4. Tricycle (with franchise) 1,175*
Source: Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board 2010
* Business Permit and Licensing Office, 2010
44

COMMUNICATION FACILITIES
Telecommunication needs are serviced by Philippine Long Distance Telephone
(PLDT) Company with 1,300 enlisted subscribers. Out of that number, 700 have
Internet Access. There are Seven (7) Smart Cell Sites, Five (5) Globe Cell Sites
and Four (4) Sun Cellular Cell Sites serving cellular phone subscribers.
Commending the villa’s high order of efficiency, Guerra described how the
Archive of the Government in Tayabas was among the riches and most
organized among those he had ever known. He also noted the operation of a
telegraphic line from Manila and how Tayabas served as central bridge between
Manila and the Bicol Peninsula: “the line of inspection for the mail from Manila
to Albay terminates in Tayabas.
Guerra, Juan Alvarez, De Manila a Tayabas. (Manila: Miralles, 1878)
46

WATER and POWER FACILITIES
Access to Water Supply
Level I Level II Level III Doubtful
10% of Total
Households
29% of Total
Households
55% of Total
Households
6% of Total
Households
Level I : Point Source – such as shallow, dug, deep, developed spring, rain
water, and cistern with an outlet but no distribution system.
Level II : Communal Faucet System or Stand Post System with a source, a
reservoir, a piped distribution network and communal faucet
located not more than 25 meters from the farthest house.
Level III : Waterworks System – a system with a source transmission pipes, a
reservoir and piped distribution network for household taps usually
provided by Quezon Metropolitan Water District (QMWD)
Doubtful : Water source that is open to contaminants
Source: Office of the City Health Office, 2010
47

QUEZON METROPOLITAN WATER DISTRICT
QMWD is first known as the Lucena-Pagbilao-
Tayabas Water District or LUPATA and obtained
its Conditional Certificate of Conformance on May
16, 1975. Its water sources include six high
yielding springs, located upland in the town of
Tayabas which enable water to be supplied by
gravity. Its service area includes Lucena City ,
Tayabas City and the town of Pagbilao.
48

T he uniqueness of the environment creates among people a dialect peculiar only
to the place. To quote Fernando Zialcita, anthropologist from Ateneo University:
While the natural landscape shapes a language, in turn a language interprets
that landscape and makes it memorable. Tayabas spreads out on the shoulder of
a thickly forested volcano rich in springs and often refreshed by rain.
50

A treasury of water words that particularly describe some aspects of the environment and daily chores.
Ambon is used in the capital region to refer to shower.
Lurok is unfamiliar to most in Metro Manila. It is a sudden
heavy downpour. Even the sound suggest this.
It starts with a soft L, rolls to a menacing r, and ends
with a harsh k.
Apnaw is an excess of water.
Ampiyas is a fine rain whose droplets are carried by the wind.
Hulaw is when a force, like heavy rain or storm, ends.
Tampisaw is to play around in the water like children.
Puyog is to get drenched in the rain.
Lapurit is when something like a dike, a heap of mud
get deformed by heavy rain.
Anod is water running on a surface.
Danaw refers to a small body of water that collects on a
surface.
51

Dayag wash dishes
Laba wash clothes
Hiso brush teeth
Hinaw wash hands or feet
Hilamos wash face
Hambo take a bath
Himasa female washing her private part
Tubigan rice fields
Bambang old aqueducts or canal made of
52

The town of Tayabas is host to National Grid Corporation of the Philippines
(NGCP). This central control is situated in a 30- hectare lot in Baranggay
Mateuna. A 1,190 megawatts of electricity from Pagbilao and Mauban
Hydroelectric Plants are fed by NGCP to most areas comprising the Luzon grid.
TAYABAS LIGHT AND POWER CORPORATION (TALPOCO)
Established in 1916 by a Tayabasin widow, Eufemia Abrigo
Baldovino. The plant was powered by water from Ibia River
which flowed in Baranggay Mateuna. A turbine to generate
electricity was located in the vicinity of now Fresh Village. In
NGCP Plant in Barangay Mateuna Tayabas City
54

1950s Mr. Lim Tua Koy and Mr. Daniel Riola assumed management of the plant.
It serviced 200 households. Each house was allowed 1 bulb for which subscriber
paid Php 2.50 monthly bill.
Source: Renato Danez, 67
Former Collector, Meter Reader and LineMan
MEDIA/HANDLING FACILITIES
Media Services
FM Radio Station operates in Brgy. Calumpang. Cable TV services are served by
two (2) local companies: Tayabas Resource Ventures Corporation and Celebrity
Cable Network. HBO, Cinemax, CNN, BBC, National Geographic, History
Channel, LifeStyle and more are available for home viewing.
Mailing Services
55

Electronic mails (e-mail) through internet access, FAX Service, LBC, FEDEX and
PhilPost.
FINANCIAL INSTITUTION
Commercial Banks, Rural Banks, Cooperative Bank, Money Shops and other
Financing/Lending corporations.
GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS
The Philippines has a presidential form of government. In it the executive,
legislative and judicial powers are separated and exercised by different
institutions or branches, which however, also partly share in exercising their
respective powers through checks and balance. The president is both the head
of Government and the Chief of State.
56

