Candelaria, Quezon
Template:Short description Template:More citations needed Template:Use mdy dates Template:Use Philippine English Template:Infobox settlement
Candelaria, officially the Municipality of Candelaria (Template:Langx), is a municipality in the province of Quezon, Philippines. According to the Template:PH wikidata, it has a population of Template:PH wikidata people.Template:PH wikidata
It is the third most populous settlement of Quezon after Lucena and Sariaya. 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, Taguan (Bukal), Kinatihan and Masin were parts of the Municipality of Tiaong, while Malabanban, Mangilag and Santa Catalina in the east, were under the jurisdiction of the town of Sariaya. Don Ciriaco Nadres, a local leader of Barangay Masinand his wife Sra. Doña Baltazara Bustamante, with the support of Don Simeon Nadres and wife Doña Everista Ona, Don Justo Argao, Don Elino de Gala, Don Apolinario Gonzales, Don Tomas Cabuñag, Don Ignacio de Ramos, Don Domingo de Alday, Don Tomas Regidor, Don Juan del Valle, Don Ambrocio Salazar, Don Buenaventura Cedeño and Don Hipolito Martinez, proposed the establishment of an independent government over these barangays. They became known as the founding families of the town.
It was on December 26, 1878, that a permit was granted by the Governor-General of the Philippine Islands, Domingo Moriones y Murillo 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.
King Alfonso XII of Spain 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, Candelaria was merged with the neighboring town of Sariaya.<ref>Template:Cite PH actTemplate:Dead link</ref> In 1907, Candelaria was again managed independently, as a fourth-class municipality.<ref>Template:Cite PH act</ref> 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
Candelaria lies at the western part of the province, Template:Convert from the nation's capital Manila, Template:Convert from the provincial capital Lucena, and Template:Convert from Batangas City. To its northern part lies the famous Mount Banahaw, to the east is Sariaya, to the south is San Juan, and to the west are Dolores and Tiaong. The neighboring cities are Lucena, Tayabas, San Pablo and Lipa. It is traversed by the Pan Philippine Highway and the Philippine National Railways.
Candelaria has an area of about Template:Convert and is an agricultural municipality, situated in the southern part of Mount Banahaw. The town proper is wedged by two rivers, namely, Masin and Quiapo rivers.
Barangays
Template:Stack Candelaria is politically subdivided into 25 barangays, as indicated in the matrix below. Each barangay consists of puroks and some have sitios.
| Barangay | Barangay Captain (2015) | Population (2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Buenavista East | Dionisio G. Aguila | 2,582 |
| Buenavista West | Cesar M. Limbo | 3,712 |
| Bukal Norte | William M. Navaliza | 3,059 |
| Bukal Sur | Gauden M. Cordero | 8,577 |
| Kinatihan I | Buenaventura M. Reyes | 1,884 |
| Kinatihan II | Manuel C. Hawak | 1,878 |
| Malabanban Norte | Fernando A. Alcantara | 12,538 |
| Malabanban Sur | Perfecto C. Alcantara | 9,684 |
| Mangilag Norte | Alfonso A. Semira | 3,498 |
| Mangilag Sur | Felimon R. Predilla Jr. | 8,786 |
| Masalukot I | Ireneo C. Boongaling | 7,060 |
| Masalukot II | Arnel B. Magcawas | 3,172 |
| Masalukot III | Eladio C. Carandang | 1,528 |
| Masalukot IV | Reverend H. Manalo | 831 |
| Masalukot V | Maximo S. Magadia | 783 |
| Masin Norte | Nelson H. Punzalan | 7,602 |
| Masin Sur | Reynaldo L. Cantos | 6,213 |
| Mayabobo | Arnel B. Ilao | 2,677 |
| Pahinga Norte | Manuel S. Ebora | 17,425 |
| Pahinga Sur | Estelito A. Sulit | 3,192 |
| Poblacion | Antonio Marinelo F. Emralino | 4,862 |
| San Andres | Librado M. Panaligan | 5,152 |
| San Isidro | Cesar V. Abdon | 5,835 |
| Santa Catalina Norte | Peter S. Malaluan | 7,161 |
| Santa Catalina Sur | Maila S. Escamillas | 8,242 |
Climate
There are two pronounced seasons in Candelaria: Dry and hot season from March to May, Wet season from June to December. Typhoons struck the municipality every three to five years. The most remarkable are Supertyphoon Angela (Rosing) in 1995, Typhoon Xangsane (Milenyo) in 2006, and Typhoon Rammasun (Glenda) in 2014.
