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Surrounding the Circle are many important health centers and institutions. Along East Avenue stands the [[Philippine Heart Center]], the East Avenue Medical Center (EAMC), the [[National Kidney and Transplant Institute]], and the Philippine Mental Health Association. Along North Avenue is the [[Veterans Memorial Medical Center]] (VMMC) and the [[Philippine Health Association]]. The [[Philippine Children's Medical Center]] and [[Lung Center of the Philippines]] is located along Quezon Avenue (R-7).
Surrounding the Circle are many important health centers and institutions. Along East Avenue stands the [[Philippine Heart Center]], the East Avenue Medical Center (EAMC), the [[National Kidney and Transplant Institute]], and the Philippine Mental Health Association. Along North Avenue is the [[Veterans Memorial Medical Center]] (VMMC) and the [[Philippine Health Association]]. The [[Philippine Children's Medical Center]] and [[Lung Center of the Philippines]] is located along Quezon Avenue (R-7).


The headquarters of [[National Broadcasting Network|NBN 4]], [[Philippine Broadcasting Service]] and the [[ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation|ABS-CBN Broadcast Center]] and [[GMA Network Center]] is also located in Diliman. The online blog/website, [Diliman Diary] also ensures coverage regarding the Diliman area and has a steady following in Diliman, Quezon City and elsewhere.
The headquarters of [[National Broadcasting Network|NBN 4]], [[Philippine Broadcasting Service]] and the [[ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation|ABS-CBN Broadcast Center]] and [[GMA Network Center]] is also located in Diliman. The online blog/website, [http://diliman-diary.blogspot.com Diliman Diary]also ensures coverage regarding the Diliman area and has a steady following in Diliman, Quezon City and elsewhere.


Most of the rest of the area is residential. Some villages in this portion of Diliman are Teachers Village, U.P. Village, and Sikatuna Village. Those closer to the University of the Philippines campus such as Teachers Village and U.P. Village remain mostly residential although there are two major secondary schools in the area namely [[Claret School of Quezon City]]<ref>[http://www.claretschool.edu.ph Claret School of Quezon City]</ref> and [[Holy Family School]], and many have converted spare rooms to boarding facilities for out-of-town students attending schools in the area: U.P., Ateneo, and [[Miriam College]]. The eastern edge of the Diliman area is roughly bounded by Katipunan Avenue which passes in front of Ateneo and Miriam and runs behind the U.P Diliman campus.
Most of the rest of the area is residential. Some villages in this portion of Diliman are Teachers Village, U.P. Village, and Sikatuna Village. Those closer to the University of the Philippines campus such as Teachers Village and U.P. Village remain mostly residential although there are two major secondary schools in the area namely [[Claret School of Quezon City]]<ref>[http://www.claretschool.edu.ph Claret School of Quezon City]</ref> and [[Holy Family School]], and many have converted spare rooms to boarding facilities for out-of-town students attending schools in the area: U.P., Ateneo, and [[Miriam College]]. The eastern edge of the Diliman area is roughly bounded by Katipunan Avenue which passes in front of Ateneo and Miriam and runs behind the U.P Diliman campus.

Revision as of 10:59, 3 January 2010

Quezon City
Lungsod Quezon
Images, from top, left to right: Eastwood City, Quezon Memorial Circle, People Power Monument, SM City North EDSA and Katipunan Avenue
Images, from top, left to right: Eastwood City, Quezon Memorial Circle, People Power Monument, SM City North EDSA and Katipunan Avenue
Flag of Quezon City
Flag
Official seal of Quezon City
Seal
Nickname(s): 
City of The Stars, QC
Map of Metro Manila showing the location of Quezon City
Map of Metro Manila showing the location of Quezon City
Country Philippines
RegionNational Capital Region
Districts1st to 4th districts of Quezon City
Barangays142
Incorporated (town)October 12, 1939
(as Diliman Estate)
Incorporated (city)October 12, 1939
(By virtue of Commonwealth Act 502 as amended by Republic Act 333 and 537) [1]
Government
 • MayorFeliciano Belmonte, Jr. (Liberal)
 • Vice MayorHerbert Bautista (Liberal)
 • Sangguniang Panlungsod
Area
 • Total166.20 km2 (64.17 sq mi)
Elevation
17.0 m (55.8 ft)
Population
 (2007)
 • Total2,679,450
Time zoneUTC+8 (PST)
ZIP Code
1100 to 1128[2]
Area code2
Websitewww.quezoncity.gov.ph

Quezon City (Filipino: Lungsod Quezon), is the former capital (1948–1976) and the most populous city in the Philippines. Located on the island of Luzon, Quezon City (popularly known to Filipinos as simply QC) is one of the cities and municipalities that make up Metro Manila, the National Capital Region. The city was named after Manuel L. Quezon, the former president of the Commonwealth of the Philippines who founded the city and developed it to replace Manila as the country's capital. Quezon City is not located in and should not be confused with Quezon province, which was also named after the president.

