History of BATANGAS Province Region IV - A BATANGAS: Best of the Islands Philippines Early Beginnings Long before the Spaniards came, large centers of population already thrived in Batangas. Native settlements lined the Pansipit River, a major waterway. Mr. Robert C. Fox, an American archaeologist, revealed that based on archaeological findings particularly in Calatagan peninsula, the province has been trading with the Chinese since Yuan Dynasty until first phase of Ming Dynasty in the 13th and 15th century. Inhabitants of the province were also trading with Japan and India. Historians believed that the present Batangueños were descendants of the Bornean datus, Datu Dumangsil and Datu Balensusa who sailed from Borneo to Panay Island as far as Taal Lake. They organized the first Malay settlement at the mouth of Taal River. They eventually set up their own settlement in the place and founded the town of Taal in 1572. The towns of Balayan, Lipa, and Batangas were founded later. In 1570, Martin de Goiti and Juan de Salcedo , two Spanish generals explored the coast of Batangas on their way to Manila and came upon a Malay sttlement at the mouth of Taal River. In 1572, the town of Taal was founded and its convent and stone church were constructed later. Batangas was founded in 1581. Originally, it was composed of the present provinces of Batangas, Mindoro, Marinduque, Southeast of Laguna and even far Camarines. After several devastating eruptions of Taal Volcano, the smallest volcano in the world, the old Taal town site was buried. The capital was eventually transferred to Batangas (now a city) in 1754 where it has remained to date. The name "Batangas" was derived from the word "batang," which is a term of the natives for the numerous logs found in the Calumpang River, the body of water that runs through the northeastern portion of the town and assumes the shape of a tuning fork. Batangas was also among the first of the eight Philippine provinces to revolt against Spain and also one of the provinces placed under Martial Law by Spanish Governor General Ramon Blanco on August 30, 1896. During the Spanish-American War, many outstanding Batangueños made names in our history. Most notable of them are Apolinario Mabini, also known as the sublime paralytic and "Brains of the Revolution"; Marcela Agoncillo who made the present Philippine flag, and General Miguel Malvar who was recognized as the last Filipino general to surrender to the Americans. For this, Batangas also came to be known as the "cradle of heroes and nationalists." Batangas is the home of sages and the birthplace of the country´s notable nationalists. Historical places have been the legacy of the old eras. Natural resources and picturesque views abound in the area. Numerous fine beaches have been the sought-after -sites. And a few kilometers away from the shore will bring the more adventurous ones to diverse dive sites, from the ones fit for a novice (relatively shallow, constant water current), up to the ones for those who may call themselves experts. The proximity of Batangas to Manila and the good quality of most of the main provincial roads are advantageous for the existing attractions and facilities of the province. The tourism industry has been regarded as a contributor to the economy of the province. Batangas first came to be known as Bonbon. It was named after the mystical and fascinating Taal Lake, which was also originally called Bonbon. Some of the earliest settlements in Batangas were established at the vicinity of Taal Lake. In 1534, Batangas became the first practically organized province in Luzon. Balayan was the capital of the province for 135 years from 1597-1732. In 1732, it was moved to Taal, then the flourishing and most progressive town in the province. Batangas was also one of the few provinces in the country which can boast of having a distinctive culture of its own. The song and dance repertoire called "kumintang" is of Batangas origin. Because of this, it came to be known as "La Provincia del Cumintang". Brief History Founded in 1581, Batangas used to be a bigger province composed of the present Batangas, Mindoro, Marinduque, and the southeastern portion of Laguna. It used to be called Balayan, with this town as the capital. In the beginning of the 17th century, Marinduque and the Mindoro were made into separate provinces. In 1732, the capital was transferred to Taal. Finally, in 1754, the capital was transferred to Batangas and the province was thereafter named after the new capital town. Geography The province of Batangas is bounded on the north by the provinces of Cavite and Laguna, on the south by the Verde Island Passage, on the east by the provinces of Quezon and Laguna, and on the west by the South China Sea. It has a land area of 316,580 hectares. The terrain is generally rolling. 50% of the total land area has grade of less than 15 degrees. The rest are mountainous and hilly. DIFFERENT MUNICIPALITIES IN BATANGAS Agoncillo, Batangas Agoncillo is a 3rd class municipality in the Province of Batangas, Philippines. According to the latest census, it has a population of 33,990 people in 5,029 households. It is located 120 km (74 mi) south of Manila, a two hour drive via the scenic route of Tagaytay Ridge and R. Diokno Highway. It is 32 km (19 mi) away from Batangas City, the provincial capital. Bounded in the east by approximately 10 km (6 mi) lakeshore of Taal Lake, in the south by the municipality of San Nicolas, separated by Pansipit River on the west by the municipality of Lemery and on the north by the municipality of Laurel. History During the Second World War under the Japanese Occupation, the occupation of the Imperial Japanese armed forces entering the towns in Agoncillo. During the Battle for the Liberation of Batangas in 1944 to 1945, local Filipino troops of the 4th, 42nd, 43rd and 45th Infantry Division of the Philippine Commonwealth Army and 4th Infantry Regiment of the Philippine Constabulary was fought side by side and recapturing the towns in Agoncillo to helping the local guerrilla fighters and defeats Japanese Imperial forces ended World War II. The Town of Agoncillo was originally a part of Lemery. In 1945, an executive committee was formed by the first appointed Mayor Jacinto Mendoza Sr. to prepare a resolution, requesting the Secretary of the Interior, Malacañang Palace, through the provincial board to detach and separate 11 barrios and be created a municipality. By virtue of an Executive Order issued by President President Elpidio Quirino, the Municipality of Pansipit was created. But the Municipal Council of Lemery passed a resolution requesting for the revocation and suspension of the said creation. Thus, another executive order was endorsed for the conduct of a plebiscite to ascertain the true sentiments of the residents regarding the issue of separation. Finally, on April 17, 1949, Executive Order No. 212 was issued by President Quirino, lifting the suspension and thereby, authorizing the immediate organization of the Municipality under the name of Agoncillo, in honor of Don Felipe Agoncillo, a native of Taal and one of the first Filipino representatives to the Spanish Cortes. Current Officials The current set of local government officials were elected in 2010 and their term will expire in 2013. The municipal mayor is Glorioso R. Martinez. Atty. Daniel D. Reyes is the vice mayor and presiding officer of the Sangguniang Bayan which is composed of May Lacap - Martinez, John L. Angulo, Leonarda A. Enriquez, Victorino M. Landicho, Herman C. Brotonel, Domingo C. Encarnacion, Constantino V. Hernandez, Maurice E. Punzalan, Antonio G. Maligaya (ABC President) and Anna Mher Rose A. Martinez (SKMF President) as members. Barangays Agoncillo is politically subdivided into 21 barangays.  Adia Bagong Sikat Balangon Banyaga Bilibinwang Bangin Barigon Coral Na Munti Guitna Mabini Pamiga Panhulan Pansipit Poblacion Pook San Jacinto San Teodoro Santa Cruz Santo Tomas Subic Ibaba Subic Ilaya Alitagtag, Batangas Alitagtag is a 4th class municipality in the Province of Batangas, Philippines. According to the latest census, it has a population of 22,794 people in 3,708 households. It is bordered on the north by Taal Lake, Cuenca and San Jose to the east, Santa Teresita and San Luis to the west and Bauan and San Pascual to the south. Barangays Alitagtag is politically subdivided into 19 barangays. In 1957, the following barrios were created: Pingas, composed of sitios Pingas and Corral; Tadlak, composed of sitios Tadlak and Malukan; and Sambi composed of the sitio of Sambi. Balagbag Concepcion Concordia Dalipit East Dalipit West Dominador East Dominador West Munlawin Sur Munlawin Norte Muzon Primero Muzon Segundo Pinagkursan Ping-As Poblacion East Poblacion West San Jose Santa Cruz Tadlac San Juan Balayan, Batangas Balayan is one of the oldest, prosperous and historical towns in the Batangas Province. Land Area : More than 20,000 hectares Natural Resources : Sugarcane, Coconut and Corn Famous Product : Bagoong Balayan Highlight Events : Parada ng Litson - June 24 Fiesta of Immaculada Conception - Dec. 8 Location : North - Tuy East - Calaca South - Balayan Bay West - Calatagan & Lian Part of Balayan’s beauty is its close affinity to history. The town was one of the first settlements in the Philippines, with existing records of local residents exchanging barter goods with Chinese traders dating back to the mid-14th century. The area of Balayan figured greatly in Chinese records as the center of the country they called Mai-I, which was derived from the ancient word “Bai,” meaning “house.” Over time, the name shifted to “Balay,” after the Visayan, until the final name of Balayan was coined. Despite the presence of Spanish forces in the Philippines, a number of areas around the archipelago were often plagued by attacks from Muslims. In the mid-18th century, Muslims were able to take over the town, keeping it under their control for two months. When they left, they burned the whole town. The event prompted local officials to set up a fort to prevent further Muslim attacks. With much of the town’s life steeped in Spanish colonial culture, starting with the coming of Franciscan friars in 1572, it is not surprising that it values this part of its past. Balete, Batangas Balete is a 5th class municipality in the Province of Batangas, Philippines. According to the latest census, it has a population of 19,252 people in 3,067 households. Balete is well known for its location, because of the panoramic view of the Taal Volcano. Incumbent Mayor David Pamplona was assassinated in Brgy. Bulihan, Malvar, Batangas on February 13, 2008.[1] Barangays Balete is politically subdivided into 13 barangays. Alangilan Calawit Looc Magapi Makina Malabanan Paligawan Palsara Poblacion Sala Sampalocan Solis San Sebastian Batangas City, Batangas BATANGAS CITY is a 1st class and capital city in Batangas, Philippines. It is also the largest city in Batangas which is the center for trade and seaport as well as sugar plantation in the region. Other products are also manufactured in the city, such as silk, cotton fabrics and coconut oil. HISTORY In the year 1572, Spanish missionaries came to Batangas City before a settlement was founded in 1581 and later named the settlement as “Batangan” referring to big logs or “Batang” abundant in Calumpang River. Then in 1601, the name was changed to Batangas. The place has been the capital and administrative center of the province since 1754. And during the American occupation on July 4, 1909, a civil government was established under the American regime. In the onset of World War II on December 12, 1941, Batangas airport was totally destroyed by the bombing of Japanese planes. The creation of becoming Batangas as a City was put into law and signed by the late President Ferdinand Marcos on June 21, 1969, by virtue of Republic Act No. 5495. It was on July 23, 1969 when the Batangas City government was formally established. Foreign Rule The first Spanish missionaries arrived in Batangas City since 1572. Finally on 1581 Spanish authorities governing the Philippines created a pueblo in the area which included the hill (now Hilltop) where the present Provincial Capitol of Batangas stands after the formal end of the Coumintang Kingdom. The town was named "Batangan" because huge logs, locally called "batang", abounded in the place. The Spanish government appointed Don Agustin Casilao as Batangan's first gobernadorcillo. Said title of "little governor" as head of the pueblo or municipio was replaced in 1894 by "capital municipal." It is not clear who succeeded Casilao nor is it known whether there were subsequent appointments of capital municipal. Don Agustin Casilao is sometimes referred to as Agustino or Augustino in some sources. By 1870, its barangays were Balagtas, Bilogo, Bolbok, Bukal, Catandala, Konde, De La Paz, Kumintang Ibaba, Matuko, Mapagong, Paharang Kanluran, Pairang, Pinamucan, Patulo, Sampaga, San Agapito, San Isidro ang Talahib. At the coming of the Americans in early 1900s local civil government of Batangas was set up. It took effect on July 4, 1901 with Jose Villanueva elected as "Municipal President." His term expired in 1903. Subsequent elections installed the following as municipal presidents: Juan Palacios, 1904–1905; Jose Arguelles, 1906; Marcelo Llana, 1907; Sisenando Ferriols, 1908–1909; Ventura Tolentino, 1910–1914; Julian Rosales, 1915; Juan Gutierrez, 1916–1919; Julian Rosales, 1920–1922; Juan Buenafe, 1923–1930; Perfecto Condez, 1931–1937; Juan Buenafe, 1938-1940. In 1941 the title "Municipal President" was changed to "Municipal Mayor." Pedro Berberabe was elected first municipal mayor. Batangas City was severely damaged due to the Japanese A6M Zero bombardment and on December 12, 1941, the Batangas Airport which is located in Brgy. Alangilan is totally destroyed. On October 14, 1943, municipal councilor Roman L. Perez was appointed Mayor by the Japanese after the inauguration of the Second Republic of the Philippines. Liberation begun when 158th Regimental Combat Team (or 158th RCT) under the command of the US 6th Army reached Poblacion, Batangas City by March 11 during the Philippines Liberation Campaign of 1944–45. By the end of April the same that year, some elements of the 188th Glider Infantry Regiment of the 11th Airborne Division was left to clear the barangays east and mountains south of the city as the main Allied Force continued their drived towards the Quezon Province. Some of hundreds thousands local Filipino soldiers and officers of the 4th and 42nd Infantry Division of the Philippine Commonwealth Army and 4th Infantry Regiment of the Philippine Constabulary was entering and re-invaded in Batangas City. Throughout the battle, recognized Filipino Guerrilla fighters played an important key role in the advancement of the combined American and Philippine Commonwealth troops, providing key roads and information for the Japanese location of defenses and movements. Hostilities ended as the war came closer to the end. Independence and onwards After the Liberation, Pres. Manuel Roxas issued his reappointment. Mayor Perez ran and won in 1944, the first post-War elections in the country. In November 1949 he was killed by an unknown assassin. Vice Mayor Atilano Magadia succeeded the late Mayor Perez. He served until 1951. Mayor Macario Chavez was elected in 1951. His four-year term ended in 1955. People voted Pedro S. Tolentino overwhelmingly as mayor in 1956. He was reelected three times. It was during his fourth term (mid 1969) that Congress approved the Charter, a milestone event which made him the first city mayor of Batangas. Other succeeding mayors followed are Mayor Macario M.Mendoza, 1974–1979; Alfredo M. Borbon, 1979–1980, Conrado C. Berberabe, 1980–1986; Jose M. Atienza, 1986–1987; Mario M. Perez, 1987, Eduardo B. Dimacuha, 1988–1998, Angelito D. Dimacuha, 1998–2001 and again Eduardo B. Dimacuha, 2001-2010. Meanwhile, on January 19, 2008, Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo opened Phase II project of the Batangas City International Container Port (with turn-over to the Philippine Ports Authority). She also inspected a major road project in Southern Tagalog. She then inspected the P1.5-billion Southern Tagalog Arterial Road (STAR), Stage II-Phase 1 connecting Lipa (19.74 kilometers and Batangas and the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) road widening, expansion and the STAR toll way development projects in Batangas. THE LAND Batangas City has a total land area of 27,633.26 hectares, with rolling terrains that range from 0% to 30% in slope. The land use of the city has rapidly changed from 1946 as a major agricultural land use to becoming a major developed urban center, and since 1981 the City is now an urban commercial and industrial center. Residential land use comprises almost 30% of the total land area and Industrial areas composed of 2,328.56 hectares of the total land area. THE PEOPLE The current population of the City is 264,658 people with an annual growth rate of 3.39% in 53,685 households. Predominant language used in Batangas is Tagalog, and some linguists say the City is the ‘Heart of the Tagalog Language’. Some residents can also speak Spanish since Batangas was an important centre during the colonial period. COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY The City of Batangas is particularly known as the "Industrial Port City of Calabarzon" and is now the fastest urbanizing cities in the country today. The City is one of the nation's top revenue earning cities and the site of one of the biggest oil refineries in the Philippines; it also houses three power plants using natural gas. Batangas harbor was also declared as an International Port and an alternate port of Manila. Since the City was identified as an industrial growth center in the region and being the focal point of the CALABARZON program resulted in the increase number of business establishments. CLIMATE Batangas has two distinct seasons, the Dry Season which generally commence in the months of February to April with temperature that ranges to 29.30 ºC; and then the Rainy season starts from the months of July to October. However, typhoons and depressions most frequently affect the city during the months from October to December. The City generally has a cool season during the months of December to January. LOCAL PRODUCTS The City of Batangas is famous for its hand embroideries, knives such as “Balisong” and special sausages. Pineapple leaves are also processed to be a cloth known as “Gusi” and eventually use for making a Barong Tagalog, the National Costume of the Philippines. Cattle-raising is also evident in the City, and there are some areas in which cattles are auctioned particularly in the municipalities of San Juan and Bauan. Sugar is also a major industry with Central Azucarera Don Pedro as the largest sugar producer, thus variety of sweets and rice cakes can be bought here. FAMOUS FOODS Tourists can enjoy a variety of foods in the City from fresh fruits such as pineapples to fresh sea foods such as fish species of Tambakol, Tulingan, Bonito, Tanigue, Tawilis (freshwater sardine), bangus, and Tilapia. RELIGION The City is currently the home of the Archdiocese of Lipa, one of the most powerful centers of Roman Catholic Church in the Philippines. Batangueños have a term equivalent to almost all the major Catholic terms and dogmas long before the Spaniard came to the country. Barangays Batangas City is politically subdivided into 105 barangays: • Alangilan • Balagtas • Balete • Banaba Center • Banaba Kanluran • Banaba Silangan • Banaba Ibaba • Bilogo • Maapas • Bolbok • Bukal • Calicanto • Catandala • Concepcion • Conde Itaas • Conde Labak • Cuta • Dalig • Dela Paz • Dela Paz Pulot Aplaya • Dela Paz Pulot Itaas • Domoclay • Dumantay • Gulod Itaas • Gulod Labak • Haligue Kanluran • Haligue Silangan • Ilijan • Kumba • Kumintang Ibaba • Kumintang Ilaya • Libjo • Liponpon, Isla Verde • Mahabang Dahilig • Mahabang Parang • Mahacot Silangan • Mahacot Kanluran • Malalim • Malibayo • Malitam • Maruclap • Mabacong (Matoco) • Pagkilatan • Paharang Kanluran • Paharang Silangan • Pallocan Silangan • Pallocan Kanluran • Pinamucan • Pinamucan Ibaba • Pinamucan Silangan • Barangay 1 (Pob.) • Barangay 10 (Pob.) • Barangay 11 (Pob.) • Barangay 12 (Pob.) • Barangay 13 (Pob.) • Barangay 14 (Pob.) • Barangay 15 (Pob.) • Barangay 16 (Pob.) • Barangay 17 (Pob.) • Barangay 18 (Pob.) • Barangay 19 (Pob.) • Barangay 2 (Pob.) • Barangay 20 (Pob.) • Barangay 21 (Pob.) • Barangay 22 (Pob.) • Barangay 23 (Pob.) • Barangay 24 (Pob.) • Barangay 3 (Pob.) • Barangay 4 (Pob.) • Barangay 5 (Pob.) • Barangay 6 (Pob.) • Barangay 7 (Pob.) • Barangay 8 (Pob.) • Barangay 9 (Pob.) • Sampaga • San Agapito, Isla Verde • San Agustin Kanluran, Isla Verde • San Agustin Silangan, Isla Verde • San Andres, Isla Verde • San Antonio, Isla Verde • San Isidro • San Jose Sico • San Miguel • San Pedro • Santa Clara • Santa Rita Aplaya • Santa Rita Karsada • Santo Domingo • Santo Niño • Simlong • Sirang Lupa • Sorosoro Ibaba • Sorosoro Ilaya • Sorosoro Karsada • Tabangao Aplaya • Tabangao Ambulong • Tabangao Dao • Talahib Pandayan • Talahib Payapa • Talumpok Kanluran • Talumpok Silangan • Tinga Itaas • Tinga Labak • Tulo • Wawa MAJOR TOURIST SPOTS AQUASPORTS Tourists can try parachuting with the jump of point in Barradas Air Strip. This adventurous sport is provided in Barangay Santolan of Tanauan, Batangas. It provides an air field and facilities such as Single Engine Airplanes, Crop Sprayers, flying schools and charter planes. BASILICA OF SAN MARTIN DE TOURS Taal Basilica was built in 1575 in San Nicolas in honor of the Patron Saint Martin De Tours. In 1754, this Church was destroyed when Taal Volcano erupted and was later rebuilt in 1755. However it was again destroyed in 1849 due to earthquake. Then in 1856, the present Church was then constructed. The facade of the Church has a baroque architecture with single mass of stone shaped into rich and complex designs, arched openings, and segmental canopies. BATANGAS SUBLI-AN This is a festival that is celebrated annually in July 23. This festive features a ‘Subli’ indigenous dance with a song accompaniment. CARMELITE CONVENT OF LIPA This convent is situated in Lipa City and is said to be a mysterious site since the shower of petals occurred here to a visionary nun after World War II. CASA DE SEGUNDA KATIGBAK The Casa is a typical "Bahay na Bato" with Spanish architecture, named after the first love of Dr. Jose P. Rizal (Philippines' national hero), Segunda Katigbak. This house is considered as a heritage house situated in Calle Rizal, Lipa City. CATTLES PARADE This is a festival that is celebrated ever December 3 annually in honor of Nasugbu’s patron, St. Francis Xavier. This festive is ended with an auction of cows at the town plaza. CHURCH OF OUR LADY CASAYSAY This is situated in Taal and it