Laguna (province)

Laguna
Province
Province of Laguna
Laguna Provincial Capitol
Flag Seal
Nickname(s): The Resort Capital of the Philippines Detroit of the Philippines Silicon Valley of The Philippines [1][2]
Motto: Rise High, Laguna!
Location in the Philippines
Coordinates: 14°10′N 121°20′E / 14.17°N 121.33°ECoordinates: 14°10′N 121°20′E / 14.17°N 121.33°E
Country	Philippines
Region	Calabarzon (Region IV-A)
Founded	July 28, 1571[3][4]
Capital	Santa Cruz
Government
• Type	Sangguniang Panlalawigan
• Governor	Ramil L. Hernandez (Nacionalista)
• Vice Governor	Katherine Agapay (UNA)
Area[5]
• Total	1,917.85 km^2 (740.49 sq mi)
Area rank	63rd out of 81
Population (2010)[6]
• Total	2,669,847
• Rank	6th out of 81
• Density	1,400/km^2 (3,600/sq mi)
• Density rank	3rd out of 81
Divisions
• Independent cities	0
• Component cities	6 Biñan Cabuyao Calamba San Pablo San Pedro Santa Rosa
• Municipalities	24 Alaminos Bay Calauan Cavinti Famy Kalayaan Liliw Los Baños Luisiana Lumban Mabitac Magdalena Majayjay Nagcarlan Paete Pagsanjan Pakil Pangil Pila Rizal Santa Cruz Santa Maria Siniloan Victoria
• Barangays	681
• Districts	1st to 5th districts of Laguna
Demographics
• Ethnic groups	Tagalog (91%) Others (4%) Bicolano (3%) Bisaya (2%)
Time zone	PHT (UTC+8)
ZIP Code	4000–4033
IDD : area code	+63 (0)49
ISO 3166 code	PH-LAG
Spoken languages	Tagalog English
Website	www.laguna.gov.ph

Laguna, officially known as the Province of Laguna (Filipino: Lalawigan ng Laguna ; Spanish: Provincia de La Laguna), is a province in the Philippines located in the Calabarzon region in Luzon. Its capital is Santa Cruz and the province is situated southeast of Metro Manila, south of the province of Rizal, west of Quezon, north of Batangas and east of Cavite. Laguna hugs the southern shores of Laguna de Bay, the largest lake in the country. The city with the highest population (based on 2010 census) is Calamba, while the least populated is the Municipality of Famy.^[7]

Laguna is notable as the birthplace of Jose Rizal, the country's national hero. It is also famous for attractions like Pagsanjan Falls, the University of the Philippines Los Baños campus, the hot spring resorts of Los Baños and Calamba on the slopes of Mount Makiling, Pila historic town plaza, Taytay Falls in Majayjay, the wood carvings and papier-mâché created by the people of Paeté, the annual Sampaguita Festival in San Pedro, the turumba of Pakil, the tsinelas footwears from Liliw, the Pandan Festival of Luisiana, the Seven Lakes of San Pablo (the first city in the province), and the Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery in Nagcarlan

Province of Laguna is the second ISO 9001:2008 certified province in the Philippines.^[8]

History

The Province of Laguna, which was formerly called La Laguna and La Provincia de la Laguna de Bay, was named after Laguna de Bay, the body of water that forms its northern boundary.^[9] 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 Christianization.

Laguna map showing Laguna de Bay and the town of Bay

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 Plasencia and Diego de Oropesa were the earliest Franciscans sent to these places. From 1580, the towns of Bay, Caliraya, Majayjay, Nagcarlan, Liliw, Pila, Santa Cruz, Lumban, Pangil and Siniloan 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.^[10]

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 Lucban.^[10]

The province became a bloody battle ground for the Chinese during the two instances that they rose in revolt against Spain.^[9] In 1603s, the Chinese made their last stand in the mountains of San Pablo, and in 1639, they fortified themselves in the highlands of Cavinti and Lumban, surrendering in Pagsanjan 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.^[10]

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, Nagcarlan, Bay, and Biñan to join the revolt of Hermano Pule (Apolinario de la Cruz) of Lucban, Tayabas.^[10]

Laguna was also exposed to the aspirations of its most famous son, Dr. José Rizal, who was born in Calamba. The persecution of the Rizal family, along with their fellow landowners 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.^[10]

Laguna was one of the eight provinces to rise in revolt against the Spanish misrule led by Generals Paciano Rizal of Calamba, Severino Taino of Pagsanjan, Agueda Kahabagan of Calauan, and Miguel Malvar of Batangas.^[9] 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 Biak-na-Bato on December 14 to 15, 1897.^[10]

Laguna actively supported the First Philippine Republic proclaimed at Malolos on January 23, 1899. Its two delegates to the Malolos Congress were Don Higino Benítez and Don Graciano Cordero, both natives of Pagsanján.^[10]

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.

