Laguna (province)
Laguna | |
|---|---|
 Seal | |
 Map of the Philippines with Laguna highlighted | |
| Country |  Philippines |
| Region | CALABARZON (Region IV-A) |
| Founded | March 10, 1917 |
| Capital | Santa Crúz |
| Government | |
| • Governor | Doña Teresita Lazaro (Lakas-Kampi-CMD) |
| Area | |
• Total | 1,823.6 km2 (704.1 sq mi) |
| • Rank | 65th out of 80 |
| Population (2007) | |
• Total | 2,473,530 |
| • Rank | 4th out of 80 |
| • Density | 1,400/km2 (3,500/sq mi) |
| • Rank | 3rd out of 80 |
| Divisions | |
| • Independent cities | 0 |
| • Component cities | 4 |
| • Municipalities | 26 |
| • Barangays | 674 |
| • Districts | 1st to 4th districts of Laguna |
| Time zone | UTC+8 (PHT) |
| Spoken languages | Tagalog, English language |
Laguna is a province of the Philippines found in the CALABARZON (a portmanteau) region in Luzon. Its capital is Santa Cruz and the province is located southeast of Metro Manila, south of the province of Rizal, west of Quezon, north of Batangas and east of Cavite. Laguna almost completely surrounds Laguna de Bay, the largest lake in the country. The province got its name from the Spanish word lago, which means lake or lagoon.
Laguna is notable for being the birthplace of José Rizal, the country's national hero. Laguna is also famous among tourists for the Pagsanján Falls, the University of the Philippines campus and the hot spring resorts in Los Baños on the slopes of Mount Makiling, Pila Town Plaza, Taytay Falls, Majayjay, the wood carvings and papier mache created by the people of Paeté, the turumba of Pákil, the Seven Lakes of San Pablo City and the Hidden Valley Springs in Calauan.
History
The Province of Laguna was named after Laguna de Bay, the body of water that forms its northern boundary. Laguna de Bay, in turn, was named after the town of Bay (Laguna de Bay is Spanish which means "Lake of Bay"), the first provincial capital. Captain Juan de Salcedo with a band of one hundred Spanish-Mexican soldiers and many Bisayan allies conquered the province and its surrounding regions for Spain in 1571. Seven years later, two Franciscan friars started the work of Christianisation.
In 1577, the Franciscan missionaries arrived in Manila, and in 1578 they started evangelizing Laguna, Morong (now Rizal), Tayabas (now Quezon) and the Bicol Peninsula. Juan de Placencia and Diego de Oropesa were the earliest Franciscans sent to these places. From 1580, the towns of Bay, Caliraya, Majayjay, Nagcarlán, Liliw, Pila, Santa Cruz, Lumbán, Páñgil and Sinilóan were founded. In 1678, Fray Hernando Cabrera founded San Pablo de los Montes (now San Pablo City) and built a wooden church and convent considered as the best and finest in the province.
In 1670, delimitation of borders were made between Lucban, Majayjay and Cavite. The populous town at that time was Bay, the capital of the province until 1688, when the seat of the provincial government was moved to Pagsanján, and later, in 1858, to Santa Cruz. In 1754, the Province of Laguna and Tayabas were divided, with the Malinao River separating the towns of Majayjay and Lucbán.
The province became a bloody battle ground for the Chinese during the two instances that they rose in revolt against Spain. In 1603's, the Chinese made their last stand in the mountains of San Pablo, and in 1639, they fortified themselves in the highlands of Cavinti and Lumbán, surrendering in Pagsanján a year later.
The natives of Laguna proved loyal to the Spanish crown during the British invasion (1762-1764) when thousands rallied to its defense. When a detachment of British troops under Captain Thomas Backhouse entered the province in search of the silver cargo of the galleon Filipino, Francisco de San Juan of Pagsanján led a band of volunteers that fought them in several engagements in and around the town which was then the provincial capital (1688-1858). Backhouse plundered the town and burned its newly reconstructed church but San Juan succeeded in escaping with the precious hoard to Pampanga where the treasure greatly bolstered the defense effort of Simón de Anda, leader of the resistance movement. For his heroism, San Juan was made a brigade commander and alcalde mayor of Tayabas (now Quezon) province.
