Known today as a populous barangay in Quezon City Tatalon holds a rich history. Most people consider Tatalon a place mainly of urban poor and informal settlers. But it is more than meets the eye.
Tatalon’s story begins with World War II veterans. These veterans transformed struggles into legal battles and parliamentary actions. Their efforts shaped Tatalon’s destiny.
In 1959 Congress acted. It provided for the expropriation of the Tatalon Estate. The estate covered 109 hectares. This law happened because of the veterans’ tireless lobbying.
However original landowners like the Tuasons and Aranetas fought back. They contested the law in court. At the time expropriation of private urban land was a novel concept. It took 11 years for the courts to validate the law. In 1970 the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the expropriation in the case of J.M. Tuason and Co. Inc. vs. Land Tenure Administration. This case became a landmark decision on eminent domain and urban land reform.
Despite the court victory more challenges arose. In 1971 President Marcos directed the Tatalon expropriation. He acted under the People’s Homesite and Housing Corporation. The Tuasons continued to file court cases. They aimed to prevent the expropriation.
While legal battles raged the Tuasons sold parts of the Tatalon Estate. Only 25.26 hectares of the original 109 remained. In 1977 President Marcos issued Presidential Decree No. 1261. It directed the expropriation of the remaining portion of the Tatalon Estate. The National Housing Authority took over from the PHHC. They developed programs to provide housing. They also acted as administrator of the Tatalon Estate housing project.
In 1978 the government successfully took over the remaining portion. This followed a compromise agreement between the NHA and the Tuasons. Titles to the lots were distributed to qualified occupants.
Tatalon’s history reveals the heroism of its original settlers. These veterans fought in World War II. They demonstrated how to attain liberation through peaceful means.
Tatalon court cases helped shape Philippine law. They touched on issues like eminent domain due process squatting ejectment and urban land reform. Major Tatalon court cases were settled through compromise agreements.
Half a century after August 3 1959 Tatalon residents still await the development they deserve. Today Tatalon is home to both NHA beneficiaries and informal settlers.
In 2003 Gawad Kalinga began a development effort in Tatalon. Their goal was to build 7000 homes by 2010. They wanted to transform the community into a faith community peace zone and tourist spot. They also aimed for it to be a productivity center and environmentally healthy community.
Gawad Kalinga Tatalon now has multiple sites. These sites are known as Phases. Initial partners included CFC-Chicago CFC-Ohio and Elizabeth Seaton Foundation. Together they built Chicago and Seaton villages. Other partners included Philippine Normal University Philippine Maritime Institute and University of Santo Tomas.
Tatalon is strategically valuable. It represents the first successful urban land program for the landless. Former WWII soldiers secured the program through legitimate struggles. Despite obstacles they persevered.
While Tatalon has a rich history it remains a challenging area in Quezon City. Neighboring areas have achieved their potentials. Tatalon is surrounded by more developed districts.
Partnerships with Tatalon residents emphasize a faith-based path to social justice. This path offers unique rewards. Tatalon is one of the largest barangays in the nation by population. It is located in the heart of Quezon City near Manila. It offers a rich source of manpower and skills.