Having been the former capital, many government offices are located in the city, including the Batasang Pambansa, the seat of the House of Representatives, which is the lower chamber in the Philippine Congress. The main campuses of two noteworthy universities, the Ateneo de Manila University and the country's national university—the University of the Philippines, Diliman—are located in the city.

Geography

The city lies on a relatively high plateau on the northeast corner of the metropolis between the lowlands of Manila to the southwest and the Marikina River valley to the east. The southern portion is drained by the very narrow San Juan River and its tributaries to Pasig River, while running in the northern portions of the city is the equally narrow Tullahan River.

Quezon City is bordered by Manila to the southwest, by Caloocan City and Valenzuela City to the west and northwest. To the south lies San Juan and Mandaluyong City while Marikina City and Pasig City borders Quezon City to the southeast. To the north across Marilao River lies San Jose del Monte City in the province of Bulacan and to the east lies Rodriguez and San Mateo, both in the province of Rizal.

The city can be divided into a number of areas. The southern portion of the city is divided into a number of places including Diliman, Commonwealth, the Project areas, Cubao, Kamias, Kamuning, New Manila, San Francisco del Monte and Sta. Mesa Heights. The northern half of the city is often called Novaliches and contains the areas of Fairview and Lagro. Most of these areas have no defined boundaries and are primarily residential in nature.

Sub-divisions/Districts

Diliman

Diliman, located at the center of southern Quezon City, is where many government offices are located, including the City Hall. Diliman is also home to the main campus of the University of the Philippines. Far Eastern University's Institute of Technology (now FEU-FERN College) 15-hectare campus is located at the northern fringe of Diliman[3]. Also in the area are the Philippine Science High School Main Campus, Claret School of Quezon City, School of the Holy Spirit, and Diliman Preparatory School.

A View of SM City North EDSA in the Diliman District.

At Diliman's center lies the Quezon Memorial Circle the landmark of the city where the late President Manuel L. Quezon is interred. The monument, encased in marble, is the highest structure in that part of the city. Running around the monument is the two-kilometer Quezon Memorial Circle, also known as the Elliptical Road (R-7/C-5). The circle links Commonwealth (R-7/C-5), Visayas, Kalayaan, East, North(C-5), and Quezon Avenues (R-7). The last three avenues provide access to Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA) (C-4), the main highway in Metro Manila.

The Quezon City Hall, one of the highest city halls in the country is located along the Circle. Surrounding the city hall are spacious parks and open areas. Some of the national government agencies whose head offices are located in Diliman are the:

Population Census
YearPop.±% p.a.
1939 39,013—    
1948 107,977+11.98%
1960 397,990+11.48%
1970 754,452+6.60%
1975 956,864+4.88%
1980 1,165,865+4.03%
1990 1,669,776+3.66%
1995 1,989,419+3.34%
2000 2,173,831+1.92%
2007 2,679,450+2.93%

Surrounding the Circle are many important health centers and institutions. Along East Avenue stands the Philippine Heart Center, the East Avenue Medical Center (EAMC), the National Kidney and Transplant Institute, and the Philippine Mental Health Association. Along North Avenue is the Veterans Memorial Medical Center (VMMC) and the Philippine Health Association. The Philippine Children's Medical Center and Lung Center of the Philippines is located along Quezon Avenue (R-7).

The headquarters of NBN 4, Philippine Broadcasting Service and the ABS-CBN Broadcast Center and GMA Network Center is also located in Diliman. The online blog/website, Diliman Diaryalso ensures coverage regarding the Diliman area and has a steady following in Diliman, Quezon City and elsewhere.

Most of the rest of the area is residential. Some villages in this portion of Diliman are Teachers Village, U.P. Village, and Sikatuna Village. Those closer to the University of the Philippines campus such as Teachers Village and U.P. Village remain mostly residential although there are two major secondary schools in the area namely Claret School of Quezon City[4] and Holy Family School, and many have converted spare rooms to boarding facilities for out-of-town students attending schools in the area: U.P., Ateneo, and Miriam College. The eastern edge of the Diliman area is roughly bounded by Katipunan Avenue which passes in front of Ateneo and Miriam and runs behind the U.P Diliman campus.

Commonwealth and Balara

North of Diliman lies the Commonwealth area, so-named because of Commonwealth Avenue (R-7) (formerly called Don Mariano Marcos Avenue) which runs through its center. This is primarily a middle-class residential area home to many subdivisions (residential associations) such as Don Jose Heights, Ideal Subdivision, Jordan Park Homes, Doña Carmen Subdivision, Filinvest's 1 and 2 and other subdivisions. Commonwealth area has one of the largest barangays in the Philippines as it plays host to one of the largest squatters' communities in the country. The population is so big as it is equivalent to a single highly-urbanized city. These include the areas of Batasan Hills (formerly called Constitution Hills), and within the proposed National Government Center.

