ABOUT TAYABAS CITY
Tourism, Culture, and the Arts Office
The Tourism, Culture, and the Arts Office of Tayabas City serves as the primary arm of the local government in promoting the city’s tourism, cultural heritage, and artistic endeavors. The office is dedicated to showcasing the rich history, traditions, and creative spirit of Tayabas through the development of destinations, preservation of heritage sites, and the organization of events and festivals that highlight the city’s unique identity. It also spearheads information and promotional campaigns that foster pride of place among residents and invite visitors to experience the vibrant culture and warm hospitality of Tayabas City.
When in Tayabas
But until today the origin of the word Tayabas remains unsure; its etymology requires further study. There are various versions as to the origin of the name and all of which are fascinating though. One source says Tayabas may have originated from the word Tayaban. Tayaban is a night creature known for having wings that glow like a tropical firefly (OCPDC, 2010). Another possible explanation of the origin of the name Tayabas comes from E. Arsenio Manuel’s Dictionary of Tayabas Tagalog. A word from this dictionary points to Tayaba, which refers to a local practice or ritual of the natives during New Year where they open up a farm by cutting down three trees on the patch they chose to cultivate. The cut trees then were placed to the border of the patch to mark it. In this sense, Tayabas may be considered as a place intended for kaingin.
Another interesting theory is the one advanced by sociologist, Rolando V. Redor. He mentioned that the name Tayabas was suggested by the abundance of the well-loved fern (pako) called Tagabas, thus, putting to rest the more popular theory which points to bayabas, guava fruit (Psidium guajava) as the etymology of the name Tayabas; bayabas, that endearing fruit, as not being native to the Philippines (Zialcita,2009).
Mission
The Tourism Administrative Section shall be the primary section of LGU Tayabas charged with the responsibility to encourage, promote, and develop tourism as a major socio-economic activity to generate tourists and experience the true Home of Culture and the Arts in Quezon.
Vision
We envision TOURISM that celebrates the Tayabasin way of life, cuisines, rituals, and festivals; provides resilient and inclusive infrastructure and facilities; promotes a viable economy through the integration of local industries; fosters a safe, healthy, and caring community; and protects the forests, biodiversity and water resources in Mt. Banahaw and other ecosystems through the active
participation and responsible actions of its citizens, local government, business enterprises, and civil society.