The people's loyalty gradually degenerated into bitter hostility. Grave abuses by the colonizers, especially those of the clergy, caused the resentment of the natives to be fanned into a rising flood of insurrection. In 1840 for instance, religious intolerance led the people of Majayjay, Nagcarlán, Bay, and Biñán to join the revolt of Hermano Pule (Apolinario de la Cruz) of Lucbán, Tayabas.
Laguna was also exposed to the aspirations of its most famous son, Dr. José Rizal, who was born in Calambâ. The persecution of the Rizal family, along with their fellow landownders, toward the end of the century further aggravated the situation. In 1896, thousands of inhabitants, especially of Bay, Los Baños, Nagcarlan, Magdalena, Santa Cruz, and Pagsanjan had joined the revolutionary Katipunan.
Laguna was one of the eight provinces to rise in revolt against the Spanish misrule led by Generals Paciano Rizal of Calambâ, Severino Taino of Pagsanján, Agüeda Kahabagán of Calauan, and Miguel Malvar of Batangas. The ill-equipped revolutionaries fought the well-armed enemy until on August 31, 1898, when the last Spanish garrison surrendered to the victorious patriots in Santa Cruz. The province was cleared of Spaniards. There had been only one respite, the Pact of Biac-na-Bató on December 14 to 15, 1897.
Laguna actively supported the first Philippine Republic proclaimed at Malolos on January 23, 1899. Its two delegates to the Malolos Congress, Don Higino Benítez and Don Graciano Cordero, were natives of Pagsanján.
Upon the outbreak of the Filipino-American War (1899-1901), Generals Juan Cailles and Paciano Rizal led the defense of Laguna until June 30, 1901, when surrender became inevitable. Cailles became the first Filipino Governor of Laguna under the American flag.
The Province of Laguna progressed rapidly in peace. Roads were built, schools were established, and in 1917, the Manila Railroad Company extended its line to Laguna as far as Pagsanjan.
During the Japanese occupation of the Philippines (1942-1945), Laguna was a center of Filipino resistance despite the presence of Makapili collaborators. Beginning in 1945, attacks by the Filipino soldiers and the recognized guerrillas against Japanese forces in Laguna increased in anticipation of the Liberation of the Philippines by joint Filipino & American forces.
Present-day Laguna shows a thriving economy. Peopled by 1,734,618 (1997 estimated population) industrious citizens and possessing a total area of 1760 km² of land, Laguna produces millions of pesos worth of coconuts, rice, sugar, citrus fruits, lanzones and other products. Tourists flock to its beauty spots, especially Pagsanjan Falls, Los Baños Hot Springs, Makiling National Park, Caliraya Lake and many others. Levels of development vary. The towns near Metro Manila have become industrialized whereas the inner towns continue to engage in agricultural production or pursue agri-based industries and cottage and small-scale industries.
Government Members
- Governor: Doña Teresita "Ningning" S. Lazaro (Lakas-Kampi-CMD)
- Vice-Governor: Ramil L. Hernandez (Nacionalista)
House of Representatives
- 1st District: Dr. Danilo Ramon "Dan" S. Fernandez (Lakas-Kampi-CMD)
- 2nd District: Jainevere Kichi (Nacionalista)
- 3rd District: Ma. Evita "Ivy" R. Arago (Liberal)
- 4th District: Edgar "Egay" S. San Luis (NPC)
Board Members
1st District:
- David "Dave" M. Almarinez
- Emilio "Emil" M. Tiongco
- Ramon "Monching" C. Carillo
2nd District:
- Rolando "Rolly" S. Bagnes
- Don Juan "Johnny" M. Unico
- Neil Andrew "Neil" N. Nocon
3rd District:
- Katherine "Karen" C. Agapay
- Reynaldo "Rey" D. Paras
4th District:
- Don Benedicto Mario "Bong" C. Palacol, Jr.