Most Populous Barangays
Rank Barangay Population
1 Commonwealth 172,834
2 Batasan Hills 148,624
3 Payatas 117,001
4 Holy Spirit 106,038
5 Pasong Tamo 82,340

Commonwealth Avenue is the widest road in the Philippines, where in some parts can stretch to as much as 16 lanes across.

At the heart of Commonwealth is the Batasang Pambansa (literally, National Lawmaking Center), which is where the country's House of Representatives holds its sessions. Many congressmen stay in houses in the surrounding subdivisions. This is also the location of Sandiganbayan and the main offices of Civil Service Commission, Commission on Audit and Department of Social Welfare and Development.

South of Commonwealth and east of Diliman is Balara. The area of Balara along Tandang Sora Avenue is relatively poor, while the outlying areas contain some of the richest subdivisions in the city. Capitol Hills Subdivision, Ayala Heights, and Ayala Hillside Estates are affluent communities. Adjacent to Ayala Heights and Ayala Hillside Estates is the Capitol Hills Golf and Country Club, a popular golf course.

The Polytechnic University of the Philippines has an extension campus in Commonwealth area, serving the parts of northern Metropolitan Manila.

Tandang Sora

For the hero of the Philippines nicknamed as Tandang Sora, see Melchora Aquino.
File:Pugad Lawin 021.jpg
Sigaw sa Pugad Lawin Monument.

This is located between Commonwealth to the east, North Ave to the south, Frisco to the west and Fairview-Sauyo to the north. It got its name from the Grand Old Lady of the Revolution, Melchora Aquino or Tandang Sora, whose remains lie on the Himlayang Pilipino memorial park on what used to be her backyard.

The area is primarily residential with Projects 6 and 8 located here, as are other subdivisions, like Town & Country Gardenville, San Pedro Subdivisions (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8), Napocor (NPC) Village, NIA Village, Reymar Subdivision, Villa Corrina, San Miguel Village, Gloria and many more. A large portion of Tandang Sora district is Barangay Bahay Toro, where a historic site of the Philippine Revolution known as Pugad Lawin is located. There are some industrial facilities especially near the Mindanao Avenue area. Culiat, a Muslim compound, is also to be found here, as are the central offices of the Iglesia ni Cristo and New Era University. The transmitter of GMA 7 (DZBB-TV) is located near Culiat.

Also in the area are Congressional Village, Visayas Avenue, and Mindanao Avenue (forming part of C-5).

Loyola Heights

Loyola Heights, to the southeast of Diliman is Marikina City's gateway to Quezon City. The Aurora Boulevard (R-6) and Katipunan Avenue (C-5) provide easy access, but often experience traffic jams during rush hours. Also located in Loyola Heights is the Katipunan Station of the Manila LRT Purple Line (LRT-2), which runs in an east-west direction, providing rapid access to the cities of Manila, Quezon City, Marikina and Pasig, and San Juan. Passengers can transfer to the Manila LRT Yellow Line at Recto station in Manila, or to the Manila Metro Rail Transit System (Blue Line) at Araneta Center-Cubao station.

The main campus of the Ateneo de Manila University[5] and Miriam College[6] are located in Loyola Heights.

Loyola Heights also has numerous study centers such as The Loyola Heights-Xavierville Kumon Center, Newton Study Center, LHSC, and others.

Loyola Heights is an upper middle-class and rich residential area that caters to students of the Ateneo de Manila University, University of the Philippines, and Miriam College, members of the schools' faculty and staff, and their families. La Vista Subdivision, north of the Ateneo, is an upscale gated community where some of the country's top politicians own residences, including President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, as well as many of the country's moneyed elite. Accessed through La Vista is Loyola Grand Villas, another upscale gated community. Across Katipunan, the main thoroughfare of the area, are Varsity Hills and Xavierville, both upper class and upper middle-class subdivisions. Near these areas, and right beside La Vista, are some squatters' settlements, making the Loyola Heights area a place of mixed socio-economic classes.

Cubao

File:Edsa People Power monument.jpg
The People Power Monument along EDSA

Cubao, south of Diliman is an important commercial area. At its heart is the Araneta Center[7], along EDSA (C-4) and Aurora Boulevard (R-6). It is a 35-hectare commercial estate owned and developed by the Araneta family. Department stores and retail centers can also be found here, such as Gateway Mall, Plaza Fair, Rustan's, and Shopwise Supercenter. At the center is Araneta Coliseum, often called the Big Dome. Many musical concerts, ice shows, circus shows, religious crusades, wrestling, cock-fighting and basketball games are held in this 20,000-capacity coliseum. In the outskirts of Araneta Center is the Cubao Expo, an artists' colony and site of weekend flea markets. It also a home to call centers like APAC, Telus, and Stellar.

