Laguna (original) (raw)

Laguna is a province of the Philippines found in the CALABARZON region in Luzon. Its capital is Santa Cruz and the province is located southeast of Metro Manila, south of the province of Rizal, west of Quezon, north of Batangas and east of Cavite. Laguna almost completely surrounds Laguna de Bay, the largest lake in the country. The province got its name from the Spanish word lago, which means lake.

Laguna is notable for being the birthplace of José Rizal, the country's national hero. Laguna is also famous among tourists for the Pagsanjan Falls, the wood carvings created by the people of Paete and Pakil, and the hot spring resorts in Los Baños on the slopes of Mt. Makiling.

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES

Province of Laguna

Capital: Santa Cruz

Population:
_2000 census_—1,965,872 (6th largest).
_Density_—1,117 per km² (3rd highest).

Area: 1,759.7 km² (17th smallest)

Governor: Teresita S. Lazaro (2001-2004)

People and Culture

Economy

Geography

Political

Laguna is subdivided into 20 municipalities and 2 cities.

Cities

• Calamba City
• San Pablo City

Municipalities

Cavinti

• Famy

• Kalayaan

• Liliw

• Los Baños

• Luisiana

• Lumban

• Mabitac

• Magdalena

• Majayjay

• Nagcarlan

• Paete

• Pagsanjan

• Pakil

• Pangil

• Pila

• Rizal

• San Pedro

• Santa Cruz

• Santa Maria

• Santa Rosa

• Siniloan

• Victoria

Physical

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

The eastern portion of Laguna straddles the southernmost portions of the Sierra Madre mountain range.

Tourist Attractions

Rizal Shrine. The Rizal Shrine is located in Calamba City and features the home of José Rizal.

Pagsanjan Falls. The Pagsanjan Falls used to be called the Magdapio Falls but have become popularly known as the Pagsanjan Falls because the trip starts in Pagsanjan. The falls are actually located upstream in Cavinti, and not in Pagsanjan as many think. The boat ride goes through many rapids before reaching the falls.

Enchanted Kingdom.

History

Laguna was one of the first sites of the Philippine Revolution. Calamba City is the birthplace of José Rizal, the country's national hero.

External Links

• Official Website of the Provincial Government of Laguna
• Cavinti, Laguna Philippines