features cultural artifacts dating from the Spanish era, such as the image of the Virgin Mary that was fished out of the waters in 1603, Augustinian emblems, ornately carved holy water receptacle, and Baroque motifs. CHURCH OF SAN JOSE This Church was built by an Augustinian friar in 1812; it features geometrical decorations and flowery capitals on the columns with rounded columns encircling the image of St. Joseph. Outside the Church stands a 19th century multi-tiered belfry. GENERAL MALVAR MUSEUM AND LIBRARY This is located near the municipal hall of Batangas that serves as memorial to the last Filipino general who surrendered to the American forces. This museum houses the general’s memorabilia and collection of oil paintings. ILAGAN ANCESTRAL HOUSE This is situated in Marcela Agoncillo Street, Taal. This is one of the ancestral houses in Batangas. JOSE P. LAUREL MEMORIAL LIBRARY This is the personal property of the family of the late President Jose P. Laurel which now serves as a historical site and public library. LIPA CATHEDRAL This cathedral was completed in 1865 and was originally built in honor of St. Sebastian. This Church has a Romanesque architecture with circular dome, massive walls and balconies. The body of the church is barrel-vaulted and now illuminated by modern chandeliers. MABINI SHRINE The shrine features the remains and personal belongings of the late revolutionary hero and "Brains of the Katipunan," Apolinario Mabini. The Hero’s tomb lies at the middle of the site where a replica of the house where he was born also stands. MAINIT HOT SPRING This natural spring offers therapeutic waters and a refreshing dip for bathers. The place is situated at the foot of a huge mountain in Barangay Pulang Bato, San Juan. MARCELA N. AGONCILLO HISTORICAL LANDMARK AND MUSEUM This is a national landmark wherein Marcela N. Agoncillo, the distinguished Taaleña matron who helped sew the first Philippine flag lived. MOUNT MACULOT The name of the mountain was derived from curly-haired aborigines of the place in the early years; “Maculot” means Kinky hair. This is the highest and prominent mountain in Batangas. Trekkers usually love this site. Several tunnels built by the Japanese soldiers are present in the area. PARADA NG MGA LECHON This is a parade of Roast Pig in Balayan, Batangas during June 24. Various lechons or roast pigs from each community are paraded at the town plaza. The townsfolk and guests partake in the fete after the parade. PUNTA BALUARTE This resort is situated in the rolling hills of Hacienda Bigaa and offers world-class golf course and first-rate accommodations for tourists. PUNTA DE SANTIAGO LIGHTHOUSE This lighthouse was built in 1890 and is still functioning up to this date, located in Calatagan, Batangas. TAAL HERITAGE VILLAGE This village is the most preserved site dating back from the Spanish era, similar to the houses in Vigan, Ilocos Sur. TAAL LAKE AND VOLCANO This Volcano is Southern Luzon's centerpiece attraction, a gateway for most visitors going to Tagaytay City. It is surrounded by a lake. Taal Volcano is said to be the smallest volcano in the world. TAPUSAN FESTIVAL This festival is celebrated in honor of the Holy Cross, situated in Alitagtag, Batangas. The observance peaks on the 31st of May with a colorful procession. The cross is mounted on a gaily decorated float together with other floats with flowers carrying other Marian images. THE ARCHDIOCESE OF LIPA This Archdiocese is the first and only diocese in the whole Philippine Archipelago that fully inculcates the Roman Catholic Doctrine for the ethnic groups in Batangas. The Archdiocese discusses the tenets of faith, brief history of the province and its people. VERDE ISLAND This Island is the most popular dive sites in Batangas. It has been declared as the 'Centre of the Centre' of Marine Biodiversity of the World. Other destination sites are: BEACHES AND DIVING SITES: Batalan • Caban Cove • Gerthel Beach (Lobo) • Hugon Beach (Barangay Hugon, San Juan) • Layag-Layag Point • Mabuhay Beach (Matabungkay, Lian) • Mahabang Buhangin (Isla Verde) • Mahabang Buhangin (Laiva, San Juan) • Malahibong Manok Island • Merriel’s Rock Point • Munting Buhangin Beach (Nasugbu) • Natipuan Beach (Nasugbu) • Sepok Point (Maricaban/Tingloy Island) • Sombrero Island • Submarine Garden (Lobo) • Tinalunan (Isla Verde) OTHER LANDMARKS: Cathedral • Cueva Sitio (Isla Verde) • Escuela Pia • Leon Apacible Historical Landmark • Ligpo Island • Maricaban / Tingloy • Papaya Point NATURAL FALLS: • Bulalacao Falls (Bulaklakan, Lipa) • Calicon Falls (Barangay Calijon, Malvar) • Ilijan Falls (Barangay Ilijan) • Tingga Falls (Daang Ibaan, Batangas) MUSEUMS: • Apolinario Shrine • Miguel Malvar Hospital • Msgr. Clemente G. Yatco Museum (Basilica Site, Batangas) • Museo ng Batangas at Aklatang Panlalawigan GOLF SITES: • Calatagan Golf Club • Evercrest Banyan Tree Resort CHURCHES: • Church of Immaculate Conception of Bauan • Church of the Guillermo of Talisay • Tanauan Church HOW TO GET TO BATANGAS CITY BY LAND Land transportation services in the city are readily available by bus, public utility jeepneys, privately owned cars and jeeps, and tricycles. For trips going to Metro Manila and neighboring provinces, the commuters can avail the public utility bus system, the largest of which is the Alps, The Bus Inc. which has 55 units followed by Triffman Liner which has 49 units of bus. It is approximately 112 kilometers away from Manila and can be traveled by land for 2½ hours. Education Batangas State University (Pambansang Pamantasan ng Batangas) formerly Pablo Borbon Memorial Institute of Technology is a technology-based curriculum university occupying 10 campuses throughout the Province of Batangas. Centered in the capital of the province, the university is listed in 101 top accredited colleges and universities of the Philippines and was named as one of the best mechanical engineering schools before the Professional Regulation Commission Licensure Examination in March 2010. Lyceum of the Philippines University, Batangas (formerly Lyceum of Batangas) is an institute of higher education in Capitol Site, Batangas City. It was founded by Dr. Sotero H. Laurel in 1966 using the education philosophy of his father, former President José P. Laurel. Its flagship courses were Nursing, Medical Technology, Marine Engineering, and Customs Administration. Now, Lyceum of the Philippines University has 42 degree and non-degree programs. The school employs over 500 teaching and non-teaching personnel to cater to the needs of its 10,000 students, the biggest amongst all Lyceum campuses. University of Batangas, the former Western Philippine College, is a private university in Batangas City. Established in 1946, the university offers pre-elementary, elementary, high school, undergraduate and graduate studies. Stonyhurst Southville International School is the only international school in Batangas under a legislation signed by the President of the Philippines, accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges in the US, and ISO 9001:2008 certified. Its main campus is located at Gulod Itaas, Batangas City; its new campus is at Malarayat Campus, Lipa City. SSIS offers pre-school, grade school and high school education. One of its distinctive features is the offering of foreign language for grade school and high school and business subjects in high school. Saint Bridget College is a private Catholic education institution located in M.H. del Pilar Street. Saint Bridget College is one the few major schools in Batangas City and throughout the Province of Batangas. Westmead International School is a multilevel school located in Brgy. Gulod Labac, Batangas City that offers primary and secondary educations, college undergraduate degrees and as well as technical-vocational courses The Colegio ng Lungsod ng Batangas traces its beginning when Mayor Eduardo B. Dimacuha issued executive order No. 26 dated August 20, 2005 creating the Committee for the establishment of the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Batangas that will “provide quality but affordable education nore particularly to our talented but poor student populace." Another Ordinance No.1 s. 2006 dated February 20, 2006 was passed changing the name Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Batangas to Colegio ng Lungsod ng Batangas. Golden Gate Colleges Sunhill International Colleges STI Colleges - Batangas AMA Computer College - Batangas TESDA Regional Training Center ABCC Philippines - Batangas City AMA CLC - Batangas City Athena School for Technical & Vocational Advancement, Inc Cristo Rey Institute For Career Development Filipino Academy of Scientific Trades Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc Batangas Association for Guaranted Metalcraft & Engineer Technology Bauan, Batangas The Municipality of Bauan (Filipino: Bayan ng Bauan) is a first class municipality in the Province of Batangas, Philippines. According to the latest census, it has a population of 79,831 people in 15,353 households. Barangays Bauan is politically subdivided into 40 barangays. Barangay San Teodoro was created in 1953 from the sitio of Pook ng Buhangin from Barrio Ilat and the sitio of Cupang from Barrio Gelerang Kawayan.[1] In 1954, the sitio of Jipit in the barrio of San Antonio was converted to the barrio of Sto. Niño,[2] while the sitio of Pook ni Banal in the Barrio of Malaking Pook was converted into the barrio of Pook ni Banal.[3] The next year, sitio Pinagcurusan in barrio Maricaban and sitio Pinagcurusan in barrio Tingloy were constituted into barrio San Jose,[4] while sitio Pirasan in barrio Payapa was constituted into the barrio of San Juan.[5] In 1956 portions of San Andres and Bolo were separated to form the barrio of San Miguel.[6] The next year, sitio Puting Buhangin of barrio Magalanggalang was converted into barrio Orense. Alagao Aplaya As-Is Bagong Silang Baguilawa Balayong Barangay I (Pob.) Barangay II (Pob.) Barangay III (Pob.) Barangay IV (Pob.) Bolo Colvo Cupang Durungao Gulibay Inicbulan Locloc Magalang-Galang Malindig Manalupang Manghinao Proper Manghinao Uno New Danglayan Orense Pitugo Rizal Sampaguita San Agustin San Andres Proper San Andres Uno San Diego San Miguel San Pablo San Pedro San Roque San Teodoro San Vicente Santa Maria Santo Domingo Sinala Religious attribution and miracles The mission of Bauan was founded as a visita of Taal in 1590. It was administered by the Augustinians from 1596 and onwards when the first church was built at the slope of Mt. Maculot along the southern shores of the Taal Lake until the end of the 19th century. Another church was built in 1667 probably under the supervision of Fr. Jose Rodriguez (OSA) when it was relocated to Durungao. The church was again relocated in Lonal (or Loual) in 1671 by Fr. Nicolas de Rivera (OSA) who probably had a new structure built. The last relocation was in 1692 (or 1690) in its present site during the administration of Fr. Simon Martinez (OSA) who probably had a new church built that was damaged during the typhoon of 1694. Fr. Ignacio Mercado (OSA) had this rebuilt from 1695 to 1697. The church again suffered damages and was replaced by a stone structure during the administration of Fr. Blas Vidal (OSA) from 1700 to 1710. Fr. Jose Vitoria (OSA) who also introduced the cultivation of indigo in Bauan initiated building the present church in 1762 that was continued until 1856 during the administrations of Fr. Jose Trevino (OSA) and Fr. Hipolito Huerta (OSA). It was completed under the supervision of Fr. Felipe Bravo (OSA) in 1881. From there until 1894, final decorations were supervised by Fr. Moises Santos (OSA) and Fr. Felipe Garcia (OSA). The church is said to be the most artistically built in the province of Batangas during that time. Father Bravo was also an imminent botanist who put up a museum of natural history and collected rare books that were lost when the church was razed by fire during the Philippine revolution against Spain in 1898. The church was probably rebuilt and again destroyed by fire in 1938. It has been restored since then. Five years after the establishment of the ecclesiastical mission of Bauan, a giant cross made of anubing, a local hardwood was found in a dingin (a place of worship) near the town of Alitagtag that was said to have protected people of Bauan from pestilence, locusts, droughts, volcanic eruptions, and Moro raids. Based on a document found in the Bauan Cathedral Archives in 1790, Castro y Amoedo stated that the cross was made in 1595 from a very strong post of a demolished house and erected in the village of Alitagtag to drive away a plague of ghosts. The cross was described as 2.5 meters in height with a 1 meter crosspiece. It featured a golden sun embossed with a human face with radiating rays where the arms intersect (shades of anito worship). The cross was also said to walk around the village (perhaps while driving away the ghosts) and that water gushed from one of its arms. The miracles attributed to the cross attracted many devotees and a decision was made to move it to the bigger Bauan parish church. However, one priest tried to bring the cross to his church in the capital town of Taal but was prevented from doing so when "the sky became cloudy, and it began to thunder and emit dreadful lightning bolts". Before its enshrinement in Bauan however, the cross has decreased in size because devotees has chipped away pieces of the cross that were made into miniature replicas and were worn as necklace talismans. A Fr. Manuel de Zamora was also reported to have cut more than 1/3 from the foot of the cross (that were perhaps made into more miniature replicas) and distributed in Manila where a number of miracles were reported. What was left is what is being venerated today in the Bauan church. The town, the church, and the cross were later moved to a place called Dungarao to escape the violent eruptions of Taal Volcano, then to Loual (or Lonal), in an unidentified place in 1689, and finally to its present site near the sea in 1690 or probably 1692. Today, the people of Bauan pay homage to the cross by dancing the Subli. It is said that the Subli preceded Christianity in the Philippines and is in fact even pre-Spanish era's religious ritual. People still go the dingin or sambahan (where the cross was first erected) to pray Famous people from Bauan Vice President Jejomar Binay The Current Vice-President of the Republic of the Philippines. Elected during the 2010 elections. His term will end in 2016. Exectutive Judge Voltaire Ylagan Rosales Judge Rosales was an incorruptible judge that fought drug dealers while holding dear to his principles to uphold justice and to protect the poor and helpless. He has been recognized by different organizations around the Philippines including the Ateneo de Manila University and the De La Salle University for his courageous battle against criminality Calaca, Batangas Calaca is a first class municipality in the Province of Batangas, Philippines. According to the latest census, it has a population of 64,966 people in 11,306 households. The mayor of this municipality is Sofronio "Nas" C. Ona . It is the home of the lively Calacatchara festival (a portmanteau of Calaca and achara (chutney) named after the famous Philippine dish Atchara (chutney) (made from papaya). Barangays Calaca is politically subdivided into 40 barangays. • Bagong Tubig • Baclas • Balimbing • Bambang • Barangay 1 (Pob.) • Barangay 2 (Pob.) • Barangay 3 (Pob.) • Barangay 4 (Pob.) • Barangay 5 (Pob.) • Barangay 6 (Pob.) • Bisaya • Cahil • Camastilisan • Coral Ni Lopez (Sugod) • Coral Ni Bacal • Dacanlao • Dila • Loma • Lumbang Calzada • Lumbang Na Bata • Lumbang Na Matanda • Madalunot • Makina • Matipok • Munting Coral • Caluangan • Calantas • Niyugan • Pantay • Puting Bato West • Puting Kahoy • Puting Bato East • Quisumbing • Salong • Sinisian • Taklang Anak • Talisay • Tamayo • Timbain • Julao Calatagan, Batangas Calatagan is a 1st class municipality in the Province of Batangas, Philippines. According to the latest census, it has a population of 51,544 people in 9,201 households. The town comprises the Calatagan Peninsula between the West Philippine Sea and Balayan Bay. The peninsula's near white sand beaches are popular vacation and leisure sites for Manila's rich and famous. There are several beach resorts including the art-filled guesthouse called Banak House Calatagan, others like the Ronco Beach Resort in Brgy. Bagong Silang, Playa Calatagan in Brgy. Sta. Ana, the Golden Sunset Resort in Brgy Uno, and Lago de Oro Resort where one can go wakeboarding, Villa Agustina, Nacua. These are well-known local places for relaxation and respite from all the week's work. Calatagan was formerly titled as the Forbes Park of the South, because of the rich families who owns their estates here not minding the bad road condition before, anyway they have their helipads for their helicopters to land on. An extremely rare example of pre-Spanish Philippine script was found in Calatagan. The script is called Baybayin in Tagalog, and was derived from Javanese writing, which in turn is derived from Brahmi. This writing survives on an earthenware burial jar dated 13th century or 14th century. Barangays Calatagan is politically subdivided into 25 barangays. Barangay 1 (Pob.) Barangay 2 (Pob.) Barangay 3 (Pob.) Barangay 4 (Pob.) Bagong Silang Baha Balibago Balitoc Biga Bucal Carlosa Carretunan Encarnacion Gulod Hukay Lucsuhin Luya Paraiso Quilitisan Real Sambungan Santa Ana Talibayog Talisay Tanagan Cuenca, Batangas Cuenca is a 4th class municipality in the province of Batangas, Philippines. According to the latest census, it has a population of 28,581 people in 5,222 households. Once a part of San Jose it became an independent town under the name of "Cuenca" in 1876. Its famous tourist attraction Mt. Maculot (600 m or 1968 ft.). The Patron of Cuenca is Saint Isidore the Laborer, the patron of farmers celebrates his feast day during May. 15 History Cuenca was founded in 1875 by the decree of the Superior Gobierno issued on August 11, 1875. Another document states the barrios of Maculot, Dita, Ibabao, Labac, Bungahan and Dalipit be constituted into one civil and independent town due to its distance from the town of San Jose. In 1896, Cuenca had a population of 5,660, which increased to 6,938 in 1898. The town also played a role during World War II. Mt. Maculot became the strong hold of the Japanese forces in Batangas. They also built tunnels in some parts of Barangay Dita. During the Liberation, Cuenca was badly bombed which cause the deforestation of the slopes of the mountain. Rehabilitation was needed in order for the town to rise up from the ruins of the war. Local Filipino troops and officers of the 4th, 42nd and 45th Infantry Division of the Philippine Commonwealth Army and 4th Infantry Regiment of the Philippine Constabulary enters the liberated in Cuenca in 1944 to 1945 and helpul the local guerrilla resistance fighters and American liberation forces against the Japanese. Combined Filipino-American ground forces helped the town by rebuilding schools and bridges. A marker in Cuenca Central Elem. School shows the effort they did. Cuenca Institute was founded in 1947 in order to give secondary education and it is the oldest secondary institution in Cuenca. Back then, students who graduated elementary used to go to Batangas City or Manila and parents who could not afford to send their children to those places failed to give them a high school education. Cuenca became popular not only because of the mountain but to its number of bakers. In Manila, over 90% of all bakers come and started here, making Cuenca as "The Home Of The Bakers". Annually, festivals are made in honor of San Isidro Labrador. Barangays Cuenca is politically subdivided into 21 barangays. Don Juan was constituted as a barrio in 1954 from the sitios of Lungos ng Parang, Kulit, Lumampao, Pisa, Napapanayam and Lagundian.[1] Balagbag Bungahan Calumayin Dalipit East Dalipit West Dita Don Juan Emmanuel Ibabao Labac Pinagkaisahan San Felipe San Isidro Barangay 1 (Pob.) Barangay 2 (Pob.) Barangay 3 (Pob.) Barangay 4 (Pob.) Barangay 5 (Pob.) Barangay 6 (Pob.) Barangay 7 (Pob.) Barangay 8 (Pob.) Ibaan, Batangas Ibaan is a 4th class municipality in the Province of Batangas, Philippines. According to the latest census, it has a population of 45,649 people in 7,825 households. It is located 110 kilometers south of Manila. It is bounded on the north by San Jose and Lipa City; on the east by Rosario and Taysan; on the south by Batangas City; and on the west by Batangas City and San Jose, Philippines. It has a land area of 98.95 km2 (38 sq. mi)at an altitude of 300 ft. (91 m) above sea level. It is predominantly a Roman Catholic community, with minor percentage of Protestants and members of the Iglesia ni Kristo. Tagalog is the local dialect, however English is included in its educational curriculum and is often used in official dealings and transactions. Temperature is moderate both in its rainy and dry seasons, conducive to farming, agricultural and livestock production which are the usual occupation of the people. There are less and less farmers each year because locals resort to hog raising which provides better income. Other sources of income are being engaged in business and profession. Ibaan is also known as the home of the "kulambo" (mosquito net) because the production and trading of such nets belong to one of the most profitable businesses in the locality. Barangays Ibaan is politically subdivided into 26 barangays. Bungahan was constituted as a barrio in 1956.