Makro Supercenter is located just outside the Araneta Center, along EDSA.

Seedy nightclubs also abound within the Cubao area, catering to a full range of tastes.

There are residential areas ranging from the middle class to the upper-upper class. Araneta Center is also home to the Embassy of the Republic of Colombia.

North from Araneta Center along EDSA (C-4) are numerous bus terminals, a place where one can take a bus ride to almost any point in Luzon as well as in the Visayas especially Samar, Leyte, and Iloilo. It is also an intersection point for two of city's commuter train lines (the MRT-3 and the LRT-2).

Bagumbayan

Located at the southeastern corner of Quezon City, Bagumbayan is one of the newly developed commercial areas in Quezon City. The Eastwood City[8] Business Center is situated here. It consists of several office and residential skyscrapers, including many local IT and consumer electronic firms. Numerous bars and restaurants have been put up since 2000 along E. Rodriguez Jr. Avenue (C-5). Many of which are open-air restaurants and coffee shops reminiscent of Paris boulevards, but with a modern architecture. With this, Bagumbayan is fast becoming one of the hippest areas for night entertainment, similar to the Malate and Ermita districts of Manila.

West of Bagumbayan are many high-end gated communities like the Acropolis, Blue Ridge, Greenmeadows, White Plains, Corinthian Hills, and Corinthian Gardens. Further west are Camp Aguinaldo and Camp Crame. Camp Aguinaldo is the general headquarters of the Armed Forces of the Philippines while Camp Crame is the headquarters of the Philippine National Police.

Timog area

Surrounding Timog Avenue (South Avenue) and Tomas Morato Avenue is a popular entertainment area. Located along these two avenues are many fine-dining restaurants and bars. Discothèques, Karaoke joints and comedy bars provide patrons with all-night long recreation. It is home to many gay bars such as Chicos, Adonis and Gigolo, which are popular for their lively night time entertainment.

In the South Triangle (the area bounded by Quezon Avenue (R-7), Timog Avenue (South Avenue) and EDSA) are located the head offices of ABS-CBN 2 and GMA 7. Most Filipino entertainment shows are produced here, and it is also home to many Filipino celebrities.

See also: Scouting memorials

Several of the streets in the surrounding area were named in honor of the 22 Boy Scouts who died in a plane crash en route to joining the 11th World Scout Jamboree. A memorial stands in the center of a rotunda at the intersection of Timog and Tomas Morato avenues. Because of this, Timog area is also often called Scout Area. In fact, one of the barangays (small local government unit) in the area is called Laging Handa (always ready), the motto of the (Boy Scouts of the Philippines). Near the scouting memorial is the location of the former Ozone disco, site of the worst fire in Philippine history.

Novaliches

The northern district is composed of Novaliches and Fairview and is primarily residential. The La Mesa Dam Watershed occupies the eastern portion. The La Mesa Dam supplies much of northern Metro Manila's water supply. Adjacent to the watershed is the La Mesa Eco-Park, where one can stroll and unwind at Metro Manila's only forest space. Also located in the park are convention centers, picnic areas, swimming pools, an orchidarium, and a large lagoon for boating activities. It was also the site of the rowing and dragon boat events for the 2005 Southeast Asian Games. Rowing is regularly done here. Also located here are two big malls: SM City Fairview[9] and Robinsons Place Novaliches.

Novaliches town proper is the site of Metro Manila College, Quezon City Polytechnic University (not to be confused with the PUP - Commonwealth Campus), and a century-old church built by the Susano family.

The Fairview district is home to the Far Eastern University - Nicanor Reyes Medical Foundation, the National College of Business and Arts, and Novaliches Cathedral (Cathedral Shrine and Parish of the Good Shepherd), the seat of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Novaliches.

The name Novaliches probably came from the name of a village outside Valencia, Spain. In the 1800s, the district was known as Hacienda Tala to settlers who cultivated the land and considered it a star ("tala") from heaven. The haciendero, Marquez de Novaliches, was given the title due to his services in the Carlist Wars of the 1800s. Novaliches was also a gathering-place for the Katipunan during the Philippine Revolution; a tree where Andres Bonifacio reportedly sought shade is still standing in the campus of the Novaliches High School. The town was once part of Rizal province before being ceded to Quezon City in the 1940s. During World War II, the La Mesa Dam and Balara Filters were prime targets for Japanese and American attacks, being the water sources for most of the northern part of Manila and Rizal.