Normal temperatures in Candelaria range from Template:Convert to Template:Convert. The temperatures became cooler in January with a range of about Template:Convert, while in April, the hottest month, may rise by up to Template:Convert.
Topography
Candelaria is more elevated in the northern part since it lies at the southern slope of Banahaw and is 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 137,933 as of the 2024 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 Church of Christ/Christian Churches, Pentecostals, Baptists, 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
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, supermarkets, hardware, fastfood outlets or restaurants, shopping mall, and others. The Candelaria Public Market, though it is adjacent to Barangay Poblacion, is located on Barangay Pahinga Norte.
In 2024, there is a total inventory of 812 registered establishments. Most are in retail trade, wholesale, and real estate leasing.<ref name=":0">Template:Cite web</ref>
In agriculture, coconut is the most dominant crop of the municipality covering 5,243.50 hectares or 30% of the town's land area.<ref name=":0" /> In terms of livestock production, many locals raised poultry by 73.30% from the overall animal population.<ref name=":0" />
Culture
Candle Festival
The town fiesta is celebrated on February 5 to honor the patron saint San Pedro Bautista. Since 2017, Rev. Msgr. Melecio Verastigue, started a dance to honor San Pedro Bautista. It is called INDAK PUGAY. A dance to honor the martyrdom of 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.
Government
Elected officials
Municipal council (2025-2028):
- Mayor: George D. Suayan
- Vice Mayor: Ireneo C. Boongaling
- Councilors:
- Davielyn A. Alcala
- Aileen M. Dellosa
- Estelito A. Sulit
- Joy Anne M. Pasumbal
- Numeriano S. Briones
- Anatalia R. Atienza
- Manuel Antonio V. De Luna
- Ma. Lourdes Bernadette G. Liwanag
- ABC President: Manuel S. Ebora
- SK Federation President: Ann Ivy Nicole B. Cuadro
Former heads and mayors (1879–2022)
- Don Simeon Nadres, 1879–1883
- Don Clemente Nadres, 1883–1887
- Don Tomas Cabunag, 1887–1891
- Don Apolinario Gonzales, 1891–1895
- Don Pedro de Gala, 1895–1898
- Don Benigno Nadres, 1898–1900
- Don Elino de Gala, 1900–1902
- Don Herminigildo Nadres, 1908–1912, 1919–1921
- Don Juan Javier, 1912–1916
- Don Generoso de Gala, 1916–1918
- Don Gregorio Remata, 1918–1919
- Don Francisco Fernandez, 1921–1922
- Don Mansueto Javier, 1922–1925
- Don David Reyroso, 1925–1928
- Don Emilio de Gala, 1928–1931
- Dr. Generoso Nadres Sr., 1931–1934
- Dr. Vicente Macasaet, 1934–1937
- Pastor Javier, 1937–1941, 1943–1944, 1945–1946
- Juan Ramos, 1941
- Francisco Malabanan, 1941–1943
- Cresenciano de Gala, 1944–1945
- Felix Ona, 1946–1947, 1955–1959
- Eligio Manalo, 1947–1955
- Venancio Dia, 1959–1967
- Atty. Cipriano Maliwanag, 1967–1978
- Pedro Cedeno, 1978–1986
- David Emralino, 1986–1998, 2001–2007
- Isidro de Gala, 1998–2001
- Atty. Ferdinand Maliwanag, 1998, 2007–2016
- Macario Boongaling, 2016-2022
Infrastructure
Transportation
Road network
Three major highways pass through the municipality and the town proper. The South Luzon Expressway Toll Road 4 (TR4) stretching from Santo Tomas, Batangas to Lucena will pass through the northern part of the municipality, planned to be finished in 2028. The new expressway will occupy portions of Barangays Bukal Norte, Masalukot II, Masalukot I, Mayabobo, and Mangilag Norte.
- The Pan-Philippine Highway (also known as Maharlika Highway or National Highway), passes through the municipality west–east from Barangay Bukal Sur to Barangay Mangilag Sur. It connects the municipality to its neighboring towns of Tiaong and Sariaya and cities like San Pablo in Laguna and Lucena, the provincial capital.