[1] Bago Balanga Bungahan Calamias Catandala Coliat Dayapan Lapu-lapu Lucsuhin Mabalor Malainin Matala Munting-Tubig Palindan Pangao Panghayaan Poblacion Quilo Quilo Ilaya Quilo Ibaba Sabang Salaban I Salaban II San Agustin Sandalan Sto. Niño Talaibon Tulay Laurel, Batangas Laurel is a fourth class municipality in the Province of Batangas, Philippines. According to the latest census, it has a population of 34,953 people in 5,153 households. This town is named in honor of Miguel Laurel known as the first Laurel in the Philippines. The Significance of Miguel Laurel Three years of genealogical research have enabled the Laurel family to trace their ancestry to a scion of the Sultanate of Brunei in the 15th century before the coming of the Spaniards to the Philippines. The Sultan's eldest and heir had refused the throne because he loved to explore, travel, and seeking adventures. His name is Gat Masungit, a prince, an appellation that bespeaks a touchy temper. And instead of accepting his father's throne he had decamped from Brunei with his partisans and they had sailed off the islands that would later be known as the Philippines. The sultan was disappointed because Gat Masungit had all qualities to make a great leader. First they landed in Panay where Gat Masungit founded the town of Batan. (The people of Batan today still celebrate that foundation with a ritual frolic and dance known as Ati-Atihan.) Then he crossed over to Luzon, where they settled in the southern realm they called Batang-an, and which we know today as Batangas. In Batangas, Gat Masungit begot his first son, Gat Leynes. Of course this clan folk were Muslim until the coming of the Spaniards when the eldest son of Gat Leynes was baptized with a Christian name of Miguel Dela Cruz. Miguel grew up to be a fierce foe of the Spanish invaders. People looked up to him as a leader, the champion of their rights against the greed of their oppressors. He became a notorious outlaw and an enemy of the Spaniards. Old age came upon him and a desire to retire from war and strife. But how could he retire when his people still clung to his leadership? Miguel pondered for ways to escape his violent life. His wife suggested that he should ask the priest for help. “What?” roared the descendant of Gat Masungit. “How can a man in skirt help me?” he repeated. His wife calmly urged Miguel. One moonless night Miguel went to seek the priest of Taal to expound his problem. Here he was willing to lay down his arms. He poured out his violent ways against injustice of the Spanish conquerors. No matter where he went people would seek Miguel to champion their cause and the Spaniards search for his disposal. The priest gently put his hand on Miguel’s shoulder and said “Why not change your name”. Miguel had a puzzling look in his face and said “Which name should I take padre?” The priest paused for a few seconds and answered “Why not take the name Laurel… it means honor live the life of honor Miguel Laurel.” Henceforth the first Laurel had come to be. Barangays Laurel is politically subdivided into 23 barangays. As-Is Balakilong Berinayan Bugaan East Bugaan West Buso-buso Dayap Itaas Gulod Leviste Molinete Niyugan Paliparan Barangay 1 (Pob.) Barangay 2 (Pob.) Barangay 3 (Pob.) Barangay 4 (Pob.) Barangay 5 (Pob.) San Gabriel San Gregorio Santa Maria Ticub Lemery, Batangas Lemery is a 1st class municipality in the province of Batangas, Philippines. According to the latest census, it has a population of 76,090 people in 12,709 households. Facts The municipality got its name after the Spanish Governor-General José Lemery e Ibarrola Ney y González. Most of the people in Lemery are Tagalogs. In recent years, there's been a noticeable increase of Visayans in some barrios or barangays. The main language spoken is Tagalog, and a significant number now speaks Cebuano. A small number of families speak Spanish. Many among the educated class can speak English. Educational institutions Lemery boasts of a number of quality schools including: Gov. Feliciano Leviste Memorial National High School Payapa National High School St. Mary's Educational Institute Lemery Pilot Elementary School St. Jerome International School Lemery Colleges Batangas State University also has a campus in Lemery. These schools serve the educational requirements of the municipality's residents as well as that of nearby municipalities like Taal, San Luis, Agoncillo and San Nicolas. Hospitals Lemery can be considered as the center of medical health in its area in Batangas serving patients from Lemery and nearby municipalities. Some of the health institutions are the following: Batangas Provincial Hospital Metro Lemery Medical Center Our Lady of Caysasay Medical Center Lemery Doctors Medical Center Little Angels Medical Hospital Salazar Polyclinic St. Martin General Hospital Banks This municipality serves as a financial center for having top banks in the area: Banco de Oro Bank of the Philippine Islands Metrobank Landbank Philippine National Bank PSBank United Coconut Planters Bank Tourism Lemery is home to the Fantasy World, a still-being-constructed theme park which served as one of the locations of 2006 TV show of GMA Network entitled Majika and the movie Got to Believe of the late Rico Yan and Claudine Barretto.and it is located in (Brgy. Mayasang,Lemery). Lemery (Brgy Payapa) also hosts the Leisure Farms, the first hobby farming community and agro-tourism site in the country developed by Landco Pacific. You can also find an array of lovely beaches in the heart of Brgy. Nonong Casto. Barangays Lemery is politically subdivided into 46 barangays. In 1957, the sitio of Bagong Pook was separated from the barrio of Arumahan and constituted into an independent barrio,[1] while sitio of Masalisi was separated from Payapa. Anak-Dagat Arumahan Ayao-iyao Bagong Sikat Bagong Pook Balanga Bukal Cahilan I Cahilan II Dayapan Dita: Gulod Lucky Maguihan Mahabang Dahilig Mahayahay Maigsing Dahilig Maligaya Malinis Masalisi Mataas Na Bayan Matingain I Matingain II Mayasang Niugan Nonong Casto Palanas Payapa Ibaba Payapa Ilaya District I (Pob.) District II (Pob.) District III (Pob.) District IV (Pob.) Rizal Sambal Ibaba Sambal Ilaya San Isidro Ibaba San Isidro Itaas Sangalang Sinisian East Sinisian West Talaga Tubigan Tubuan Wawa Ibaba Wawa Ilaya Lian, Batangas Lian is a second class municipality in the Province of Batangas, Philippines. According to thelatest census, it has a population of 44,925 people in 8,215 households. The patron of Lian is Saint John the Baptist. Geography Barangays Lian is politically subdivided into 19 barangays. Bagong Pook Balibago Binubusan Bungahan Cumba Humayingan Kapito Lumaniag Luyahan Malaruhatan Matabungkay Barangay 1 or Bonbon(Pob.) Barangay 2 (Pob.) Barangay 3 (Pob.) Barangay 4 (Pob.) Barangay 5 or Tabok City (Pob.) Prenza Puting-Kahoy San Diego Climate The climate of Lian falls under the first type of classification, Type I, characterized by two pronounced seasons: Dry season from November to April and wet season for the rest of the year. Education and Culture Schools Lian Institute Lian national High school YALE Children School Grand Prairie Learning School Lian Central School Saint Claire Academy Malaruhatan Elementary School Matabungkay Elementary School San Diego Elementary School Bungahan Elementary School Bagong Pook Elementary School Prenza Elementary School Cumba Elementary School Lumanyag Elementary School Luyahan Elementary School Balibago Elementary School Matabungkay National High School Binubusan Elementary School Saint Anne Academy (formerly known as Binubusan Academy). Town Fiesta Lian's fiesta day is June 24 of every year to celebrate the birthdate of Saint John The Baptist (baptised Jesus Christ). It is being celebrated by five barangays in the Poblacion 1,2,3,4 & 5 respectively, Sitio Bag-bag also celebrate their fiesta on this day since they are much closer to town than to their respective barangays which is Kapito and Bungahan. Note that there is also a Bag-bag river, and Sitio Bag-bag is being shared by 2 barangays. Thus, Bag-bag Kapito and Bag-bag Bungahan which is just separated by the National Highway. Balsa Festival Nestled in Lian, Batangas is the quaint barangay of Matabungkay known for its wide beach, clear waters, creamy sand and the "Balsa" (Bamboo Beach Raft). Every year this small town will come alive in colorful celebrations as Matabungkay Beach Resort & Hotel hosts the Balsa Festival. The first ever Balsa Festival was held on 18 May 2002, aimed to help the local community by bringing back the town's popularity in the tourism map. With the continued support of the Department of Tourism, the Balsa Festival has become an annual event that gives both local and foreign tourists a reason to revisit Matabungkay and experience a different kind of festival. The festival is filled with more activities with the likes of Balsa Race Competition, Balsa Decor and Cultural Dance Competition, a concert and dance party by the beach, prominent media personalities and foreign executives to grace the Balsa Festival. Lipa City Lipa (Filipino: Lungsod ng Lipa) /Li-pâ/ is a city in the province of Batangas in the Philippines. It is one of the three cities in Batangas (the others are Batangas City and Tanauan). It is located 78 kilometres (48 mi) south of Manila and, according to the 2007 census, has a population of 260,558 in 41,962 households. Lipa City is approximately midway between Batangas and Sulu and from the eastern periphery of Surigao Province to the western international boundary of Palawan. The city is in the center of Region IV, at the heart of Batangas Province. Lipa City is bounded by the town of Santo Tomas in the northeast, San Pablo City of Laguna and San Antonio, Quezon in the east, the municipalities of Padre Garcia and Rosario in the southeast, the municipalities of Ibaan and San Jose in the southwest, the municipalities of Cuenca and Mataas Na Kahoy and Taal Lake in the west and the municipalities of Balete and Malvar in the northwest. The city's location, in a valley between Mount Malarayat and Mount Makulot, makes it a low-risk area for natural disasters. These two mountains serve as a windbreak during typhoons. Mount Makulot, in the west, also served as shield during eruptions of the Taal Volcano. Lipa City is a recreational, religious, commercial, industrial and educational center. Attractions include the Hotel la Corona de Lipa, Nestle Philippines, Lipa City Science High School, Canossa Academy, De La Salle Lipa, Lipa City Colleges, AMA Lipa, the Nazareth School, the San Sebastian Cathedral (seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Lipa), The Mabini Academy (founded in 1922, the oldest school in Lipa City), the Carmelite convent, Robinson's Place (Lipa Mall), Mount Malarayat Golf and Country Club, Summit Point Golf and Country Club and SM City Lipa Mall. The city is also home to the Fernando Air Base, former headquarters of the Philippine Air Force's 100th Training Wing and Air Education and Training Command (AETC), known in military circles as the Baguio of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. The Southern Tagalog Arterial Road (STAR) and South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) provide access to Batangas City and Metro Manila. LIPA CITY is a 1st class city in Batangas, Philippines. The city is situated 78 kilometers south side of Manila and bounded by Santo Tomas in the northeast, San Pablo Laguna and San Antonio of Quezon in the east side, Padre Garcia and Rosario in the southeast, Ibaan and San Jose in the southwest, Cuenca, Mataas na Kahoy and Taal Lake in the west side, and Balete and Malvar in the northwest. HISTORY The settlers of Taal Batangas between the 10th and 13th century A.D. were said to be colonial families founded by Datu Dumangsil and Balkasusa. The settlers purchased lands of Panay in the Visayas, and lowlands in Luzon which includes Batangas. The purchased lands were subdivided among the ten datus, and the Batangas Bay was given to the clans of Datu Dumangsil and Balkasusa. The descendants of the Bornean Tribe were the first origins of Lipa that spread out towards Laguna De Bay and Bicol Peninsula and other areas in Batangas. Then in the 15th to 16th century, trade relations emerged in the Batangas townsfolk with Chinese merchants. In 1605, the Augustinian Fathers made Tagbakin (southern shores of Taal Lake) the first settlement of Lipeños and built a mission center that was named San Sebastian. It was in 1702 when the place became a municipality and a parish in 1716. In 1724, Taal Volcano erupted and all the settlers moved to Balete. The settlers moved inland till 1756 in order to secure themselves from volcanic eruptions. Augustinian missionaries taught the townsfolk on the cultivation of coffee that later on flourished and made Lipa the richest municipality in the Philippines. Thus, on October 21, 1887 upon the order of Queen Regent Maria Christina of Spain, Lipa was re-named to “Villa de Lipa” and on January 1888 became a city. A few years later, Lipa City also cultivated other crops, vegetables, abaca, and engaged themselves in livestock raising, craftsmanship and other small industries such as weaving, embroidery, and sewing for women till the onset of World War II. On 1889 to 1894 Lipeños also served in the revolutionary republic. Then on August 31, 1947 Lipa became a chartered city under Republic Act 162, and was formally approved on June 20, 1947. THE LAND The total land area of Lipa is 24,465.93 hectares. Main land use is in Agricultural with 72.36% of the total land area, followed by forestry, and agro-industrial. Lipa City sits atop a mountain with an elevation of 1,025 feet above sea level. The terrain is characterized by rolling hills, plateaus and low mountains, the highest of which is Mount Makiling which is only 1,109 meters in elevation. THE PEOPLE According to the 2000 census, it has a population of 218,447 people in 41,962 households. COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY Currently, Lipa City is fast developing as a business center, with its massive infrastructure projects and with the linking of Port of Manila and Batangas International Port excellent transportation for trade and commerce is an added factor for the townsfolk. Lipa City is aggressive in its approach in making the city a vast industrial estate and meeting the needs of the businesses and industries in their area. For many years now, Lipa is the leading supplier of food in Manila which includes livestock and poultry. More and more economic steps and programs are being implemented by the local government in accordance to making the city a more progressive business center. CLIMATE Lipa City has a beautiful climate with warmer or colder months and heat is never too harsh even during summer. FAMOUS FOODS All tourists can try famous cuisines of Lipa City rich in spices, coconut milk, and hot chili which are traditional for all dishes in this city. RELIGION 99.5% of the total city population is Catholics, and the Archdiocese of Lipa today comprises the civil province of Batangas. The Diocese of Lipa was formed on April 10, 1910 and covered other provinces such as Batangas, Laguna, Quezon, Marinduque and Mindoro with Most Reverend Joseph Petrelli, D.D. as the first bishop. In 1950, Most Reverend Rufino Santos took over the diocese and was able to construct buildings and Cathedral of Lipa. Later on, Most Reverend Alejandro Olalia, D.D. became the next bishop assigned from 1953 to 1973. It was during his term that the Diocese of Lipa became the tenth Archdiocese and Ecclesiastical Province by order of the Holy Father, Pope Paul VI on June 20, 1972. Bishop Olalia’s position was also elevated to the rank of archbishop on August 15, 1972. However, in 1973 Bishop Olalia died and was replaced by Bishop Ricardo J. Vidal who stayed with the diocese until 1981. The latter bishop organized the Pastoral Council and constructed Lipa Archdiocesan Formation Center. Archdiocese of Lipa changed hands over the years, changes too were happening to its territorial jurisdiction over certain areas. Bishop Gaudencio Rosales was the elected Archbishop of Lipa since December 30, 1992. Currently, the archdiocese is divided into 6 vicariates, each headed by a vicar forane. Although some parishes are run by Oblates of St. Joseph and others are governed by Diocese clergy. There are 49 parishes in all, served by 143 priests. 122 are diocesan, 13 religious brothers, and 197 religious sisters. There are also 23 existing catholic schools, two high school seminaries, three college seminaries, and two pastoral centers. LIST OF “BARANGAYS” (or communities) Lipa City is subdivided into 72 barangays: Adya Anilao Anilao-Labac Antipolo Del Norte Antipolo Del Sur Bagong Pook San Sebastian (Balagbag) Balintawak Banaybanay Bolbok Bugtong na Pulo Bulacnin Bulaklakan Calamias Cumba Dagatan Duhatan Halang Inosloban Kayumanggi Labac Latag Lodlod Lumbang Mabini Malagonlong Malitlit Marauoy Mataas Na Lupa Munting Pulo Pagolingin Bata Pagolingin East Pagolingin West Pangao Pinagkawitan Pinagtongulan Plaridel Poblacion Barangay 1 Poblacion Barangay 10 Poblacion Barangay 11 Poblacion Barangay 2 Poblacion Barangay 3 Poblacion Barangay 4 Poblacion Barangay 5 Poblacion Barangay 6 Poblacion Barangay 7 Poblacion Barangay 8 Poblacion Barangay 9 Pusil Quezon Rizal Sabang Sampaguita San Benito San Carlos San Celestino San Francisco San Guillermo San Jose San Lucas San Salvador San Isidro (formerly Sapac) Sico Santo Niño Santo Toribio Talisay Tambo Tangob Tanguay Tibig Tipacan Poblacion Barangay 9-A Barangay 12 (Pob.) MAJOR TOURIST SPOTS CASA DE SEGUNDA This house is accredited by the National Historical Commission and is known to be the house of Segunda Katigbak, Dr. Jose Rizal’s first love. MARKER OF THE BURIAL GROUNDS The place is situated in Barangay Lumbang and served as a burial ground during the Japanese massacre. MOUNT CARMEL CHURCH The Church was known for the miraculous shower of petals in 1948 and for the Blessed Virgin Mary apparition to a Carmelite novice. MUSEO NG KATIPUNAN This museum is situated in Barangay Bulaklakan and has the original flag with blood stains of the Katipuneros during the Philippine Revolution, and houses other artifacts. PEACE TOWER The tower is located at Barangay Lumbang and was built by Japanese colonizers in memory of one of the Japanese campsites during World War II. HOW TO GET TO LIPA CITY BY LAND Lipa City is just approximately 86 kilometers away from Manila, a one and a half (1 1/2) hours drive by car through the South Expressway. Lobo, Batangas History LOBO, a third class municipality in the Province of Batangas lies at the southwestern coast of the province. Its boundaries are Batangas City on the West, the municipalities of Taysan and Rosario on the North, San Juan on the East and the Verde Island Passage on the South. The national highway passes through, connecting Lobo with Batangas City, which is 36 kilometers away. It is commutable by private vehicles within 45 minutes and by commercial vehicles within an hour. Lobo is composed of 26 barangays, 9 of which are coastal, ten are hilly and mountainous and the rests are built-up. The municipality has a total population of 38,908 of which 13,427 belong to urban area and 25,481 belong to rural area. The economic activities of Lobo include agriculture, trade, manufacturing and commerce. These are the prime movers for the socio-economic mobility of the municipality. HISTORY Prior to the arrival of the Spanish colonizers in the Philippines, this place was just a wilderness of thick forest without any permanent name attached. Semi-civilized inhabitants were scattered and no distinct community was formed during that period. Most of the settlers were hunters who roam from place to place seeking for wild animals as their means of livelihood. However, some archaeologist believe that small group of Chinese traders during the pre–Spanish occupation have stayed for sometime in this place. This belief was based on the remains that were unearthed in a certain hill in Barangay Sawang, which is presumed to be a small Chinese cemetery during the ancient period due to the kind of kitchen wares that were found beside their graves. The coming of the ten Bornean datus in the Philippines, headed by Datu Puti in the middle of 13th century had contributed a vital part in this history of this municipality. History stated that after Datu Puti and his followers purchased the island of Panay from King Marikudo and his wife Maniwantiwan by a golden salukot, and after fully establishing a colony in the island, Datu Puti with Datu Balkasusa and Datu Domangsil left Panay and sailed northward in search from greener pastures. This group reached Batangas and caused the founding of the first Malayan colony in Luzon. They first settled the eastern and western sides of Pansipit River which are now Lemery and Taal and later on, they scattered in the province settling Kumintang which is now named in honor of Lakan Kumintang. The most adventurous follower of Lakan Kumintang was Gat Bahaghari. With his family and a handful of followers, they traveled south to Rosario and trailing along Rosario – Lobo River, they reached the rainbow shaped “Wawa of Lobo” which his followers named it Bahaghari in honor of their leader. On the side of this Bahaghari or Wawa ng Lobo, now lays the famous Gerthel Beach of Fabrica. Attracted by the panoramic view and soil fertility of this place, Gat Bahaghari and his followers decided to establish a permanent settlement in this area. So that they can easily detect the coming of the pirates that may harass their peaceful living, they built their houses on the top of a hill overlooking the sea which is now the Municipal Cemetery of Lobo, north of the Poblacion. Beneath this hill on the west side is low land treasured with “sumasagitsit” or running tiny streams of water which they utilized to irrigate their farms. With the help of this sumasagitsit streams their farms became very productive that enabled them to transport their excess products to their bountiful harvests, they eagerly replied that they came from sumasagitsit. The term sumasagitsit was later on changed to Masagitsit which became the name of Barangay Masaguitsit, a barrio that lies on the northwest part of this municipality. The period of the Spanish colonization of the archipelago brought many changes in the life situations in this place. Construction of bigger and stronger houses and other buildings were introduced in the country, and Lobo, being so rich in raw materials for construction purposes, attracted many loggers and timberman from other places to immigrate in. Residents of the places that were fully occupied were the lowland northwest of LoboRiver which is now Poblacion. How Lobo gets its name is a story that handed down from generation to generation of Lobo people. It was perhaps during the middle part of the Spanish regime in the country when one evening a group of settlers residing in the place which is now the Poblacion, gathered together to talk and decide as to what name they will call the place, when suddenly over Mount Banoy they saw a balloon. Everybody watched and eagerly waited for the balloon to fall down. They all witnessed the falling of said balloon which was believed that it was flown from the town of Batangas, now BatangasCity which was confidentially celebrating the eve of their town fiesta. Because of that very wonderful incident which confidentially took place, they unanimously agreed that “LOBO” meaning balloon be adopted. Since then, their particular place was named “LOBO”, and became the name of entire municipality when it became an independent town. Originally a logging settlement, Lobo was founded on September 27, 1871. Barangays Lobo is politically subdivided into 26 barangays. Apar Balatbat Balibago Banalo Biga Bignay Calo Calumpit Fabrica Jaybanga Lagadlarin Mabilog Na Bundok Malabrigo Malalim Na Sanog Malapad Na Parang Masaguitsit Nagtaluntong Nagtoctoc Olo-olo Pinaghawanan Poblacion San Miguel San Nicolas Sawang Soloc Tayuman Mabini, Batangas Mabini is a 1st class municipality in the Province of Batangas, Philippines. It is located on the Calumpang Peninisula between Batangas Bay to the east and Balayan Bay to the