Laguna was also the birhtplace of a famous revolutionary hero Teodoro Asedillo during the American colonization period. He was considered as bandit during those times by the Americans but hailed as hero by the local town folks of Laguna. He fought for labor and civil rights of the Filipino people.

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.^[10]

The establishment of the military general headquarters and military camp bases of the Philippine Commonwealth Army and the Philippine Constabulary is a military unit organization was founded on January 3, 1942 to June 30, 1946 in the province of Laguna, and aided of the local military regular units of the Philippine Commonwealth Army 4th and 42nd Infantry Division and the Philippine Constabulary 4th Infantry Regiment. Started the engagements of the Anti-Japanese Military Operations in Southern Luzon, Mindoro and Palawan from 1942 to 1945 against the Japanese Imperial forces.

Beginning in 1945, attacks by the Filipino soldiers of the 4th, 41st, 42nd, 43rd, 45th, 46th and 47th Infantry Division of the Philippine Commonwealth Army, 4th Infantry Regiment of the Philippine Constabulary and the recognized guerrillas against Japanese forces in Laguna increased in anticipation of the Liberation of the Philippines by joint Filipino & American forces.

Geography

Laguna lies on the southern shores of Laguna de Bay, the largest lake in the country. On the southern border of the province are Mount Makiling and Mount Banahaw, both are long dormant volcanoes, but still sources of geothermal energy. Mount 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.

Political divisions

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.

Administrative divisions

Laguna comprises 24 municipalities and 6 cities.