- Rizal Street is the two-lane main road and a segment of the Pan-Philippine Highway 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, the Catholic Church, and Plaza Narra.
- The Candelaria–San Juan Road (also known as Candelaria-Bolboc Road) is a Template:Convert 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.
- 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 the Bicol Region. Opened in 2012, this Template:Convert road bypasses Poblacion.
There are also major roads within the municipality.
- Cabunag Street also in Barangay Poblacion is the municipality's main business district. Most of the business establishments, such as hardware stores like Licup Builders, the oldest hardware store 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 the 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 to 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, Dela Rosa Liner and Lucena Lines stop at the municipality's designated bus stops in Poblacion.
SUPREME, a bus plying Batangas City-Lucena City route and vice versa also passes through Candelaria (Sambat).
There are also jeepney terminals located in the town proper. For passengers going to Lucena City, the terminal is located at the intersection of Rizal Avenue corner Gonzales Street. For passengers going to San Pablo City, the terminal is located at the intersection of Rizal Avenue corner Ona 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 many tricycle terminals in Barangay Poblacion, serving local commuters to the nearby barangays.
Water transport
Candelaria has no coastline and is one of the inland municipalities of Quezon, 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 Template:Convert from Candelaria. Among the international seaports in Luzon, Batangas Port in Batangas City is the nearest. 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 Template:Convert west of the municipality, while the nearest international airport is Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Metro Manila. It is formerly served by the Lucena Airport in Lucena that has been closed. 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.
Healthcare
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 2007) - located in Maharlika Highway near Candelaria Bypass Road, Barangay Mangilag Sur.
The Candelaria Municipal Hospital is built during the administration of then 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
There are two schools district offices which govern all educational institutions within the municipality. They oversee the management and operations of all private and public, from primary to secondary schools.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> These are the Candelaria East Schools District Office, and Candelaria West Schools District Office.
Primary and elementary schools
- Brentley Montessori School
- Brisbane Integrated School
- Buenavista East Elementary School
- Buenavista West Elementary School
- Bukal Norte Elementary School
- Bukal Norte Elementary School (Mayapyap Annex)
- Bukal Sur Elementary School
- Candelaria Elementary School (Main)
- Candelaria Elementary School (Annexes 1)
- Candelaria Elementary School (Annexes 2)
- GRABSUM School (School View)
- Headstart Christian Learning Institute
- Kinatihan I Elementary School
- Kinatihan II Elementary School
- Manuel Luis Quezon Elementary School (Cheng Hua Chinese School)
- Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation
- Malabanban Norte Elementary School
- Malabanban Sur Elementary School
- Mangilag Norte Elementary School
- Mangilag Sur Elementary School
- Masalukot I Elementary School
- Masalukot II Elementary School
- Masalukot III Elementary School
- Masalukot IV Elementary School
- Masalukot V Elementary School
- Masin Elementary School
- Mayabobo Elementary School
- Newton Science School
- Pahinga Norte Elementary School
- Pahinga Sur Elementary School
- San Andres Elementary School
- San Isidro Elementary School
- Santa Catalina Norte Elementary School
- Santa Catalina Central School
- SEACOMS (Village of St. Jude Subdivision)
- Tayabas Western Academy
- The Lady Mediatrix Institute
- Trinity Christian Academy
- United Evangelical School
Secondary schools
- Atty. Celso M. Reyes Integrated National High School
- Bukal Sur National High School
- Dolores Macasaet National High School
- Dr. Panfilo Castro National High School
- GRABSUM School
- Manuel S. Enverga University (High School)
- Newton Science School
- Santa Catalina National High School
- The Lady Mediatrix Institute
- Tayabas Western Academy
Tertiary
- GRABSUM School
- Compskill Learning Academy
- Chrisville Institute of Technology
- Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation
- Tayabas Western Academy
Notable personalities
- Raimund Marasigan, rock musician of the band Eraserheads, Pedicab, Sandwich, Cambio, Project 1, Squid 9, and Gaijin
- Ahtisa Manalo, Miss Universe Philippines 2025 and Miss International 2018 1st Runner-Up
- Rio Locsin, actress
- Cirilo Rigos, Member of the 1986 Constitutional Commission and pastor
References
External links
- Candelaria Profile at PhilAtlas.com
- [[[:Template:NSCB detail]] 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 Template:Webarchive
Template:Geographic location Template:Quezon Template:Authority control