west. According to the latest census, Mabini has a population of 40,629 people in 7,025 households. It is named after Apolinario Mabini, a Filipino revolutionary hero. Mabini is known for its diving and snorkeling sites. History Legend states that the first Malay settlers to inhabit the vast fertile land bordering the two bodies of water now known as the Batangas Bay and the Balayan Bay, first found anchor along the shores of the land protruding down Southwest ward known geographically as the Calumpan Peninsula. These Malay settlers found the land fertile and agriculturally appropriate and the sea rich in marine resources. They established their settlement in this once vast unknown land. As more Malay settlers arrived from distant lands, more settlements were founded until even the upland regions of the peninsula were settled. The inhabitants had their own form of village government. They were ruled by a headman, a datu, or a sultan, in case of big encampments. Malay civilization began to take roots. Rapid increase of population brought about the settlements of all the neighboring regions, that it did not take long before eastward, northward, and southward of these known regions were inhabited to comprised later on the whole province of Kumintang, better known later as Batangas. It was also mentioned among the folklore of this community that a Chinese explorer and geographer whose name could no longer be recalled, first landed on the shores of this peninsula in one of his trips to the island of Mai which is now known as Mindoro. Chinese, Indonesians and other races found haven for their trade along the shores of this peninsula during the pre-spanish era. During the Spanish times, a certain galleon of the spanish government, plying between this country and Mexico, was attacked, plundered and sunk by the Moro pirates riding in glittering vintas along the shores of this peninsula. It can also be said in passing that the Malay settlers were subjected to the uttermost cruelty and vandalism done by the Moro pirates who wantonly attacked the villagers along the coasts. These Moro forages caused hardships and other difficulties to the inhabitants, resulting in their formation of stronger measures to counteract the Moro depredations. This menace to the lives and properties during the pre-spanish era continued during the Spanish times, and for purposes of administrative expediency, there were created political subdivisions-the insular territories to provinces, the provinces to municipalities or "pueblos", the “pueblos” or municipalities to barrios and lastly to sitio. It came to pass then that the Calumpan Peninsula was made a part and parcel of the pueblo or municipality of Bauan, in the province of Kumintang, now Batangas .The same peninsula territory of Bauan was subdivided into barrios, namely: Mainaga, Pulong-Niogan, Pulong-Balibaguhan, Anilao, Solo, Pulong-Anahao, Bagalangit, Nag-Iba, Malimatoc, Saguing and Talaga. For more than three hundred years, while the Archipelago was under Spanish domination, this peninsula remained a part of the “pueblo” of Bauan and even in the early part of the American occupation. The people of this peninsula, like other people of other regions, suffered untold hardships under the Spanish rule. The yoke of the Spanish tyranny was thrown off after the gallant uprising of 1896. The revolution emancipated the people from the tyrants of Spain. In that revolutions, the people of this peninsula were not found wanting in courage, as the cream of the youths of the community joined the revolutionary forces, and even during the fight against the American forces they did not withdraw their support of the insurgents’ cause. Foremost of the heroic young men was Don Francisco Castillo, known as Apian Kiko, who led the fight for freedom in this peninsula. In this glorious revolution, many valiant heroes, hailing from the different places of the peninsula, offered their lives to the altar of the motherland. The present generation of this community failed not to reciprocate the great deeds of those who fell in the dark of the night, when under popular subscriptions, headed by no less than Dr. Laureano Castillo, son of the famed leader, Kapitan Kiko and the then Municipal President Julian Bautista, Chairman and Vice-Chairman, respectively, of the drive, they honor to the men who died for their country with a monument constructed in front of the old presidencia building. Although it was built primarily to erect the image of the Great Sublime Paralytic, Apolinario Mabini, it now also serves as a repository for the bones of the thirteen martyrs of this place who died in the memorable battle of Mahabang-Dahilig, during the Philippine–American War namely: Tirso Sumadsad, Juan del Espiritu Santo, Ramon Ilagan, Julian Matulin, Bernardo de los Reyes, Enrique Castillo, Zacarias Castillo, Francisco de Claro, Moises Maramot, Nicolas Adalia, Pantaleon Panopio, Serapio Aspi and Gavino Garcia upon the advent of the American rule, the same peninsular territory of Bauan remained with the mother municipality, until, after great efforts had been exerted by the proponents of establishing a new municipality, independent of the town of Bauan, fortunately for this peninsula, such men as Don Regino Marasigan, then Municipal President of Bauan, and such illustrious sons of this community, namely: Don Francisco Castillo whose gallantry had been mentioned above; Ignacio Leynes, who later on became the father-in-law of the famed revolutionary leader, Tomas Castillo, Indalecio Calangi, Anselmo Sandoval, Marcelino Castillo, Epifanio Abrigonda, Andres Castillo, Nicomedes Guia, Venancio Castillo, Esteban Castillo, Juan Dolor, Pedro Manalo, Bartolome Jusi, Agaton Axalan and many many others that cannot be mentioned for lack of space, left no stones unturned, and in the end, found the good graces of the then Governor General Leonard Wood and the great leader of our country, then Senate President Manuel L. Quezon, resulting in the declaration of the new municipality, comprising the eleven (11) barrios of the Calumpan Peninsula and the whole of the Maricaban Island, as an independent municipality, with the name of MABINI, derived from the great name of that Sublime Paralytic, Brain of the Revolution and Premier Adviser to the president of the erstwhile Philippine Republic, Gat Apolinario Mabini. The new-born municipality of Mabini province of Batangas, was inaugurated on January 1, 1918, with Captain Francisco Castillo, known as the founder of the town, as the first appointive Municipal President. With him to form the local officials of the newly inaugurated town were: Marcelino Castillo as Municipal Vice-President; Esteban de Joya as Municipal Secretary; Jose Generoso as Municipal Treasurer and Tomas Cuevas as Justice of the Peace. Appointed Municipal Councilors were Tomas Castillo, Pedro Manalo, Epifanio Abrigonda, Valeriano de Chavez, Tranquilino Buenviaje, Nicomedes Guia, Fermin Buenviaje and Juan Castillo. To form the local police force, Esteban Castillo was appointed Acting Chief of Police, and Messrs. Julian Bautista, Nicomedes Aguila, Policarpio Axalan, Marcos Panopio, Marcelo Reyes and Nazario Manalo, as policemen. Barangays Mabini is politically subdivided into 34 barangays. Anilao Proper Anilao East Bagalangit Bulacan Calamias Estrella Gasang Laurel Ligaya Mainaga Mainit Majuben Malimatoc I Malimatoc II Nag-Iba Pilahan Poblacion Pulang Lupa Pulong Anahao Pulong Balibaguhan Pulong Niogan Saguing Sampaguita San Francisco San Jose San Juan San Teodoro Santa Ana Santa Mesa Santo Niño Santo Tomas Solo Talaga Proper Talaga East Barangay San Juan was formerly the sitios of Nag-ilong and Lugay in the barrio (barangay) of Mainaga, constituted into a separate and independent barangay by virtue of Republic Act No. 212, approved June 1, 1948. Tourists Attractions Anilao Anilao is popular with budget divers and snorkelers. There are several diving centers where trips can be arranged to diving spots in Balayan Bay near Cape Bagalangit and near Sombrero and Maricaban Islands. Snorkeling is available off Maricaban's Cemetery Beach, Red Palm Beach, and around Sepok Point. Although the beach at Anilao is not recommended for swimming, thatched bamboo rafts can be rented with tables and benches at the Anilao Beach Resort and other resorts. This one of the beaches named SM Anilao Beach, Sea Mountain Beach Resort. Mainaga During the Spanish time, they called the place as "may narra". As time goes by the name has changed to MAINAGA. This is a site for some companies like Suntrak Corp., CKU Steel Corp.,PNOC and Petron, with some shops like Chechu Mart, PRAB Foodhaus,and Mainaga Multipurpose Cooperative Mart, catering grocery items. Mt. Gulugod-Baboy Gulugod-Baboy is the general term that describes the hills that traverse Calumpang Peninsula. It has three peaks: Gulugod Baboy, Pinagbanderahan, Tore. It is reached through several passages: Anilao, Panay, Bagalangit, Ligaya, Laurel and Malimatoc I. It is 525 meters above sea level and at its peak, you can see, from east to west: Janao Bay, Maricaban Strait which bears Sombrero and Maricaban Islands, a distant, faint blue Mindoro, Verde Island (SW) and Batangas Bay. The city and port of Batangas is visible on the west, following a farther Mt. Daguldul. To the north is Mt. Maculot, and even Mt. Batulao and the Tagaytay highlands. It is popular among hikers during the Holy Week. Malvar, Batangas Malvar is a 2nd class municipality in the Province of Batangas, Philippines. As of 2009, the population of Malvar was 41,270 and the total number of households was 8,678. The municipality was named after General Miguel Malvar, the last Filipino General to surrender to the American Government in the Philippines in 1902. Located 68 kilometers south of Manila and easily accessible via the STAR Tollway. Malvar is bounded on the north by Tanauan City, on the east by Santo Tomas, Batangas on the south by Lipa City and on the west by Balete, Batangas. With the continuous expansion of Metro Manila, the town is now conurbated with Manila, whose built-up area now reaches Lipa City. Attraction Calejon Falls, a natural attraction consists of two major water falls and two smaller ones. One of the bigger falls is about 10 feet (3.0 m) high with a great volume of clear water gushing down to a shallow pool. The other one (also about 10 feet (3.0 m) high) resembles a bridal gown. One of the two smaller falls is shower-like, while the other one forms a series of small cascades. All the falls are located in an area of about 300 square meters. Calejon Falls is located in Barangay San Gregorio, (formerly called Calejon). The spot is easily accessible via STAR Tollway Bulihan Exit. From Manila, take a bus bound for Batangas City or Lipa City then drop at town of Malvar. Jeepneys and tricycle service Barangay San Gregorio from the town proper. The 5 kilometres (3.1 mi) stretch of road is well-paved and smooth even for small cars. Upon reaching the area, a series of 300 concrete steps going down the river will have to be taken. Going back up is a challenge. San Juan River, longest river in Batangas connecting Lipa and Tanauan and Sto Tomas is an old fashioned heat quencher for the locals of the town since in memorial in time, During Summer the Rivers famous point for picnics and pastime is fully booked. THus the river also serves as water sources for watering the vegetables near at the areas.small fish and crablets are also seen and wild fern are also pick up to serve as delicacies or food during meal time of the visitors of the river. Sadly irresponsible people are polluting the river,people are trowing garbage at its creek or on the water, and even poultry and piggeries near the river is contaminating the natural habitat of its environment. Sadly the local government is not yet pushing the sanitary law against these environmental degradation,sooner or later those pollutant will kill the main river. Immigration from different provinces who had no houses and relatives to stay with is marking the river banks with their houses. Local government should stop this kind of practices among immigrants, if not to impose a strict law against them sooner there will be no more rivers to swim with to enjoy ans specially its free of charge.... Another local venue that has recently emerged in the humble province of Malvar is the mango farm/events venue called Sa Manggahan.[1] Only 45 minutes away when coming from Alabang, it is located near the plant of C-Joist Concrete Ventures Group, Inc. This new events venue will cater to the local market where it can be rented out for various events such as wedding receptions, family reunions, camping grounds, or just a place where you can rest and relax during the weekend under the mango trees. Currently, very little is known about this establishment, as it is not yet fully operational. Residents and visitors alike have been astounded with this new development, together with a proposed horse race track beside it. Once these establishments are fully operational, it will definitely increase the number of visitors coming from Manila. Barangays Malvar is politically subdivided into 15 barangays. Barangay Brgy. Captain SK Chairman Bagong Pook Ernesto A. Cuenca Mariecon Lat Bilucao Deogracias V. Macalintal JanKen Eurimico Torres Bulihan Restituto D. Lat Christopher Tosino San Gregorio Mario DM. Onte Ian Jay De Villa Luta Del Norte Renato Malabanan Adriel Hernandez Luta Del Sur Eduardo R. Endaya Kevin Ray Garcia Poblacion Joevel Latido Paulo Leeanzo Hipolito San Andres Hedilito Morcilla Ralph Julius Leo Morcilla San Fernando Federico P. Basilan Stephanie Buan San Isidro East Rufino C. Enriquez Edwin Magpantay San Juan Lamberto Malabanan Eunice Alvarez San Pedro I Pedro Sayas Jeric Platon San Pedro II Aileen Saludo Ralph Jordan Morfe San Pioquinto Efren V. Hernandez Mark Anthony Licarte Santiago Araceli U. Mendoza Adrean Lat Notable people Notable people are those deeply had given a great contribution in development and growth of the town or city or its known place. As Malvar is named after the Filipino American War General of the Katipuna Miguel Malvar a native of Sto Tomas Batangas who belong to the family of a borgeous, his father a alkalde mayor. in his term general malvars life was fully dedicated to uplift the freedom and democracy of the people against Spaniards then American Soldiers,hardship they had suffer during the war at that time,while all the guerillas move in against the American which they covered the whole command posting in the mountains of Batangas and spontaneous allliances with the locals which help them to sustain supports gather information for the Filipino Soldiers,... to be continue, have to read again my Batangas history at War with the American, Truly Batangas on its own Contribute to the Katipunan its own strengh its own people to free the country truly Batanguenos are revolutionary people who loved freedom and equality amongst men.. Mataas na Kahoy, Batangas Mataas na kahoy is a 4th class municipality in the Province of Batangas, Philippines. According to the latest census, it has 25,400 people in 3,918 households. Mataas na kahoy was created by virtue of Executive Order No. 308 signed by George Butte, acting Governor General of the Philippines on March 27, 1931 effective January 1, 1932. It has 16 barangays (smallest political unit)and its total land area is 2,376 hectares. It is bounded by Balete and Lipa City with Taal Lake limiting its western side (Lat 13.9603; Long 121.1158). The name Mataas na Kahoy literally means "tall tree". The town is known for its cool climate due to its high elevation 379 metres (1,243 ft). Barangays Mataas na Kahoy is politically subdivided into 16 barangays. Barangay I (Pob.) Barangay II (Pob.) Barangay II-A (Pob.) Barangay III (Pob.) Barangay IV (Pob.) Bayorbor Bubuyan Calingatan Kinalaglagan Loob Lumang Lipa Manggahan Nangkaan San Sebastian Santol Upa Agriculture Its economy is primarily agricultural with coffee, coconut and banana as the major crops. Fish culture, with milkfish and tilapia being the major culture species, is also practiced in the coastal barangays of Nangkaan, Lumang Lipa and Kinalaglagan. Piggery and poultry farms from backyard to large scale operation represent a big part of the town's economy. Supporting the town's agribusiness are two feed mills namely, MAGICORP and AICOM. Several banks (Mataasnakahoy Rural Bank, Lipa Development Bank, Savings and Loan Association of Mataasnakahoy) serve the townspeople. Small businesses like stores and groceries abound and the town center has a flea market (talipapa or tiangges) where fresh fish, meat and vegetables are available daily. Several small garment factories partly fuel the town's business activity. Telephone service and internet access are already available. Fiesta and Religious Celebrations Mataas na kahoy celebrates its town fiesta every 3rd of January. The series of activities leading to the celebration starts several days before the actual fiesta and this would consist of sporting events, singing contests, street dancing competitions and the likes. The actual feast would be observed with food (not to mention, alcoholic drinks) in almost every household where everybody is welcome especially relatives and friends from other towns. The celebration is almost a sort of annual reunion among relatives and friends. Marching bands, usually hired or sponsored by the barangay officials, go all over the town with their music adding to the already reverberating songs and sounds from rented videoke machines (machine consisting of a control box and a monitor with attached microphones which will provide the needed musical accompaniment and lyrics for anybody wanting to sing) of some households. The celebration is usually concluded by a variety show in the town plaza with invited performers and popular names in the show business and this would usually last till early morning of the next day. The town also celebrates various religious feasts with mass and processions. The Holy Week (week before Easter Sunday) is observed solemnly by the townsfolks. Religious families usually sponsor a "pabasa" which relates the passion of the Christ in hymns (in agonizing and melodramatic tempo) usually with loudspeakers. Several processions are also conducted within this week. Easter Sunday concludes this celebration. All Saint's Day (November 1) is observed by throngs of people going to cemetery to visit the burial site of the departed relatives. Flowers, candles and prayers are brought to each burial site by the living relatives who are sometimes even coming from far places. The feast of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception (December 8), the town's patron saint, is also a well observed celebration. There is usually a mass and a procession around town with elaborate fireworks. There will also be food in the church for the religious and the parishioners. Of course, as is everywhere in the Philippines, the town celebrates a very long Christmas Season. This starts with the elaborate Christmas decorations being displayed as early as November 2 and lasting until early January. There will be lanterns, posters, Santa Claus, Christmas trees, Christmas lights and any decor imaginable helping to boost the festive atmosphere. On Christmas Day (December 25), kids will be going around asking for their godparents' and relatives' blessings which can also be interpreted as asking for Christmas gifts. Nasugbu, Batangas Historical Background Prior to the arrival of the Spaniards, this coastal town of Nasugbu had a population of one thousand people. Founded in 1899, the municipality now has an estimated population of 98, 558. The townsite was situated a kilometer East of the present site. Historians recall that in 1896, about five hundred people (who had taken up arms against the Spaniards) perished from the hands of enraged Spanish soldiers. The livelihood of the Filipino residents then was to work for the hacienderos who owned practically the entire town of Nasugbu. When the Americans came the town people eventually built a new town. The new town dwellers were to become the forebears of the community who resisted the Japanese invaders, four decades hence. The end of the second world war saw Nasugbu back to its normal way of Life, slowly but imperceptibly accepting the modern changes brought about the process of urbanization. In the early 1970’s, the hacienda owners decided to sell to the people, a majority of their landholdings, over a period of ten years. These lands became the abode of the adobe of the ever-growing population now living in 42 barangays throughout the municipality. Nasugbu was part of the Tagalog region thu Chinese historians referred to as "Mai" with the present-day Balayan as the center. This region from Nasugbu and Balayan to the eastern part of Laguna up to Paracale in the Bicol Peninsula was said to be the most civilized and prosperous during pre-Hispanic times. Together with Lian, Calatagan, Tuy and Calaca, Nasugbu became a part of Balayan when Balayan was officially founded as a pueblo in 1578. Nasugbu was thus under the jurisdiction of both the civil and ecclesiastical authorities of that mother pueblo. The curacy of Balayan and the other newly installed curacies in the newly colonized islands were under thedirect administration of the Archbishop of Manila. The influence of the Catholic Church in Nasugbu has been pervasive; the cultural fiber of Nasugbu is indelibly entwined with the townspeople's religious faith. The Jesuits arrived in the Philippines in 1628 and many of them were assigned to the newly created Balayan Province. They took possession of large tracts of cultivated lands and ranches in Balayan and Nasugbu. Nasugbu's patron saint is a Jesuit, St. Francis Xavier, who is also the patron saint of missionaries. The Central Azucarera Don Pedro After the Jesuits' departure 140 years later, vast haciendas of Nasugbu, Lian and Calatagan were leased by the King of Spain to Don Fernando de Araya, a Spaniard. Upon the expiration of the lease, the Nasugbu Estate was sold by the King to the Isaac family, the head of which was a Spanish mestizo. When Isaac died, his widow Isabela sold the estate to Don Jose Bonifacio Roxas, also a Spanish mestizo, in the 1830's. Don Jose foresaw the commercial potential of sugar cane and planted large areas of the estate to produce it. His only son, Don Pedro Pablo Roxas, managed the estate during the outbreak of the Philippine Revolution. Don Pedro's son, Don Antonio Roxas saw the need for a modern milling plant for centrifugal sugar. A sugar mill was thus constructed in 1912 in the barrio of Looc, which was transferred in 1920 to Sitio Campo. That mill, named after Don Pedro, was transferred to Barrio Lumbangan where it has since grown to become the Philippines' largest manufacturer of refined sugar. Central Azucarera Don Pedro (CADP) has continued to be a dominant