HOW TO REACH LUCBAN, QUEZON The Southern Luzon State University, in participation with the Local Government Unit of Lucban and other supportive agencies would like to extend their warmest salutations to the participants of the 7th International Conference and Scientific Meeting of the Philippines Network of Educators on Environment (PNEE). “Parini na sa Lucban, Yanong Rikit! Baling Ganda!” At the foot of mount Banahaw lies the historic and famous town of Lucban in the province of Quezon. Lucban is best known for its vibrant Pahiyas festival during which the town seems to transform into a carnival teeming with art and color. The town is also considered as mystical by many, due to its gigantic statue of the risen Christ or better known as the ‘’Kamay ni Hesus”. The gigantic structure is contestably the third largest in the world and is situated at the top of a hill, creating an impression as if He is looking over for the town. Mount Banahaw serves as a spring of water for Lucbanins and is swarming with biodiversity-some of which are considered rare and endemic. Lucban is considered to be the summer capital of Quezon Province, where you can feel the gentle and cool breeze during summer months of April and May. It is coldest from November to February with average temperature of 55F to 70F. During this period, the municipality is at its wettest with a record of average precipitation of 18.53 mm (2005-2007), making it a convenient habitat for human and other forms of organisms. From Metro Manila: Lucban can be accessed, mainly by land transportation. You can reach the municipality, either public utility or private vehicles. From Metro Manila, there are nine (9) routes to take: 1. Via Manila East Road (Antipolo CitySiniloan), you will take 182 km; 2. Via Manila East Road (Sambat road of Pagsanjan and Magdalena), 129 km; 3. Via Laguna National Highway (City of Calamba) going to Sta. Cruz-PagsanjanCavinti- 135 km 4. Via Manila East Road through Luisiana, Laguna, 139 kms away. 5. Via Laguna National Highway (City of Calamba-Victoria-Liliw, Laguna)- 121 km 6. Via Maharlika Highway (San Pablo CityCalauan-Nagcarlan)- 123 km 7. Via Maharlika Highway (San Pablo CityRizal, Laguna)- 148 km 8. Via Maharlika Highway (Calumpang, Tayabas, Quezon)- 158 km 9. Via Maharlika Highway (Lucena CityTayabas-Lucban)- 166 km Buses ply the Cubao-Lucena City and LRT/TaftLucena City routes 24 hours daily, while the routes of Cubao- Sta. Cruz, Laguna and LRT/Taft- Sta. Cruz operate from 3am to 10:30pm. Bus fares vary from P220/person/trip (Cubao-Lucena City and LRT/Taft-Lucena City routes) and P160/person/trip (Cubao- Sta. Cruz and LRT/Taft- Sta. Cruz), respectively. For Cubao/LRT to Lucena City, land travel takes 6-7 hours and 5-6 hours with the Cubao/LRT to Sta. Cruz route. From Lucena City: Lucban can be reached from Lucena City within 30-45 minutes land travel. Public utility vehicles plying the Lucena City-Lucban route have their respective terminals. Jeepney transport terminals are located at the Lucena Grand Central Terminal and Lucena Diversion Road (Beside Jollibee-Lucena Diversion). Jeepney fare ranges from P20.00-P30.00. Terminals operate from 4:00 am to 11:00 pm. While, Van Express Terminals with Lucena CityLucban route can be found at SM City Lucena and Metro Pacific Mall Public Utility Vehicles Terminal, respectively. It operates from 10:00am to 8:00pm. Fare is P50.00 only. WHERE TO STAY? A number of places to stay during the conference abound within the vicinity. Resorts, hotels and related inns can be found in Lucban, Tayabas City and Lucena City. These establishments offer great facilities, amenities and services to their guests. Surely you will feel the warm hospitability of Quezonians! Since May is a peak season in Lucban, the participants are advised to make their reservations early.