History and Profile
At one time, Quezon was under the jurisdiction of various provinces. In 1858, the central portion was under the authority of Batangas. The northern portion was divided between Laguna and Nueva Ecija while the other portion was divided between the provinces of Mindoro, Marinduque, and Camarines.
In 1591, Tayabas was created into a province under the name of Kalilayan. On March 12,1901, the civil government was established in Tayabas with Lucena as its capital with the late Hon. Cornelius Gardiner as its first governor. On June 12, 1902, the district of El Principe (now known as Aurora), then a dependency of Laguna, was annexed to Tayabas.
The Provincial Government of Quezon with Taxpayer Identification Number 600-000-633- 148 is exempt from income tax and is registered with General (Overall) Public Service Activities as line of business/industry.
It was June 1901 when the first establishment of the educational system was recorded in the Province of Quezon, formerly called Tayabas. It was Sir Harrison S. Korrick who was the first Division Superintendent holding Cavite, Batangas, Tayabas and Marinduque. In October of 1901, Tayabas Province was given a Deputy Schools Division Superintendent in the person of John C. Muerman. Tayabas Province’s headquarters was in Lucena. Mr. Muerman led the Tayabas Province’s education system for five years. The American soldier occupied the province, and they educated the masses by selecting intelligent young boys and taught them the three R’s – reading, writing and arithmetic. Those they selected who learned best served as teachers to others. Gabaldon building type halls were established to serve as their classrooms.
In October 1902, Tayabas Provincial High School, now called Quezon National High School, was established by Mr. Aubrey Boyles and Mr. Henry Balch. The establishment of the provincial high school brought bigger opportunity for the Quezonian to attain and experience formal education after the Spanish regime. The establishment of this school marked progress in literacy in the province.
From that year, different superintendents hold the position in supervising the schools and its system in the province and most of them were Americans. They are the following:
| Name | Title | Name of Division/Headquarters | Inclusive Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Harrison S. Korrick | Division Superintendent | Cavite, Batangas, Tayabas & Marinduque | June - August 1901 |
| Melton S. Colten | Acting Division Superintendent | Cavite, Batangas & Tayabas, Bacoor, Cavite Headquarters Transferred to San Roque, Cavite Jan. 1902 | September 1901 – October 1902 |
| John C. Muerman | Division Superintendent | Tayabas Province, Lucena | November 1902 – March 1905 |
| Ralph H. Wardall | Acting Division Superintendent. | Tayabas Province, Lucena | March – Nov. 1905 |
| John C. Muerman | Division Superintendent | Tayabas Province, Lucena | November 1905 – May 1906 |
| Henry S. Townsend | Division Superintendent | Tayabas Province, Lucena | May 1906-July 1911 |
| William F. Montavon | Division Superintendent | Tayabas Province, Lucena | July 1911 - June 1914 |
| Leroy B. Sawyer | Division Superintendent | Tayabas Province, Lucena | June 1915 – May 1917 |
| Camilo Osias | Division Superintendent | Tayabas Province, Lucena | June 1917 – November 1917 |
| Gilbert S. Perez | Acting Division Superintendent | Tayabas Province, Lucena | November 1917 – May 1919 |
| Gilbert S. Perez | Division Superintendent | Tayabas Province, Lucena | June 1919 – December 1920 |
| John J. Carl | Acting Division Superintendent | Tayabas Province, Lucena | December 8-27, 1920 |
| Clayton I. Halsey | Acting Division Superintendent | Tayabas Province, Lucena | December 1920 – January 1921 |
| Adam C. Derkum | Division Superintendent | Tayabas Province, Lucena | January 1921 – June 1921 |
| Gilbert S. Perez | Division Superintendent | Tayabas Province, Lucena | June 1921 -June 1926 |
| Leodegario Victorino | Division Superintendent | Tayabas Province, Lucena | June 1926 – January 1933 |
| Venancio Trinidad | Division Superintendent | Tayabas Province, Lucena | April 1933 – October 1937 |
| Fortunato de Veyra | Division Superintendent | Tayabas Province,Lucena | October 1937 – May 1942 |
| Carmelo P. Quintero | Division Superintendent | Tayabas Province, Lucena | May 1942 – December 1944 |
During the Japanese invasion in our country, most of the schools in Quezon Province were closed temporarily and schools were resumed after the liberation from the Japanese regime in 1945. The division was headed by Mr. Antonio Maceda from April 23, 1945 – August 12, 1946.
By the virtue of Republic Act No. 14 dated September 7, 1946, the name Tayabas was changed to Province of Quezon in honor of the late President Manuel Luis Quezon. Mr. Abdon Javier supervised the School Division during that time and lasted for 4 years (1946-1950).
In 1947, by the virtue of Executive Order No. 94, the Department of Instruction was changed The division was managed by Mr. Roman L. Santos from June 1950 – August 1954; Mr. Isabelo Manalo, August 1954 – July 1960; Mr. Juan Briones, July 1960 – 1964; Mr. Buenaventura Yason, 1964 – 1970.
