By Nimfa L. Estrellado Governor Angelina "Helen" Tan and NHCP Director Carminda Arevalo lead the unveiling of the historical marke...
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| Governor Angelina "Helen" Tan and NHCP Director Carminda Arevalo lead the unveiling of the historical marker for President Quezon at Perez Park. (NHCP) |
LUCENA CITY, Quezon - The landmark monument honoring President Manuel L. Quezon now carries a renewed tribute to his legacy as a bronze historical marker was unveiled on Wednesday, November 26. Installed at Block 4 of Perez Park in Lucena City, the marker recognizes the nation’s first Commonwealth president and the province’s enduring ties to his leadership, heritage, and identity.
It is the first NHCP-issued marker for a Quezon monument in the province in nearly thirty-eight years, a milestone for the Provincial Government of Quezon, led by Governor Angelina "Helen" Tan. Local officials, cultural figures, and historians attended the event, pointing to Quezon’s far-reaching contributions to building the nation’s foundations.
The newly installed marker, unveiled during the “Paghahawi ng Tabing ng Panandang Pangkasaysayan” ceremony, recognizes the monument as an important part of the province’s history and identity. The marker also supports efforts to protect historical places linked to Quezon’s contributions, strengthening local heritage conservation efforts.
NHCP Executive Director Carminda R. Arevalo led the unveiling of the marker at the Manuel L. Quezon Monument, recognizing the former president’s leadership and lasting contributions to the country. She said this as she emphasized the importance of formally recognizing Quezon’s legacy, a matter of continuing national significance.
“This marker stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of President Quezon,” Arevalo said. “It reflects the depth of his contributions to our national consciousness,” she added. “It continues to remind us of the identity and unity he helped strengthen,” she concluded.
Arevalo noted that remembering President Quezon helps Filipinos understand who they are as a nation. She stressed that honoring his memory is a responsibility to preserve the ideals that guided his leadership.
“We honor President Quezon not only for what he accomplished in his time,” Arevalo said. “We honor him because his values continue to shape our direction as a people,” she added. “We honor him so that future generations may understand the ideals he fought for,” she stated.
Governor Tan, in her acceptance message, emphasized the transformation of the site and the importance of preserving historical spaces for public reflection. She noted that improving sites like this helps people connect more with their local history.
“Today symbolizes our renewed commitment to honor President Quezon’s memory, this place now stands as a meaningful reminder of his service to the nation, we dedicate this space to reflection, learning, and a deeper appreciation of our heritage,” she said.
Governor Tan highlighted the choice of the mulave as the ceremony’s central symbol, noting that its enduring strength mirrors the qualities Filipinos are encouraged to embody. She said its resilience reflects the values she hopes communities will continue to uphold through shared cultural responsibility.
“I want our people to be like a molave tree, strong and resilient, standing on the hillsides, unafraid of the rising tide, lighting and the storm, confident of its strength." Governor Tan added.
The symbolism of the mulave was introduced as an extension of the governor’s message about resilience and national character. The mulave represents the strength and resilience Quezon wanted Filipinos to have.
Visitors are encouraged to return to Perez Park to view the newly installed marker and the restored Quezon Monument. The Provincial Tourism Office also plans heritage walks and site orientations to give visitors a deeper understanding of President Quezon’s life and lasting influence on the province.
Year-end heritage initiatives across the province continue to build momentum as cultural projects move toward completion before the close of the calendar year. These ongoing efforts ensure that restoration and conservation work remain active priorities, allowing local history to be more visible and better appreciated by the public.
Connections to earlier observances of Quezon Memorial Month help position the new marker within a continuing effort to understand Quezon’s influence on national identity. By carrying heritage work beyond formal commemorations, the province underscores its intention to strengthen public awareness and keep historical memory present throughout the year.
Looking ahead, the provincial government plans to integrate Perez Park into a wider network of educational and cultural circuits intended for school tours, historical programs, and curated activities. Through these initiatives, the site is expected to evolve into a consistent venue for learning and reflection, ensuring that Quezon’s legacy remains meaningful to younger generations.
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