Quezon City

Quezon City, the largest city in Metro Manila, was established on October 12, 1939. President Manuel L. Quezon had envisioned a new city to replace Manila as the country's capital. The city was named in his honor and planned to have a modern layout suitable for the nation's capital. Despite never officially becoming the capital, Quezon City was once the national seat of government from 1948 to 1976.

On July 17, 1948, Quezon City was declared the capital of the Philippines, replacing Manila. This change was part of President Elpidio Quirino's efforts to decongest Manila and develop a new urban center, inspired by President Quezon's vision. This status lasted until 1976, when the capital was reverted back to Manila under President Ferdinand Marcos.

The Quezon Memorial Circle, a national park and shrine located in Quezon City, was officially inaugurated on March 19, 1964. This park is dedicated to President Manuel L. Quezon, featuring a mausoleum housing his remains. The iconic Quezon Memorial Shrine, a towering monument in the park's center, symbolizes the city's enduring connection to its namesake.

On November 7, 1975, President Ferdinand Marcos issued Presidential Decree No. 824, establishing the Metropolitan Manila Commission. This marked the formal creation of Metro Manila as a region, consolidating several cities, including Quezon City, into a single entity for more coordinated urban planning and development. Quezon City became a key component of this new metropolitan region.

In February 1986, Quezon City became the central stage for the People Power Revolution, popularly known as EDSA I. From February 22 to 25, millions of Filipinos gathered on Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA) in a peaceful protest against the regime of President Ferdinand Marcos. This historic and non-violent demonstration led to the ouster of Marcos and the restoration of democracy in the Philippines.

On December 29, 1993, a fire in Ozone Disco located on Timog Avenue, Quezon City, claimed the lives of 162 people and injured many others, making it the worst fire in Philippine history. The incident highlighted critical lapses in building safety standards and enforcement. It prompted significant changes in fire safety policies and regulations in the country.

On September 26, 2009, Typhoon Ketsana, known locally as Ondoy, brought unprecedented rainfall to Quezon City and surrounding areas, causing widespread flooding and devastation. The city was heavily affected, with many communities submerged. The disaster emphasized the need for improved urban planning and flood control measures, leading to policy changes in disaster preparedness and climate resilience.

On June 20, 2010, the Department of the Interior and Local Government awarded Quezon City with the Seal of Good Housekeeping. This award recognizes local government units for good performance in internal housekeeping, especially in the areas of planning, sound fiscal management, transparency, and accountability. Quezon City became the first local government unit in Metro Manila to receive this prestigious award.

On February 27, 2015, Quezon City passed an ordinance prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity and expression (SOGIE). This landmark legislation was the first of its kind in Metro Manila, aimed at protecting the rights of the LGBTQ+ community. The ordinance ensures equal opportunities and treatment in employment, education, and accommodation, championing fairness and inclusivity.

On July 1, 2019, Joy Belmonte took office as the mayor of Quezon City, becoming the second woman to hold this position in the city's history. Her tenure has focused on transparency, improved public services, and infrastructure development. Belmonte's administration faces the challenges of modern urban governance, particularly in dealing with the complexities of a highly populated and diverse city.