BRIEF
DESCRIPTION
Laguna might just as well be dubbed as
the "Resort Province of the Philippines" because of the
abundance of hot springs, lakes and waterfalls. This is
attributable to the fact that Laguna is the only
province with ground water that flows at 300 million
gallons a day.
Indeed, so much water abounds. With
Southeast Asia’s largest fresh-water lake, the Laguna de
Bay, plus innumerable springs, the seven lakes of San
Pablo, the famous Pagsanjan Falls and the regular
blessings of rain showers, Laguna stays lush throughout
the year.
For vegetation needs water, it is no
surprise that Laguna stays green whatever season. Thus,
it can likewise aptly be called the "Garden Province".
Fragrant sampaguitas, and delicate orchids are grown in
this province all year-round. Meanwhile, August to
September is harvest season in the lanzones plantations
all over the province.
Laguna has much to offer, having been
successfully able to preserve most of its rustic beauty
and appeal despite the level of industrialization that
it has achieved. It managed to blend the best of both
the agricultural and industrial worlds.
With its proximity to Manila, Laguna
easily lures the city dwellers who wish to "escape" from
the chaos of the concrete and asphalt jungle.
It offers a convenient alternative for
those who want to relax without going too far. It is a
one and a half to two hours drive from Manila. BRIEF HISTORY
The province of Laguna was named after
Laguna de Bay, the body of water that forms the
province’s northern boundary. In turn, Laguna de Bay was
named after the town of bay which was the first
provincial capital.
This province along with its
surrounding regions were conquered for Spain by Capt.
Juan de Salcedo in 1571 and seven years hence, the
Franciscan friars started the Christianization of the
province.
Laguna became a bloody battleground
several times. The first instance was the Chinese revolt
in 1603 and then again in 1639. The British invasion in
1762-1764, saw thousands of Filipinos fighting in
defense of the province. This battle led by Captain
Thomas Backhouse met resistance from the band of
Filipino volunteers led by Francisco de San Juan of
Pagsanjan.
The first Filipino uprising against the
Spanish misrule was led by Hirmano Pule in 1840.
Filipino resentment against the Spaniards was aggravated
by the execution of Dr. Jose Rizal and thus, by 1896,
thousands of patriotic inhabitants of the province had
joined the revolutionary Katipunan.
Laguna was one of the first eight
provinces to rise in revolt against the Spanish rule.
The ill-equipped Filipino forces, led by Gen, Paciano
Rizal of Calamba, Gen. Severino Taino of Pagsanjan, Gen,
Aueda Kagabagan of Calauan, and Gen. Miguel Malvar of
Batangas, fought the Spanish enemies until they won on
August 31,1898 with the surrender of the last Spanish
garrison in Sta, Cruz.
On January 23,1899, Laguna expressed
its full support to the First Philippine Republic which
was declared in Malolos, Bulacan. Two natives of
Pagsanjan namely, Don Higino Benitez Abad, Don Graciano
Cordero, were there to witness and participate in this
historic event.
The eruption of the Filipino-American
war in 1899-1901 saw Generals Juan Cailles and Paciano
Rizal leading the defense of Laguna until surrender was
inevitable. Under the American Flag, Cailles was named
the Filipino Governor of Laguna.
After the war, Laguna progressed
rapidly in peace. Schools were established, various
public services were instituted and roads were built. In
1917, the Manila Railroad Company extended its line to
Laguna as far as Pagsanjan.
With the onset of the Japanese
occupation, Laguna was the center of resistance despite
the presence of some "Makipili" traitors.
Today, Laguna is a thriving province.
Its fertile lands produce millions of pesos worth of
coconuts, rice, sugar, citrus fruits, lanzones, and
other agricultural products. Its tourist spots also
attract a multitude of both foreign and domestic
tourists. MAJOR
INDUSTRIES
By and large, Laguna’s economy is still
based on agriculture. However, in the recent years,
agricultural development has been complemented by the
proliferation of light to medium scale industries.
Before 1973, the processing of
agricultural products and making light handicrafts were
the major manufacturing activities in Laguna. Today,
textile spinning, weaving and finishing, chemical,
automotive parts, ceramics, wood and paper products
industries have been established.
It is foreseen that more factories will
be put up in Laguna in the near future. HOW TO GET
THERE
Via South Superhighway, Laguna is 1-2
hours drive from Manila. Back
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