presence in Nasugbu. It has also donated the lands on which now stand the Plaza de Roxas, the town plaza; the church of the parish of St. Francis Xavier; and the munisipyo (municipal building). The Discovery of the San Diego French marine explorers led by Franck Goddio first excavated the sunken merchant galleon San Diego with its treasure trove in 1992. The San Diego sank in Dec. 14, 1600 after a battle between Spanish forces led by Antonio de Morga and Dutch naval forces led by Olivier van Noort off the waters of Nasugbu Bay. The ship's discovery was hailed worldwide as one of the greatest archaelogical finds of the past century. A trading ship hastily converted into a war ship, the San Diego's astounding number (over 34,000) of artifacts is a veritable showcase of the known world at the time, as seen in its trove of Chinese porcelain, Celadonware, Japanese katanas, Spanish casques, Portuguese cannon and Mexican coin. With the discovery of the shipwreck, historians refuted the claims made by Antonio de Morga in Sucesos de las Islas Filipinas where he has apparently glossed over his failures in the tragic event. To commemorate the discovery, former Batangas Gov. Antonio Leviste and his wife, Sen. Loren Legarda opened the MV San Diego warship museum in Fortune Island, some 14 km. from Nasugbu's Wawa Pier. The Burning of Lumang Simbahan Hundreds of men, women and children of Nasugbu were gathered and killed by Spanish troops who set the Lumang Simbahan (Old Church) on fire in 1896. In his Batangas y Su Provincia, Manuel Sastron, a Spanish historian, briefly described the church as he saw it in 1895, a year before it was destroyed. Sastron wrote that the church, which was then 43 years old, was well-attended to by the zealous parish priest, Don Leocadio Dimanlig, who was intimately called by the townspeople as Padre Kadio. He served as parish priest of Nasugbu from 1895 to 1900 and was destined to see his church and the town destroyed during the first phase of the Philippine Revolution. Pilgrims, many of them from distant provinces, come especially on Fridays to light candles and pray in the church ruins. The Liberation of Nasugbu On Jan. 31, 1945, the four-kilometer strip of Nasugbu Beach became the site of a historic landing that helped turn the tide of war in favor of American forces in the Philippines. This amphibious landing of troops and tons of military equipment and supplies was ordered by Gen. Douglas MacArthur to "establish a line of advance on Manila from the southwest." Lt. Gen. Robert Eichelberger, Commanding General of the US Eight Army, personally led the landing of 8,000 men of the 11th Airborne Division commanded by Major Gen. Joseph Swing. The landing began at 5 a.m. that day with the boom of a naval gun awakening Nasugbueños fro their sleep. The cannonade continued as almost a hundred ships, big and small, dotted the waters of the bay. By afternoon, Nasugbu was completely liberated and there was along procession of people who returned to their homes in the poblacion. The 11th Airborne Division, aided by guerilla units (ROTC Hunters, Blue Eagle, Fil-American, LICOPA and CAGALAC guerillas) raced on the national road to Tagaytay Ridge almost unopposed, for the remnants of the Japanese forces in the area hastily retreated to eastern part of Batangas. Together with the Sixth Army and Eighth Army forces that had earlier landed in Lingayen and in Zambales, respectively, and with the invaluable help of the Filipino guerillas, the 11th Airborne Division launched a double-pincer drive that liberated Manila and its suburbs in February 1945. How Nasugbu got its name? According to legend, a group of Spanish soldiers was allowed by their commander to go on a sight-seeing tour of the friendlier villages on the western coast of Batangas. The group chanced upon a native couple cooking rice in a palayok whose lid rattled over the steaming rice. In Spanish, the group leader asked the woman, “What is this place called?” As he spoke, the Spaniard’s eyes followed the woman’s hand as she tried to remove the excess water from the pot. The woman who knew no Spanish thought that the stranger was asking about her pot of rice. “Nasubo na po iyan, eh, kaya ganyan,” she replied. The Spaniard repeated the word “nasubo” and nodding his head towards his companions, introduced the word to them. Together they chorused, “Nasubo…Nasubo,” and the village began to be called by that name. Demographics Most of the people in Nasugbu are Tagalogs. In recent years, there's been a noticeable increase of Visayans in Barangay Wawa and other barangays. The main language spoken is Tagalog, and a significant number now speaks Cebuano. Due to the historic relevance of the town, a small number of families speak Spanish. Many among the educated class speak English. A great majority of Nasugbugueños are Catholics. Although there is a legislated separation of church and state in the Philippines, the town fiesta on December 3 is a holiday. Nasugbu is also one of the most important centres of the Roman Catholic Church in the Archdiocese of Lipa. Though officially called Vicariate I, it is sometimes called the Vicariate of San Francisco Xavier in honour of the town's patron saint. Some barangays have their own respective patron saints and celebrate a feast day other than that of St. Francis Xavier's. It is to be noted that San Lorenzo Ruiz is now also a patron saint of Nasugbu. The minority belong to other minor religions like the indigenous Iglesia ni Cristo, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Born Again and [[UCCP Geography Topography An example of the topography of Nasugbu, Batangas. The Municipality of Nasugbu is characterised by rolling hills, wide plains, and well-watered farms. Located at 14:05:51N (14.0975) latitude and 120:35:56E (120.5988) longitude. Nasugbu is bounded on the north by the municipalities of Maragondon, Magallanes and Alfonso in the province of Cavite; on the east by the Batangas municipalities of Laurel, Calaca and Balayan; on the south by the Batangas municipalities of Lian and Tuy; and on the west by the South China Sea. It is the largest town in Western Batangas with a land area of 276.33 km². Entering the town proper via the national highway, one passes fields of sugar cane, corn and rice fields, hills and mountains. The terrain slopes downwards to the South China Sea. Because of its rolling terrain and coastline location, agriculture (sugarcane, rice, corn, vegetables, coconut, fruits) and aquaculture are Nasugbu's main industries. Travel distance from Metro Manila is about 102 kilometers via Tagaytay City. From Batangas City (the provincial capitol), its distance covers about 70 kilometers. Barangays The Municipal Hall of Nasugbu, Batangas. Nasugbu is politically subdivided into 42 barangays. The 12 barangays located in the poblacion are classified as urban, and the rest are classified as rural. • Aga • Balaytigue • Banilad • Barangay 1 (Pob.) • Barangay 2 (Pob.) • Barangay 3 (Pob.) • Barangay 4 (Pob.) • Barangay 5 (Pob.) • Barangay 6 (Pob.) • Barangay 7 (Pob.) • Barangay 8 (Pob.) • Barangay 9 (Pob.) • Barangay 10 (Pob.) • Barangay 11 (Pob.) • Barangay 12 (Pob.) • Bilaran • Bucana • Bulihan • Bunducan • Butucan • Calayo • Catandaan • Kaylaway • Kayrilaw • Cogunan • Dayap • Latag • Looc • Lian • Lumbangan • Malapad Na Bato • Mataas Na Pulo • Maugat • Munting Indang • Natipuan • Pantalan • Palico • Papaya • Putat • Reparo • Talangan • Tumalim • Tuod • Utod • Wawa Climate The climate of Nasugbu falls under the first type of classification, Type I, characterized by two pronounced seasons: Dry season from November to April and wet season for the rest of the year. The annual average temperature in the municipality is 27.3 degrees Celsius. January is the coolest month having an average temperature of 25.8 degrees Celsius, while April is the warmest month registering an average temperature of 29 degrees Celsius. Padre Garcia, Batangas Padre Garcia is a 3rd class municipality in the province of Batangas, Philippines. According to the latest census, it has a population of 42,942 people in 6,334 households. It has 20,087 registered voters as of 2004. Padre Garcia's old name is Lumang Bayan as it is the former seat of government of the neighboring town of Rosario, Batangas. Padre Garcia is one of the 32 municipalities of Batangas Province, situated in the eastern part of the province. It is bounded on the north by Lipa City, on the east by the Municipality of San Antonio, Quezon, south by Rosario, Batangas and on the west by Lipa City and Rosario. The name of the town is derived from one of its most famous sons, Padre Vicente Garcia, a native of Brgy. Maugat. He was one of the first defender's of Jose Rizal's Noli Me Tangere. He and Dr. Rizal were friends during the time when they were fighting for the Philippine's independence from Spain. The cattle trading capital of the Philippines Padre Garcia livestock auction market history The pioneers It was in 1952, three years after the town’s founding, that local leaders instigated what would, to this day, be the essence of the people of Padre Garcia’s claim to industry. Led by the first elected mayor, Jose A. Pesigan, vice mayor Rustico K. Recto and councilors Narciso Calingasan, Ciriaco Bolilia, Lucas Recinto, Jose Katigbak, Anastacio Dimaculangan and Amado Bacordo; anticipating the need to augment the town’s coffers, they embarked on an economic enterprise - the cattle market or “bakahan”. The uncertainty and plight of the township then, serve as the fire to fuel their drive. As such pioneering ventures, they were faced with seemingly improbable tasks; the biggest of which was the well entrenched livestock market of neighbouring Rosario. A town roughly four and a half times bigger and just three years before, Padre Garcia, then known as LumangBaya or Sambat was a part of Rosario. The site of the first cattle market is the now Municipal Gym or Plaza adjacent the Park which was then the Municipal Hall. The cattle market day has always been set on Fridays, its origin can be traced back to post-war 1945 as the LumangBayan’s market day and thus reconsidered to coincide with that of Rosario’s, not to rival but to engrossed what crumbs may astray from the latter’s cattle tradings. The first few months’ unsuccessful operation gave rise to marketing tactics which was to be construed by neighbouring Rosario’s leadership as a threat to its pre-war cattle market, a rivalry to last twenty years began. Consultations and diplomacy geared towards enticing traders became a day and night activity. By 1955, the cattle market has modestly increased its trading volume of large cattle per Friday and to accommodate this increase, land owned by the De Castro/Pentiños’ (present site of the G.T.S.) was duly rented. The frontier’s men Reminiscent of the Wild West of the American frontier days: it was the 1950’s, an era of loose firearms, and these are Batangueños. Enmity towards the competition, brewed in men tempered and fearless, the Padre Garcia cattle market came very close to be front-page mayhem materials for the tabloids. In 1958 it was clear that most traders prefer the Bakahan. Reports of cattle rustling were on the rise and a policy to force cattle traders into the cattle market in Rosario at crossroads leading to Padre Garcia was adapted via intimidation. Both sides were armed and determined to protect their prized and pride. Violence would have been routine if Mayor Pesigan hadn’t considered tact and dialogue. Still traders came, determined as to their destination. Like the traders of San Juan opting the long route via Candelaria-Tiaong to avoid the crossroads at San Carlos, Rosario. And before the advent of the 60’s, the Padre Garcia cattle market prevailed and has become a byword to cattlemen this side of Batangas, This initial success is attributed to a combination of factors, the favoured business environment prevalent at the time was offered here; peace and order; accessibility (the greater percentage of traders from Manila, Cavite, Quezon, Laguna has to passed here first before Rosario.); and the stratagem employed by the town’s leadership. This stratagem in persona were the new batch whose contribution to this growth was crucial; at the helm still is Mayor Pesigan, Vice-Mayor Narciso Calingasan, councillors, Severiano Estole, Eugenio Din, Eleuterio Silva, Jose Katigbak, Juan Tabora and Florencio Araño. These men were at the front lines, engaging traders, seeking cattlemen from all parts to come to this little town. The dedication they showed was matched by those in the homefront. From simple handlers, cowhand to the municipal employees all showed the same enthusiasm and loyalty, processing documents through the night, a foot thick and by candlelight. Patronage flowed into the cattle market, by the time the founding Father of the Bakahan, Mayor Jose Pesigan’s term expires, talks were that the only rival the cattle market foresees was that of Urdaneta, Pangasinan, then the No.1 cattle market in the country. Huge capital was poured into the industry; 13, 481.00 pesos, a considerable sum at the time, enough that the Provincial Auditor temporarily suspended allocation and summoned then Municipal Treasurer Jaudines Coronel to explain such transactions. Steadfast in their goals, the municipality endured. The guardians Mayor Eugenio Din transferred the site to the nearby clearing owned by Fiscal Recto at the corner of the roads to Lipa City and Brgy. Sn. Miguel shortly after assuming office in 1964. Tension between Rosario still hangs, for the latter’s effort to win back the cattle market grew aggressive time and again. A myth like incident wherein Mayor Din upon complaints of coercion at blockades set by the competition at crossroads, responded by personal confrontation, pistol holstered, challenged them to a duel. In these games of determination the township once again prevailed. Preserving the gains of the Bakahan for eight (8) years was the legacy Mayor Din and his administration bestowed to the Garcieños. The Mayor died in office on August 20, 1972, felled by an assassin’s bullet. Rufino Bituin assumed the vacancy, quickly allaying mounting fears of losing the livestock market, which by then was competing not one but four (4). Padre Garcia’s dominance was being tested by Rosario, Lemery, Batangas City and Tanauan. The National Government under Martial Law through the Ministry of Agriculture issued Administrative Order No. 1 series of 1973 which created for the “Livestock Auction Market” (LAM); an order that trading undergo processes. Cattle are to be checked by a veterinarian, weighted, and auctioned. (Previous systems of bartering were based on skilful, experienced, even uncanny estimation of the livestock, which agriculturist aptly coined, the “Balak” System). The Auctioning was ruled to take place on public land so the livestock market was moved south of the Padre Garcia Public Market, which coincided with Mayor Bituin’s program to revitalize the public market. On February 9, 1973 saw the inaugural rites with visiting dignitaries. The official title Padre Garcia Livestock Auction Market was conferred. Complete with an American consultant and seminar bred personnel, these bidding processes proved disastrous; middlemen known as koridor which number by the thousands has no place in an auction market; the slow pace brought about by the great number of cattle sellers and buyers, disrupted schedules and deadlines. Traders were appalled by these changes, and the neighbouring rival was quick to exploit the situation. For three Fridays since, Padre Garcia woke up to see a steady decline of activity in the LAM, prompting Mayor Bituin, his Vice-Mayor and councillors, Municipal Treasurer Tomas Braceros and Venus Plata of the Provincial Agriculture Office, to seek remedies. The then Minister of Agriculture Arturo Tangco provided the cure. Rightfully awarded as a Livestock Auction Market, an order was secured and enforced. Chief of Police Guillermo Malabanan backed by the Philippine Constabulary, hauled cattle and traders from Rosario back to the Padre Garcia LAM. Never again would the latter rise on this imposed legality. On March 1, 3 & 6, 1973, Batangas City, Lemery and Tanauan, respectively, were also given Livestock Auction Market status. But upon resumption in normality of operations, the Padre Garcia LAM reigns supreme. Mayor Rufino Bituin was a common sight in the Bakahan, making it a point to almost always be at hand, even after his retirement, not old age nor did ailment prevent him from being a guardian of the Bakahan. The visionaries Eugenio B. Gutierrez was elected Mayor on March 3, 1980, having anticipated what the LAM requires for further development,- Mayor Gutierrez expanded the LAM area by swapping lots owned by the Lingao’s for unused municipal lands; another weighing scale was added; large size steel tubing was used to enclose the LAM perimeter. Internal security, though not an issue, was focused upon, a preventive measure to maintain the ideal ambience. Towards the 90’s, it was evident that the Padre Garcia LAM has no competition this side of Luzon, and is still growing. In 1994, Mayor Gutierrez with the town council’s support transferred the LAM to where it is today. A 1.7 hectare municipal property adjoining the public market with permanent structures and facilities as sheds, pens, fences, offices and the frontage; a move as progressive as his forebears’ and instinctive of what the LAM would become. At Mayor Victor M. Reyes’ administration, 1995 to 2004, the LAM underwent major infrastructure development through part of a loan from the Landbank: with the octagon shaped, two storey tower to house the offices and providing visitors a vista of the surrounds; lightings; pens and sheds; and the high perimeter fence. Checkpoints at exits were enforced to maximize revenues. In 2003 the KABAKAHAN Festival, a LAM inspired December 1 event to boost local tourism, was concocted by the Garciano’s Tribe, a non-government organization. Prudencio A. Gutierrez, Mayor-Elect June, 2004 stated in the Budget Message for 2005, “…The LAM (Livestock Auction Market) is where this Administration’s focal efforts will be directed. It is our most precious asset. It has put our town on the map where we were once number one and where it will thrust us into greater heights in the coming years provided we act on its planning and improvements now….”. True as envisioned, the LAM today earns a per Friday of Php. 83,203.00 for the month of April and Php. 84,899.75 in May, 2005; through diligence and dedication with the equitable program implementation. The Annual Investment Program of Mayor “Dacio” Gutierrez provides for the building of transient homes for cattle traders to commence this 3rd quarter. Adequate water system is on-going as the addition of sheds and pens. The “RODEO ALA GARCIANO”, a foundation day event is the brainchild of Mayor Dacio to advertise the LAM. These are the first steps towards a grander design for the Padre Garcia Livestock Auction Market-“…a 24 hour/7 day operation with food court style carinderias, domed in an agri-trade fair atmosphere…” Barangays Padre Garcia is politically subdivided into 18 barangays. Barangay Barangay Captain SK Chairman Banaba Teodoro G. Matibag Lily Antonette E. Mendoza Banay-banay Rommel L. Matibag Maricar R. Zara Bawi Reynaldo G. Bobadilla Alex Comia Jr. Bukal Jose P. De Ocampo Joshua P. Montemayor Castillo Leopoldo Biscocho 1 Denmark A. Magmanlac Cawongan Jose R. Marasigan Jr. Claire S. Mangurali Manggas Felipe O Pasia Angeli L. Marquez Maugat East Pelagio D. Risare Rizza C. Delos Santos Maugat West Nestor M. Rocafort Analyn P. Reña Pansol Ruben L. Vidal Darwin P. Hoseña Payapa Edgardo P. Escalera Reniel Ani Poblacion Rodel C. Pesigan Melmayo M. Silva Quilo-quilo North Maximiano M. Austria April Rose C. Cuevas Quilo-quilo South Eufronio M. Pusag Aicel V. Macatangay San Felipe Narciso Miranda Joel James M. Mancia 2 San Miguel Ramon P. Cubero Ted Cordelio C. Tayag Tamak Ruelan R. Gonzales Ren Marc P. Maala Tangob Oscar Dimaculangan John Ray R. Dela Vega Rosario, Batangas History In the year 2012, Rosario, Batangas will be 325 years old. From its Pagan origin in its ancestral settlements in the coast of present day Lobo, on to its present site at the foot of Tombol Hill, is the saga of the early people of our town. These are the trials and triumphs, the struggles and pains, the fears and hopes of our ancestors. In the pre-Hispanic time, our ancestral origins were but a few small scattered villages along the coast. In the mountains near the coast, were isolated villages of few people. Here lived peacefully a people related to one another by blood or marriage. Besides this kinship, they were held together in common economic interest, shared beliefs and rituals. This present area of Batangas was the last populated and settled part of the province, unlike its Northwestern part where Taal, Balayan and Nasugbu were already centers of population and trade-out posts of people from other parts of Asia. This was because our region of origin is mountainous, and the sea was not a travel nor a trade route. Thus, our ancestors developed a culture slightly different from our neighbors. Its people were characteristically industrious and persevering in nature. Christianization of our ancestors took place in the late decades of the 1600's. Their settlements became the mission fields of the Augustinian Order. As were with Christianized villages, the inhabitants were made to live closer together to form a larger community for local administration of the mission. In 1687, the first mission pueblo was founded by the ecclesiastical administration of the Augustinian fathers. Two years later, a church was built in the mission. The marked devotion of our forebears to the Christian faith led to the founding in the area of the Church of Nuestra Senora del Rosario in 1698. Like the rest of Christian villages in the country, our ancestral settlements near the sea became the objects of frequent Moro raids during the Moro wars of the 18th century. Mohommedan Krismen attacked and enslaved Spanish and Christian-Filipinos alike. The raids left a trail of death, blood, and ashes. Captives were sold in Sandakan and other slave markets in the East Indies. The raids were in retallation for the Spanish-in-roads in their (Muslim) territory. In one of the most vicious raids in our ancestral settlements, women and children hurriedly left their coastal dwellings to escape the pursuing Moros. Among those slain were their priest. They crossed over the mountains in the north. In their flight to safety, they were reciting the Holy Rosary in the Christian tradition, imploring the aid and protection of the Nuestra Sra. del Santisimo Rosario. In the next few days, the mass of the people found themselves in the vicinity of Kansahayan River in Hilerang Kawayan (presently of the Municipality of Taysan). They believed