This district is among the largest in the city, having shared boundaries with the two sections of Caloocan City, Valenzuela City, San Jose del Monte City in Bulacan and Montalban, Rizal. The oldest part of the city is in the town center, aptly named Novaliches Bayan. But because of population growth the density of people gradually widened reaching up the edge of the La Mesa Reservoir (Lagro and Fairview). The population growth started when the National Housing Authority started housing projects in the outskirts of Novaliches and along Tandang Sora; Fairview and Lagro, on opposite sides of the La Mesa Watershed, were developed as housing projects by the Government Service Insurance System.

The studios and broadcast antenna of ABC 5/TV5 are located along Quirino Highway, in Barangay San Bartolome.

In 1999, a plebiscite was held among the voters of Quezon City to determine the cityhood of Novaliches. The proposed creation of "Novaliches City" would have resulted in the secession of 15 barangays from Quezon City. At the plebiscite's end, votes that were against the separation heavily outnumbered those that were in favor.

New Manila

New Manila is located on west central portion of the city. This is a largely residential district that was named after Quezon City's neighbor to the southwest, Manila. The area was first settled after the second World War by some of the more affluent families who wished to escape the stress of living in Manila. As a result, many of the houses here stand on lots measuring 500 square meters and above.

The main thoroughfares are Aurora Boulevard, Gilmore Street, and Eulogio Rodriguez Avenue. Aurora Boulevard begins at the Quezon City - Marikina border and reaches New Manila upon crossing EDSA. Gilmore also crosses Ortigas Avenue, giving it access to Mandaluyong, Pasig, and San Juan cities. Eulogio Rodriguez Avenue diverges from Aurora Boulevard a few meters from EDSA.

Aurora Boulevard is the site of Broadway Centrum, where the first GMA Network entertainment shows were shot. Saint Paul University, Quezon City stands at the corner of Aurora Boulevard and Gilmore Street, across a row of shops specializing in computer equipment and an office of SYKES Asia. Trinity University of Asia, Saint Joseph's College of Quezon City, the Divine Word Seminary and St. Luke's Medical Center are all located along Eulogio Rodriguez Avenue, as are the Quezon Institute and the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office.

Also located near New Manila is Quezon City's "Funeral Home Row", Araneta Avenue. This is attributed to the unusually high concentration of funeral homes in the area. Balete Drive, between Aurora Boulevard and Eulogio Rodriguez Avenue, is also the setting for many urban legends. The cathedral of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Cubao is located in Lantana Street, near Eulogio Rodriguez Avenue. The offices and studios of the MOWELFUND is located a few blocks from the cathedral.

Santa Mesa Heights

Sta. Mesa Heights is said to be where many middle class and upper middle class families reside. Most of the areas in Sta. Mesa Heights are residential. It is also home to the National Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes and The Shrine of Our Lady of La Naval. Angelicum College[10], the current Host School for the 40th Season of WNCAA 2009[10] and is affiliated with Athletic Association for Private Schools (AAPS), Women's National Collegiate Athletic Association (WNCAA) and PAASCU, Lourdes School of Quezon City[11] and St. Theresa's College, Quezon City[12] are three prestigious private Catholic schools to be found here. This is also a location of Philippine Orthopedic Center located along Banaue corner Maria Clara Street.

San Francisco Del Monte

It was founded on February 17, 1590 by San Pedro Bautista. It was meant to be a place for retreat for residents in Intramuros in Manila. The street's old name Retiro,(now called N.S. Amoranto Sr. Avenue) came from the word retiro, meaning retreat, because it offers a place of solitude nestled atop a hill to many retreatants, but it really came from Jose Rizal's poem title Mi Retiro (Spanish of "My Retreat"). The church located in San Francisco del Monte was the first building in the area. It is named after St. Francis of Assisi.

It was an independent town during the Spanish era that had an area of 250 acres (1.0 km2) of land filled with wildlife and trees. It was later absorbed by Quezon City when it was created. Today, it is a heavily populated district. Although it contains many residential areas such as Barangay San Antonio, there are many industrial facilities here, mostly found along Judge Juan Luna street. The two main intersections of this area are Roosevelt Ave. and Del Monte Ave.

When it was first founded, it was around 2.5 km² in area. It reached out to what is currently Project 7 and 8 and all the way out to Timog Ave area. Currently, it is composed of Brgy. Paraiso, Paltok, Masambong, Damayan and Del Monte.

Here also resides a private-catholic college Siena College of Quezon City.

Galas-Santol

The Galas-Santol District of Quezon City is located in its southwest border with the City of Manila. Located in the Galas area is the elementary school named after Manuel L. Quezon's wife Aurora A. Quezon . Carlos L. Albert High School named after a former vice mayor of the city. SM City Sta. Mesa lies at the end of the Araneta avenue.

The Project Areas

The Project areas include Project 1 (presently Roxas), Project 2 (Quirino-A), Project 3 (Quirino-B), Project 4, Project 5 (presently Kamias), Project 6, Project 7, and Project 8. These areas are among the first residential subdivisions in the city developed by former Philippine Presidents Quezon, Quirino and Marcos.