- Domingo "Domeng" G. Panganiban
Economy
- Natural Resources: Laguna is endowed with abundant natural resources. Its forests are filled with bamboo, rattan, and soft hardwood. Its wide fields and vast forests are ideal for growing rice, coconuts, vegetables, tropical fruits, orchids, and other ornamental flowers and exotic plants. The province is also rich in mineral resources such as clay, jasper and basalt glass.
There are about forty rivers in Laguna with a total area of almost 0.5 square kilometres. In the forests of Mount Makiling and in the waters of Laguna de Bay are an abundance of flora and fauna. The Laguna de Bay has an approximate area of 3800 km² broken down into 2900 km² of land and 900 km² of lake proper with 220 km shoreline.
Laguna's greatest natural resource is water. It has an estimated 300 million US gallons (1,100,000 m³) of underground water, capable of generating energy for Laguna's expanding power needs. At least seven principal water basins in the province with a total of 5,773 km² drainage area and 1,316 km² level area provide an estimated 9.238 km³ total run-off annually.
- Agricultural Activities: Crop Production, Livestock and Poultry Production, Fishing
- Investment Opportunities: Ecotourism enterprises; Convention centers; Coconut inter-cropping; Forest Trees, Cutflowers & ornamentals; Fruit & vegetable processing; Herbal medicines; Herbal essences; Gifts and housewares; Metalcraft (Industrial equipment, Engines, Surgical instruments, Agricultural machinery, tools); Service Facilities (Packaging, Warehousing, Trucking services, dryers); Electronics (Consumer electronics, Telecommunications, Computers & peripherals, Semi-conductors); and Garments and footwear; Agriculture; Fishing; Forestry; Tourism.
- Financial Institutions: Banking institutions maintain an extensive branch network in Laguna. Commercial banks, savings and mortgage banks, private development banks, stock savings and loan associations, and rural banks operated a total of 267 branches in the province.
Non-bank financial institutions provide supplementary financial services to Laguna residents and businesses. A total of 394 offices have been set up by lending investors, pawnshops, financial companies, nonstock savings and loan associations, and investment houses with quasi-banking functions.
- Exports: US$7.0 Billion (1997) out of total Philippine exports of $25 Billion
US$1.5 billion (1996)
Political
Laguna is subdivided into 26 municipalities and 4 cities.
Cities
Municipalities
- Alaminos
- Bay
- Cabuyao
- Calauan
- Cavinti
- Famy
- Kalayaán
- Líliw
- Los Baños
- Luisiana
- Lumbán
- Mabitac
- Magdalena
- Majáyjay
- Nagcarlán
- Paeté
- Pagsanján
- Pakil
- Páñguil
- Pila
- Rizal
- San Pedro
- Santa Crúz
- Santa María
- Sinilóan
- Victoria
Physical
Laguna lies on the southern shores of Laguna de Bay, the largest lake in the country. On the southern border of the province are Mt. Makiling and Mt. Banáhaw, both are long dormant volcanoes, but still sources of geothermal energy. Mt. Makiling is popular for the numerous hot spring resorts that are found on its slopes. Pagsanjan Falls, is a popular waterfall that tumbles down a deep gorge in the hills.
The eastern portion of Laguna straddles the southernmost portions of the Sierra Madre mountain range.
Climate
The province is relatively dry from November to April and wet during the rest of the year for a small portion near the southern boundary. The other parts, west of Santa Cruz municipality, experience a dry season from November to April and rainy season during the rest of the year. The eastern and southern most portions do not have distinct season, with rainfall more evenly distributed throughout the year.