•  †  Capital municipality
•  ∗  Component city
•      Municipality

City or municipality District[11] Population (2010)[7][11] Area[11] Density Brgy. Coordinates^[A] km^2 sq mi /km^2 /sq mi Alaminos 3rd 1.6% 43,526 57.46 22.19 760 2,000 15 14°03′41″N 121°14′52″E / 14.0613°N 121.2478°E Bay 2nd 2.1% 55,698 42.66 16.47 1,300 3,400 15 14°10′48″N 121°16′48″E / 14.1800°N 121.2799°E Biñan ∗ 5th 10.6% 283,396 43.50 16.80 6,500 17,000 24 14°20′14″N 121°04′58″E / 14.3373°N 121.0827°E Cabuyao ∗ 2nd 9.3% 248,436 43.30 16.72 5,700 15,000 18 14°16′37″N 121°07′24″E / 14.2770°N 121.1232°E Calamba ∗ 2nd 14.6% 389,377 149.50 57.72 2,600 6,700 54 14°12′38″N 121°09′50″E / 14.2106°N 121.1638°E Calauan 3rd 2.8% 74,890 65.40 25.25 1,100 2,800 17 14°08′55″N 121°18′57″E / 14.1486°N 121.3158°E Cavinti 4th 0.8% 20,809 203.58 78.60 100 260 19 14°14′43″N 121°30′28″E / 14.2454°N 121.5078°E Famy 4th 0.6% 15,021 53.06 20.49 280 730 20 14°26′24″N 121°26′50″E / 14.4399°N 121.4471°E Kalayaan 4th 0.8% 20,944 46.60 17.99 450 1,200 3 14°19′34″N 121°28′41″E / 14.3261°N 121.4781°E Liliw 3rd 1.3% 33,851 39.10 15.10 870 2,300 33 14°07′51″N 121°26′11″E / 14.1307°N 121.4365°E Los Baños ^[1] 2nd 3.8% 101,884 54.22 20.93 1,900 4,900 14 14°10′39″N 121°13′17″E / 14.1775°N 121.2214°E Luisiana 4th 0.8% 20,148 73.31 28.31 270 700 23 14°11′06″N 121°30′34″E / 14.1850°N 121.5094°E Lumban 4th 1.1% 29,470 40.53 15.65 730 1,900 16 14°17′51″N 121°27′32″E / 14.2976°N 121.4589°E Mabitac 4th 0.7% 18,618 80.76 31.18 230 600 15 14°25′38″N 121°25′35″E / 14.4272°N 121.4265°E Magdalena 4th 0.9% 22,976 34.88 13.47 660 1,700 24 14°11′59″N 121°25′45″E / 14.1996°N 121.4292°E Majayjay 4th 1.0% 26,547 69.58 26.86 380 980 40 14°08′44″N 121°28′21″E / 14.1455°N 121.4725°E Nagcarlan 3rd 2.2% 59,726 78.10 30.15 760 2,000 52 14°08′11″N 121°24′46″E / 14.1365°N 121.4127°E Paete 4th 0.9% 23,523 55.02 21.24 430 1,100 9 14°21′51″N 121°28′53″E / 14.3641°N 121.4815°E Pagsanjan 4th 1.5% 39,313 26.36 10.18 1,500 3,900 16 14°16′22″N 121°27′14″E / 14.2727°N 121.4540°E Pakil 4th 0.8% 20,822 46.50 17.95 450 1,200 13 14°22′51″N 121°28′43″E / 14.3807°N 121.4786°E Pangil 4th 0.9% 23,201 45.03 17.39 520 1,300 8 14°24′10″N 121°28′04″E / 14.4029°N 121.4677°E Pila 4th 1.7% 46,534 31.20 12.05 1,500 3,900 17 14°14′15″N 121°21′42″E / 14.2374°N 121.3618°E Rizal 3rd 0.6% 15,518 27.90 10.77 560 1,500 11 14°06′50″N 121°23′36″E / 14.1140°N 121.3933°E San Pablo ∗ 3rd 9.3% 248,890 197.56 76.28 1,300 3,400 80 14°04′12″N 121°19′32″E / 14.0700°N 121.3255°E San Pedro ∗ 1st 11.0% 294,310 24.05 9.29 12,000 31,000 27 14°21′43″N 121°03′27″E / 14.3620°N 121.0574°E Santa Cruz † 4th 4.2% 110,943 38.59 14.90 2,900 7,500 26 14°17′07″N 121°24′48″E / 14.2854°N 121.4134°E Santa Maria 4th 1.0% 26,839 108.40 41.85 250 650 25 14°28′20″N 121°25′24″E / 14.4721°N 121.4234°E Santa Rosa ∗ 1st 10.7% 284,670 54.84 21.17 5,200 13,000 18 14°18′57″N 121°06′44″E / 14.3157°N 121.1122°E Siniloan 4th 1.3% 35,363 64.51 24.91 550 1,400 20 14°25′17″N 121°26′40″E / 14.4215°N 121.4444°E Victoria 3rd 1.3% 34,604 22.35 8.63 1,500 3,900 9 14°13′54″N 121°19′40″E / 14.2316°N 121.3278°E Total 2,669,847 1,917.85 740.49 1,400 3,600 681 (see GeoGroup box) ^^ Coordinates mark the town center, and are sortable by latitude. ^1 Los Baños was declared as the Special Science and Nature City of the Philippines through Presidential Proclamation No. 349.[12] The proclamation, however, does not convert the municipality to a city or give it corporate powers that are accorded to other cities.

Demographics

Population census of Laguna
Year Pop. ±% p.a. 1903 148,606 —     1918 195,546 +1.85% 1939 279,505 +1.72% 1948 321,247 +1.56% 1960 472,064 +3.26% 1970 699,736 +4.01% 1975 803,750 +2.82%	Year Pop. ±% p.a. 1980 973,104 +3.90% 1990 1,370,232 +3.48% 1995 1,631,082 +3.32% 2000 1,965,872 +4.08% 2007 2,473,530 +3.22% 2010 2,669,847 +2.82%
Sources: National Statistics Office[6]

Religion

Most of Laguna people are Roman Catholic followed by a large majority of the population at 70% (San Pablo (Diocese) [Catholic-Hierarchy], 2010). Several Christian groups are also present such as Aglipayan Church with 20% of the population and the rest are Baptists, Iglesia Ni Cristo, Methodists, Church of Christ of Latter-day Saints, Jehovah's Witnesses, Presbyterians, Seventh-day Adventist and other Mainline Protestants. Non Christians are usually Muslims.

