Province of Laguna

Laguna, officially the Province of Laguna, stands as a titan of industry and heritage in the CALABARZON region of Luzon. Bordering the southern shores of Laguna de Bay – the largest lake in the Philippines – the province serves as a vital gateway between Metro Manila and Southern Luzon.

With its capital in Santa Cruz and its administrative center in Calamba City, Laguna has recently achieved a historic milestone, becoming the first province in the Philippines to reach a 1-trillion peso economy (contributing approximately Php 990.69 billion to the national GDP in 2022 and surpassing the trillion mark in recent fiscal valuations).

History and Cultural Significance

Founded on July 28, 1571, Laguna derives its name from the Spanish word Lago (Lake). It holds a prestigious place in Philippine history as:

• The Birthplace of José Rizal: The national hero was born in Calamba; his ancestral home is now a major national shrine.
• A Revolutionary Stronghold: Laguna was one of the first eight provinces to rise against Spanish colonial rule, represented by one of the rays of the sun on the Philippine flag.
• Cultural Hub: It is home to the “Carving Capital” (Paete) and the “Footwear Capital” (Liliw), preserving centuries-old artisanal traditions.

Geography and Climate

Laguna’s landscape is a diverse blend of coastal plains, rugged mountains, and dormant volcanoes.

• Mount Makiling: A mystical dormant volcano and ASEAN Heritage Park located in Los Baños.
• Water Wealth: The province is famous for its “Seven Lakes” in San Pablo and numerous waterfalls, most notably the Pagsanjan (Magdapio) Falls.
• Climate: A tropical climate prevails, featuring a dry season from November to April and a wet season from May to October. The cool breezes from the lake and the mountains of Sierra Madre influence the local microclimates.

Economy: The “Silicon Valley” and “Detroit” of the Philippines

Laguna is the industrial powerhouse of the Philippines, often referred to as:

• The Detroit of the Philippines: Hosting major automotive assembly plants (Toyota, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Honda) in Santa Rosa and Biñan.
• Silicon Valley of the Philippines: Home to numerous semiconductor and electronics manufacturers in high-tech industrial parks.
• Agricultural Legacy: Despite rapid industrialization, it remains a top producer of coconuts, rice, and sugar. It is world-renowned for its Buko Pie, Espasol, and the Kesong Puti (white cheese) of Santa Cruz.

Cities and Municipalities

Laguna is composed of 6 cities and 24 municipalities. While the province is rapidly urbanizing, each locality maintains a distinct identity.

Major Attractions & Festivals

• Enchanted Kingdom (Santa Rosa): The country’s premier theme park.
• Hot Spring Capital: Calamba and Los Baños offer hundreds of resorts fueled by the geothermal heat of Mt. Makiling.
• Historical Gems: The Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery and the Baroque-style churches of Pila and Majayjay.
• Festivals: * Anilag Festival (Santa Cruz): The “Harvest of the Land” festival.
  • Turumba Festival (Pakil): The longest religious celebration in the country.
  • Sampaguita Festival (San Pedro): Celebrating the national flower.

Infrastructure and Education

Transportation: Laguna is highly accessible via the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) and the Cavite-Laguna Expressway (CALAX). The Philippine National Railways (PNR) provides commuter service from Manila to Calamba, while the Manila East Road serves the lakeside towns.

Education & Healthcare: The province is a center for academic excellence, anchored by the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), a global leader in agriculture and forestry research. Other major institutions include Laguna State Polytechnic University (LSPU), Colegio de San Juan de Letran, and Malayan Colleges Laguna.

Healthcare needs are met by a robust network of facilities, including the Laguna Medical Center in Santa Cruz and the Calamba Medical Center, ensuring high-quality care for its 3.38 million residents.

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