Laguna Province
is located some 30 kilometers south of Manila. It is bounded on
the north by Rizal, on the east and south by Quezon, and on the
west by Cavite and Batangas.
|
BRIEF PROFILE
|
| Capital: |
Sta. Cruz |
| Land Area: |
17597 sq km |
| Population: |
1 500 000 |
| Cities: |
San Pablo |
| Number of Towns: |
29 |
The land_______________________________
Narrow plains can be found along the shores of Laguna de Bay but
mountainous towards Sierra Madre in the east, Mt. Makiling in
the west, and Mt. Banahaw in the south.
Laguna has no distinct seasons. Climate differs in the different
areas of the province. Climate is cool in the mountainous parts
while the plains are somewhat warmer.
A Brief History___________________________
Laguna derives its name from "La Laguna" (the lake),
referring to Laguna de Bay, the largest inland body of water in
the Philippines, which forms the province´s northern boundary.
The province and surrounding areas were conquered by Spain in
1571. Seven years later, Franciscan friars started the work of
Christianization. Soon, towns around the lake were founded. In
1678, San Pablo de los Montes (now San Pablo City) was established.
The town of Bay was the capital of the province until 1688, when
it was transferred to Pagsanjan and later in 1852, to Sta. Cruz.
Laguna was one of the first eight provinces to rise in revolt
against Spain.
The town of Calamba is the birthplace of the country's national
hero, Dr. Jose Percival Rizal.
The People______________________________
Majority of the population speak Tagalog. A small percentage
speak Ilocano, Bicol, or Waray.
Commerce and Industry_____________________
Agriculture and fishery are the main industries that contribute
a great part in the provincial economy.
Crops produced in the province are rice, sugarcane, and fruits,
specifically citrus and lanzones. The province is also the second-largest
producer of coconuts in the country.
The province is also noted for its woodcarvings, papier-mache
figures, barong materials, and linen.
Getting There and Away_____________________
Buses serve the Manila-Laguna route.
Other Information__________________________
Pangsanjan Falls is one of the most-visited tourist attractions
in the province.
Lake Caliraya in the town of Lumban, north of Pagsanjan, is a
man-made mountain lake that also serves as a large reservoir, built
to supply water to a hydroelectric plant. The lake is excellent
for aqua sports, such as boating, wind surfing and water skiing.
A Japanese garden is sprawled over several hectares of slightly
rugged and rolling land.
Hidden Valley is a spring resort located in a secluded part of
Alaminos town. A hidden waterfall, swimming pools, and a hanging
bridge can be seen in the resort.
Discovering the way to the resorts is an adventure in itself. A
narrow road lined with coconut trees and lush vegetation leads to
the resort. Hot spring resorts abound in Calamba town.
A visit to Calamba is not complete without touring the Rizal Shrine,
a two-story, red-tile-roofed Spanish house that displays memorabilia
of the country's national hero.
The University of the Philippines in Los Baños is the premier
agricultural school in the country. Its sprawling campus at the
foot of Mt. Makiling includes a 4000- hectare forest reserve.
Map of Laguna Province
About the Philippines | About
other Provinces
|
