User:SanLeone/sandbox/Filemon Perez

Filemon Perez, (March 21, 1883-)

Early Life
Perez was born on March 21, 1883 to Don Simeon Perez in Lucena, Tayabas. Don Simeon Perez was known as the "coconut-king" of Tayabas, due to posessing a vast coconut plantation.

When Perez returned from studying in the United States, his father built and gifted him a three story home that would become a popular landmark in Lucena known as Villa Perez Mansion.

Education
Perez studied at Ateneo de Manila and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts. He then moved to Washington, D.C. to study at the National University School of Law, where a obtained both a Bachelor and Master of Laws.

Career
A few months after Perez returned from studying in the United States, he was elected at the age of 24 to be a member of the provincial board of Tayabas.

In 1909, he succeeded the then Hon. Manuel L. Quezon, who was elected to be a Resident Commissioner in the U.S., as representative of Tayabas's 1st District at the Philippine Assembly. He was elected for two consecutive terms 1909-1912 and 1912-1916.

In 1919, Perez became Provincial Governor of Tayabas and was re-elected in 1922 and 1925. He served as governor until 1928 when he was appointed by Governor-General Henry L. Stimson to be Secretary of Commerce and Communications.

Legacy
Perez donated seven hectres of land next to his home to the Philippine government. On this land is the:


 * Quezon Provincial Capitol building
 * Quezon Convention Center
 * Lucena Regional Trial Courthouse
 * Gintong Yaman ng Quezon Museum
 * Bureau of Immigration
 * Quezon Provincial Jail
 * Lucena Perez Park

Perez's home, Villa Perez Mansion was infamously demolished in early January 2014, to make way for a STI College building. Despite calls from the public for the National Historical Institute to give it a historical marker to ensure its protection and maintenance.