Executive Branch The President being the highest official and national leader
who, in a presidential system, exercises executive as head of the government,
a commander-in –chief of the armed forces.
Legislative Branch The Philippine Legislature is composed of two chambers,
the Senate with 24 senators and the House of Representatives which shall not
exceed 250 representatives, including those elective and appointive. Their main
function is to legislate laws which should be agreed upon by two chambers.
Judicial Branch Constitutes the judicial system in the Philippines. The Supreme
Court at the apex has the power to interpret and review all the laws and
decisions made by any lawmaking or decision-making body in the country.
The Local Government Unit of Tayabas is a unit of Local Government
providing basic services to residents in community. Unlike a city which is
created through Charter, the town or municipality is governed by the Municipal
Law now amended and expanded by provisions of Local Government Code of
1991. As a local government unit, it is a municipal corporation, with powers to
sue and to be sued. Although the 1991 Code devolves many services to local
government units, the municipality is still supervised in many respects by the
province of which it is part.
57

The first civil government was established
in Tayabas during the year 1620 with
Don Lucas Plata as gobernadorcillo.
Gobernadorcillo the chief
executive of the Spanishcreated
pueblos
or towns; they
were elected by
the residents
paying land
taxes or the
principalia every
ELECTED OFFICIALS 2010-2013
HON. FAUSTINO ALANDY SILANG, DMD Mayor
HON. VENERANDO R. REA Vice-Mayor
HON. ROSAURO Q. DALIDA Councilor
HON. DINO M. ROMERO Councilor
HON. LUZVIMINDA B. CUADRA Councilor
HON. REX L. ABADILLA Councilor
HON. ABELARDO P. ABRIGO, JR. Councilor
HON. MARIA LOURDES A. REYNOSO Councilor
HON. MACARIO J. REYES Councilor
HON. ROY LIBRADO L. OABEL Councilor
58

two years. The name was
later changed to alcalde, then
to capitan municipal by the
Maura Law of 1893. The
name alcalde or mayor has
remained in current usage.
To date there are 287 alcaldes or
mayors which assumed office since 1620.
59

DISTRICT MAP OF
QUEZON PROVINCE
60
Province of Quezon, Philippines has
four (4) Congressional Districts. The
town of Tayabas belongs to the first
district of Quezon Province.
Tayabas
Registered voters : 50,531
No. of voting precincts : 297
SOURCE : GIS Tayabas, 2010

Major Religious Denominations
Religions
Roman Catholic 66,515
Aglipayan 24
Islam 15
Iglesia ni Cristo 1,480
United Church in the Philippines 156
Lutheran Church in the Philippines 1
Philippine Episcopal Church 2
Iglesia Evangelista Methodista en las
4
Pilipinas
QUICK FACTS
United Methodist Church 71
Other Methodist 3
Salvation Army Philippines -
Convention
Church
of the Philippines Baptist
46
Other Protestant 91
Buddhist 36
Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day 67
61

Religions
Saints
Jehovas Witness 405
Philippines Benevolent Missionaries
33
Association
Seventh Day Adventist 436
Evangelicals 426
Bible Baptist 188
Southern Baptist -
Association of Baptist Churches in Luzon,
Visayas, and Mindanao
8
Association of Fundamental Baptist Church
in the Philippines
14
International Baptist Missionary Fellowship -
Missionary Baptist Churches Of the
-
Philippines
Other Baptist 1
Tribal Religious 159
Others 623
None 42
Unknown 80
Source: NSO 2000 Census of Population
62

Educational Institutions
Level of Education
Classification
Public Private
Pre-School 2 10
High School 3 3
Elementary 32 6
Post Secondary
Others:
0 1
Alternative Learning System 6
0
formerly Called as Non-Formal
Education
Special Education 1
0
Class/Program
children
for special
Source: DepEd 2010
63

Number of Accredited NGO’s/POs/COs
NGO’s/Pos/COs
Number of Accredited 83
Source: Sangguniang Panglungsod of Tayabas 2009 Data
Business
Classification Number
Exporter 1
Manufacturer/Producer 91
Trading
Wholesaler
Retailer
38
312
Services 291
Source: DTI BN, 2010
64

HOLIDAY
National Holiday
2010 2011
New year’s Day 1 Jan
People Power Day 22 Feb
Maulid un – Nabi “Birth of the Prophet” 26 Feb
Maundy Thursday 1 Apr 21 Apr
Good Friday 2 Apr 22 Apr
Holy Saturday 3 Apr 23 Apr
Easter Sunday 4 Apr 24 Apr
Valour Day “Araw ng Kagitingan” 9 Apr
Labour Day 1 May
National Election 10 May
Nat’l Flag Day 28 May
Independence Day 12 Jun
Ninoy Aquino Day 23 Aug.
National Heroes Day 30 Aug
Eid-ul-Fitr / End of “Ramadan” 1 Sep
All Saints Day 1 Nov
Eid al – Adha “Festival of Sacrifice” 9 Nov
Bonifacio Day 30 Nov
Christ mas Eve 24 Dec
Christ mas Day 25 Dec
Rizal Day 30 Dec
New Years Eve 31 Dec
65

Local Holiday (Tayabas)
2010
San Isidro Labrador 15 May
Araw ng Tayabas / Trece de Agosto 13 Aug
Manuel L. Quezon Day 19 Aug
Town Fiesta 29 Sep
Hermano Puli Day 4 Nov
66

WELCOME TO OUR TOWN
Air conditioned bus service like TRITRAN, JAC, JAM, SOUTH STAR, LUCENA LINES are available at
Buendia/Quirino Avenue in Manila and at Cubao, Quezon City.
Look for buses bound to Lucena City. From Manila, it is a 3-hour drive to Lucena. When in Lucena, take jeepney
transport bound to Tayabas.
Private vehicles take South Super Highway (Calamba Exit) and take either Sto. Tomas, Batangas way or the Los
Baños, Laguna way.
67

On the cover: The town of Tayabas with its two
glowing icons: the Minor Basilica of Saint Michael the
Archangel and Mount Banahaw.
Photo by Allan Boras
68