2025 WOMEN AND MEN IN QUEZON PROVINCE
by Margarita G. Cada

The total population of Quezon province (excluding Lucena City) was 1,950,459 as of May 1, 2020 based on the 2020 Census of Population and Housing (2020 CPH). There was an increase of 93,877 persons or 5.1 percent from the result of the 2015 Census of Population at 1,856,582.

Quezon province excluding Lucena City has a total household population of 1,945,444 in 2020. Males accounted for 988,919 (50.8%), while 956,525 (49.2%) were females. The sex distribution in the 2015 Census of  Population was nearly identical, with males comprising 51.0 percent and females making up 49.0 percent.

In 2020, the distribution of the population by age and sex showed that males outnumbered females in the age group 0 to 59 years, making up 51.4 percent. However, in the older age group of 60 years and above, females accounted for 55.7 percent, while males represented 44.3 percent.

QUEZON'S INFLATION RATE DECLINES TO 4.3 PERCENT IN FEBRUARY 2025
by Michel G. Formanes & Shanell Clarence N. Gaela

The headline inflation or overall inflation in Quezon province decreased to 4.3 percent in February 2025, from 5.8 percent in January 2025. However, inflation in February 2025 was higher compared to February 2024, which was recorded at 1.0 percent.

The decline in overall inflation in February 2025 was primarily driven by the slower annual increase in the food and non-alcoholic beverages index, which settled at 9.2 percent during the month, down from 12.6 percent in January 2025.

Food inflation in Quezon province decreased to 9.8 percent in February 2025, from 13.5 percent in January 2025. In February 2024, food inflation was lower at 0.0 percent.

The slowdown in food inflation in February 2025 was primarily due to the lower year-on-year increase in the index of fish and other seafood, which dropped to 7.3 percent from 18.5 percent in the previous month.

LUCENA CITY'S INFLATION EASES TO 2.6 PERCENT IN FEBRUARY 2025
by Michel G. Formanes & Shanell Clarence N. Gaela

The headline inflation or overall inflation in Lucena City eased to 2.6 percent in February 2025, from 4.4 percent in January 2025. In February 2024, the inflation rate was lower at 2.2 percent.

The downtrend in Lucena City’s overall inflation rate in February 2025 was primarily driven by the slower annual increase of the heavily weighted food and non-alcoholic beverages, at 7.8 percent during the month, down from 11.5 percent in January 2025.

Food inflation in Lucena City eased to 8.6 percent in February 2025, down from 12.5 percent in January 2025. In February 2024, food inflation was lower at 0.5 percent.

The deceleration of food inflation in the city was primarily driven by the lower inflation rate of vegetables, tubers, plantains, cooking bananas and pulses which dropped at 5.9 percent, from 31.5 percent in the previous month.

PSA-QUEZON ADVOCATES FOR NATIONAL ID CAMPAIGN AND REGISTRATION
by Kristhyle Anne C. Jarviña

The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Quezon conducted National ID advocacy campaign and registration in various municipalities of Quezon province reinforcing its commitment to information dissemination and to bring National ID services closer to the public.

The advocacy campaign aimed to raise awareness on the importance of National ID and encourage more citizens to register in the National ID System. During the campaign, PSA Quezon explained the overview of R.A. No. 11055 or the Philippine Identification System Act. The presentations also covered the National ID registry data (demographic and biometrics) and National ID process. Additionally, the three formats of the National ID (National ID card, ephilID/National ID in paper format, and digital National ID) were explained along with their functionality and validity.

To further enhance public awareness, PSA Quezon emphasized the penal provisions related to the non-acceptance of National ID. Step-by-step tutorial in downloading the digital National ID was also demonstrated. Flyers with detailed instructions were also distributed to further educate the public. Besides the National ID advocacy campaign, PSA Quezon also provided on-site registration for unregistered participants.

This initiative aligns with the government’s goal of providing a secure and efficient identification system that will streamline transactions and improve access to various public and private services. PSA Quezon remains committed to reaching more communities especially to those in remote areas, ensuring that every Filipino will be registered in National ID and utilize its benefits from the National ID system.

2024 CORN SITUATION IN QUEZON
by Rico V. Falculan

Quezon produced 26,058.85 metric tons of corn in 2024. It remains as the top producer of corn in CALABARZON region accounting for 59.3 percent of the region’s total production of 43,957.87 metric tons. Batangas followed with 10,542.31 metric tons (24.0%), then Laguna with 5,282.27 metric tons (12.0%). Rizal contributed 1,133.53 metric tons (2.6%) while Cavite had the least share of 940.91 metric tons (2.1%).

Corn production in Quezon decreased by 21.7 percent from 33,267.00 metric tons produced in 2023. By crop type, yellow corn production was at 22,466.39 metric tons. This figure was 15.7 percent lower than the production in 2023 at 26,635.00 metric tons. Likewise, the production of white corn at 3,592,46 metric tons was down by 45.8 percent compared to the 6,632.00 metric tons produced in 2023.