Climate

Quezon City features a tropical monsoon climate with a short dry season and a prolonged wet season. The dry season runs from January through April while the wet season covers the remaining eight months of the year. Quezon City is consistently hot throughout the year, usually reaching its highest temperatures just before the onset of the monsoon. The city's coolest temperatures are typically experienced at night during the earliest portions of the dry season. Temperatures are relatively constant throughout the year with the average high of about 30°C and an average low of about 21°C.


Climate data for Quezon City, Philippines
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Source: http://www.weatherbase.com/weather/weather.php3?s=984300&refer=&units=metric

Economy

Katipunan Avenue, a major road in Quezon City. The trees on the right side of the image are part of the Ateneo de Manila University campus.

The commercial center of the city is in Cubao where many shopping malls and the Aurora Tower can be found. There is a farmers plaza and farmers market. Fiesta Carnival is an enclosed amusement park cum carnival which is located in the heart of the Cubao Commercial Center. You will also find the Araneta Coliseum, a venue for concerts as well as sports events.

Quezon City is also home to major television broadcasting networks. Major television companies such as ABC/TV5, ABS-CBN, GMA Network, UNTV, Net 25, NBN, RPN/Solar TV and IBC are all based in Quezon City.

Quezon City also has a vibrant nightlife. Tomas Morato Avenue is known as restaurant row where restaurants range from fine dining to fast food. Bars and cafes also line up Tomas Morato. West Avenue also has its own version of restaurant row, but the difference is that West Avenue restaurants come in clusters, while Tomas Morato has restaurants in nearly the entire stretch.

For the more adventurous, Quezon Avenue, Timog (South) Avenue and West Avenue with nightclubs and other drinking joints, have a lot to offer. Birds International, the largest captive bird breeding facility in the world also regarded by many to be the best[13], is also near the city having been established by Antonio de Dios in 1975.

Communications

Quezon City's communication system is powered by the PLDT, Globe Telecom, BayanTel and others. Cellular networking in the Philippines, particularly the Metropolitan areas, is increasing rapidly together with the low cost of calls and text messaging. Such big companies that control the cellular networks in the Philippines and Quezon City itself are Globe Telecom, Smart Communications (PLDT) and Sun Cellular from Digitel.

Education

The city has several major educational institutions. Two of the most well-known are the University of the Philippines, Diliman and the Ateneo de Manila University. Also in Quezon City are medical schools such as the Far Eastern University - Nicanor Reyes Medical Foundation, Our Lady of Fatima University - Fatima Medical Science Foundation, Capitol Medical Center Colleges, and the University of the East - Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center. The Polytechnic University of the Philippines also has an extension campus in Commonwealth area. The city government operates the Quezon City Polytechnic University, which has campuses in Novaliches and Barangay Pag-asa. Business and management schools include Entrepreneurs School Of Asia located in Libis, Philippine School of Business Administration (PSBA), and National College for Business and Arts (NCBA). Popular women's colleges such as Saint Pedro Poveda College (formerly known as Poveda Learning Center), Miriam College, and St. Theresa's College are also found in the city. Sectarian schools such as the Catholic Siena College of Quezon City and St. Joseph's College of Quezon City,Colegio de San Lorenzo, Asia School of Arts and Sciences, the Episcopal Trinity University of Asia, and the Iglesia ni Cristo - affiliated New Era University are also found in the city. Other schools include the Philippine Rehabilitation Institute, the main branch of the AMA Computer University, and numerous campuses of information technology schools such as Informatics and STI College.

Notable secondary public schools include Philippine Science High School, Quezon City Science High School, Don Alejandro Roces Sr. Science-Technology High School and the University of the Philippines Integrated School. Quezon City also holds the largest number of private elementary and secondary schools in Metro Manila, such as Ateneo de Manila High School, Claret School of Quezon City, Sacred Heart Academy (with branches in La Loma and Novaliches), Miriam College, School of the Holy Spirit, School of Saint Anthony, Mater Carmeli School, Grace Christian High School, Lourdes School of Quezon City, Holy Family School, and Kostka School. The diocesan schools are the Immaculate Concepcion Cathedral School (Diocese of Cubao) and St. Bridget School, (Diocese of Novaliches). Many Catholic parishes also operate parochial schools of their own as well.

Transportation

End of MRT-3 in North Avenue

Currently, two elevated light rail systems run through Quezon City: LRT-2 - at Aurora Boulevard (R-6) connecting Santolan (Pasig City) and Claro M. Recto Avenue (Manila), and MRT 3 - at EDSA (C-4) from Taft Avenue (R-2 in Pasay City) to North Avenue.