that the place was safe enough to live in. They set up their dwellings and started to rebuild their lives. Finally, they adopted the name Rosario for their new town settlement. The 2nd half of the 18th century saw the bloody climax of the Moro Wars. Once again, Rosario by the Kansahayan River, was in constant changes from vicious Moro attacks. The Dominican fathers who were then the church administrators of the area, decided to transfer Rosario to a place one league away from Lipa. The devout people of the town sought the divine guidance of their Patrones. They held a novena while on their solemn trek further north to find a safer place to live. The last day of their novena ended near the river bank Tubig ng Bayan in now Padre Garcia. In this place the town was decided to be established. The place they left behind later became known as Pinagbayanan. The fertile fields of the new settlement yielded bountiful harvests in the hands of their industrious settlers. They worked on the plains and swamps of the place, They became adept at the wet culture of rice. The town grew. Its people prospered. In gratitude for the peace and prosperity, the town's people built a church of stone for their beloved Holy Lady. A civil court and a parochial secondary school were soon established. Roads from the town of Lipa, Tiaong, and Ibaan were opened to reach Rosario. From Rosario, roads were also opened to the south and the eastern parts of the town. In 1776, Rosario became a parish. Rosario then was a vast territory. It was bounded on the north by Lipa on the east northeast by the province of Tayabas, on the west by the present day Ibaan on the south, the shores of Batangas province. The wide plains and large tract of fertile lands, the rich hunting grounds of its forest in the mountains, attracted people from nearby towns as well as from Batangas, Bauan, Taal, and Tanauan to settle in Rosario. By the middle of the 19th century, Rosario was so much a thriving large town. It had to give births to the town of San Juan in 1848, Taysan in 1850 and Lobo in about 1871. The administration of the parishes were ceded to the Recollect Orders. Rosario became its vicariate center. During the Spanish-American War, Rosario was put to fire including its church and convent. In the Filipino-American conflict that followed, the Americans overtook a revolutionary force in Rosario which was trying to hide the remaining funds of the Revolution. Some 22,000 Mexican peso coins were confiscated by the enemy. An American garrison was stationed in the town to enforce the hamleting (sona) tactic. This forced the surrender of the remaining revolutionary force given refuge in Baybayin. Finally in April 1902, General Miguel Malvar surrendered to the garrison officials in Rosario. The confiscated funds were later used by the Americans to construct the Batangas High School in Batangas town. The American army officers with the cooperation of the prominent citizens of Rosario decided to relocate the town to a more suitable site. On June 09, 1902, the seat citizens gladly donated lands for the public structures - schools, local government building, plaza, market, and cemetery. The former town site was later called Lumang Bayan. Here still remained the seat of the church administration. New Rosario did not have its own church nor priest despite repeated pleas to the church authorities. This situation paved the way for some of the most prominent families of the town to join the church nationalist movement of the Filipino priests. In 1908, Bishop Gregorio Aglipay celebrated the 1st mass of the Aglipayan church in the New Rosario. Two years later, the Roman Catholic Church founded its own parish in New Rosario. Before long, Rosario was once again the premier town in southeastern Batangas. It was the rice granary of the province. It had the best water works system by the 1920's. Its elementary school accommodated children from its daughter towns. The progress of the town was interrupted only by the Japanese occupation. Its own local guerilla units harrassed the enemy. The town was burned in March of 1945 by the retreating Japanese Army. The next month, Rosario was liberated by elements of 11th Airborne Division of the U.S. Army. From the ashes of the war of liberation, Rosario made a painful start to regain its position among the towns of the province. Lumang Bayan with several other barrios in the north agitated to become an independent municipality of Padre Garcia, curving out about a third of Rosario's territory. The political violence and squabbles that followed in the decades after the war had its toll on the class standing of the town. From its 1st class position, it gradually sank to its lowest 5th class rating. It lost to Padre Garcia a major source of revenue. This was the operation of the cattle market which is now one of the biggest in the country. Fire gutted the public market in August of 1968. The new public market was built before the fire came to life. Gradually, a middle class society began to appear. Their members engaged, however modestly, in the growing trade and industry of the town. The Chinese community which before the war controlled the retail trade, became hardly felt. A few shifted to the manufacturing industry. Most of them became integrated to the main stream of the growing middle class society, becoming more Filipinos than Chinese. A rural bank was established by this emerging group in 1961. Doctor residents of the town started building their own hospitals. In the 1980's, local investors came in to invest in the multi-million peso agri-business enterprises. A number of banks put up their branches here. The municipal government started to enjoy substantial yearly budget surpluses. Social services and infrastructure projects were given their boosts. Modern telecommunication facilities were made available both to local government and the residents of the town by way of radio and telephone facilities. Rosario and its people, ever in the grace of the Most Holy Rosary, has been selected one of the province's special growth zones. Rosario is envisioned to be, not only the center of Agro-Industrial Development in the southwestern Batangas under the CALABARZON Project, but also a haven for international sports enthusiasts of the country. A racing circuit is now in operation. A golf and country club and other modern facilities for a satelite city are now on the drawing board. All of these are of international standards. The challenge of new dimension in local government now faces our local officials. It is our hope and prayers that our leaders will be capable to assume the now more complex roles in socio-economic development, to shape and hasten the developmental direction of Rosario's potentials. Barangays Rosario is politically subdivided into 48 barangays. Malaya was formerly known as Munting Tubig • Alupay • Antipolo • Bagong Pook • Balibago • Bayawang • Baybayin • Bulihan • Cahigam • Calantas • Colongan • Itlugan • Lumbangan • Maalas-As • Mabato • Mabunga • Macalamcam A • Macalamcam B • Malaya • Maligaya • Marilag • Masaya • Matamis (Malinao) • Mavalor • Mayuro • Namuco • Namunga • Natu • Nasi • Palakpak • Pinagsibaan • Barangay A (Pob.) • Barangay B (Pob.) • Barangay C (Pob.) • Barangay D (Pob.) • Barangay E (Pob.) • Putingkahoy • Quilib • Salao • San Carlos • San Ignacio • San Isidro • San Jose • San Roque • Santa Cruz • Timbugan • Tiquiwan • Leviste (Tubahan) • Tulos Clusters For purposes of community organizing and effective delivery of social development projects, the Office for Sustainable Development under supervision of the Office of the Municipal Mayor in 1995, conveniently divided the 48 barangays into 8 barangay clusters with 6 member barangays each. Cluster Barangays South East I Antipolo, Calantas, Leviste, Matamis, Palakpak, Tulos North East II Macalamcam B, Nasi, Pinagsibaan, Putingkahoy, Salao, San Isidro East III Bayawang, Bulihan, Cahigam, Lumbangan, Mabunga, Mayuro East IV Alupay, Balibago, Mabato, Macalamcam A, Maligaya, Natu Central V Bagong Pook, Baybayin, Mavalor, San Carlos, San Jose, Tiquiwan West Central VI Poblacion D, Poblacion E, Itlugan, Maalas-as, Namuco, Namunga East Central VII Poblacion A, Poblacion B, Poblacion C, Quilib, San Roque, Sta. Cruz West VIII Colongan, Malaya, Marilag, Masaya, San Ignacio, Timbugan This system was patterned after the resolutions traditionally passed by the Sangguniang Bayan as part of its organizational plan following the general elections when new members are elected into office for a new term. Consequently, the barangay cluster arrangement was adopted and served as the framework for land use development strategies enunciated under the Comprehensive Land Use Plan of Rosario, Batangas for Planning Period 2000-2010 (CLUP). Barangay Officials Barangay Punong Barangay SK Chairman Poblacion A Carlos Gerald C. Toreja Albert G. Marasigan Poblacion B Emmerson T. Macatangay Brian Benedict R. Untalan Poblacion C Ranilo T. Serrano John Joseph E. Reyes Poblacion D Romulo Q. Perea Maria Gracia M. Ebite Poblacion E Angelito L. Coz Brent David P. Austria Alupay Reynaldo D. Macaraig Mark Julius A. Aguila Antipolo Rudy M. Endencio Gae Marie G. Gutierrez Bagong Pook Alfonso S. Magtibay, Sr. Lester S. Marasigan Balibago Gaudioso F. Alday Melvin Joseph H. Ilagan Bayawang Norberto A. Manalo Adelle M. Bereña Baybayin Cesar B. Agbay Marlon S. Barbosa Bulihan Pedro U. Berana Czarine Fatima M. Marmol Cahigam Dante A. Alday Leo Joseph B. Balila Calantas Leovino M. Dagli Andrew M. Aliwalas Colongan Prudencio R. Barbosa June Myka C. Rizo Itlugan Casiano A. Guste Grew Andrew B. De Mesa Lumbangan Isagani C. Laroza Jette Kay P. Recheta Maalas-As Enrico M. Siantiqua Frederick R. Guno, Jr. Mabato Federico Z. Dimaandal Michelle Ann M. Mercado Mabunga Vener S. de Torres Aemard DG. de Torres Macalamcam A Ronaldo M. Ramos Mycah Marisse B. Montuano Macalamcam B Raymundo G. Hernandez Mark L. Lalog Malaya Domingo B. Roallos Psalm David O. Abarintos Maligaya Felix P. Aclan Romel R. Joco Marilag Albino M. Altura Sherwin R. Magsombol Masaya Edwin J. Hernadez Adriane U. Mojado Matamis (Malinao) Virgilio A. Dapoc Oliver D. Abaday Mavalor Maximo S. Alagar Mary Jane C. Wagan Mayuro Marciano S. Aquino Julie Anne M. Veyra Namuco Pedro R. Andan Kenneth John L. Comia Namunga Gil M. Diña Jeanna Marie A. Pamplona Natu Martin C. de Castro Lovely Lucille A. Maniebo Nasi Emerson G. Tapay Realyn C. Pangilinan Palakpak Roberto T. Lacerna Joseph Kevin D. Gutierrez Pinagsibaan Angel B. Alvarez, Sr.1 Mark Kalvin M. Nucup Putingkahoy Vicente S. Matibag Ladiely E. Tarcelo Quilib Jun G. Villar Cassandra Faye M. Maralit Salao Luzviminda P. Austria Erica R. Cornella San Carlos Darius M. Aguado Catherine Vane C. Torres San Ignacio Rufina L. Olchondra Christopher D. Valencia2 San Isidro Rolly C. Leynes May M. Balmes San Jose Benito L. Ilagan Angelica D. Boongaling San Roque Ruben C. Magpantay Vee Jay A. Andal Santa Cruz Joel M. Abjelina Renier C. Escamillas Timbugan Donjun B. Alcaraz Realyn A. Esguerra Tiquiwan Reynaldo B. Braza Denmark DC. Garcia Tubahan Crispo A. Custodio Ivy Veronica B. Zara Tulos Mario A. Villena Julius B. Carpela San Jose, Batangas San Jose is a 1st class municipality in the province of Batangas, Philippines. According to the latest census, it has a population of 61,307 people in 10,123 households. The municipality is bounded by Lipa City in the north and northeast, the municipality of Ibaan in the east, Batangas City and municipality of San Pascual in the south, and the municipalities of Cuenca and Alitagtag in the west. Fast Facts San Jose is well known for growing good varieties of coffee, lanzones, and black pepper. It is where a great number of poultry and piggery animals are grown and sold, especially to Metro Manila, where it supplies a significant percentage of poultry products. Most of the San Jose workforce is either directly or indirectly involved in farming. There are also numerous feedmill corporations within its jurisdiction such as WhiteGold, Everlast, Busilac, Wincom, New Golden Mix, to name a few. The municipality boasts as having one of the most prosperous coffee and poultry farms in the Philippines. The Shrine of St. Joseph the Patriarch is located in the town proper and is a popular Catholic pilgrimage site. It was once built with cogon and bamboo by Augustinian friars around 1788. The present structure was built on 1812 under the supervision of a famous botanist Fr. Manuel Blanco, OSA. It has single-aisled interior which offers an unobstructed view of the large main altar. The altar is massive, with six rounded columns encircling the image of St. Joseph. Outside a multi-tiered belfry stands which was built in the latter part of the 19th century; a bridge offers passage to the church over the Malaquing Tubig River. San Jose is home to the Oblates of St. Joseph Mission and its Minor Seminary, founded by the Saint Joseph Marello. The Oblates were the first Italian congregation to send missionaries to the Philippines. San Jose became their first foreign mission. San Jose is the center of the Vicariate IV of the Archdiocese of Lipa. San Jose celebrates Sinuam Festival every 25th day of April to commemorate its founding anniversary and to thank its patron for the good performance of the main business in the town which is Poultry. History The Aetas were the first inhabitants of the place. They started clearing some portions of the wilderness especially in the areas near the riverbanks. Several groups of settlers then drove this Aetas to hinterlands and permanently occupied the place. They named it “Malaquing Tubig”, referring to the big river that cuts through the central portion of their early settlement. The Spaniards then colonized the Philippines. Bauan was established in 1596 as an ecclesiastical unit administered by the order of Saint Agustin with Malaquing Tubig as one of the barrios under its jurisdiction. Human population of Malaquing Tubig started to grow and in 1754, Taal Volcano erupted destroying the original Bauan. And before its actual site could have been selected, Malaking Tubig was separated from Bauan. The recognized leaders of Malaquing Tubig then petitioned to the Spanish authorities for the creation of that place as a pueblo which was granted to them on April 26, 1765. Established on April 26, 1765 as the town of San José de Malaquing Tubig, it once formed part of Bauan, and in the new town's establishment, it originally included the land that now makes up the Municipality of Cuenca. Barangays San Jose is politically subdivided into 33 barangays. Aguila Anus Aya Bagong Pook Balagtasin I Balagtasin II Banay-banay I Banay-banay II Bigain I Bigain II Calansayan Dagatan Don Luis Galamay-Amo Lalayat Lapolapo I Lapolapo II Lepute Lumil Natunuan Palanca Pinagtung-Ulan Poblacion Barangay I Poblacion Barangay II Poblacion Barangay III Poblacion Barangay IV Sabang Salaban Santo Cristo Mojon-Tampoy Taysan Tugtug Bigain South San Juan, Batangas San Juan is a 1st class municipality in the province of Batangas, Philippines. It occupies the easternmost portion of the province, 43 kilometers east of Batangas City, also the same distance southwest of Lucena City, Quezon, and 115 kilometers away from Manila. According to the latest census, it has a population of 87,276 people in 16,519 households. Short History San Juan is located at the Southeastern tip of the province of Batangas, 43 kms from the provincial capital of Batangas City and 120 kms from Manila. Composed of 42 barangays, San Juan has a total land area of about 29,500 hectares. It is bounded by Quezon Province in the north and by Tayabas Bay in the east and south. The northern boundary is defined by Malaking Ilog, which has the largest watershed areas among the rivers in Batangas. The towns of Rosario, Taysan and Lobo can be found on its west. San Juan was formerly part of the pueblo of Rosario. Records indicate that starting 1837, tenientes or deputies were assigned as administrative rulers of the village. In 1843, San Juan was recognized as a separate municipality and cabezas de barangay were assigned instead of deputies. The Recollects, headed by P.Fr. Toribio Mateo, established the pueblo of San Juan in 1881. The town was named after San Juan de Nepomuceno. San Juan’s Poblacion was established along the coast in a low lying area bordered by two rivers: Ilog Bambang on its south and Ilog Bancoro on its north. Because of these, flood constantly threatened the town center. A huge flood hit the town in 1883, according to church records, destroying houses, drowning livestocks and planted crops and seriously damaging the church and the convent. Because of this the people decided to move the poblacion to Calit-Calit, a place 7 kilometers further inland. In 1890 the bagong bayan or new townlocation in Calitcalit was formally approved by the government. The decision involved Governor General Fernando Primo de Rivera and a Fray Celestino Yoldi who was assigned to build the new church and convent in Calit-Calit. The decision to transfer the town to Calit-Calit was opposed by some people, particularly by principales because the materials used in the construction of their houses were first class (Erecciones de los Pueblos: Batangas, 1767-1896). Some decided to stay in the old town center, which is now known as Pinagbayanan, literally meaning former town. Places to see San Juan Nepomuceno Church The church, built during the Spanish colonial period, was the chosen venue of local celebrities Ryan Agoncillo and Judy Ann Santos for their wedding early morning of April 28, 2009. Laiya Beach San Juan has a majestic coastline with several beach resorts to visit for swimming, diving and other outdoor activities. Municipal Mayors Don Camilo Peres (1810–1889) Don Esteban De Villa (1900–1905; 1916–1919) Don Gregorio De Villa (1905–1906; 1913–1916) Don Benedicto De Villa (1906–1907) Don Raymundo Balinos (1907–1910) Don Florencio Perez (1910–1913) Don Juan Quizon (1916–1922; 1925–1928) Don Nicolas Virrey (1922–1925) Don Filemon Malabanan (1928–1932) Don Miguel Lopez (1934–1942) Guillermo De Villa (1942–1945) Vicente Castillo (1945–1955) Jose Garcia (1956–1963) Estelito Castillo (1964–1967) Vicente Lecaroz (1968–1986) Abelardo De Villa (1986–1998) Rodolfo Manalo (1998–2007; 2010–Present) Danilo Mindanao (2007–2010) Barangays San Juan is politically subdivided into 41 barangays. Abung Balagbag Barualte Bataan Buhay na Sapa Bulsa Calicanto Calitcalit Calubcub 1 Calubcub 2 Catmon Coloconto Escribano Hugom Imelda Janaojanao Laiya-Aplaya Laiya-Ibabao Libato Lipahan Mabalanoy Maraykit Muzon Nagsaulay Palahanan 1 Palahanan 2 Palingowak Pinagbayanan Poblacion Poctol Pulangbato Putingbuhangin Quipot Sampiro Sapangan Sico 1 Sico 2 Subukin Talahiban 1 Talahiban 2 Ticalan Tipaz Famous Personalities Dr. Victor Salud - Graduate, UP College of Dentistry, San Juan's First Dentist (1923) Gen. Renato S. De Villa - Former Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, , Former Dept. of National Defense Secretary, 1998 Presidential Candidate Braulio De Villa - Former Governor of Batangas Renee Salud - the country's premier Fashion Designer Rudy Salud - Founding Secretary-General World Boxing Council, Former PBA Commissioner, Boxing Manager and Promoter Amb. Henrietta De Villa - Former Philippine Ambassador to the Vatican Gen. Leandro R. Mendoza - Secretary of the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC), Former Police Director General of the Philippine National Police (2001). Antonio Bolaños Magtibay, Esq. - Philippine Ambassador to Qatar Miguel Aguila - singer Lance Oñate - Search for the Star in a Million contestant Most Rev. Salvador Q. Quizon D.D. - Auxiliary Bishop-Emeritus of Archdiocese of Lipa Engr. Benjamin D. de Guzman - retired Civil Engineer of DPWH, builder of many National Highways in Luzon Girlie E. Amarillo - Doctor in Social Development, Former Commissioner, National Youth Commission / Former Asst. Secretary, National Anti-Poverty Commission "Kapitan" Leon Quizon Mercado - Katipunero, Participated in the insurrection against the US, Farmer, "Coconut King of Batangas" till the early 1960s Architect Leon Sales Mercado Jr. - Philippine Architect. Founder/Principal Architect/President of LAS Mercado and Associates from the 1960s to the 1990s, a firm that specialized/pioneered in the design of large residential development/condominium complexes and private residences in the greater Manila area and suburbs (First to break the 20 floor barrier for high-rise construction in the Philippines). Designer of various higher education facilities (UP). President and founder of "Rainbow Philippines" a citizen's band radio organization in the 1970s. Youngest son of "Kapitan" Leon Quizon Mercado. Hernani Perez - Former Justice Secretary, DOJ(Dept. of Justice) Edison Alday - Founder of Alpha Kapatid Librado Malabanan - Authorized Nuclear Inspector Braidwood Nuclear Power Station San Luis, Batangas San Luis is a 4th class municipality in the province of Batangas, Philippines. According to the latest census, it has a population of 29,645 people in 5,365 households. Local government Mayor: Rodolfo C. Mendoza Vice-Mayor: Edilberto B. Hernandez Councilors: Benjamin S. De Castro Ariosto B. De Gracia Noel M. Perez Norberto M. Malibiran Sr. Nestor O. Mangubat Aileen R. Ocampo Sixto C. Lasala Rolando I. Reyes Barangays San Luis is politically subdivided into 26 barangays. Abiacao Bagong Tubig Balagtasin Balite Banoyo Boboy Bonliw Calumpang Calumpang East Calumpang West Dulangan North Dulangan South Durungao Locloc Luya Mahabang Parang Manggahan Muzon San Antonio San Isidro San Jose San Martin Santa Monica Taliba Talon Tejero Tungal Poblacion Education Elementary Schools Abiacao ES Balite PS Banoyo ES Boboy ES Bonliw ES Calumpang East ES Calumpang West ES Durungao PS Locloc ES Luya ES Mahabang Parang PS Muzon ES San Antonio ES San Isidro ES San Luis CS Santa Monica ES Taliba ES Talon ES Tungal ES Secondary Schools Public Banoyo NHS Santa Monica NHS Private St. Blaise Community Academy (form. Community HS) San Luis Academy, Inc. San Nicolas, Batangas San Nicolas is a 5th class municipality in the province of Batangas, Philippines. According to the latest census, it has a population of 19,046 people in 2,946 households. It is the smallest municipality in Batangas with 14.34 square kilometers of land area, which includes half of the Taal volcano island. In 1955 the barrios of San Nicolas, Gipit, Bangin, Pansipit, Calangay, Sinturisan, Talang, Abilo, Balete, Bancora, Saimsim, Maabud, Mulawin, Tambo, Calumala, Alasas, Calawit and Pulangbato, then part of the municipality of Taal, Batangas were separated and constituted into a new and separate municipality known as San Nicolas. History Before the year 1955, San Nicolas was only one of the barrios of the Municipality of Taal, Batangas and the place was endowed with fertile soil as a result of the eruption of Taal Volcano. Immigrants from barrios near Taal