CR I T I CAL EVAL UAT I O N AND

PR O M OT I O N O F L O CAL AND
O R AL HI STO R Y AND
CULT UR AL HER I TAG E:
“L UM ANG SEM ENT ER YO ”
INTRODUCTION

• The Lumang Sementeryo, the oldest cemetery

in Red-V Lucena City, is a testament to the
area's rich history and heritage. Established
during the Spanish era, it serves as a resting
place for distinguished families and
individuals. The cemetery features diverse
structures and designs, spanning from colonial
to contemporary styles. Some tombs within the
cemetery are considered cultural heritage,
exemplifying the unique practices of the
people who built them. The site showcases the
retained identities and cultures, highlighting
the evolution and development of Lumang
Sementeryo over time.
THE HISTORY OF
THE LOCAL PLACE

• Lucena City, built between 1580 and

1583 by Franciscan missionaries Juan
de Plasencia and Diego de Oropesa,
was initially known as Tayabas. The
town was renamed Buenavista in the
16th century, Oroquieta, and finally
Cotta. In 1879, it was officially named
Lucena in honor of Spanish friar Granja
Mariano. After gaining independence
in 1882, it became a Highly Urbanized
City in 1991.
THE HISTORICAL AND
HERITAGE SITES OF
LUCENA CITY

• Gintong Yaman ng Quezon Museum

• The Gintong Yaman ng Quezon

Museum in Lucena City houses
artifacts, artworks, and documents
from the Spanish era, showcasing the
province's history and its role in
shaping the nation, aiming to educate
about its rich cultural legacy.
L U C E N A C ATH E DRA L

• The Lucena Cathedral, built in the

1880s, is a testament to the city's
heritage, blending Spanish and non-
gothic architectural design. Initially
dedicated to King Ferdinand, it now
serves as the religious and cultural
hub, attracting both locals and
tourists.
T H E N AT I V E C US TO MS
OF THE PLACE

• Lucena's native customs include

honoring elders through gestures and
respectful terms. The community is
known for its hospitality and commitment
to community improvement. Lucena is
known for its lively festivals, diverse
religious beliefs, and delicious cuisine,
including chami. The community values
respect, community engagement,
cultural celebration, and culinary
excellence, defining its identity as a
deeply rooted community.
THE RELIGIONS OF THE
PLACE AND THEIR
CEREMONIES

• Lucena City celebrates its cultural

traditions through the annual Pasayahan
sa Lucena festival, a must-visit event in
the Philippines. The festival, reminiscent
of Brazil's Mardi Gras, features culinary
and eating competitions, including
Chami, Lucena's specialty of fresh egg
noodles. The event also includes Flores
de Mayo, an exhibition of attractive
women, featuring beauty queens and
celebrities dressed in vibrant couture
dresses. The festival solidifies Lucena
City's status as a must-visit destination.
THE RECENT PROBLEM
OR ISSUE OF THE SITE

• The Lumang Sementeryo cemetery

has undergone significant renovations,
preserving some tombs as cultural
properties. However, some tombs have
been damaged by vandalism and have
been used as a clothesline. Some
tombs are abandoned and surrounded
by tall grass, making it difficult to
enter.
SO L UT I O N/R ECO M M ENDAT I O N
FO R T HE PR O B L EM O F T HE
HER I TAG E SI T E

• The Lumang Sementeryo in Lucena City faces

several problems, including improper
maintenance of cultural heritage tombs and
tombstones, ensuring cleanliness and respect
for the dead, and involving local residents in its
maintenance. To address these issues, the
cemetery could use donations from the local
community to cover cleaning and maintenance
costs. Additionally, the government should
advise residents to maintain these sites as
cultural properties. These recommendations
aim to improve the historical site's overall
quality.
G E N E RA L I Z ATI O N

• The research explores Lumang

Sementeryo, a cultural gem in Lucena
City, highlighting its rich history,
architecture, indigenous customs, and
religious traditions. It aims to protect
this cultural legacy for future
generations. The study can help
residents understand their identity,
promote community pride, and guide
tourists to appreciate the area's unique
features and the wider cultural
landscape.