Candelaria, Quezon

Candelaria, Quezon
Municipality
Municipality of Candelaria Bayan ng Candelaria
Candelaria Town Proper Welcome Arch, San Pedro Bautista Parish Church, Candelaria Municipal Building, Candelaria Central Business District, Street in Candelaria
Seal
Nickname(s): Industrial Town of Quezon Desiccated Coconut Capital
Map of Quezon showing the location of Candelaria
Candelaria, Quezon Location within the Philippines
Coordinates: 13°55′52″N 121°25′24″E / 13.93111°N 121.42333°E / 13.93111; 121.42333Coordinates: 13°55′52″N 121°25′24″E / 13.93111°N 121.42333°E / 13.93111; 121.42333
Country	Philippines
Region	CALABARZON (Region IV-A)
Province	Quezon
District	2nd district of Quezon
Founded	August 5, 1879
Barangays	25
Government[1]
• Mayor	Macario Boongaling
• Vice Mayor	George Suayan
Area[2]
• Total	129.10 km2 (49.85 sq mi)
Population (2015)[3]
• Total	117,434
• Rank	3rd out of 41 in Quezon
• Density	910/km2 (2,400/sq mi)
Demonym(s)	Candelariahin
Time zone	PST (UTC+8)
ZIP code	4323
Dialing code	42
Income class	1st class; partially urban
Website	www.candelaria.gov.ph

Candelaria, officially as the Municipality of Candelaria (Filipino: Bayan ng Candelaria) is a first class municipality in the province of Quezon, Philippines. According to the 2015 census, it has a population of 117,434 people.^[3] making the third most populous in the province of Quezon

Candelaria is the second largest industrial center of the province, after Lucena City. Among the municipalities in Quezon Province, Candelaria has the most desiccated coconut factories and oil refineries, such as Peter Paul Philippine Corporation, Primex Coco Products Inc., Pacific Royal Basic Foods, SuperStar Corporation, Tongsan Industrial Development Corporation, and others, which employ thousands of people.

History

Foundation

Prior to 1885, the pioneering barangays of Candelaria in its Western part notably, Taguan, Kinatihan and Masin were parts of the Municipality of Tiaong, while Malabanban, Mangilag and Sta. Catalina in the East, were under the jurisdiction of the town of Sariaya.

It was on December 26, 1878, that a permit was granted by the Governor General of the Philippine Islands for the establishment of an independent government over these barangays. Its boundaries were fixed by means of a treaty signed by the notable leaders of Tiaong, Sariaya and the founding families of Candelaria.

The King of Spain, His Majesty Alfonso XII, finally approved the establishment of Candelaria as an independent town on August 5, 1879.

American era and Japanese occupation

In 1902, after the cessation of the general hostilities against the Americans, administration of Candelaria was merged with the neighboring town of Sariaya. In 1908, after less than seven years, Candelaria was again managed independently, as a fourth-class municipality. During the American regime, the town progressed by leaps and bounds. Many houses and public edifices were constructed, and commerce and industries grew, until the Japanese invasion brought a further wave of destruction.

Geography

Taguan River (bridge)

The municipality lies at the western arm of Quezon Province, about 107 kilometers from Manila and 23 kilometers from Lucena City. At its northern part lies the famous Mount Banahaw, on the east is the town of Sariaya, on the south is San Juan, Batangas, and on the west are Dolores and Tiaong. The neighboring cities are Lucena, Tayabas, San Pablo and Lipa City. It is traversed by the Pan Philippine Highway and the Philippine National Railways.

Candelaria has an area of about 12,910 hectares, an agricultural municipality, and is situated in the southern slope of Mount Banahaw. The town proper is wedged by two rivers, namely, Masin River on the west and Quiapo River on the east.

Barangays

Candelaria is politically subdivided into 25 barangays, listed here with their respective Barangay Captains and population as of 2015:

Climate

There are two pronounced seasons in Candelaria: Dry and hot season from March to May, Wet season for the rest of the year. Typhoons often struck the municipality. The most remarkable are Supertyphoon "Rosing" in November 1995 and Typhoon "Milenyo" in September 2006.

Normal temperatures in Candelaria range from 22 °C (72 °F) to 32 °C (90 °F). It is slightly warmer than the more elevated municipality of Lucban and Sampaloc. The temperatures became cooler in January with a range of about 18 °C (64 °F), while in April, the hottest month, may rise of up to 35 °C (95 °F).