Economy

Present-day Laguna shows a thriving economy. With a population of 2,669,847 (2010 Census),^[7] and a total area of 1,760 km² (680 sq mi) 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, Calamba and Los Baños hot springs, Mount Makiling, 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.^[10]

Natural resources

Laguna is located in the foothills of three mountains namely, Mount Makiling, Mount Banahaw, and the Sierra Madre Range.

There are about forty rivers in Laguna with a total area of almost 0.5 square kilometres. 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 has an estimated 300 million US gallons (1,100,000 m³) of underground water. 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.^[2]

Agricultural activities

Laguna has 60,624 hectares of alienable and disposable agricultural land. About 41,253 ha or 23.44% of Laguna’s total land area is forest land.

Laguna de Bay, with a surface area of 900 km, is the province's main fishing ground producing 410,000 mt(?) of fish. Carp and tilapia fingerlings are also being grown in inland ponds and freshwater fish pens. The research institutions located in Los Baños are: International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), ASEAN Center for Biodiversity (ACB) and the Southeast Asian Regional center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA), among others.^[2]

Infrastructure

Laguna is labeled as the Detroit of the Philippines because of the presence of major vehicle manufacturers in the city of Santa Rosa. It is also considered as the Silicon Valley of the Philippines because of the vast number of electronic and semi-conductor companies operating in the province. Laguna is also the Resort Capital of the Philippines for it houses more than 700 hot spring resorts in the areas of Calamba and Los Baños.^[1][2]

Road network

The South Luzon Expressway (SLEx) passes through Laguna. A public-private partnership initiative of the national government include plans to build a circumferential road along Laguna de Bay shoreline, the Laguna de Bay Flood Control Dike Expressway (or C-6 Extension),^[13] from San Pedro to Siniloan. Some of the proposed road networks is the Calamba-Los Baños Expressway^[2][14] and the Cavite–Laguna Expressway that will connect the provinces of Cavite and Laguna.

Power

Three power generating plants are operating in the province.^[2]

• Botocan Hydro-electric Plant (25MW) — Majayjay
• Caliraya Hydro-electric Plant (23.5 MW) — Kalayaan
• Mak-Ban Geothermal Plant (20MW) — Bay

Meralco, the main electricity distributor of Metro Manila, has also the franchise for most of Laguna.^[2]

Government

Elected Officials:

• Governor Ramil L. Hernandez (Nacionalista)
• Vice-Governor: Katherine Agapay (UNA)

Board Members:

1st District: Dave Almarinez (NP) Carlo Almoro (LP) Gabnulang Alatiit (UNA) 2nd District: Neptali Bagnes (UNA) Pursino Oruga (UNA) Juan Unico (LP)

3rd District: Angelica Jones Alarva (UNA) Vacant 4th District: Joseph Kris Benjamin Aragao III (LP) Rai-ann Agustine San Luis (Ind.)

House of Representatives

• 1st District: Danilo Fernandez (Liberal)
• 2nd District: Joaquin Chipeco Jr. (Liberal)
• 3rd District: Sol Aragones-Sampelo (UNA)
• 4th District: Benjamin Aragao (Liberal)

On May 21, 2014, the COMELEC En Banc unseats E.R. Ejercito in a unanimous decision for overspending of campaign funds for his running for the 2013 Laguna gubernatorial elections, Vice Governor Ramil Hernandez will take over the position of Ejercito.^[15] And on May 27, 2014, Vice Governor Ramil Hernandez took oath and became the acting governor of the province, making Ejercito the first local official in the Philippines to be formally ousted in office due to overspending.

Tourism

Historical

City/Municipality Name of Landmark Roads from Manila Description Calamba Rizal Shrine South Luzón Tollway - Calamba Exit via National Road to J.P. Rizal Avenue The Rizal Shrine is located in Calamba and features the home of José Rizal. Biñan Alberto House South Luzón Tollway - Batangas City Exits, via National Road Ancestral House of Teodora Alonzo's (Jose Rizal's mother) clan. Pagsanjan Pagsanjan Municipal Hall Calamba Exit via National Road Served as the first site of public High School in Laguna Los Baños Homma-Yamashita Shrine South Luzón Tollway - Calamba Exit via National Road to Los Baños Cavinti Japanese Garden South Luzón Tollway - Calambâ Exit via National Road to Famy-Panty Road Nagcarlán Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery South Luzón Tollway - Calamba Exit via National Road to San Pablo-Nagcarlan Road Pagsanjan Pagsanjan Arch/ Puerta Real of Pagsanjan Calamba Exit via National Road Mabitac The Battle of Mabitac Mural, Mabitac Ortigas Avenue heading to Manila East Road (Rizal) Pila Pila Town Plaza and Ancestral Homes South Luzón Tollway- Calamba Exit via National Road to Pila Pinagbayanan Crematorium South Luzón Tollway- Calamba Exit via National Road to Pila The Philippines' oldest crematorium. Los Baños Baker Hall, UP Los Baños South Luzón Tollway - Calamba Exit via National Road to Los Baños Santa Cruz Emilio Jacinto Shrine Burial Site, Villa Valenzuela and Santa Cruz Town Plaza South Luzón Tollway- Calamba Exit via National Road to Santa Cruz