Volcano like Alas-as and Pulang Bato came to open the vast hilly lands and planted palay, corn, sugar cane and vegetables. It was on the night of June 25, 1954 that the San Nicolas Ladies Club conducted a party in celebration of Miss Marcelina de Sagun’s passing the Midwifery Licensure Examination. Together with some old folks, in the party, in the persons of: Atty. Exequiel D. Caringal, Mr. Jose Caringal, Mr. Herminigildo de Sagun, Mr. Alfredo Umali, Mr. Ireneo Matienzo, Mr. Teodoro S. Mayuga, Mr. Maximo Atienza, thought and planned of creating San Nicolas as a new municipality. Neighboring barangays were consulted and agreed to the said proposal. The committee headed by the Provincial Governor, Feliciano Leviste and Senator Jose P. Laurel formed a delegation to the President. The Muncipal Mayor of Taal, Hon. Ignacio Ilagan with his rebid followers opposed this move. The said committee requested Congressman Apolinario R. Apacible to file a bill in Congress. Representative Apacible did not hesitate to such proposal thereby at once filed a Bill to that effect in as much Congress is in session. With Representative Macias, he sponsored House Bill No. 3407 creating the new Municipality of San Nicolas in Congress and made his effort towards the fulfilment of the ultimate goal. On August 9, 1955 marked the proclamation and induction of the newly appointed officials of the town: Atty. Exequiel D. Caringal as Mayor and Mr. Mariano L. Tenorio as Vice Mayor. The councillors were composed of: Marcelo Morales, Teodoro S. Mayuga, Isabella Austria, Pedro Landicho, Donato Borairo, and Fulgencio Agno. From then on, San Nicolas became an independent municipality and began to function on its own right. San Nicolas was officially recognized as an existing municipality by virtue of Republic Act No. 1229 signed by President Ramon Magsaysay (House Bill No. 3407 dated June 1, 1955). San Nicolas is a 5th class municipality in the province of Batangas, Philippines. According to the latest census, it has a population of 19,046 people in 2,946 households. It is the smallest municipality in Batangas with 14.34 square kilometers of land area, which includes half of the Taal volcano island. In 1955 the barrios of San Nicolas, Gipit, Bangin, Pansipit, Calangay, Sinturisan, Talang, Abilo, Balete, Bancora, Saimsim, Maabud, Mulawin, Tambo, Calumala, Alasas, Calawit and Pulangbato, then part of the municipality of Taal, Batangas were separated and constituted into a new and separate municipality known as San Nicolas. Barangays San Nicolas is politically subdivided into 18 barangays. In 1957, the following sitios were converted from their mother barrios and converted into independent barrios: Burol from Tambo, Tagodtod from Munlawin, Kalawit and Pulang-Bato from Alas-as, and Baluk-Balok from Gipit. Abelo Balete Baluk-baluk Bancoro Bangin Calangay Hipit Maabud North Maabud South Munlawin Pansipit Poblacion Santo Niño Sinturisan Tagudtod Talang Alas-as Pulang-Bato San Pascual, Batangas San Pascual is a 1st class municipality in the province of Batangas, Philippines. According to the latest census, it has a population of 57,200 people in 9,744 households. San Pascual was formerly part of the municipality of Bauan and known as "Lagnas". It became an independent municipality in 1969. The municipality is adjacent to Batangas City, is along Batangas Bay. The town is home to an oil refinery and chemical plants as well as other industrial and commercial establishments. Barangays San Pascual is politically subdivided into 29 barangays. Alalum Antipolo Balimbing Banaba Bayanan Danglayan Del Pilar Gelerang Kawayan Ilat North Ilat South Kaingin Laurel Malaking Pook Mataas Na Lupa Natunuan North Natunuan South Padre Castillo Palsahingin Pila Poblacion Pook Ni Banal Pook Ni Kapitan Resplandor Sambat San Antonio San Mariano San Mateo Santa Elena Sto. Nino Sta. Teresita, Batangas Santa Teresita (also spelled as Sta. Teresita) is a 4th class municipality in the province of Batangas, Philippines. According to the latest census, it has a population of 16,891 people in 2,762 households. Sta. Teresita is situated along the southern lakeshore area of Taal Lake. Its boundaries are San Nicolas in the north, San Luis on the south, Taal on the west and Taal Lake on the northeast. Barangays Sta. Teresita is politically subdivided into 17 barangays. There are three urban barangays 14 rural barangays. Antipolo Bihis Burol Calayaan Calumala Cuta East Cuta West Irukan Pacifico Poblacion I Saimsim Sampa Sinipian Tambo Ibaba i love william * Tambo Ilaya Poblacion II Poblacion III Sto. Tomas, Batangas Santo Tomas (also spelled as Sto. Tomas) is a 1st class municipality in the province of Batangas, Philippines. According to the 2010 census, it has a population of 123, 668 people. The town is a gateway to the province from Laguna. It borders the cities of Calamba City, Laguna to the west, Los Baños, Laguna to the north, Alaminos, Laguna to the east, Tanauan City, Malvar, and Lipa City to the south. This is also the hometown of Philippine Revolution and Philippine-American War hero Miguel Malvar. The patron of Santo Tomas is Saint Thomas Aquinas, patron of Catholic schools celebrates his feast day every 7 March. Roads The town connects with the neighboring cities of Calamba City, Laguna and Alaminos, Laguna via the Maharlika Highway. The Southern Tagalog Arterial Road starts at the municipality from the north side of the expressway. The expressway connects the town with the rest of Batangas. Currently the expressway is being connected to the South Luzon Expressway. The José P. Laurel Highway is route that connects the town with Tanauan City, Malvar, and Lipa City all the way to Batangas City via San Jose town. Buildings and Structures The First Philippine Industrial Park which is owned by the Lopez Group of Companies is located in the municipality. A Microtel Inn and Suites site is located inside the park. Most of the town is residential with a lot of farmland. But there are also some developed subdivisions along the town like the San Antonio Heights in Barangay San Antonio which was developed by Avida Land, A division of Ayala Land, and Portello subdivision which was developed by Camella Homes. The town is also well known for an entire strip of bulalo (bone marrow soup)restaurants. Among the best known include Rose and Grace Restaurant. The town is also home to a state of the art hospital named St. Cabrini Medical Center which is located inside the town center. Local government Mayor: Renato M. Federico Vice Mayor: Armenius O. Silva Councilors: Gerardo M. Malijan Danilo P. Mabilangan Ferdinand M. Ramos Leovino M. Villegas Damasino M. Mabilangan Peter Thomas R. Reyes Primo C. Bathan Alexander J. Guevarra ABC president: Eduardo Calinisan SK President: Nico Maitim Built up Area With the continuous expansion of Metro Manila, the municipality is now included in Manila built up area which reaches Lipa City in its southernmost part. Barangays Santo Tomas is politically subdivided into 30 barangays: Barangay I (Pob.) Barangay II (Pob.) Barangay III (Pob.) Barangay IV (Pob.) San Agustin San Antonio San Bartolome San Felix San Fernando San Francisco San Isidro Norte San Isidro Sur San Joaquín San José San Juan San Luis San Miguel San Pablo San Pedro San Rafael San Roque San Vicente Santa Ana Santa Anastacia Santa Clara Santa Cruz Santa Elena Santa Maria Santiago Santa Teresita Taal, Batangas Taal is a 4th class municipality in the province of Batangas, Philippines. According to the latest census, it has a population of 51,459 people in 8,451 households.It is the Balisong and Barong Tagalog Capital of the Philippines. One of the Filipino healing priests, Father Fernando Suarez was born here in 1967. History Terra cotta and Chinese potteries excavated from the banks of the Pansipit River indicate that the Chinese have been trading with the natives along its banks from the Yuan Dynasty until the early Ming Dynasty from the 13th to the 15th century. It is also believed that the Malay Datu Puti who led ten datus for an expedition into Panay from Borneo and Brunei in the late 13th century also established the 1st settlement along the Pansipit river leaving behind Datus Dumangsil and Balensusa in two barangays around Taal Lake. In 1571 Spanish Generals Martin de Goiti and Juan de Salcedo,nephew of the conquistador Miguel Lopez de Legaspi sailed up the Pansipit river to the mouth of Taal lake, but, the natives unsure of the intentions of the Spaniards fought with bows, arrows and bolos and hit Salcedo in the thigh with a poisoned arrow. In 1572 Fray Diego Espinas, serving as both priest and Capitan, founded Taal, which was then located along the coast at Balangon. When the Moros destroyed the town in 1575, Fray Espinas transferred the population to the bank of the lake where San Nicolas now stands. Ships coming from Manila and Visayas brought trade which made the town so prosperous. In 1581,with Taal as its capital, the province of Batangas was founded which originally covered southeast Laguna, parts of Camarines, Mindoro and Marinduque. From 1597 to 1732, Balayan was designated as the capital of the province. In 1732 Taal was again made the capital of the province of Batangas. However, Taal volcano’s most violent eruption on August 11, 1749 completely devastated the town. In 1754, the town once again moved to its present location overlooking Balayan Bay where the shrine of Caysasay was originally located. It was also at this time that the provincial capital was moved to its present location of Batangas City. In 1861, Taal was divided into three (3) towns: San Genaro (what is now Lemery), San Luis and present day Taal. Taal’s name has been translated as “native”, “real”, or “true” to Bornean settlers. Some old folks believe that the name originated from the wild palm trees on the shores of the lake and along the banks of the Pansipit River known as Tal-an, while others believe it was derived from Ta-ad, an old Batangueño term for sugar cane points. A robust coffee trade became the money pot of the town in the last half of the 19th century which gave rise to a wealthy merchant class. Thus, there was a boom in the construction of grand houses made of adobe stone (bahay na bato) and other more imposing facades as the Basilica of St. Martin de Tours. The town’s progress was interspersed with calamities: small pox epidemic (1761/1774), locust invasion (1804/1819) cholera epidemic (1820), great fires (1825/1841) and earthquakes brought by volcano eruptions (1852 which toppled the altar of the church and the two towers of Caysasay church) Although Taaleños were prominently involved in the rebellion to gain independence against Spain from 1896-1898, the town itself remained intact. On February 4, 1899 the Filipino-American War erupted and Taal suffered greatly under the hands of the Americans who put up a garrison in the convent and later burned Taal from the poblacion to the suburbs. Pandayan district which prided itself with expert loom weavers and Cuta, then referred to as the Escolta of Taal, were razed to the ground. It is a miracle that some of the houses which define Taal as heritage town today were saved. Demographics The first census in 1903 recorded a total population of 17,525. The 2007 population is 41,352 growing at 2.33% annually, with 7,961 households.Two people were dead. Climate Taal has two seasons: dry from November to April, and wet during the rest of the year. The lowest minimum temperature does not drop below 20 degrees Celsius while the highest maximum temperature of 34.5 degrees Celsius occurs from March to July of each year. Natural Resources A dominant feature of the province of Batangas is Taal Lake. It covers an area of 270 square km. and is drained by Pansipit River down into Balayan Bay. Pansipit is one of the major ecological highways that allow migration of two fish species: maliputo (cranx ignobilis) and muslo (cranx marginalis) which are unique to Lake Taal. Adult fish migrate to the sea from Taal Lake via Pansipit River and Palanas River in Lemery. The tawilis (harengula tawilis) is a freshwater sardine also endemic to Taal Lake. Cultural Events Feast Day Processions - A procession is a queue of participants composed of men and women of various ages to honor a local patron saint. It is religious in nature and is often done on the feast day of the venerated saint. Celebrations are in the form of prayer, hymns, declamation, and flower offerings, after which food and drinks are served. Big processions in Taal are held around November 11, feast of St. Martin of Tours; December 8, feast of Our Lady of Caysasay; and during the town fiesta on December 9 in honor of Our Lady of Caysasay and St. Martin of Tours. The Feast of the Virgin of Caysasay - The feast is celebrated on the 8th day of December every year, the day when Fernando Quiroga y Palascios, then the Spanish representative of Pope Pius XII, celebrated the solemn canonical coronation of the Virgin of Caysasay in 1954. This miraculous wooden image is eight inches (203 mm) high, bearing signs of long immersion in water, but garbed in exquisite robes. Lua - The traditional Lua is a declamation in the vernacular recited by a maiden to honor the Virgin Mary or a boy in praise of a male saint like St. Martin of Tours. In the procession, a delightful picture is presented by the young girls and ladies in their pretty gowns and ternos as they make up the hila so called because they are supposed to pull the cordon of electric lights that originates from the Virgin’s carrosa bedecked with flowers. Local Products & Delicacies Since the Spanish period the people of Taal lived by farming and commerce. The main produce was sugar which was made through the use of crude sugar mill called trapeche, cotton and cacao. Weaving and embroidery of piña barong and camisa were popular home industries. Later local embroidery business expand products to include curtains, piano covers, pillow cases, table cloth, table napkins and bed covers all of which added luster to the fame already earned by Taal embroidery. While shopping for Taal's souvenirs and local products, visitors recognize the quality and reasonable price of the merchandise. Some of the products produced in the town are: Burdang Taal (embroidered cloth made out of pineapple fiber and other natural weaves), balisong (fan knife) and various food treats such as the panutsa (peanut brittle candy) and suman salehiya (sweet sticky rice). Popular Filipino dishes that originated from Taal are: Adobo sa Dilaw (Yellow Adobo) and Sinaing na Tulingan (Bonita Fish Soup) These products are produced at the back-yards of homes with mastery and skill handed down through generations of experience and craftsmanship. Visit in Taal will not be completed without tasting Tapa ( Marinated Pork ) and Longanisa which could be bought in Taal Public Market. Famous People from Taal in Philippine Revolutionary History Gliceria Marella de Villavicencio - Doña Gliceria Marella de Villavicencio was named as the “godmother of the revolutionary forces” by Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo during the proclamation of the Philippine Independence on June 12, 1898. Her passion in supporting the revolution against the Spaniards, and later the Americans, was inflamed by the death of her husband, Don Eulalio Villavicencio in February 1898. He was incarcerated by the Spaniards along with Pablo Ocampo and Dr. Ariston Bautista for supporting the Katipunan and the revolutionary movement. Of the material aid she extended to the insurrectos the most notable was the SS Bulusan, a ship which made trips from Manila to Batangas and back. It also transported Filipino soldiers, armaments and ammunitions and food supplies for the maintenance of the revolutionary forces. It was the first warship made available to the revolutionaries. Aling Eriang, as she was affectionately called, was born in Taal on May 13, 1852 and died on September 25, 1928. She had six (6) children. Felipe Agoncillo - Don Felipe Encarnacion Agoncillo, a man of rare intelligence and admirable patriotism, is best remembered as a revolutionary hero, statesman, and the first Philippine diplomat. After graduating from the University of Santo Tomas with degrees in Bachelor or Arts and Licentiate in Jurisprudence, both magna cum laude, he started his career by setting up a law office in Taal and won popular acclaim for the free services he rendered his poor clients. He was brilliant, fearless and was outspoken about the abuses of the Spanish oppression. He was to be exiled by the Spanish government to Jolo in April 1896, but, managed to escape to Hong Kong via Japan. He organized the revolutionary junta in Hong Kong and was eventually appointed by General Emilio Aguinaldo as a diplomat representing the Philippine Republic to the United States and to the Treaty of Paris in 1898. He served as representative of Batangas in the First Philippine Assembly in 1907. He also served as Secretary of Interior under Governor General Leonard Wood. In 1930, he was chosen president for the first plenary session of the Independence Congress held in Manila. Don Felipe Agoncillo was born on May 26, 1859 and died September 29, 1941. He was married to Marcela Marino and has five (5) children. Marcela Mariño de Agoncillo - The wife of Don Felipe Agoncillo, Dona Marcela, also known as "Roselang Bubog" is best known as the maker of the first Philippine flag that was unfurled at the proclamation of Philippine Independence on June 12, 1898 in Kawit, Cavite. Born from one of Taal's oldest and most respected families, she was educated in a Catholic convent school, which in those days emphasized sewing and arts in the curriculum for girls. In 1898, while in exile in Hong Kong with her husband and children, she received orders from General Emilio Aguinaldo to make the flag, a task she welcomed as an opportunity to serve her motherland. With the design finally made, she started her task of sewing with meticulous care with the help of Delfina Natividad (Rizal’s niece) and her daughter, Lorenza. Marcela died on May 30, 1946, at 80 years old. Vicente Ilustre - Don Vicente Encarnacion Ilustre obtained a law doctorate at the Universidad Central de Madrid. It was also in Madrid that he associated with other Filipino patriots like Rizal, Plaridel, Naning Ponce, Galicano Apacible and others - whose chief pre-occupation was resolving the seething Philippine situation. He left Madrid fro Paris and on January 8, 1900, proceeded to Hong Kong where he accepted the offer by the Mabini cabinet to represent the country in the United States. He was consequently elected Director of Diplomacy in the Central Revolucionaria de Hongkong. In 1913, Vicente became a member of the Philippine Commission under Gov. Gen. Francis Burton Harrison where he served as president of the Committee for Mindanao and Sulu. Thereafter, he became a Senator in the First Senate of the Philippines. He was also instrumental in the installation of two very important public utilities in Taal, that of light and water. He was born in Taal, Batangas on Sept. 6, 1869 and died in Manila on Sept. 27, 1928 at the age of 59. He was married to Doña Rita Villavicencio. Gen. Ananias Diokno - Gen. Ananias Noblejas Diokno was the only Tagalog general to lead a full scale military expedition to the Visayas against the Spanish forces. He led the Battalion Maluya, a revolutionary force organized by Doña Gliceria Marella Villavicencio and General Marasigan with the help of Timoteo Marella and Capitan Apolonio Admana. He was also responsible for the transport of arms from Japan, sent by the revolutionary Government. General Diokno with his officers and soldiers, embarked for Sorsogon on the steamers Bulusan, Taaleño and Purisima Conception, to help organize the first revolutionary government of the Bicol region. In November 1898, the Philippine forces reached the port of Pandan, Ibahay, Capiz and defeated the Spanish forces. After a week they went to Iloilo and demanded the immediate surrender of the Spaniards. When the Americans came to Capiz on March 4, 1901 the Filipino troops were forced to flee to the mountains and later were urged to surrender. Many men surrendered but General Diokno, with a handful of loyal stalwarts retreated to the hinterlands and resorted to guerrilla warfare. Having been badly wounded in a skirmish, he was captured and imprisoned by the Americans. Gen. Diokno was born in Taal on January 22, 1860 and died on November 2, 1922 in Arayat, Pampanga. Galicano C. Apacible- Dr. Galicano Apacible, patriot and propagandist, was born on June 25, 1864 in Balayan, Batangas, the youngest of the three children of Don Vicente Apacible and Catalina Castillo. Kanoy, as he was fondly called, lived in Intramuros with their relative, Jose Rizal, under whose charge the young Kanoy was placed. He enrolled at the University of Santo Tomas but decided to leave during his 5th year in medicine to sail for Europe where he finished his Bachelor of Arts degree at the Institute of Tarragona and his Licentiate in Medicine and Surgery at the University of Barcelona in November 1889. He studied at the Universidad Central de Madrid for his doctorate in Medicine. While in Spain, Apacible was president of a political society called Asociacion Filipina Solidaridad en Barcelona. He was also one of the founders of La Solidaridad. During the Universal Exposition in 1889, he joined Rizal, T.H. Padre de Tavera, Antonio Luna and many other Filipinos who were in France at that time and discussed ways to improve the situation in the Philippines. He journeyed back to his homeland only to find that his brother Leon has been exiled to Lepanto and Rizal in Dapitan. Fleeing persecution he fled to Hong Kong where he wrote to Apolinario Mabini: "I am working exclusively for our dear motherland.. exposing my life and abandoning all my personal interests. I wish for no reward except the satisfaction of helping in securing our freedom." He was head of the Filipino Central Committee based in Hong Kong. He was sent to Tokyo as a special agent to secure arms and ammunition for the revolutionaries. While there he met leading figures such as Marquis Ito, Count Okuma and Dr. Sun Yat Sen. The latter was his closest companion as they were both working for the freedom of their countries. In 1899, he was sent to the United States along with Rafael del Pan as delegates of the revolutionary government. They tried to seek the intervention of the American government in their endeavor to make peace with Spain. He was in Hong Kong when General Aguinaldo was captured by General Frederick Funston in Palanan, Isabela. The committee was dissolved, and in 1903, Apacible returned to Manila and practised medicine. He worked at the San Lazaro Hospital from 1906 to 1907 when he was elected governor of Batangas. He occupied this position until he was elected Assemblyman in 1909 and reelected in 1912. In 1911, he became