Topography

Candelaria is more elevated in the northern part since it lies at the southern slope of Banahaw and predominantly agricultural. There are plantations of coconut and vegetables in its remote barangays. Most of the inhabitants are having poultry and livestock business and in the remaining part of the municipality are farmlands mostly of rice, corn, and other root crops.

Demographics

Candelaria has a population of 117,434 as of the 2015 census. The increase in population became rapid in the 1990s, in 1995, it has a population of 80,733 inhabitants, while in 2000, the population grew to 92,429, with an increase of about 15 percent.

In 2007, the official number of inhabitants in the municipality based on 2007 census is 105,997, or about 4,240 families or 21,243 households. Most Candelarians reside in Pahinga Norte and Malabanban Norte, the adjacent barangays of the town proper.

As of 2007, almost 93 percent of the population are Roman Catholics, 3.5 percent are Protestants, about 3 percent are members of Iglesia ni Cristo, 0.05 percent are of Islam, 0.97 percent are of other denominations such as Pentecostalists, Fundamental Baptist, Bible Baptist, Conservative Baptist, Latter Day Saints, Seventh Day Adventist, Jehovah's Witnesses and others.

Language

Tagalog is widely spoken by the populace. However, their accent resembles the Tagalog dialect spoken in Batangas owing to its location, and history. Most of Candelarians came from the neighboring province of Batangas.

Economy

Busy downtown, Hacienda Inn

Candelaria is one of the most progressive municipalities in Quezon Province. Rapid progress have been felt since the 1990s where most of the commercial establishments have been built such as retail merchandising, grocery, hardware, fastfood outlets, shopping center, and others. The Candelaria Public Market, though it is adjacent to Barangay Poblacion, is located on Barangay Pahinga Norte.

Places of interest

Our Mother of Perpetual Help Parish Church of Taguan

• Our Mother of Perpetual Help Parish Church of Taguan
• San Pedro Bautista Parish Church of Candelaria
• Quezon Premier Hotel and Resort
• Casa Patricia Hotel and Resort
• Fishing Paradise Hotel and Resort
• Mount Mayabobo
• Mount Malasina
• Tower Resort
• Pol Step (Dapian) Resort
• Bukal Resort

Candle festival

The town fiesta is celebrated on the 5th of February to honor the patron saint San Pedro Bautista. Since 2005, Monsignor Carlos (Charles) Pedro A. Herrera, the parish priest, started his devotion to Nuestra Senora de Candelaria and honored her with a Candle Festival every February 2. The celebration was concluded with a procession through the streets of the town featuring the street dancing by the youth of the community in honor of the Blessed Virgin. A parade of floats representing each of the 25 barangays was, also, featured during the festivities.

A project in honor of the Blessed Mother Mary that will renovate the patio of the San Pedro Bautista Parish Church had been developed on April 22, 2012. The renovated patio will convert the current parking lot into a multi-purpose open amphitheater for use of the people of Candelaria. It will provide a venue for children and toddlers playground, jogging/walking path, a rosary garden, a via Dolorosa, and a stage for performances complete with controlled theater lighting. The playground will be lit with lighting standards. The fundraising for the project will be accomplished through a 1000 Points of Light campaign where each point of light will be represented by a Candelarian or friends of Candelaria contributing Php5000 or more. Inauguration is scheduled for February 2, 2013, CANDLE FESTIVAL celebration. Ground breaking is targeted for August 4, 2012, ARAW NG CANDELARIA. The community project is expecting every Candelarians around the world to step up and bring their "POINT OF LIGHT". The SPBPC parish council for economic affairs is taking the lead with Dr. Al Cornejo at the helm.

Local government

Town hall

Elected officials (2016-2019):

• Mayor: Macario D. Boongaling (NPC)
• Vice Mayor: George D. Suayan (NPC)
• Councilors:
  • Maria Yllana L. Asistio (NPC)
  • Benildo C. Belen (NPC)
  • Lydelle M. Dizon (Liberal Party)
  • Manuel "Manny" de Luna (Liberal Party)
  • Rodante A. Padillo (NPC)
  • Marcelo Q. Laygo (NPC)
  • Julius D. Maniebo (NPC)
  • Darren P. de Gala (NPC)

Former heads and mayors (1879–2016)

Infrastructure

Transportation

Welcome arch

Road network

There are three major highways that pass throughout the municipality and the town proper. The South Luzon Expressway Toll Road 4 (TR4) stretching from Sto. Tomas, Batangas to Lucena City will pass in the northern part of the municipality, planned to be finished in 2016. The new expressway will occupy portions of Barangays Bukal Norte, Masalukot II, Masalukot I, Mayabobo, and Mangilag Norte. However, these matters are only speculations at present and not yet confirmed.