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

Natural

City/Municipality Name of Landmark Roads from Manila Description Cavinti Pagsanjan Falls SLEX - Calamba Exit via National Road 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 and Los Baños Mount Makiling Hot Springs Los Baños Crocodile Lake Luisiana Hulugan Falls Nagcarlán Eight mountains It includes Mt. Atimla, Mt. Mabilog, Mt. Nagcarlán, Mt. Malauban, Mt. Lansay, Mt. Bayaquitos, Mt. Cristóbal and Mt. Banaháw. San Pablo 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 Natural Drinking Water, Mayatba & Spill Way Resort Natural Drinking Water in the middle of the town proper, near Famy Municipal Hall Siniloan Buruwisan Falls Cavinti Cavinti Underground River and Caves Complex A newly discovered tourist attractions that according to native Cavintinians is composed of more than a hundred Caves.

Pagsanjan Falls

Man-made

City/Municipality Name Road from Manila Remarks Santa Rosa Enchanted Kingdom SLEX - Calamba Exit via National Road Santa Rosa, Cabuyao, Calamba Nuvali Evoliving Los Baños Boy Scouts of the Philippines Camp, University of the Philippines, Los Baños Calamba Private and Public Resorts Calamba has 661 resorts making the city as the "Resort Capital of the Philippines". Calamba The Plaza Calamba and Rizal Monument A park along the Calamba City Hall Complex Calamba St. John the Baptist Church One of the oldest churches in Laguna. Jose Rizal has been baptized in this church by Fr. Pedro Casañas. Los Baños Immaculate Conception Parish Church A centuries-old church at the town proper (Poblacion/Bayan) Pila Pila Municipal Museum Cabuyao St. Polycarp Church Cavinti Transfiguration of Our Lord Parish Church The oldest Transfiguration of Our Lord Church in the Philippines, established in March 1606 Mamatid, Cabuyao Diocesan Shrine of San Vicente Ferrer SLEX - Cabuyao Exit via Mamatid Road Majayjay St. Gregory the Great Parish Church Declared as a National Culture Treasure Paeté St. James the Apostle Parish Church Pakil San Pedro de Alcantara Church Also known as the Diocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Turumba San Pedro Salvador Laurel Museum, Laurel Hills SLEX - Via Magsaysay Road San Pedro San Pedro Apostol Parish Church SLEX - Via Magsaysay Road- Mabini St. Landayan, San Pedro Diocesan Shrine of Santo Sepulchre National Road Calamba Nuvali Republic Wakepark SLEX - Canlubang Exit via National Road Newest and Most Innovative Wakepark in the World. Located at Nuvali, Canlubang, Calamba City. Mabitac Our Lady of Candelaria Church National Road Known as church above the hill Pagsanjan Diocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe Biñán Splash Island, San Isidro Labrador Church, Biñan City Plaza San Pablo Saint Paul the First Hermit Cathedral Santa Cruz Immaculate Concepcion Parish Church Liliw St. John the Baptist Parish Church

Nuvali Calamba Republic Wakepark St. Gregory Catholic Church Enchanted Kingdom

Education

Universities

The College of Development Communication building inside the University of the Philippines campus in Los Baños, Laguna

