Laguna Province
is located some 30 kilometers south of Manila. It is bounded on the north by Rizal, on the east and south by Quezon, and on the west by Cavite and Batangas.

BRIEF PROFILE
Capital:	Sta. Cruz
Land Area:	1,823.6 km²
Population:	2,669,847 (2010)
Cities:	Biñan, Cabuyao, Calamba, San Pablo, Santa Rosa and Los Baños
Municipalities:	24

The land_______________________________

Narrow plains can be found along the shores of Laguna de Bay but mountainous towards Sierra Madre in the east, Mt. Makiling in the west, and Mt. Banahaw in the south.

Laguna has no distinct seasons. Climate differs in the different areas of the province. Climate is cool in the mountainous parts while the plains are somewhat warmer.

A Brief History___________________________

Laguna derives its name from "La Laguna" (the lake), referring to Laguna de Bay, the largest inland body of water in the Philippines, which forms the province´s northern boundary.

The province and surrounding areas were conquered by Spain in 1571. Seven years later, Franciscan friars started the work of Christianization. Soon, towns around the lake were founded. In 1678, San Pablo de los Montes (now San Pablo City) was established.

The town of Bay was the capital of the province until 1688, when it was transferred to Pagsanjan and later in 1852, to Sta. Cruz. Laguna was one of the first eight provinces to rise in revolt against Spain.

The town of Calamba is the birthplace of the country's national hero, Dr. Jose Percival Rizal.

The People______________________________

Majority of the population speak Tagalog. A small percentage speak Ilocano, Bicol, or Waray.

Commerce and Industry_____________________

Agriculture and fishery are the main industries that contribute a great part in the provincial economy.

Crops produced in the province are rice, sugarcane, and fruits, specifically citrus and lanzones. The province is also the second-largest producer of coconuts in the country.

The province is also noted for its woodcarvings, papier-mache figures, barong materials, and linen.

Getting There and Away_____________________

Buses serve the Manila-Laguna route.

Other Information__________________________

Pangsanjan Falls is one of the most-visited tourist attractions in the province.

Lake Caliraya in the town of Lumban, north of Pagsanjan, is a man-made mountain lake that also serves as a large reservoir, built to supply water to a hydroelectric plant. The lake is excellent for aqua sports, such as boating, wind surfing and water skiing. A Japanese garden is sprawled over several hectares of slightly rugged and rolling land.

Hidden Valley is a spring resort located in a secluded part of Alaminos town. A hidden waterfall, swimming pools, and a hanging bridge can be seen in the resort.

Discovering the way to the resorts is an adventure in itself. A narrow road lined with coconut trees and lush vegetation leads to the resort. Hot spring resorts abound in Calamba town.

A visit to Calamba is not complete without touring the Rizal Shrine, a two-story, red-tile-roofed Spanish house that displays memorabilia of the country's national hero.

The University of the Philippines in Los Baños is the premier agricultural school in the country. Its sprawling campus at the foot of Mt. Makiling includes a 4000- hectare forest reserve.