History

1570

Spanish explorers arrived in the area, which was then known as Kalilayan. Lucena was still a small settlement within the larger territory.

1571

Captain Juan de Salcedo explored the area as part of the Spanish exploration of the region.

1572

Captain Juan de Salcedo continued his exploration of the area.

1580

Franciscan missionaries established the town of Tayabas, with the area that would become Lucena remaining a small part of Tayabas.

1700

Coastal communities built strong forts, or 'kuta,' to protect themselves from attacks by Muslim pirates. The area eventually became associated with the name 'Cotta,' derived from the Tagalog word 'kuta' meaning fort.

November 3, 1879

The community was officially named Lucena. The name was associated with Father Mariano Granja, a Spanish Franciscan friar from Lucena, Spain, who contributed to the development of the area.

June 1, 1882

Lucena became an independent town. Growing maritime trade through the Cotta port and the defeat of Moro pirates helped the community expand economically.

1896

During the Philippine Revolution, local residents of Lucena participated in the struggle against Spanish rule. José Zaballero led local fighters, while Miguel Arguilles and Jose Barcelona helped establish a revolutionary government in Lucena.

1898

Following the declaration of Philippine independence, General Miguel Malvar took control of Tayabas Province. Don Crisanto Marquez became Lucena's first elected leader during the First Philippine Republic.

1901

The provincial capital of Tayabas was transferred from Tayabas to Lucena because of Lucena's central location and accessibility. This helped accelerate the town's development.

December 27, 1941

Lucena was occupied by Japanese forces during World War II.

January 25, 1945

The Hunters ROTC guerrillas successfully drove Japanese forces out of Lucena.

April 4, 1945

American and Philippine Commonwealth forces arrived, bringing liberation to the province.

June 17, 1961

Lucena officially became a chartered city through Republic Act No. 3271.

August 19, 1962

Lucena's cityhood was formally inaugurated during the 84th birthday anniversary of the late President Manuel L. Quezon.

July 1, 1991

Lucena was declared a highly urbanized city, strengthening its political and administrative independence from Quezon Province.

Today

Lucena continued to develop as a major urban, commercial, governmental, educational, and transportation center in Quezon Province.