Gumaca, Quezon
Encyclopedia
The Municipality of Gumaca (Filipino
Filipino language
This move has drawn much criticism from other regional groups.In 1987, a new constitution introduced many provisions for the language.Article XIV, Section 6, omits any mention of Tagalog as the basis for Filipino, and states that:...

: Bayan ng Gumaca) is a 1st class municipality in the province of Quezon, Philippines
Philippines
The Philippines , officially known as the Republic of the Philippines , is a country in Southeast Asia in the western Pacific Ocean. To its north across the Luzon Strait lies Taiwan. West across the South China Sea sits Vietnam...

. According to the 2007 census, it has a population of 63,778.

History

Formerly known as Bumaka (to fight), the present town of Gumaca was a settlement founded at the southern bank of Palanas River in the 14th century by a group of settlers from Borneo and Malay Peninsula.

The earliest known ruler was Lakan Bugtali. His sovereignty extended over the regions bordering Gusuan, now called Lamon Bay
Lamon Bay
Lamon Bay is a large bay in the southern part of Luzon island, Philippines, at .-Lamon Bay:It is a body of water connecting the southern part of Quezon province to the Pacific Ocean, and bounds the coastal towns of Atimonan, Gumaca, Plaridel, Lopez, Calauag, and the islands of Alabat. It is a rich...

, from Gamao point to the North, to the island across the bay or now known as Alabat Islands, to the southwest passing the northeastern part of the present town of Calauag, the source of Talolong, which traverses the town of Lopez, and Pandanan Rivers and on the northwest as far as the upper Kalilayan River. Thus when the first Spaniards arrived in this settlement in 1574 led by Fr. Diego Oropesa, they found a group of barangays with their own culture and government.

From 1574 to 1670 the town of Gumaca was ruled by Spanish Friars. Then from 1671 to 1893 the town was ruled by Spanish and Filipino
Gobernadorcillos. From 1893 to 1900 the town executives came to be known as Capitan Municipal and from 1901 the head of the town was elected by the people and came to be known as Presidente Municipal. Later in 1936 this title was change to Municipal Mayors.

It must be noted that the brief history of Gumaca had no mention of any law, decree or Republic Act which created the Municipality
and there was no mother municipality where Gumaca came from. As for its daughter towns, Lopez is the most notable among them, being one of the largest and the most progressive in that part of the province.

San Diego de Alcala Fortress (Kutang San Diego)

Recognized by the National Historical Commission as a national treasure in 1981, this fortress was constructed by the Spaniards under the leadership of Franciscan Father Francisco Coste. It was erected to help guard the town against sea pirates. The fortress is located in Gumaca, Quezon. There used to be an exisitng tunnel between said fortress and the San Diego de Alcala Church, now a cathedral.

Lamon Bay

It is a body of water connecting the northern part of Quezon to the Pacific Ocean. It bounds the coastal towns of Atimonan, Gumaca, Plaridel, Lopez, and Calauag, and the islands of Alabat. It is a rich fishing ground and the home of various living corals. Most parts of the bay consist of gray sand, some parts are filled with rocks, and other living corals. It is gradually sloping to the extend that, during low tide, the water level is low enough to allow one to walk as far as five hundred meters from the shore. The beaches in the towns of Gumaca and Plaridel are sandy and ideal for swimming, especially, during the months of April and May (caution though during the latter part of May when jellyfishes start arriving). In some parts of the bay, about ten feet from the beach front, are living corals. The town of Lopez has the best colonies of corals which are located just about 15 minutes by boat from the shore. Lamon Bay is located at the northern part of Quezon.

Cathedral of San Diego de Alcala

Its first establishment was in 1582, on its present site. It was transferred to Silangan in the island of Alabat in 1638. It was burned by the Dutch forces in 1665; reconstructed and beautified in 1846. It is known as the biggest and oldest Catholic Church in the province of Quezon. It is located in Brgy. San Diego Poblacion near the Municipal Government office. The church was named after Saint Didacus (San Diego in Spanish). He was born to a poor couple in San Nicolas del Puerto and was given to a hermit as a young child. He joined the Order of Friars Minor (more popular known as the Franciscans) which is a group advocating the simple, contemplative and self sacrificing lifestyle of Saint Francis de Assisi. While Saint Didacus was assigned in the infirmary of the convent of Ara Coeli, many of the patients were miraculously cured upon his divine intercession. His final assignment was in Sta. Maria de Jesus in Alcala where he lived a life of penance, solitude and contemplation. He died on November 12, 1463 due to abscess in Alcala (thus the name San Diego de Alcala). Instead of foul odor, his body emitted a fragrant smell and rigor mortis did not set in. He was canonized in 1588. His feast was made November 13 instead of November 12 in order to give way to Saint Martin. However, in 1969, his feast was correctly made November 12 after the feast of Saint Martin was moved to April 13.