The area harvested for corn in Quezon in 2024 was estimated at 10,255.99 hectares. This  was 18.7  percent lower than the recorded12,614.00 hectares in 2023. By crop type, the harvest area for yellow corn in 2024 declined by 3.3 percent from 7,332.00 in 2023 to 7,086.63 in 2024. Likewise, the harvest area for white corn went down by 40.0 percent during the reference year.

The average yield of corn in Quezon for 2024 was 2.54 metric tons per hectare. This was 3.7 percent lower than the posted 2.64 metric tons average yield in 2023. By crop type, the yield of white corn was estimated at 1.13 metric tons per hectare. It went down by 9.7 percent from the 1.26 metric tons per hectare reported in 2023. Likewise, the average yield of yellow corn decreased by 12.7 percent, from 3.63 metric tons to 3.17 metric tons per hectare during the reference year.

2024 PALAY SITUATION IN QUEZON
by Rico V. Falculan

Quezon was the top palay producing province in CALABARZON in 2024. It produced 140,941.68 metric tons of palay comprising 45.3 percent of the total regional output of 311,059.05 metric tons.

Laguna was the second top palay producer in the region with 36.9 percent share (114,703.63 MT) followed by Batangas with 7.1 percent (22,028.89 MT). Rizal and Cavite contributed 5.8 percent (17,922.81 MT), and 5.0 percent (15,462.04 MT), respectively.

Quezon’s production decreased by 31.1 percent compared to its output in 2023 at 204,629.00 metric tons. By ecosystem, palay production in irrigated farms was 94,284.44 metric tons. This figure was 28.7 percent lower compared to the 132,266.00 metric tons produced in 2023. Likewise, production in rainfed areas went down by 35.5 percent from 72,363.00 metric tons recorded in 2023 to 46,657.24 metric tons in 2024. The total harvest area for palay was estimated at 43,001.64 hectares. It went down by 20.9 percent from 54,389.00 hectares in 2023.

In irrigated palay farms, harvest area decreased by 18.3 percent from 33,035.00 hectares in 2023 to 26,977.86 hectares in 2024. Moreover, harvest area for rainfed palay farms posted a 25.0 percent decrease from 21,354.00 hectares in 2023 to 16,023.78 during the reference year.

The average yield of palay in Quezon province reached 3.28 metric tons per hectare during the reference period from 3.76 metric tons per hectare in 2023. The yield in irrigated areas was posted at 3.49 metric tons per hectare from the 4.00 MT/ha in 2023, decreasing by 12.7 percent. The yield in rainfed areas also decreased by 14.1 percent from 3.39 metric tons to 2.91 metric tons per hectare.

CONSTRUCTION STATISTICS FROM APPROVED BUILDING PERMITS IN QUEZON: 2024 
by Princess L. Anca

A total of 3,846 private building constructions based on approved building permits were reported in the province for the year 2024. This number marked a decrease of 10.6 percent compared to the 4,303 approved building permits recorded in 2023.

Lucena City had the highest number of approved building permits with 597 or 15.5 percent followed by City of Tayabas with 562 or 14.6 percent. Infanta came next with 297 (7.7%) approved building permits followed by Lucban with 267 or 6.9 percent.

Residential building constructions recorded a total of 2,757 comprising 71.7 percent of the total approved building constructions in the province during the year. This reflected a decrease of 14.1 percent from the previous year’s 3,210 residential constructions.

On the other hand, the total non-residential building constructions recorded a share of 976 (25.4%), lower by 2.4 percent from the previous year’s 1,000 non-residential constructions.

Approved applications for additions, with a total of 113 increased by 2.9 percent from last year’s figure of 93. Alterations and repairs of existing structures with a total of 174 decreased by 3.3 percent from 180 applications recorded on a year-on-year basis.

PSA-QUEZON PERSONNEL ENGAGE IN BFP FIRE DRILL AT PACIFIC MALL
by Michel G. Formanes

Demonstrating a proactive commitment to safety and emergency preparedness, personnel from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) actively participated in an actual fire drill conducted by the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Lucena City Station Team on March 25, 2025, at Pacific Mall, Lucena City. The comprehensive exercise involved all PSA staff stationed at the Pacific Mall office, including regular employees, office-based Contract of Service Workers (COSWs), and Statistical Researchers.

The fire drill, meticulously organized in close coordination with the management of Pacific Mall, aimed to significantly enhance fire emergency preparedness through practical, hands-on training. Participants from various entities within the mall complex, including the Administration Office, tenant stores, and other organizations, also joined the exercise. The simulated evacuation was strategically carried out in the parking area of Pacific Mall, ensuring a secure and systematic response during the staged fire emergency.

A crucial component of the fire drill was a realistic simulation of a rescue operation for casualties, effectively demonstrating the correct and safe procedures for evacuating individuals in distress. Furthermore, experienced BFP personnel conducted an invaluable demonstration on the proper usage of fire extinguishers. This interactive segment allowed selected PSA staff members to actively participate by practicing the operation of the firefighting equipment firsthand. This hands-on approach served to reinforce essential firefighting skills and build confidence in effectively handling potential fire emergencies.

