TAYABAS



Brief History

          Tayabas was noted during the place dotted with "Bayabas" (guava tree). One day, a special couple passing along the area ran out of provisions, and since their destination was still far, they decided to stop and look for food. The guavas were in season then, and the husband, sensing that the fruit could be edible, picked up a few and shared them with his wife. A native of the place happened to pass by and the couple, eager to know what they were eating, asked for the name of the fruit. The native answered "Bayabas", they misunderstood the word "Tayabas". When they reached their destination, they spread the news about the abundance of the fruit laden trees and invited their friends to go and gather fruits. However, as years passed by, bayabas could be rarely found in this place, due perhaps to the great number of coconut trees that dominate the land.

    The founding of Tayabas dates back in 1578 when Franciscan friars, empressed by its healthy climate and amiability of its folks, decided to build a chapel. As recorded, the town’s first government was established in 1620 with Don Lucas as the first executive. In 1651, due to its strategic location and high income, the municipality of Tayabas was made capital of the then province of Tayabas (now Quezon Province).