Gumaca Rizal Park

Built in 1935 during the incumbency of Eriberto Caparros, by the year 1982 it was modernized, renovated, and lighted. It is located Barangay Rizal, Gumaca, Quezon.

Gumaca Bay Walk

The right place where you can enjoy jogging, walking and site seeing with your family and friends along Lamon Bay shore (A. P. Nava Boulevard)

Feast of San Isidro/Balwarte sa Gumaca

(May 15; Gumaca, Quezon). This festival is different from Pahiyas sa Lucban – balwarte or arches are decorated with various agricultural products like bananas, vegetables, buco, pineapple, and root crops. These crop decor are pulled out by the people after the patron saint has passed. The three most beautifully decorated balwartes are given prizes.

Cultural tour

Quezon is a tapestry of old Spanish-style houses with Castilian architecture and character. Visit the old houses of Lucban, Tayabas, Sariaya, Gumaca, and Mauban while savoring the best of the yield from lanzones plantations. Or come during the San Isidro Festival in honor of the patron of farmers, San Isidro Labrador. Take home petered rice paste strung in garlands for a souvenir and celebrate with the people this feat of thanksgiving for a bountiful harvest.

Local Government officials

  • Mayor: Hon. Engr. Erwin P. Caralian
  • Vice Mayor: Hon. Noel F. Capisonda
  • Councilors:
    • Hon. Elchor P. Caralian (SB Member)
    • Hon. Raquel M. Mendoza (SB Member)
    • Hon. Aida P. Dysanco (SB Member)
    • Hon. Mary Alyn C. Arcaya (SB Member)
    • Hon. Geordel S. Castillo (SB Member)
    • Hon. Ruvilon Juancho T. Mercurio (SB Member)
    • Hon. Edsel U. Libranda (SB Member)
    • Hon. Felix T. Arcaya (SB Member)
    • Hon. Abner Marilla (ABC President)
    • Hon. Rolfe Andrie D. Caralian(SK Federation President)

Barangays

Gumaca is politically subdivided into 59 barangay
Barangay
A barangay is the smallest administrative division in the Philippines and is the native Filipino term for a village, district or ward...

s.


  • Adia Bitaog
  • Anonangin
  • Bagong Buhay (Pob.)
  • Bamban
  • Bantad
  • Batong Dalig
  • Biga
  • Binambang
  • Buensuceso
  • Bungahan
  • Butaguin
  • Calumangin
  • Camohaguin
  • Casasahan Ibaba
  • Casasahan Ilaya
  • Cawayan
  • Gayagayaan
  • Gitnang Barrio
  • Hardinan
  • Inaclagan

  • Inagbuhan Ilaya
  • Hagakhakin
  • Labnig
  • Laguna
  • Lagyo
  • Mabini(Pob.)
  • Mabunga
  • Malabtog
  • Manlayaan
  • Marcelo H. Del Pilar
  • Mataas Na Bundok
  • Maunlad (Pob.)
  • Pagsabangan
  • Panikihan
  • Peñafrancia (Pob.)
  • Pipisik (Pob.)
  • Progreso
  • Rizal (Pob.)
  • Rosario
  • San Agustin

  • San Diego (Pob.)
  • San Diego (Bukid)
  • San Isidro Kanluran
  • San Isidro Silangan
  • San Juan De Jesus
  • San Vicente
  • Sastre
  • Tabing Dagat (Pob.)
  • Tumayan
  • Villa Arcaya
  • Villa Bota
  • Villa Fuerte
  • Villa Mendoza
  • Villa Nava
  • Villa Padua
  • Villa Perez
  • Villa Principe
  • Villa Tañada
  • Villa Victoria



External links

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