Major attractions
Historical
| City/Municipality | Name of Landmark | Roads from Manila | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calambâ City | Rizal Shrine | South Luzón Tollway - Calambâ Exit via National Road to J.P. Rizal Avenue | The Rizal Shrine is located in Calamba City and features the home of José Rizal. |
| Los Baños | Homma-Yamashita Shrine | SLEX - Calamba Exit via National Road | |
| Cavinti | Japanese Garden | SLEX - Calambâ Exit via National Road to Famy-Cavinti Road | |
| Nagcarlán | Underground Cemetery | SLEX - Calamba Exit via Maharlika Highway to San Pablo-Nagcarlan Road | |
| Mabitac | The Battle of Mabitac Mural, Mabitac | ||
| Pila | Pila Town Plaza and Ancestral Homes | ||
| Pinagbayanan Crematorium | The Philippines' oldest crematorium ever. | ||
| Los Baños | Baker Hall, UP Los Banos, | ||
| Biñán City | Biñan City Plaza and Ancestral Homes | SLEX- Biñán Exit | |
| Santa Cruz | Emilio Jacinto Shrine Burial Site, Villa Valenzuela and Santa Cruz Town Plaza | SLEX- Calamba Exit via National Road to Santa Cruz Road |
Natural
- Pagsanjan Falls, Pagsanjan (The Magdapio Falls used to be called the Magdapio Falls but have become popularly known as the Pagsanjan Falls because the trip starts in Pagsanjan.
| City/Municipality | Name | Road from Manila | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calamba City and Los Baños | Mount Makiling | SLEX - Calamba Exit via Maharlika Highway to National Road | The place where Maria Makiling, the Laguna's only goddess named after it. |
| Calauan | Hidden Valley Springs | The only hot spring in the province. | |
| Los Baños | Crocodile Lake | ||
| Nagcarlán | Eight mountains | It includes Mt. Atimla, Mt. Mabilog, Mt. Nagcarlán, Mt. Malauban, Mt. Lansay, Mt. Bayaquitos, Mt. Cristóbal and Mt. Banaháw. | |
| San Pablo City | Seven Lakes | It includes like Sampaloc Lake, Lake Bunot, Lake Calibato, Lake Pandin, Lake Yambo, Lake Palakpakin, and Lake Muhikap. | |
| Botocan, Majayjay | Dalitiwan River,Taytay Falls | ||
| Sinilóan | Buruwisan Falls |
Man-made
| City/Municipality | Name | Road from Manila | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pila | Diocesan Shrine of San Antonio de Padua | SLEX - Calambâ Exit via National Road | |
| Pila | Pila Municipal Museum | ||
| Los Baños | Boy Scouts of the Philippines Camp, UP | ||
| Los Baños | Pook ni María Makiling | ||
| Calamba City | Hot Spring Resorts | ||
| Paeté | Paete's Woodcarving | The woodcarving of Laguna is made here | |
| Cabuyao | St. Polycarp Church | A catholic church | |
| Mamatid, Cabuyao | Diocesan Shrine of San Vicente Ferrer | SLEX - Cabuyao Exit via Mamatid Road | |
| Majayjay | St. Gregory Church | A catholic church | |
| Paeté | St. James the Apostle Church | ||
| Pakil | San Pedro de Alcantara Church | also known as the Diocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Turumba | |
| San Pedro | Centro Pacita | Commercial Center in Pacita | |
| San Pedro | Sto. Rosario Parish Church | ||
| Landayan, San Pedro | Diocesan Shrine of Santo Sepulchre | National Road | |
| Mabitac | Our Lady of Candelaria | ||
| Biñán City | San Isidro Labrador Church | Sto. Niño de Cebu Parish | |
| San Pablo City | St. Paul the First Hermit Cathedral | ||
| Santa Cruz | Immaculate Concepcion Parish Church | ||
| Santa Rposa City | Enchanted Kingdom (The only themed-park in the Philippines)
} Educational attractions / Schools and UniversitiesAlaminos
Bay
Biñan City
Cabúyao
Calambâ City
Los Baños
Nagcarlán
Pagsanján
Paete
Pila
Rizal
San Pablo City
San Pedro
Santa Crúz
Santa Maria
Santa Rosa City
Sinilóan
Luisiana
Magdalena
Notable Personalities from Laguna
See also
External links
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