• The Pan Philippine Highway (also known as Maharlika Highway or National Highway), passes through the municipality west-east from Kilometer 102 in Barangay Bukal Sur (opposite Tiaong, Quezon) to Kilometer 111 in Barangay Mangilag Sur (opposite Sariaya). It connects the municipality to its neighboring towns of Tiaong and Sariaya, and cities like San Pablo City in Laguna and Lucena City, the provincial capital.
• The Candelaria-Bolboc Road (also known as Candelaria-San Juan Road) is a 16 kilometres (9.9 mi) two-lane highway that starts at the Pan Philippine Highway junction in Barangay Malabanban Norte going straight south to the municipality of San Juan, Batangas. This is an alternative road for commuters from Metro Manila via Batangas. It ends at Barangay Santa Catalina Sur (opposite Bantilan, Sariaya, Quezon).
• The Candelaria Bypass Road (also known as Candelaria Diversion Road) is a two-lane bypass road that serves as an alternative road for commuters from Metro Manila to Batangas and Bicol Region. Inaugurated in 2012, this 7.8 kilometres (4.8 mi) road starts at Barangay Bukal Sur turning south to Barangays Masin Sur, Pahinga Norte, Malabanban Sur and Mangilag Sur. It intersects the Candelaria-Bolboc Road at Barangay Malabanban Sur and crosses the Philippine National Railway in Mangilag Sur. It ends at the eastern portion of Maharlika Highway right after United Candelaria Doctors Hospital.

There are also major roads within the municipality.

• Rizal Avenue is the two-lane main road located in Barangay Poblacion. It connects Barangay Masin Norte and Sur in the west and Malabanban Norte in the east. Some landmarks located here are the Municipal Hall, Catholic Church, and Plaza Narra.
• Cabunag Street also in Barangay Poblacion is the municipality's main business district. Most of business establishments such as hardwares like Licup Builders the oldest hardware in town, RTWs, pharmacies, footwear, general merchandise, and restaurants are located here. It also serves as a thoroughfare for local commuters going to nearby barangays such as Pahinga Norte and Masalukot I.
• Ramos Street-Masalukot Barangay Road is a road that starts at Maharlika Highway in Barangay Poblacion and ends at Barangay Masalukot III. This is also an access road to most of subdivisions located in Barangay Masalukot I such as School View Park Subdivision, Village of St. Jude (VSJ), Maria Cristina Village, St. Anthony Subdivision, Villa Macaria Country Homes, Clarisse Subdivision, Faustin Floraville, and others. There are also schools located along the road, such as Grabsum School Inc. and Dr. Panfilo Castro National High School Annex.
• Tibanglan Road is a dirt road that serves as a main access to Barangay Mayabobo from Maharlika Highway in Barangay Malabanban Norte, in front of Iglesia ni Cristo Church.
• Pahinga-Kinatihan Road is a barangay road that starts at Cabunag Street down south to Barangay Kinatihan II. It serves as an access road to Candelaria Bypass Road from the town proper. Some landmarks located along the road are Peter Paul Philippine Corporation, Pahinga Norte Elementary School, Cocoma, and Villa Katrina Subdivision. A junction located in Barangay Pahinga Norte right after the spillway across Quiapo River connects it towards Barangay Santa Catalina Norte.
• Mangilag-Concepcion Road is a barangay road that starts at Maharlika Highway in Mangilag Sur and an access road to Barangays Mayabobo and Concepcion Banahaw in Sariaya, Quezon. Some landmarks found here are Dr. Panfilo Castro National High School, Mangilag Norte Elementary School, and Mount Mayabobo.

Public transport

Provincial Buses to and from Metro Manila and Lucena City such as JAC Liner Inc., DLTBCO, JAM Liner and Lucena Lines stops at the municipality's designated bus stop located in Poblacion for passengers.

