Laguna, officially the Province of Laguna, is a province in the Calabarzon region of Luzon, Philippines. Its capital is Santa Cruz, while its largest city is Calamba, which serves as the regional center of Calabarzon. The province is situated southeast of Metro Manila, south of Rizal, west of Quezon, north of Batangas, and east of Cavite. It is bordered by Laguna de Bay, the largest lake in the country. As of the 2020 census, Laguna has a population of 3,382,193. It also holds the highest share of the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP) among all 82 provinces in the country, contributing Php 990.69 billion in 2022.
History and Significance
Laguna is best known as the birthplace of José Rizal, the national hero of the Philippines. The province has a rich historical and cultural heritage, as seen in its various festivals, old churches, and Spanish-era structures. It played a crucial role in the Philippine Revolution and remains a significant part of the country’s history.
Geography and Climate
Laguna’s terrain is characterized by mountains, hills, lakes, and plains. It has a tropical climate with two distinct seasons: dry (November to April) and wet (May to October). The Laguna de Bay, Mount Makiling, and numerous waterfalls and hot springs contribute to its diverse landscape and natural attractions.
Economy
Laguna is a key player in the industrial, agricultural, and tourism sectors. It houses industrial parks, particularly in Biñan, Santa Rosa, and Calamba, where multinational companies operate. Agriculture remains a vital industry, with products like coconuts, rice, fruits, and fish. The tourism sector thrives due to natural attractions and heritage sites.
Major Attractions
- Pagsanjan Falls (Cavinti Falls) – One of the most famous waterfalls in the Philippines, known for its breathtaking beauty and canoeing adventure.
- Mount Makiling – A dormant volcano and a famous hiking destination in Los Baños.
- University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) – A prestigious university known for research and higher education.
- Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery – A historic Spanish-era burial site.
- Seven Lakes of San Pablo – A series of crater lakes in San Pablo City.
- Hot Spring Resorts in Calamba – Popular tourist destinations offering relaxing thermal baths.
- Paete Woodcarving and Papier-Mâché – The town of Paete is renowned for its fine craftsmanship in woodcarving and traditional papier-mâché art.
- Festivals – Sampaguita Festival (San Pedro), Pandan Festival (Luisiana), Turumba Festival (Pakil), Pinya Festival (Calauan), among others, showcase Laguna’s rich culture and traditions.
Cities and Municipalities
Laguna is composed of 6 cities and 24 municipalities, each with its unique identity and contribution to the province’s economy and culture. The largest cities by population are Calamba, Biñan, Santa Rosa, San Pablo, Cabuyao, and San Pedro. Below is a summary of some of Laguna’s notable localities:
| City/Municipality | Population (2020) | District | Area (km²) | Density (/km²) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Calamba | 539,671 | 5th | 149.50 | 3,600 |
| Biñan | 407,437 | 2nd | 40.27 | 10,000 |
| Santa Rosa | 414,812 | 3rd | 54.84 | 7,600 |
| San Pedro | 326,001 | 1st | 24.05 | 14,000 |
| San Pablo | 285,348 | 7th | 197.56 | 1,400 |
| Cabuyao | 355,330 | 4th | 43.30 | 8,200 |
| Los Baños | 115,353 | 6th | 54.22 | 2,100 |
| Pagsanjan | 44,327 | 9th | 27.40 | 1,600 |
| Liliw | 39,491 | 8th | 39.10 | 1,000 |
| Paete | 24,945 | 9th | 55.02 | 450 |
| Nagcarlan | 64,866 | 8th | 78.10 | 830 |
Infrastructure and Transportation
Laguna has an extensive road network, with major highways like the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) and Manila East Road connecting it to Metro Manila and nearby provinces. Public transportation includes buses, jeepneys, tricycles, and taxis. The Laguna Lake Ferry Service offers an alternative transport route via Laguna de Bay.
Education
The province is home to several prestigious educational institutions, including:
- University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) – A premier university in agriculture, forestry, and research.
- University of Perpetual Help System Laguna – Known for medical and business programs.
- Laguna State Polytechnic University (LSPU) – Offers a range of degree programs across multiple campuses.
- Colegio de San Juan de Letran-Calamba – A private Catholic institution.
- Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) – Biñan – A leading state university in business and technical education.
Healthcare
Laguna has a mix of public and private hospitals, such as:
- Laguna Medical Center (Santa Cruz)
- Calamba Medical Center (Calamba)
- San Pablo City District Hospital (San Pablo)
- Biñan Doctors’ Hospital (Biñan)
- Asian Hospital and Medical Center (Alabang, accessible from Laguna)
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