In 1961, by the virtue of RA 3271 the Division of Lucena City was separated from the provincial school’s division of Quezon province when Lucena became a chartered city. During that time the Division of Quezon was headed by Mr. Juan Briones. The Division Superintendent of Quezon acted as “ex-officio” superintendent of the newly created City Schools Division.
In 1961, by virtue of RA 3271 the Division of Lucena City was separated from the provincial school’s division of Quezon province when Lucena became a chartered city. During that time the Division of Quezon was headed by Mr. Juan Briones. The Division Superintendent of Quezon acted as “ex-officio” superintendent of the newly created City Schools Division.
In 1971, Section 88 of the charter of the City of Lucena was amended by the act of Congress through the efforts of Congressman Moises Escueta. By virtue of amendment, the city Schools Division of Lucena became completely independent from the Division of Quezon with Dr. Enrica L. Pandy as its officer-in-charge on Dec. 27, 1971.
In 1973, the first lady superintendent was assigned in the Division of Quezon in the person of Mrs. Josefina B. De Villa. She was a former Assistant Schools Division Superintendent in 1971 assisting Mr. Buenaventura Yason from 1964 up to 1972. From 1973 to 1976, the Schools Division Superintendent was Mr. Saturnino Magturo.
In 1976, DepEd Quezon hosted the prestigious Palarong Pambansa for the first time through Mr. Saturnino R. Magturo’s leadership as Schools Division Superintendent. Alcala Sports Complex was built and inaugurated in the preparation for the said significant event. Mrs. Lourdes N. Veluz became superintendent from 1976 – 1982. After thirteen years Palarong Pambansa was hosted again by the Division of Quezon in 1989 along with its celebration of its 35th Anniversary. That time Mr. Gervacio N. Sales Jr. was the Schools Division Superintendent from 1982 – 1990. It was followed by Dr. Belen H. Magsino from 1990 – 1995.
On November 21, 1993, a catastrophic fire consumed the Division Office of Quezon which was located then in Iyam within the vicinity of Quezon National High School. The office was totally < burned and damaged leaving all records and other important papers in scorched. Dr. Belen H. Magsino who was Schools’ Division Superintendent then, immediately sought the help of Provincial Government. The Provincial government allowed the DepEd to use the portion of Provincial lot in Talipan as its temporary office for some personnel like the Education Program Supervisors and Assistant Schools Superintendent while others are still in QNHS. In June 1997 under the leadership of Dr. Leonora Guerrero the whole Division Office of Quezon transferred to its new location in Sitio Fori Brgy. Talipan Pagbilao Quezon, and up to this time the Division Office is using the location as its home.
From 1997 – 2007, the division was managed by Mrs. Azucena O. Romulo, followed by Mrs. Gloria P. Potes from 2007 – 2012. Dr. Tolentino G. Aquino managed the division from May 2012 – January 2016.
On September 26, 2012 another division from the Quezon Province was given birth through the initiative of Mayor Alandy Silang of Tayabas City and Dr. Gener de los Reyes, Principal of Luis Palad NHS through the leadership of Dr. Tolentino G. Aquino, SDS of Quezon Province and Regional Director Dr. Lorna Dig Dino.
By virtue of Section 49 of RA 9398 also known as “An Act Converting the Municipality of Tayabas in the Province of Quezon into a Component City to be known as City of Tayabas, the Establishment of the City Schools Division of Tayabas.
By virtue of Section 49 of RA 9398 also known as “An Act Converting the Municipality of Tayabas in the Province of Quezon into a Component City to be known as City of Tayabas, the Establishment of the City Schools Division of Tayabas.
In 2015, the whole Department of Education underwent the Rationalization Program in accordance with DepEd Order No. 52, s. 2015 (New Organizational Structure of the Central, Regional, and Schools Division Offices of the Department of Education). DepEd Quezon immediately and actively complied with the said rationalization program.
Currently the Division of Quezon is considered as one of the four very large schools divisions in the Philippines. The Division of Quezon is headed by Dr. Merthel M. Evardome, CESO VI. She started her journey as Assistant Schools Division Superintendent in 2013, she assumed SDS post in the Division of Antipolo in January 2014, transferred to the Division of Laguna in July 2015. After six months on January 6, 2016, she was appointed back to the Schools Division of Quezon as Schools Division Superintendent. During her term, the Schools Division Office of Quezon continues to flourish and excel in many areas of governance. DepEd Quezon was hailed as the second-Best Performing Division in Region IV-A in 2017 and the first Best Performing Division in Region IV-A in 2018. The Division’s Brigada Eskwela was also awarded twice as Hall of Fame Award in the National Brigada Eskwela. Lots of awards and recognitions were received by the divisions in sports, journalism, research and others. Facilities and physical improvements are noticeable and most importantly the quality of service of all personnel are gearing towards excellence.
