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Quezon City

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Quezon City is the most populous city in the Philippines.

City of Greater Manila map
City of Greater Manila map

According to the 2024 census, it holds a population of 3,084,270 people. It is the largest city in the Metro Manila region by land area. This city is unique because it is a planned city. This means experts designed its layout before construction began. The city serves as a vital hub for politics, media, and commerce. It is often called the "City of Stars" due to its massive entertainment industry.

GMA Network (Timog, Quezon City; 07-18-2020)
GMA Network (Timog, Quezon City; 07-18-2020)

To understand its creation, we must look at the problems in Manila. During the 1930s, Manila faced severe urban challenges. The capital suffered from overcrowding and poor sanitation. Many residents lived in congested informal settler communities.

Manila Philippines Slums-in-Manila-01
Manila Philippines Slums-in-Manila-01

Traffic congestion and a lack of public housing were also major issues. President Manuel L. Quezon wanted to build a new capital to solve these problems. He envisioned a city where common people could live and thrive. This vision led to the official founding of the city on October 12, 1939.

Manuel L. Quezon portrait
Manuel L. Quezon portrait

The process of building the city involved complex land acquisitions. The government purchased eight vast estates to create the new territory. These included the Diliman Estate and the San Francisco Del Monte Estate.

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

To fund these purchases, the People's Homesite Corporation (PHC) was created. The PHC was a subsidiary of the National Development Company. It acquired the Diliman Estate for 5 centavos per square meter. The goal was to provide affordable housing for the working class. However, high costs meant many middle-class families eventually settled there instead.

Architects played a crucial role in designing the city's structure. American architect William Parsons initially helped with the master plan. He advised placing the National Government Center in Diliman for safety. He wanted to protect it from potential naval bombardment from Manila Bay. After Parsons died, Harry T. Frost took over the planning. Frost worked with Juan M. Arellano to create the final Master Plan. This plan featured wide avenues, large open spaces, and roundabouts.

Buildings and Roads in Quezon City Commonwealth Area SJasminum 33
Buildings and Roads in Quezon City Commonwealth Area SJasminum 33

The design aimed to make the city organized and accessible.

Quezon City has held several important administrative roles. It served as the official capital of the Philippines from 1948 until 1976. During this time, many government departments moved from Manila to the new city. In 1976, Presidential Decree No. 940 returned the capital status to Manila. However, the city remained the seat of government for the whole of Metro Manila. It also served as the regional center for Southern Tagalog. This status changed in 2002 when the region was divided into new areas. Today, the city still hosts major government branches.

Quezon City Hall (Quezon City; 03-20-2021)
Quezon City Hall (Quezon City; 03-20-2021)

The Batasang Pambansa Complex is the seat of the House of Representatives.

The city's geography and organization are quite detailed. It covers a total area of 161.11 square kilometers. The city is politically subdivided into six congressional districts. It also contains 142 barangays, which are small administrative units.

Quezon City Elevation Map
Quezon City Elevation Map

The northern part of the city sits near the Sierra Madre mountain range. This area includes the La Mesa Watershed Reservation. It is the largest watershed in Metro Manila and is a protected area.

Katipunan Tree, Novaliches, Quezon City
Katipunan Tree, Novaliches, Quezon City

This natural feature is essential for the region's water supply.

Modern Quezon City is a center of massive economic activity. Its gross domestic product (GDP) was estimated at 543 billion pesos in 2023. The city is famous for its media and broadcasting networks.

ELJ Communications Center viewed from Lopez Drive
ELJ Communications Center viewed from Lopez Drive

Large studios and headquarters are located throughout the city. It is also a major center for education and research. Many universities and technology hubs are found here. The city blends its planned history with a busy, modern lifestyle. It remains a central part of the Philippine national identity.

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🖼️ Images & Media (39)
Awit ng Lungsod Quezon - Hymn of Quezon City.mp3
File:Manuel L. Quezon portrait.jpg
Manuel L. Quezon portrait.jpg
File:Tomas Morato.jpg
Tomas Morato.jpg
File:Quezon Memorial Circle - top shot from City Hall (Diliman, Quezon City)(2018-02-07) (cropped).jpg
Quezon Memorial Circle - top shot from...
File:City of Greater Manila map.jpg
City of Greater Manila map.jpg
File:Territorial changes of Caloocan.png
Territorial changes of Caloocan.png
File:FvfBantayog0151 09.JPG
FvfBantayog0151 09.JPG
File:Ph-mm-quezon city-edsa-ortigas ave.-ortigas center-edsa shrine (2015) 01.JPG
Ph-mm-quezon city-edsa-ortigas...
File:Quezon City Elevation Map.png
Quezon City Elevation Map.png
File:SMNotrthjf1943 06.JPG
SMNotrthjf1943 06.JPG
File:Tandang Sora Shrine 02.jpg
Tandang Sora Shrine 02.jpg
File:Socorro Cubao water towers (Boni Serrano, Quezon City; 01-18-2021).jpg
Socorro Cubao water towers (Boni Serrano,...

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