10 Things That Remind Us of Manuel L. Quezon

Manila (PNA) — As the country commemorates the 137th birth anniversary of Manuel L. Quezon, the Philippines News Agency (PNA) listed 10 of the things, places and persons that definitely remind us of the second president of the Philippines.

10. Quezon Code of Ethics

It shall be taught in all schools in the country based on Executive Order (EO) No. 127. This EO was issued by the Quezon on the occasion of his 61st birthday exactly 76 years ago.

The Quezon Code of Ethics (or Code of Citizenship and Ethics) contains a prescribed civic and ethical precepts prepared by a Committee composed of leading jurists and political luminaries that Quezon organized.

9. “I prefer a government run like hell by Filipinos to a government run like heaven by American.”

That is his famous line. It seems like a powerful and meaningful statement, isn’t it? In a few months, Filipinos will choose a new head of state and new leaders. Would you also prefer a “government run like hell”?

8. Quezon Province

Named after Manuel Quezon, this province in the CALABARZON (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon) Region of Luzon draws many tourists and has Mount Banahaw as one of its attractions.

Manuel Quezon, however, was born in Calamba City, Laguna.

7. Quezon City

A place that was also named after the first president of the Commonwealth of the Philippines, Quezon City was once called “city of the stars” as it houses major television networks in the country.

For those heading Quezon City today, number coding is lifted by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), as the city celebrates Manuel Quezon’s birth anniversary.

Another good news, for those who ride ‘Uber’, one may get Php 137 off in a ride to Quezon City (ride must be requested between 12 noon to 5:00 p.m.). The commuter/client needs to enter the code “Quezon 137”.

Meanwhile, at this moment, some people are enjoying Republic Act 6741, which declares August 19 as a special nonworking holiday in Quezon and Aurora Provinces and in Quezon City.

6. Quezon Avenue

Those who regularly ride the MRT are very familiar of the Quezon Avenue (Station).

It’s actually the Manuel L. Quezon Avenue, but people are used to calling it “Quezon Avenue” and “Quezon Av”. The 7.1 kilometer lane starts at the Quezon City Memorial Circle and runs through Welcome Rotonda.

5. Quezon Memorial Circle

A national park located in a large traffic circle in an ellipse shape, doesn’t look boring as the government continues to beautify it. The Circle features a tall mausoleum containing the remains of the late president and his wife Aurora Quezon.

4. Quezon Memorial Shrine

It is said to be the tallest structure in Quezon City, standing at 66 meters. The art-deco themed monument is a tribute to Manuel Quezon, and is also considered the city’s landmark, and the centerpiece of Quezon Memorial Circle.

Designed by Federico Ilustre and built in 1950s, the shrine has three conjoined towers that symbolize birth, life and death.

The 66 meters structure, which represents Quezon’s age when he died from tuberculosis, can accommodate about 36 people at the top. Being at the top of this shrine gives one a panoramic view of Quezon City.

3. Quezon Museum

This was renovated and will have the reopening today, in commemoration of Quezon’s birthday. The National Historical Commission of the Philippines led the renovation, and President Benigno Aquino III was reported to lead the reopening.

2. Manuel Quezon III

Wouldn’t you agree that Manuel “Manolo” Quezon III looks like his grandfather?

Surprisingly, he’s the adopted son of the late Manuel “Nonong” Quezon Jr. In his web page, Manuel Quezon III wrote, “I am adopted. This means my identity has been given me not by accident, but deliberate choice, which means in a sense, a stronger, but also more fragile, identity. I am who -and what- I am, but I am more and often less, than who others think that I am.”

He is the current undersecretary of the Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office.

1. Php 20 bill

As a child, I knew Manuel Quezon even before entering school. That’s because of the Php 20 bill.

A photographer from Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas shared that in the new series (of bills), Manuel Quezon was made to look younger because that was how he looked like when he started making contributions to the nation. (PNA) CTB/MCCA/PJN