DepEd Quezon encompasses 953 schools: 771 Elementary and 182 Secondary Schools. 166 out of 182 are offering Senior High School Program. These schools are distributed in four congressional districts of Quezon. Quezon Province is composed of 1,543 barangays. The 953 schools are headed by Dr. Merthel M. Evardome, CESO VI as Schools’ Division Superintendent and with her are three Assistant Schools Division Superintendent namely Dr. Gerlie M. Ilagan, Nadine C. Celindro and Dr. Juan Araojo Jr. who was later on replaced by OIC-ASDS Buddy Chester Repia serving with them in the field are 57 Public Schools District Supervisors, 271 Elementary School Principals, 107 Secondary School Principals, 45 Head Teachers and 310 Teacher-In-Charge.
The Division of Quezon, a winner on Innovations in Leadership, Governance and Management - Institutional Leadership and Direction Setting during the 6th Excellence in Educational Transformation Awards given by Bayan Academy in cooperation with ABS-CBN Foundation, Rex Bookstore, Knowledge Channel and DepEd, Garden Ballroom, Edsa Shangri-La Hotel, Mandaluyong last November 19, 2019.
Call it a home homecoming. After six years of fulfilling her duties as Schools Division Superintendent in other divisions of CALABARZON, destiny has fetched Dr. Catherine Talavera, CESO V back to DepEd Quezon. This time, she is called to spearhead a mission in leading the division towards excellence. Being the new SDS, she outlined her leadership agenda upon assuming to office in November 5, 2020.
Meanwhile, doors of opportunity opened for ASDS Gerlie Ilagan and ASDS Buddy Chester Repia to give more of their leadership potential outside DepEd Quezon. ASDS Ilagan’s new assignment as ASDS in Lucena City division comes both as a challenge and an outlet for her passion in mounting an excellent – work culture. Likewise, ASDS Repia’s assignment will perhaps spur his flair in innovations to the fullest venturing into a new home with San Pablo City’s DepEd community.
The successors of ASDSs equally beckon positive impulses to deliver the best services to the division. DepEd Quezon welcomed new ASDSs in the likes of ASDS Elias A. Alicaya Jr from Cavite Province, OIC - ASDS Gregorio A. Co Jr from Imus City, and OIC – ASDS Herbert D. Perez from our hometown, Sariaya District.
DepEd Quezon continued to inspire believing firmly that education is an important foundation for a successful life. Trust is the foundation of all we do.
While other institutions claim to be a center of excellence, DepEd Quezon simply owns it. The excellent- work culture DepEd Quezon has been keeping through the years is an offspring of equally competent leaders we have through the years.
Just last year, DepEd Quezon experienced a hands-on leadership approach under Dr. Catherine P. Talavera. She has stayed with SDO Quezon as the Schools Division Superintendent since November 2019 till July 2020. Her 8-month stay leaves sharp outlines of leadership legacies that SDO Quezon ever experienced.
Yet, there is always a time to make choices – not least among them is SDS Talavera who opted to retire last July 30, 2020.
This unanticipated event sealed Dr. Elias A. Alicaya Jr’s destiny. Dr. Alicaya, the designated Assistant Schools Division Superintendent has become DepEd Quezon’s OIC-SDS starting August 2020. With a brave soul and God-centered disposition, Dr. Alicaya accepted the challenge.
The arrival of Dr. Gregorio T. Mueco, the newly installed OIC-ASDS competes the casting. Dr. Mueco, popularly known as the second Greg (GM) of DepEd Quezon was welcomed on September 2, 2020 at SDO Quezon’s Library Hub. Likewise, Dr. Alicaya was also given a warm welcome as the OIC-SDS.
What followed is an anticipation of greater possibilities and opportunities awaiting SDO Quezon. True enough, DepEd Quezon has successfully passed ISO 9001:2015 surveillance audit by the External Auditing Party: Certification Partner Global (CPG) on September 4, 2020. It all happened under our current leaders.
Transition of leadership comes as a great opportunity to experience diverse management styles and potentials. This is particularly true to SDO Quezon’s context welcoming Dr. Rommel C, Bautista, CESO V, as the new Schools Division Superintendent on April 11, 2023. SDS Bautista took the post vacated by Dr. Elias A. Alicaya Jr who’s currently assigned to steer SDO Dasmarinas City division. Dr. Alicaya served DepEed Quezon for almost three years. Relatively, ASDSs Edward Garcia, Greg Mueco, and Herbert Perez find home in another divisions of Santo Tomas, Batangas, and Tayabas respectively. Replacing them are new ASDSs Venus Balmedina, Roselyn Golfo, and Joefi Falqueza. SDO Quezon keeps its promise to continue sowing seeds of excellence in delivering quality services among its clientele. But this is not a one-man task. It entails everyone’s effort. Truly, shared practices are essential to achieve our goals. Together, we unite to define the power of ONE.