An elevated rail transit system (MRT-4) that was supposed to follow the general alignment of Quezon and Commonwealth Avenues (R-7) was shelved. In its place, a 22 kilometer rail system will be built. The MRT-7 project will commence at North Avenue, connecting the MRT-3 at its northern terminus. It will then go through Commonwealth Avenue, then through Regalado, Quirino Highway, ending in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan. The system has a proposed spur line to connect itself to MRT-2 in Katipunan, passing through the University of the Philippines Diliman and Katipunan Avenue.

The following elevated railway stations in the city (Only 10 Stations):

MRT-3 (with 5 Stations):

LRT-2 (with 5 Stations):

Public transportation within the city, like in most of the urban areas in the Philippines, is facilitated mostly using inexpensive jeepneys and buses. Tricycles give access to more secluded areas, while taxi cabs are available to navigate any course.

This City has 3 Circumferential Roads. The following are:

  • C-3: Sgt. Emilio Rivera Avenue and Araneta Avenue
  • C-4: Epifanio de los Santos Avenue or EDSA
  • C-5: Tullahan Road, Tandang Sora Avenue, Katipunan Avenue and E. Rodriguez Avenue

For the list of other Quezon City Major Roads, see Major roads in Metro Manila

Religion

The majority of the population is Roman Catholic, and in 2002, Quezon City was made an episcopal see for two new Catholic dioceses: Cubao and Novaliches, as the very populous Archdiocese of Manila was carved up and five new dioceses created. A number of religious orders have set up convents and seminaries in the city. Various Protestant faiths have seen a significant increase in membership over recent decades and are well represented in Quezon City. While the Islamic faith has its largest concentrations in the south of the Philippines, there is a significant population in Quezon City. The Salam compound in Barangay Culiat houses one of the area's landmark mosques. The Members Church of God International popularly known to their television show Ang Dating Daan has many local chapters throughout the city and their extension in their administration office is also located here. The Iglesia ni Cristo (Church of Christ) Central Office is located in Quezon City. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has its Philippines Manila Temple located near the Libis area of the city while the Philippine Branch office of the Jehovah's Witnesses is located in San Francisco del Monte Avenue. The seat of the Presiding Bishop, the Cathedral of Sts. Mary and John of the Episcopal Church, the national offices of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines, the National Council of Churches in the Philippines as well as a number of Protestant seminaries are located in the city.

Government

File:Qc map.png
Map showing the districts of Quezon City.
File:Qc city hall.jpg
Quezon City Hall

Like other cities in the Philippines, Quezon City is governed by a mayor and vice mayor elected to three-year terms. The mayor is the executive head and leads the city's departments in executing the city ordinances and improving public services. The vice mayor heads the legislative council consisting of 24 members. These councilors represent the four (4) legislative districts of the city. The council is in charge of formulating and enacting city ordinances.

Quezon City, being a part of the Metro Manila region, has its mayor in the Metro Manila Council headed by the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA). This council formulates development plans that seeks to solve the problems and improve the conditions in the metropolis.

Quezon City is made up of 142 barangays (the smallest local government units) which handle governance in a much smaller area. These barangays are grouped into the aforementioned legislative districts. Each district, in turn is represented in the House of Representatives of the Philippines.

See also: Barangays of Quezon City

History

Commonwealth President Manuel L. Quezon.

Before Quezon City was created, it was composed of small towns. These were San Francisco del Monte, Novaliches, and Balintawak. In August 23, 1896, the Katipunan led by .Andres Bonifacio declared a revolution against Spain in the house of Melchora Aquino in Pugad Lawin (now known as Bahay Toro, Project 8).

In the early 1900s, President Manuel L. Quezon dreamt of a city that would become the future capital of the country, replacing Manila, and home to several middle workers. It is believed that his earlier trip to Mexico influenced his vision. In 1938, President Quezon created People's Homesite Corporation and purchased 15.29 km² from the vast Diliman estate of the Tuason family.(This piece of land became known as Bario Obrero "Home of the Middle Workers" before a name change to Quezon City) The National Assembly of the Philippine Commonwealth passed Commonwealth Act 502 known as the “Charter of Quezon City” originally proposed as Balintawak City, Assemblymen Narciso Ramos (father of President Fidel V. Ramos) and Ramon Mitra, Sr. (father of Speaker Ramon Mitra, Jr.) successfully lobbied the assembly to name the city after the incumbent president. President Quezon allowed the bill to lapse into law without his signature on October 12, 1939, thus establishing Quezon City.

After the war, Republic Act No. 333 was signed by Elpidio Quirino on July 17, 1948 declaring Quezon City to be the republic's capital. On June 16, 1950, the City Charter was revised by Republic Act No. 537, extending the city's boundaries to its present area of 153.59 km². Baesa, Talipapa, San Bartolome, Pasong Tamo, Novaliches Poblacion, Banlat, Kabuyao, Pugad Lawin, Bagbag, Pasong Putik of the old Novaliches municipality ceded to Quezon City. The rest of the municipality was ceded to Caloocan thus becoming North Caloocan.

