Laguna (province)

Province of Laguna
Lalawigan ng Laguna
—  Province  —

Seal
Map of the Philippines with Laguna highlighted
Coordinates:
Country  Philippines
Region CALABARZON (Region IV-A)
Founded March 10, 1917
Capital Santa Cruz
Government
 - Governor Emilio Ramon "Jeorge Estregan" P. Ejercito III (PMP)
Area
 - Total 1,823.6 km2 (704.1 sq mi)
Area rank 65th out of 80
Population (2007)
 - Total 2,473,530
 - Rank 4th out of 80
 - Density 1,356.4/km2 (3,513.1/sq mi)
 - Density 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 PHT (UTC+8)
ZIP Code 4000-4033
Spoken languages Tagalog, English
Website http://www.laguna.gov.ph/

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 Jose Rizal, the country's national hero. Laguna is also famous among tourists for the Pagsanjan 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 Pakil, the Seven Lakes of San Pablo City and the Hidden Valley Springs in Calauan.

Contents

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.

A Spanish colonial church in Paete, Laguna, with the Sierra Madre mountain range at the background.

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 of the 41st & 42nd Infantry Division of the Philippine Commonwealth Army 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 (2010-2013)

House of Representatives

Board Members

1st District:

2nd District:

3rd District:

4th District:

Economy

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.

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.

US$1.5 billion (1996)

Political

Laguna is subdivided into 26 municipalities and 4 cities.

Cities

City Type District Population
(2007)		 No. of Barangays
Biñan City 1st Class City 1st District 262,735 24
Calamba City 1st Class City 2nd District 360,281 54
San Pablo City 1st Class City 3rd District 237,259 80
Santa Rosa City 1st Class City 1st District 266,943 18
Los Baños¹ Nature and Science City of the Philippines 2nd District 98,631 14

¹ Los Baños is one of the Special Zones of Laguna and declared as Nature and Science City of the Philippines.

Municipalities

Municipality Type District Population
(2007)		 No. of Barangays
Alaminos 3rd Class 3rd District 40,380 15
Bay 3rd Class 2nd District 50,756 16
Cabuyao 1st Class 2nd District 205,367 18
Calauan 3rd Class 3rd District 54,248 17
Cavinti 4th Class 4th District 20,469 19
Famy 5th Class 4th District 13,577 20
Kalayaan 5th Class 4th District 21,203 3
Liliw 4th Class 3rd District 32,727 33
Los Baños 1st Class 2nd District 98,631 16
Luisiana 4th Class 4th District 19,255 23
Lumban 3rd Class 4th District 28,443 16
Mabitac 5th Class 4th District 17,608 15
Magdalena 5th Class 4th District 20,204 24
Majayjay 4th Class 4th District 23,681 40
Nagcarlan 3rd Class 3rd District 57,070 52
Paete 4th Class 4th District 24,696 9
Pagsanjan 2nd Class 4th District 35,944 16
Pakil 5th Class 4th District 20,242 13
Pangil 4th Class 4th District 23,421 8
Pila 4th Class 4th District 44,227 17
Rizal 5th Class 3rd District 15,459 11
San Pedro 1st Class 1st District 281,808 20
Santa Cruz 1st Class 4th District 101,914 26
Santa Maria 4th Class 4th District 26,267 25
Siniloan 3rd Class 4th District 34,877 20
Victoria 4th Class 3rd District 33,829 9

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 to Los Baños
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 Ortigas Avenue heading to Manila East Road (Rizal)
Pila Pila Town Plaza and Ancestral Homes SLEX- Calamba Exit via National Road to Pila
Pinagbayanan Crematorium SLEX- Calamba Exit via National Road to Pila The Philippines' oldest crematorium.
Los Baños Baker Hall, UP Los Baños, SLEX - Calamba Exit via National Road to Los Baños
Biñán City Biñan City Plaza and Ancestral Homes SLEX- Biñán Exit or SLEX- Carmona Exit
Santa Cruz Emilio Jacinto Shrine Burial Site, Villa Valenzuela and Santa Cruz Town Plaza SLEX- Calamba Exit via National Road to Santa Cruz

Natural

City/Municipality Name of Landmark Roads from Manila Description
Pagsanjan Pagsanjan Falls 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.
Calamba City and Los Baños Mount Makiling
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 of San Pablo It includes like Sampaloc Lake, Lake Bunot, Lake Calibato, Lake Pandin, Lake Yambo, Lake Palakpakin, and Lake Muhikap.
Botocan, Majayjay Dalitiwan River, Taytay Falls
Famy, Laguna Natural Drinking Water, Mayatba & Spill Way Resort Natural Drinking Water in the middle of the town proper, near Famy Municipal Hall
Siniloan 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
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 Rosa City Enchanted Kingdom (The only theme-park in the Philippines)

Educational attractions / Schools and Universities

Alaminos

Bay

Biñan City

Cabúyao

Calambâ City

*ST. PETER ACADEMY (Calamba Branch)

Los Baños

Nagcarlán

Pagsanján

Paete

Pila

Rizal

San Pablo City

San Pedro

*ST. PETER ACADEMY (Main Campus), National Highway, San Pedro, Laguna

Santa Crúz

Santa Maria

Santa Rosa City

Sinilóan

Luisiana

Magdalena

Famy

Notable Personalities from Laguna

See also

External links

Wikipedia has pages related to Laguna (province) under the category of
Metro Manila Laguna de Bay Quezon
Cavite Quezon
   Laguna (Province)    
Batangas Quezon Quezon
Philippines Component Local Government Units of Laguna
Municipalities: Alaminos • Bay • Cabuyao • Calauan • Cavinti • Famy • Kalayaan • Liliw • Los Baños • Luisiana • Lumban • Mabitac • Magdalena • Majayjay • Nagcarlan • Paete • Pagsanjan • Pakil • Pangil • Pila • Rizal • San Pedro • Santa Cruz • Santa Maria • Siniloan • Victoria
Component Cities: Biñan City • Calamba City • San Pablo City • Santa Rosa City
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