There are also jeepney terminals located in the town proper. For passengers going to Lucena City, the terminal is located in Rizal Avenue corner Gonzales Street in front of Bank of the Philippine Islands branch. For passengers going to San Pablo City, the terminal is located beside Metrobank in Rizal Avenue corner Del Valle Street. For passengers going to San Juan, Batangas the terminal is located in Gonzales Street.

Tricycles are the most common mode of transportation in the municipality. There are lots of tricycle terminals in Barangay Poblacion, serving local commuters to the nearby barangays.

Water transport

Candelaria has no coastline and one of the inland municipalities of Quezon Province, together with Dolores, Lucban, Sampaloc, San Antonio, Tayabas, and Tiaong. The seaport nearest to the municipality is Dalahican Port in Lucena City for passengers going to Marinduque, Masbate, and other island provinces. Dalahican Port is about 30 kilometers from Candelaria. Subuquin Port in San Juan, Batangas is also a consideration. Among the international seaports in Luzon, Batangas Port in Batangas City is the nearest one. It would take approximately two hours in a private vehicle to reach from Candelaria, passing through the municipalities of San Juan, Rosario, and Ibaan, Batangas.

Air transport

Candelaria has no airport, runway or any facility to accommodate air operations. The nearest airbase in the municipality is the San Fernando Airbase in Lipa City with a distance of about 32 kilometers west of the municipality, while the nearest international airport is the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Pasay City with a distance of about 103 kilometers north-west of the municipality. For air travelers, you have to travel for more or less two hours to reach Metro Manila and a couple of minutes more for Ninoy Aquino International Airport in case of traffic obstructions.

Communications

Candelaria is served by General Telephone System, Inc. (GTSi) and Digitel Telecommunications (PLDT-Digitel) as the main telecommunication services providers. GTSi has started its operations in the municipality in 1981, making it the third municipality where it started its operation, the first two are Gumaca in 1977 and Atimonan in 1979.

Internet shops are commonly found in the town proper.

Health care

Candelaria has three hospitals: one public and two private.

• Candelaria Municipal Hospital (known as Nursery, built in 1984) - located in Barangay Masin Norte.
• Peter Paul Medical Center (formerly Peter Paul Hospital, built in 1948) - located in Regidor St., Barangay Poblacion.
• United Candelaria Doctors Hospital (built in 2009) - located in Maharlika Highway near Candelaria Bypass Road, Barangay Mangilag Sur.

The Candelaria Municipal Hospital is built during the administration of former Mayor Pedro Cedeno in 1984. Peter Paul Medical Center is one of the pioneering hospitals of the municipality, established in 1948. United Candelaria Doctors Hospital is the newly built medical facility of Candelaria, opened in February 2009.

Each barangay has its own health center for free health services. More lying-in clinics are located throughout the municipality.

Education

Primary

Secondary

• Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation Candelaria, Inc.
• Newton Science School Inc.
• Grabsum School, Inc.
• The Lady Mediatrix Institute Inc.
• Tayabas Western Academy
• Sta. Catalina National High School
• Bukal Sur National High School
• Manuel Macasaet National High School
• Dr. Panfilo Castro National High School
• Dr. Panfilo Castro National High School (Masalukot I Annex)

Tayabas Western Academy

Tertiary

• Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation (Candelaria Campus)
• Tayabas Western Academy
• Compskill Learning Academy
• Chrisville Institute of Technology

References

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Candelaria, Quezon.

• Philippine Standard Geographic Code
• Philippine Census Information
• Local Governance Performance Management System
• Quezon Province Business Directory and Travel Guide
• Quezon Province Web Portal
• Lucena City Community Website

	Dolores	Mount Banahaw
	Tiaong		Sariaya
		Candelaria
		San Juan, Batangas

Province of Quezon
Lucena (capital)
Municipalities	Agdangan Alabat Atimonan Buenavista Burdeos Calauag Candelaria Catanauan Dolores General Luna General Nakar Guinayangan Gumaca Infanta Jomalig Lopez Lucban Macalelon Mauban Mulanay Padre Burgos Pagbilao Panukulan Patnanungan Perez Pitogo Plaridel Polillo Quezon Real Sampaloc San Andres San Antonio San Francisco San Narciso Sariaya Tagkawayan Tiaong Unisan
Component city	Tayabas
Highly urbanized city	Lucena (Administratively independent from the province but grouped under Quezon by the Philippine Statistics Authority.)