History of Lucena

Lucena was first known as "Buenavista" which means beautiful scenic spots. Later, the name "Buenavista" was changed to "Oroqieta" in honor of the Spanish Governor General Oroqieta. Then the place was called "Cotta" meaning a strong port. Pursuant to an "Orden Real Supper Civil" promulgated on November 5, 1879 the name Lucena was given to the community to tribute to the late Reverrend Mariano Granja, a Franciscan prelate of the town of Lucena, Province of Andalucia, Spain. Before Lucena became a municipality on June 23, 1880, it was a barrio of the town of Tayabas, then the capital of the Province of Tayabas (now Quezon Province. During World War II, Lucena experienced some grim realities of war in the hands of the Japanese military forces. Fortunately, the city was not devastated by the war. By vitue of Republic Act No. 3271 Lucena became a chartered city. Congressman Manuel S. Enverga of the first district of Quezon and Congressman Pascual Espinosa sponsored the bill creating the city of Lucena. It passed both houses of Congress on March 7, 1961. The City of Lucena was inaugurated on august 19, 1962 on the occassion of the 84th Birth Anniversaary of the late President Manuel L. Quezon