In October 1, 1975, Quezon City was the actual site of the "Thrilla in Manila" fight between Muhammad Ali & Joe Frazier.

On November 7, 1975 the promulgation of Presidential Decree No. 824 of President Ferdinand Marcos established Metro Manila. Quezon City became one of Metro Manila's 17 cities and municipalities. The next year, Presidential Decree No. 940 transferred the capital back to Manila on June 24, 1976.

On March 31, 1978, President Ferdinand Marcos ordered the transfer of the remains of President Manuel L. Quezon from the Manila North Cemetery to the erected Quezon Memorial Monument within the Quezon Elliptical Road.

Manuel L. Quezon Monument and the City Hall.

On February 22, 1986, the Quezon City portion of the Epifanio de los Santos Avenue became the venue of the bloodless People Power Revolution.

On February 23, 1998, Republic Act. No. 8535 was signed by President Fidel V. Ramos. The Act provided for the creation of the City of Novaliches comprising the 15 northernmost barangays of Quezon City. However, in the succeeding plebiscite on October 23, 1999, an overwhelming majority of Quezon City residents rejected the secession of Novaliches.

Quezon City is the first local government in the Philippines with a computerized real estate assessment and payment system. The City government developed a database system that now contains around 400,000 property units with capability to record payments.

Mayors

Main article: List of mayors of Quezon City

President Manuel L. Quezon acted as mayor from October 12 to November 4, 1939, pending the resignation from another position of his intended appointee, Tomas B. Morato. Since a president can, under Philippine law, hold multiple portfolios inferior to the position of president, Quezon took the position of mayor in a concurrent capacity. However, it is erroneous to view him as the first mayor, as a president holding a concurrent position is not listed in the roster of incumbents for those offices.

Mayor Starting Date Ending Date Vice-Mayor
Tomas B. Morato Nov 5, 1939 Dec 1942 unknown
Ponciano A. Bernardo Jan 1, 1947 April 29, 1949
Nicanor A. Roxas May 4, 1949 Jan 6, 1950
Ignacio Santos Diaz Jan 6, 1950 Dec 30, 1953
Norberto S. Amoranto Jan 1, 1954 Mar 31, 1976
Adelina S. Rodriguez Apr 1, 1976 Apr 13, 1986 Ismael A. Mathay Jr.
Brigido R. Simon, Jr. Apr 20, 1986 June 30, 1992 Vicente Sotto III (1988-92)
Ismael A. Mathay, Jr. June 30, 1992 June 30, 2001 Charito Planas (1992-95)
Herbert Bautista (1995-98)
Connie Angeles (1998-2001)
Feliciano R. Belmonte, Jr. June 30, 2001 present Herbert Bautista (2001-present)

Sister cities

References

  1. ^ Retrieved at Quezon City Official Website: History of Quezon City, July 9, 2009
  2. ^ "Quezon City ZIP Code", Philippine ZIP Codes Directory
  3. ^ FEU-FERN College
  4. ^ Claret School of Quezon City
  5. ^ Ateneo de Manila University
  6. ^ Miriam College
  7. ^ Araneta Center
  8. ^ Eastwood City
  9. ^ SM Fairview
  10. ^ a b Angelicum College Quezon City
  11. ^ Lourdes School of Quezon City
  12. ^ St. Theresa's College of Quezon City
  13. ^ Harrison, Greg J. 2000. "Extraordinary... The Birds International, Inc.". HBD's Avian Examiner 18.
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Largest cities in the Philippines
Rank Name Region Pop. Rank Name Region Pop.
Quezon City
Quezon City
Manila
Manila 		1 Quezon City National Capital Region 2,960,048 11 Valenzuela National Capital Region 714,978 Davao City
Davao City
Caloocan
Caloocan
2 Manila National Capital Region 1,846,513 12 Dasmariñas Calabarzon 703,141
3 Davao City Davao Region 1,776,949 13 General Santos Soccsksargen 697,315
4 Caloocan National Capital Region 1,661,584 14 Parañaque National Capital Region 689,992
5 Taguig National Capital Region 1,261,738 15 Bacoor Calabarzon 664,625
6 Zamboanga City Zamboanga Peninsula 977,234 16 San Jose del Monte Central Luzon 651,813
7 Cebu City Central Visayas 964,169 17 Las Piñas National Capital Region 606,293
8 Antipolo Calabarzon 887,399 18 Bacolod Negros Island Region 600,783
9 Pasig National Capital Region 803,159 19 Muntinlupa National Capital Region 543,445
10 Cagayan de Oro Northern Mindanao 728,402 20 Calamba Calabarzon 539,671
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