Quezon City

Manuel Quezon LCCN2011647833 (cropped)

UP Quezon Hall (Diliman, Quezon City)(2019-04-29)

Quezon Memorial Circle - top shot from City Hall (Diliman, Quezon City)(2018-02-07) (cropped)

Territorial changes of Caloocan

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Quezon City is a highly urbanized city located in the National Capital Region of the Philippines. It was founded by and named after Manuel L. Quezon, the second President of the Philippines, who established the city as the country's new capital in 1939. The city served as the official capital until 1976 when the title was transferred back to Manila. Quezon City is known for its significant contributions to the country's economy, education, and government administration.

History

Quezon City's establishment was part of President Quezon's vision to create a new capital city that would replace Manila, which was seen as congested and prone to flooding. The site of the new city was initially the Diliman Estate, which was a vast piece of land at the outskirts of the old Manila. Development began in the late 1930s, and the city was officially inaugurated in 1942. However, World War II halted its development, and it was after the war that the city saw rapid growth and expansion.

Geography

Quezon City is situated on the northeastern side of Metro Manila, bordered by Caloocan and Valenzuela City to the west, Marikina and San Mateo, Rizal to the east, Montalban, Rizal to the north, and San Juan, Mandaluyong, and Manila to the south. It is the largest city in Metro Manila in terms of land area, covering approximately 166.20 square kilometers.

Economy

The economy of Quezon City is diverse, with a mix of commercial, industrial, and educational institutions contributing to its growth. It is home to several major broadcasting networks in the Philippines, including ABS-CBN and GMA Network, which have their headquarters in the city. The Eastwood City in Libis is a notable business and commercial hub, known for its information technology and business process outsourcing (BPO) companies.

Education

Quezon City is a center for education and research, hosting a number of the country's most prestigious universities and colleges such as the University of the Philippines Diliman, Ateneo de Manila University, and Philippine Science High School. These institutions play a crucial role in the city's reputation as a hub for learning and culture.

Government and Administration

Quezon City is governed by a mayor-council form of government. The city is divided into six legislative districts, which are further subdivided into a number of barangays, the smallest administrative units. The Quezon City Hall, located in the Diliman area, is the seat of the city government.

Culture and Recreation

The city boasts several cultural and recreational spots, including the Quezon Memorial Circle, a national park that houses the Quezon Memorial Shrine, dedicated to the memory of President Manuel L. Quezon. The La Mesa Eco Park and Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center offer green spaces and wildlife attractions in the heart of the city. The Cultural Center of the Philippines and the Art in Island museum are also located in Quezon City, contributing to its vibrant arts and culture scene.

Transportation

Quezon City is accessible by major roads and highways, including the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) and EDSA. The city is also served by the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) and the Light Rail Transit (LRT), which provide convenient access to various parts of Metro Manila.

Challenges

Despite its development, Quezon City faces challenges such as traffic congestion, flooding, and urban poverty. Efforts are ongoing to address these issues, including infrastructure improvements and social services programs.