Laguna (province)

Laguna (province) is a province of the Philippines located in the Calabarzon region, with its capital in Santa Cruz and largest city in Calamba. The province is situated near Metro Manila, Rizal, and Quezon, making it a significant part of the Luzon island. It is also close to Mount Makiling, a prominent volcano and home to the University of the Philippines Los Baños and the International Rice Research Institute. The province is named after Laguna de Bay, the largest lake in the Philippines, which is also the source of the Pasig River that flows through Manila.

Geography

Laguna is bordered by Rizal to the north, Quezon to the east, Batangas to the south, and Cavite to the west. The province has a total area of 1,917.25 square kilometers, with a terrain that includes mountains, volcanoes, and lakes. The Sierra Madre mountain range runs along the eastern part of the province, while the Taal Volcano is located in the southern part. The province is also home to several rivers, including the Pagsanjan River and the Sta. Cruz River, which flow into Laguna de Bay. The city of Los Baños is a popular tourist destination, known for its hot springs and Pagsanjan Falls. Nearby cities include San Pablo and Calauan.

History

The history of Laguna dates back to the Spanish colonization of the Philippines, when it was part of the Provincia de La Laguna. The province was established in 1571 by Miguel López de Legazpi and was named after Laguna de Bay. During the Philippine Revolution, Laguna was a major battleground, with the Battle of Mabitac and the Battle of Calamba taking place in the province. The province was also a key location during the Philippine-American War, with the Battle of Santa Cruz and the Battle of Pagsanjan occurring in the area. Notable historical figures from the province include Emilio Aguinaldo, Apolinario Mabini, and Jose Rizal, who was exiled to Dapitan but had connections to the province through his family.

Demographics

As of the 2020 census, the population of Laguna is 3,382,193, making it one of the most populous provinces in the Philippines. The province has a diverse population, with Tagalogs being the majority. Other ethnic groups present in the province include Bicolanos, Ilocanos, and Cebuanos. The province is also home to several universities and colleges, including the University of the Philippines Los Baños, Laguna State Polytechnic University, and De La Salle University-Dasmariñas. Nearby cities include Biñan and San Pedro.

Economy

The economy of Laguna is driven by agriculture, industry, and services. The province is a major producer of rice, coconut, and sugar cane, with the International Rice Research Institute located in Los Baños. The province is also home to several industrial parks, including the Laguna Technopark and the Light Industry & Science Park of the Philippines. The province has a growing tourism industry, with popular destinations such as Pagsanjan Falls, Taal Volcano, and Mount Makiling. Nearby cities include Cabuyao and Santa Rosa.

Culture

The culture of Laguna is a mix of Tagalog and Spanish influences. The province is known for its festivals, including the Pagsanjan Festival and the Calamba Festival. The province is also home to several museums, including the Laguna Museum and the Rizal Shrine. The province has a rich literary and artistic heritage, with notable writers and artists including Jose Rizal, Emilio Aguinaldo, and Fernando Amorsolo. Nearby cities include Binan and Sta. Cruz.

Government

The government of Laguna is headed by the Governor of Laguna, with the current governor being Ramil Hernandez. The province has a unicameral Laguna Provincial Board, which is composed of board members from the different districts of the province. The province is divided into four congressional districts, each represented by a congressman in the House of Representatives of the Philippines. The province is also part of the Calabarzon region, which is headed by a regional director. Nearby cities include Muntinlupa, Las Piñas, and Parañaque. Category:Provinces of the Philippines