Pamantasan ng Cabuyao Main Building in Cabuyao City

Laguna College of Business and Arts quadrangle in Calamba City

• De La Salle University — Science and Technology Complex
• Laguna State Polytechnic University
  • Laguna State Polytechnic University - Los Baños Campus
  • Laguna State Polytechnic University - Main Campus (Santa Cruz)
  • Laguna State Polytechnic University - San Pablo City Campus
  • Laguna State Polytechnic University - Siniloan
• Laguna University
  • Laguna University - Main Campus (Bay)
  • Laguna University - Santa Cruz Campus
• Lyceum of the Philippines University – Laguna
• Pamantasan ng Cabuyao
• Philippine Women's University - Calamba
• Polytechnic University of the Philippines
  • Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Biñan
  • Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Calauan
  • Polytechnic University of the Philippines, San Pedro
  • Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Santa Rosa
• University of Perpetual Help System
  • University of Perpetual Help System DALTA – Calamba Campus
  • University of Perpetual Help System JONELTA - Biñan
• University of the Philippines Los Baños
• University of the Philippines Open University
• University of Santo Tomas - Santa Rosa

Colleges

MCL Rizal Hall at Malayan Colleges Laguna

• ACTS Computer College-Sta. Cruz
• Balian Community College - Pangil
• Calamba Doctors' College
• Canossa College- San Pablo City
• Casa Del Niño Schools System
• City College of Calamba
• Colegio de Los Baños
• Colegio de San Juan de Letran - Calamba
• Colegio de Santo Niño de Cabuyao
• Colegio San Agustin – Biñan
• Colegio De San Pedro
• Dalubhasaan ng Lungsod ng San Pablo
• Deaf Evangelistic Alliance Foundation – Cavinti
• Dominican College in Sta. Rosa
• La Consolacion College - Biñan
• Laguna College
• Laguna College of Business and Arts
• Laguna Northwestern College- San Pedro, Sta.Rosa, Siniloan
• Malayan Colleges Laguna
• Mary Help of Christian College in Canlubang, Calamba City
• Miriam College Nuvali
• Our Lady of Assumption College
• Paete Science & Business College, Inc., Paete, Laguna
• Rizal College of Laguna
• Saint Francis Institute of Computer Studies, San Pedro City
• Saint John Colleges in Calamba City
• Saint Mary's Academy of Nagcarlan
• Saint Michael's College of Laguna
• Saint Vincent College of Cabuyao
• San Antonio de Padua College - Pila
• San Pablo Colleges
• San Pedro College of Business Administration
• San Sebastian College – Recoletos
• Union College of Laguna
• Xavier School Nuvali

Arts and culture

Laguna is a major contributor to the development of arts in the Philippines. Paintings and sculptures from Paete, which is the Woodcarving Capital of the Philippines, won national and international awards. Famous artists include Manuel Baldemor, Fred Baldemor, Felix "Kid" Baldemor and Dominic Rubio.