The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) underscored the paramount significance of regular fire drills in ensuring a safe workplace environment and fostering a strong culture of preparedness. By actively participating in this crucial activity, PSA staff acquired valuable practical experience that will undoubtedly contribute to a safer environment for both employees and the clients they serve. This initiative is a clear alignment with the agency's broader commitment to disaster resilience and the maintenance of stringent workplace safety standards.

PSA QUEZON ACTIVELY PARTICIPATES IN THE FIRST QUARTER NATIONAL SIMULTANEOUS EARTHQUAKE DRILL
by Patricia Faye V. Misula

Demonstrating its commitment to safety and disaster preparedness, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) - Quezon Provincial Statistical Office actively participated in the First Quarter National Simultaneous Earthquake Drill on March 13, 2025. The drill, held at the PSA-Quezon office located at Pacific Mall, Lucena City, aimed to educate all participants on essential safety measures during an earthquake and to evaluate the effectiveness of the office's emergency response protocols. The activity was conducted in strict adherence to local safety regulations and guidelines set forth by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) and the Department of National Defense (DND).

In preparation for the drill, a dedicated planning committee, led by Statistical Specialist II Walter S. Onjuela and Statistical Analyst Jayvee A. Salcedo, was established. A briefing session was conducted to clearly outline the drill's objectives, specific rules, and essential safety procedures for all participants. The simulated earthquake scenario commenced promptly at 3:00 PM with the sounding of a siren-based alert system.

The drill proceeded for approximately 30 minutes, during which the 48 participating PSA-Quezon employees were guided along designated evacuation routes towards pre-identified safe assembly areas. Emergency responders and safety officers were strategically positioned throughout the office premises to provide guidance and address any potential issues that might arise during the evacuation process.

Following the drill, a thorough assessment was conducted, incorporating valuable feedback from participants, emergency responders, and safety personnel. This crucial feedback will be instrumental in identifying areas for improvement in future drills. The focus will be on refining evacuation procedures, enhancing communication protocols, and ensuring better accommodation for all individuals, regardless of their physical abilities, to effectively respond during an actual earthquake. Moving forward, the insights gained from this exercise will be actively utilized to strengthen existing safety protocols and improve communication strategies, ultimately ensuring a safer and more prepared work environment for all PSA-Quezon employees.

QUEZON PROVINCIAL STATISTICS COMMITTEE HOLDS ITS FIRST QUARTER MEETING
by Patricia Faye V. Misula

The Provincial Statistics Committee of Quezon (PSCQ) convened its First Quarter Meeting on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, at 8:00 AM via Google Meet. The meeting was presided over by the Quezon Provincial Planning and Development Coordinator and Chairperson Engr. Russell C. Narte. The session saw active participation from a diverse range of PSC members representing various government agencies, academic institutions, and representatives from the private sector.

A significant item on the meeting's agenda was the approval of the PSC resolution acknowledging the accomplishments of PSC Quezon throughout the 2024 calendar year. Following this, the body engaged in insightful discussions regarding the statistical activities undertaken by PSA Quezon. Including a comprehensive overview of the 2024 Vital Statistics of Quezon province, updates on the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys). Adding to the technological insights, Ms. Donna Marie R. Sabinosa, an Information System Analyst from DICT IVA-Quezon, delivered an informative update on the DICT eGOV App.

Beyond the PSA updates, various member agencies contributed valuable data and key indicators reflecting the current economic situation of the province. These presentations covered crucial sectors such as inflation, labor and employment, tourism, peace and order, and agriculture, providing a holistic view of Quezon's socio-economic landscape.

The meeting also included a segment dedicated to other business matters. During this time, certificates of recognition were presented to member agencies who demonstrated full participation and consistent attendance in PSC meetings held throughout 2024, acknowledging their valuable contributions to the committee's work. The First Quarter PSC meeting concluded as a productive forum for information sharing, collaboration, and strategic planning for statistical development in Quezon province.

PSA-QUEZON CELEBRATES WOMEN'S MONTH WITH HEARTFELT PROGRAM
by Danica O. Cabalsa

As initiative of the Men Opposed to Violence Against Women Everywhere (MOVE) PSA Quezon committee, they joyfully celebrated the 2025 National Women's Month with a simple yet meaningful program held on March 19, 2025, at the PSA-Quezon Conference Room. The celebration was a dedicated effort to honor and express sincere appreciation for the female employees of PSA-Quezon, highlighting this year's empowering theme: "Babae sa Lahat ng Sektor, Aangat ang Bukas sa Bagong Pilipinas" (Women in All Sectors, Progressing the Future for a New Philippines).

The program commenced with a heartfelt song number beautifully rendered by Contract of Service Workers (COSWs) Mr. Aldrinn N. Aurin and Mr. Steve Martin P. Nantes, setting a warm and celebratory tone for the event. This was followed by a touching audio-visual presentation that proudly featured the women employees of PSA-Quezon, showcasing their valuable contributions and presence within the organization.

In a thoughtful gesture of appreciation, the Committee on MOVE prepared and personally distributed delightful chocolate gifts to each of the PSA-Quezon women employees, a sweet acknowledgment of their hard work and dedication. A total of 39 personnel, encompassing regular employees, contract of service workers, and intern students, actively participated in the uplifting event.