Church Paintings in Paete
Church Mural	Church Mural	Church Mural

Notable people

• José Rizal, national hero of the Philippines
• Paciano Rizal, military general and revolutionary; older brother of José Rizal
• Vicente Lim, World War II general
• Saturnina Rizal Hidalgo, José Rizal's eldest sister
• Pedro Guevara, soldier, lawyer, and legislator
• Francisco Benitez, First Dean of UP College of Education, educator, author, from Pagsanjan
• Crispin Oben, lawyer, member of the First Philippine Assembly
• Ambrosio Rianzares Bautista, lawyer and author of the Declaration of Philippine Independence
• Pedro Pelaez, educator, priest, "Father of Filipinization of the Church" from Pagsanjan
• Juan Cailles, governor of Laguna from 1901 to 1910, and again from 1916 to 1925, reelected in 1934
• Estanislao Fernandez, lawyer, former Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines
• Gregorio F. Zaide, "Dean of Filipino Historiographers", historian, author from Pagsanjan
• Loren Legarda, senator
• Phoemela Baranda, model, actress, and entertainment anchor from Majayjay, Laguna
• Charice Pempengco, well-known international pop star
• E. R. Ejercito, actor and incumbent governor of Laguna from Pagsanjan
• Danilo Fernandez, actor, doctor, and politician (Laguna First District representative)
• Sol Aragones, former TV/radio host and reporter, 3rd District Representative, (Laguna Third District representative)
• Jun Hemedes, Jr., city mayor of Cabuyao
• Arlene B. Arcillas, city mayor of Santa Rosa
• Vicente B. Amante, city mayor of San Pablo
• Calixto Cataquiz, former city mayor of San Pedro
• Binoy Lajara, mayor of Calamba
• Teresita S. Lazaro, former governor of Laguna
• Jose Catindig, Jr., former mayor of Santa Rosa
• Antonio Sanchez, former mayor of Calauan
• Joey Lina, former senator and former governor of Laguna
• Dominador Chipeco, Jr., lawyer, former vice presidential candidate
• Ernesto Maceda, former councilor of Manila, former senator, columnist and lawyer from Pagsanjan
• Cielito Habito, economist, professor, former NEDA Director-General
• Alfredo E. Evangelista, archaeologist
• Ariella Arida, Miss Universe-Philippines 2013 and Miss Universe 2013 3rd Runner-up
• Erik Spoelstra, head coach of Miami Heat
• Jojo Acuin, psychic
• Angeli Gonzales, actress
• Bayani Casimiro, tap dancer
• Alfie Anido, actor, matinee idol
• Flor Contemplacion, domestic worker
• Ronato Alcano, professional pool player
• Rico Blanco, singer, songwriter
• Julia Clarete, host, singer, actress
• Mario Montenegro, actor from Pagsanjan
• Paw Diaz, actress, model, TV host
• Danica Gabriel, TV host, radio commentator, politician
• Dion Ignacio, actor
• Louie Ignacio, TV director from Pagsanjan
• Angelica Jones, TV host, singer, actress, Board Member (3rd District)
• C. J. Muere, actor
• Didith Reyes, actress, singer
• John Lloyd Cruz, actor
• Sabrina Man, child actress
• Alden Richards, model, actor, half of AlDub love team
• Sabrina, singer
• Nadine Samonte, actress
• Princess Snell, actress
• Halina Perez, model, actress
• Carmina Villaroel, actress
• Charo Ronquillo, fashion model
• Juvy Cachola, actress
• Led Sobrepeña III, singer of The Singing Bee, Singer, Actor, Comedian
• Charlene Almarvez, fashion model
• Jedah Hernandez, beauty pageant titleholder
• Celia Rodriguez, Filipino
• Barbie Forteza, actress, model
• Joan Da, Finalist of the X Factor Philippines
• Thea Tolentino, female winner of GMA Network's Protégé Season 2
• Jeric Gonzales, male winner of GMA Network's Protégé Season 2
• Stephanie Retuya, contestant and runner-up in Asia's Next Top Model (cycle 1)
• HaveYouSeenThisGirl, author of the books Diary ng Panget, Voiceless and She Died who came from San Pablo City, Laguna.
• Rence Rapanot, singer
• Mackie Cao, singer
• Jason Fernandez, singer, former vocalist of Rivermaya

See also

• Campaigns of the Philippine–American War
• Laguna Lake Development Authority
• Roman Catholic Diocese of San Pablo
• Legislative districts of Laguna

References

1. "Laguna, pangunahing lugar na puntahan, tirhan, at pangalakalan". Philippine Information Agency.
2. "Province Profile". Provincial Government of Laguna.
3. "28 JULY 1571: The Foundation date of the Province of Laguna". Academia.edu.
4. Young historian finds Laguna birth date|Inquirer News
5. "List of Provinces". PSGC Interactive. Makati City, Philippines: National Statistical Coordination Board. Retrieved 18 November 2013.
6. "Population and Annual Growth Rates for The Philippines and Its Regions, Provinces, and Highly Urbanized Cities" (PDF). 2010 Census and Housing Population. National Statistics Office. Retrieved 26 August 2013.
7. "Total Population by Province, City, Municipality and Barangay: as of May 1, 2010" (PDF). 2010 Census of Population and Housing. National Statistics Office. Retrieved 18 November 2013.
8. PGL now ISO 9001:2008 certified
9. Caliraya Lake - History of Laguna
10. History - Laguna, Philippines
11. "Province: Laguna". PSGC Interactive. Makati City, Philippines: Philippine Statistics Authority - National Statistical Coordination Board. Retrieved 22 December 2015.
12. "Los Baños". Laguna Travel Guide. 2000-09-17. Retrieved 2012-10-29.
13. dpwh.gov.ph "Private-Public Partnership - Laguna de Bay Flood Control Dike Expressway (C-6 Extension)"
14. dpwh.gov.ph "Private-Public Partnership - Calamba-Los Baños Expressway"
15. Comelec unseats ER Ejercito for overspending

External links

• Media related to Laguna (province) at Wikimedia Commons
• Geographic data related to Laguna (province) at OpenStreetMap
• Official Website of the Province of Laguna
• Laguna Travel Guide - Tourism Philippines
• Philippine Standard Geographic Code
• 2010 CALABARZON Census Information
• Local Governance Performance Management System