vice-president of the Nacionalista Party and a member of its Executive Committee. From 1917 to 1922, he was Secretary of the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources. On March 22, 1949 he died and was interred at the La Loma Cemetery in Manila. Barangays Apacay Balisong Bihis Bolbok Buli Butong Carasuche Cawit Caysasay Cubamba Cultihan Gahol Halang Iba Ilog Imamawo Ipil Luntal Mahabang Lodlod Niogan Pansol Poblacion 1 Poblacion 2 Poblacion 3 Poblacion 4 Poblacion 5 Poblacion 6 Poblacion 7 Poblacion 8 Poblacion 9 Poblacion 10 Poblacion 11 Poblacion 12 Poblacion 13 Poblacion 14 Pook Seiran Laguile Latag Tierra Alta Tulo Tatlong Maria Taal is politically subdivided into 42 barangays. Talisay, Batangas Talisay is a 3rd class municipality in the province of Batangas, Philippines. According to the latest census, it has a population of 39,120 inhabitants in 6,246 households. Talisay is located in the north-central area of Batangas, which is located southwest of the island of Luzon, approximately 84 kilometers south from Metro Manila. It is bordered by Tagaytay City in the north, the municipality of Laurel to the west, Tanauan City to the east, and a vast volcanic lake called Taal Lake to the south. In 1953 the sitio of Buco in the barrio of Balas was converted into a barrio. History Long ago, the Spanish administration in the Philippines when Tanauan was in the place where its barrio Ambulong is now situated, Talisay was a very insignificant barrio of that municipality. When Tanauan was moved to its present site, Talisay become a barrio of Taal. Talisay as it is now called had no definite name. Nobody cared during those times because there were not many inhabitants in this place. In the course of time people from Taal and Tanauan happened to reach this place and enjoyed staying in this locality. They found the place and enjoyed staying in this locality. They found the place adapted to the growth of sugarcane, rice and corn, the three most important products during those days, this discovery until Talisay was so well populated that it was necessary for the Spanish government to assign a priest to take care of the people’s religion. A temporary building was built by the people in the center of the barrio. When the big church bell arrived, it becomes a problem for the priest to find a convenient place for it. In the place where the temporary church was built, was a big Talisay tree. The priest ordered the people to hang the bell on one of each branch. When the big bell of the church was first rang, some people were panic-stiken. Some brave men tried to look where the sound came from. Later, they found out that it came from the big Talisay tree. People from far and near were made to go to church on Sunday. On their way to church, when some people asked where they were going, the people simply answered, ” SA MAY TALISAY”. Often time, they only answered, “Sa Talisay”. The place was closely linked with the Talisay tree in the churchyard, that when the place was made into town, it was named TALISAY. It was year 1869 when Talisay was formally known as a Municipio or a municipality and has since been celebrating its town fiesta every February 10 of each year and in commemoration of the miraculous patron Saint San Guillermo (St. William). Source: Municipal Government of Talisay Town Profile Spoken language: Tagalog and English Religion: Catholic, Born Again Christians, Protestants, Iglesia ni Cristo, Jehovah’s Witness, Seventh Day Adventist and Aglipay Education: There are nine (9) Public schools for Elementary level and one (1) Public school and three (3) Private school for Secondary level three (3) public school and nine (9) for kinder and pre-elementary school which provides our not so well-off families to continue their studies through the guidance and assistance of our efficient instructors who are very determined in their field of work. Population: 39,120 based on the NSO Census 2007 Geographical Location: The Municipality of Talisay, Batangas is consisted of 21 barangays, eight of which are located in Poblacion (Town Proper), covering a total land area of 2822.0 has. (28.22 sq.km.). It is bounded on the North by the City of Tagaytay, on the east by the City of Tanauan, on the South by Taal Lake and Volcano Island and Southwest by the Municipality of Laurel. Distance from Metro Manila: approx.80 kms. (thru SLEX via Lipa City) Travelling around Traveling westward from the City of Tanauan and entering Talisay via the National Highway, one will reach barangays Aya, Tranca, Quiling and Tumaway. Afterwards, one will enter the town proper or an 8-zone poblacion, which is the heart of Talisay. West of the poblacion are San Guillermo, Banga, Sta. Maria, Balas, Buco, Caloocan, Leynes, Sampaloc, Miranda. Talisay has recently reinvented itself into a Resort town, making use of the superb view and access that they have to Taal Volcano and Taal Lake. Many resorts that fit a wide range of budgets has sprouted along the town. Local government Mayor: Zenaida Mendoza Vice Mayor: Florencio Manimtim Jr. Barangays Talisay is politically subdivided into 21 barangays, in the form of an 8-zone Poblacion, and 13 surrounding barangays. Aya Balas Banga Buco Caloocan Leynes Miranda Poblacion Barangay 1 Poblacion Barangay 2 Poblacion Barangay 3 Poblacion Barangay 4 Poblacion Barangay 5 Poblacion Barangay 6 Poblacion Barangay 7 Poblacion Barangay 8 Quiling Sampaloc San Guillermo Santa Maria Tranca Tumaway Tanauan City The City of Tanauan (Filipino: Lungsod ng Tanauan) is a second class city in the province of Batangas, Philippines. According to the latest census, it has a population of 142,537 inhabitants in 21,912 households. It was incorporated as a city under Republic Act No. 9005, signed on February 2, 2001 and ratified on March 10, 2001. Revolutionary thinker and former Prime Minister Apolinario Mabini and former President José P. Laurel were born in Tanauan. Recent events include the assassination of its former mayor, Cesar V. Platon, by NPA rebels, as he was running for the governorship of Batangas. This happened days shy of the election. The city share its borders with Calamba City, Laguna to the north, Tagaytay City, Cavite to the northwest, Talisay, Batangas to the west, Santo Tomas, Batangas to the east, and the towns of Balete and Malvar to the south. History Some people believe that Tanauan derived its name from the Tagalog term “ tanaw ” meaning to look after through the window. This is based on a fortress which had a watchtower built by the Augustian friars and natives. The watchtower allowed them to monitor incoming “champans” or boats entering through the Pansipit river, which were either traders or pirates. From this tower, one can have a clear view (tanaw) of the lake and of the vast plains and rolling hills. The Town of Tanauan was founded on its present location in 1754, having been transferred from the fringe of Taal Lake where it was originally situated. It is generally believed that Tanauan, together with Sala was originally founded in 1572 by the Augustinian missionaries who built mission at the shore of the Lake known as Bonbon (now Taal). The town, however, was totally destroyed during the most impressive and catastrophic historically recorded eruption of Taal Volcano in 1754. together with the Community of Sala, the residents of Tanauan were relocated to safer places. Tanauan moved to Bañadero, then to its present location. Sala, on the other hand, transferred from its original site to where it is located. Sala subsequently became the barangay of Tanauan. Tanaueños have displayed characteristics of personal independence of personal independence and nationalism since early history. The town is called the cradle of noble heroes due to its contribution to the revolutionary movement of its sons Apolinario Mabini, the brains of Katipunan, and later by the great statesman Pres. Jose P. Laurel. Also, three Tanaueños served as governors of Batangas, namely: Jose P. Laurel V, Modesto Castillo and Nicolas Gonzales. Roads The Southern Tagalog Arterial Road starts at the municipality from the north side of the expressway. The expressway connects the town with the rest of Batangas. Currently the expressway is being connected to the South Luzon Expressway.Jose P.Laurel Highway connects the city to Calamba City and Santo Tomas, Batangas on the north and with Malvar, Batangas and Lipa City to the south. Buildings and Structures The First Philippine Industrial Park which is owned by the Lopez Group of Companies and PhilTown Industrial Park owned by RFM Corporation are located in the city. Soon, Tagaytay Highlands Tourism Economic Zone by Belle Corporation , owner of Tagaytay Highlands and operated by the family of Henry Sy will be built on the north part of the city. Built-up Area With the continuous expansion of Metro Manila, the city is now included in Manila built up area which reaches Lipa City, Batangas in its southernmost part. Education Tanauan has several tertiary educational establishments. These include DMMC Institute of Health Sciences, a subsidiary of Daniel O. Mercado Medical Center and UPMC. It is the only school in Tanauan City with its own hospital base. Others are STI College Tanauan, the La Consolacion College Tanauan (LCCT), Augustinian Catholic Institution established in 1948,the Jesus Is Lord Christian School (JILCS), First Asia Institute of Technology and Humanities, a private educational and research institute, the Christian College of Tanauan (CCT), the Mabini Junior College, Our Lady of Assumption College (OLAC-Montessori) a private Catholic Institution that specializes in Montessori method, and the Tanauan Institute (T.I.) established in 1924. It also has 9 private and 12 public high schools, and 27 private and 44 public elementary schools. Notable Tanauenos Jose P. Laurel (Former President of the Philippines) Apolinario Mabini Pablo T. Tapia (Ramon Magsaysay Awardee) Jose B. Laurel (Former House Speaker) Salvador Laurel (Former Vice President of the Philippines) Sotero Laurel (Former Senator) Michael Carandang (Emmy Award winning TV producer) Zanjoe Marudo (actor) Jade Lopez (actress) Chief Justice Renato Corona (present) Teodoro Valencia (Dean of Philippine Journalism) Barangays Tanauan City is politically subdivided into 48 barangays. Altura Bata Altura Matanda Altura-South Ambulong Banadero Bagbag Bagumbayan Balele Banjo East (Bungkalot) Banjo West (Banjo Laurel) Bilog-bilog Boot Cale Darasa Pagaspas (Balokbalok) Gonzales Hidalgo Janopol Janopol Oriental Laurel Luyos Mabini Malaking Pulo Maria Paz Maugat Montaña (Ik-ik) Natatas Pantay Matanda Pantay Bata Poblacion Barangay 1 Poblacion Barangay 2 Poblacion Barangay 3 Poblacion Barangay 4 Poblacion Barangay 5 Poblacion Barangay 6 Poblacion Barangay 7 Sala Sambat San Jose Santol (Doña Jacoba Garcia) Santor Sulpoc Suplang Talaga Tinurik Trapiche Ulango Wawa Taysan, Batangas Taysan is a 2nd class municipality in the province of Batangas, Philippines. According to the latest census, it has a population of 33,454 people in 5,823 households. In its northern boundary are the towns of Rosario and Ibaan, in east, is a part of Rosario, in west, is Batangas City and in south, is the municipality of Lobo. Barangays Taysan is politically subdivided into 20 barangays. Bacao Bilogo Bukal Dagatan Guinhawa Laurel Mabayabas Mahanadiong Mapulo Mataas Na Lupa Pag-Asa Panghayaan Piña Pinagbayanan Poblacion East Poblacion West San Isidro San Marcelino Sto. Niño Tilambo Tingloy, Batangas Tingloy is a fifth-class municipality in the province of Batangas, Philippines. According to the 2007 NSO census, it has a population of 18,548 people in 3,269 households. The town wholly comprises Maricaban Island, just south of the Calumpang Peninsula in town of Mabini, Batangas. Tingloy is a small island beaches and over 30 dive points become popular to tourist and livelihood of the residents. History The name "Tingloy" was according to legend, derived from a plant of almost the same name. Nowhere in the whole Island could one find now in abundance the plant called "tinghoy". The first people to inhabit the Island almost a century age today came from Taal and Bauan presumably to escape the brutalities perpetrated by the Spanish "conquistadores". They came in family groups and finding the place a real haven, settled down in definite areas later to prove them to be the nuclei of the various barrios now comprising the created political subdivision. It is said that the former barrio of Tingloy was founded by Jose Martinez, a Taaleño. At several times the island underwent a series of political alliance. At first it was a part of the Municipality of San Luis. Later on in 1917, it was placed under the administration of Bauan only to be severed therefrom and cradled by the then newly created municipality of Mabini in 1918. This last mentioned alliance was effected due, perhaps, to geographical position. This arrangement, however, did not last long, for not long afterward - in 1921 - it swayed back to Bauan until the birth of its municipal independence. During the Spanish regime people were educated at home learning to read the "Cartillas" and the "Caton" "Christiana". During American occupation schools were established. Mr. Ireneo Martinez together with Mr. Flaviano Gamben, initiated a movement for a model schoolhouse for the former barrio of Tingloy. This movement was crowned with the success when a model schoolhouse was constructed in the present poblacion of the Municipality of Tingloy sometime in 1921. During the second Regular Session of the third Congress of the Republic of the Philippines, Republic Act No. 1344 (House Bill No. 11), creating the Municipality of Tingloy was, approved. House Bill No. 11 was authored by the Hon. Numeriano U. Babao, Congressman for the Second District of Batangas. His Excellency President Ramon Magsaysay, on June 17, 1955, appointed the first municipal Officials headed by Atty. Ramon De Claro as Mayor. Geography Just off the southwest coast of the Batangas mainland, about two nautical miles away, lies the radish-shaped Island of Maricaban. People by no less than 13,000 inhabitants, the Maricaban Island has a territorial expansion of about 14 square miles (36 km2) of rugged hills and sloping mountains with the occasional splatterings of lowland plains and a liberal springklings of valleys. The coastal perimeter of the Island with green trees and clinging vines and sudden drops of stony mountains slopes is a real treat to the eyes. Spread all over the Island are barrios of Sto. Tomas, Talahib, San Pedro, Gamao, Pisa, Corona, San Isidro, Papaya, San Juan, Macawayan, Maricaban, San Jose and Tingloy, the latest to become later the seat of government of the Municipality of Tingloy. Places of interest A view of Tingloy or Maricaban Island Masasa Beach (Barangay San Juan) is one of the most visited beaches of the place, and known for its white sand and beautiful sunset at the beach's tip of the coast. Mag-Asawang Bato is one of the two peaks of the island, and this is the most visited peak by mountaineers and nature enthusiasts, where a 360° view of the whole island can be seen. Barangays Tingloy is politically subdivided into 15 barangays. Corona Gamao Makawayan Marikaban Papaya Pisa Barangay 13 (Poblacion 1) Barangay 14 (Poblacion 2) Barangay 15 (Poblacion 3) San Isidro San Jose San Juan San Pedro Santo Tomas Talahib Tuy, Batangas Tuy (pronounced as "too-wee") is a 3rd class municipality in the Province of Batangas, Philippines, 100 kilometers south of Manila. According to the latest census, it has a population of 40,290 people in 6,978 households. The patron of Tuy is Saint Vincent Ferrer, the patron of construction workers celebrates his feast day during April 5. The town of Tuy is located in between two first class municipalities namely Balayan and Nasugbu. The former PNP chief Raul Bacalzo was born in Tuy and is a graduate of Our Lady of Peace Academy's high school department. Tuy is also known to host a yearly Kambingan Festival as their way of honoring their town, and a town plaza night food market where people can buy foods and enjoy free net-surfing thru Wi-Fi connection. Tuy has also been producing famous bakery products of its own, like the so called jacobina biscuits, bicocho toasted bread, among other bakery products, since the 1960's. History Around 1900's Tuy was still part of the town of Balayan, the former capital of Batangas Province. She became an independent town only on August 12, 1866. The name TUY was given by Don Salvador Ellio in memory of his birthplace, Tuy Galicia, Spain. As of 2011, some interesting facts may be spoken of about Tuy. Its southern part had a deep ravine of which part had been filled and patched up and has since become a commercially viable vacant lot. It has 3 streets that represent the Philippines' 3 national hero-priests called Gomburza, to stand for their names, Gomez, Burgos, and Zamora. The interesting fact may have been that Zamora Street has been renamed Calingasan Street, the latter name having been considered politically significant for the town, but rendering Gomburza incomplete, in the process. Tuy may be considered as one of the few places where a gas station, though situated in one of its best street corners (Basa Street, Corner Detour-National Highway), has not been exploitative of its strategic location, but has been built, instead, as if it were just on an ordinary side street lot, thus blocking its covered street corner, and not allowing vehicles to cut corners for more convenient gassing up. In the early 2000's, Tuy was unexpectedly put in the map of national news-worthiness, as a Batangas Province governorship candidate was slain in its town plaza, while he was campaigning. Tuy's annual Kambingan (goats and their by products) Festival has not been its original festival, as the first one had been the Salagubang (a kind of root and leaf-eating beetle) Festival. The former's celebration, however, was discontinued and eventually so replaced due to obvious acceptability reasons. Tuy's pronunciation continue to be a problem for uninitiated people. Tuy is a town between 2 rivers. In the north, Tuy town proper's boundary is the Mataywanac/Salipit River, while in the south, the Tuy town proper's boundary is the Obispo River. Education Tuy has no college or tertiary level school and depends mainly on their vocational education system hosted by the municipality. There are 3 secondary level schools, mainly Jose Lopez Manzano NHS, Our Lady of Peace Academy, Bolboc NHS, Talon Family Farm School (currently non-operational), I.B. Calingasan Memorial Institute, and Santiago de Guzman NHS. There are also numerous elementary and pre-elementary schools in Tuy, aside from the ones built mainly for each barangay. Religion The primary religion in Tuy is Roman Catholicism with a few variations of biblical Christian denominations like evangelicals, and Baptists, among other groups. There are also other religions like Jehova's Witnesses, Adventists, and Church of Christ movements. The main poblacion of Tuy is predominantly followers of Blessed Virgin Mary (Roman Catholic) sporting yearly occasions to its honor. Also the main poblacion house the Our lady of Peace Academy, a Roman Catholic school. Economy The primary income sources of people from Tuy are through agricultural lands like sugarcane farms. Sugarcane harvests in Tuy are usually processed in neighboring towns' factories like Nasugbu and Balayan sporting lower income base in the town of Tuy. Some also depend on poultry, livestock, and other crops. Most of the populations are unemployed or either migrating once employed due to absence of real high-paying job opportunities in its vicinity. The previous mayors or leaders of Tuy had no prior impact on increasing the employment output of people on Tuy other than finding jobs from other towns or locations. Although there are some business establishments, they have a minimal impact on the town's economy. Relative to other towns in the province of Batangas, Tuy is among those towns not gifted with a great natural resource-that of the sea. That could say a mouthful about its economic inferiority compared to its neighboring towns. Natural Resources Aside from its beautiful rivers, fields, and other captivating landscapes, which need improvements and promotions, the natural resources available in Tuy include sand, gravel, earth, construction materials, and timber. Sand, earth, & construction materials are found in some rivers with potential quarrying resources, especially riverbanks and watersheds. These are the Tuyon-Tuyon, Palico, Munting Tubig, Kaytitinga, Bayudbud and Molino rivers. These materials are used for general constructions and concrete mix walls and protection layers for foundation of dams. Quarrying of earth is found in hills and mountains while quarrying of rocks is found in Barangay San Jose of which site was discovered only several years ago. Timber is found in the forestral areas – portions of Barangays Dalima, Talon, Palincaro, Malibu, Toong, Magahis, and San Jose. Major Agricultural Activities/Crops Sugarcane is the major crop, which produces about more than 30, 000 metric tons of sugar per milling season. Milling starts during the month of December and usually ends by June of the following year. Land cultivation of sugarcane farms is on a tenancy basis hereby the tenants share 50% of the production cost and obtains 50% of the income. Sugar is harvested, hauled and brought to the nearby sugar milling companies in the towns of Balayan and Nasugbu. Sugarcane farming is thus the main source of livelihood of the people. It also provides employment for cane cutters, weepers, and haulers who are paid either on a daily or per tone of cane basis. Other major commercial crops are mango (mainly the Indian variety), and cassava. Fruit-bearing trees and vegetable crops are also planted in the fields, backyards, and home gardens to supply household demands, and augment income. Bridges The Municipality of Tuy has eight (8) bridges. All of these bridges are constructed permanently in concrete structures. Of these 8 bridges, 6 are national ones, while the other 2 are provincial ones. Transport Facilities Land transportation facilities are available in the municipality like public utility jeepneys, light vehicles, trucks, motorcycles, buses, tricycles, trailers, & heavy trucks. Public utility jeepneys are the dominant land transports plying the Balayan-Tuy-Nasugbu routes, and vice versa. Tricycles are the most used public utility that serve the population in different barangays of the municipality. Buses also link the town to Manila and Batangas City. Communication Facilities The municipality has three telephone systems, as of 2011. One is being operated by Western Batangas Telecommunication System, the other by Digitel. and the other by Globe. A telegraph office dispatches messages thru telegrams. Its office is located at the ground floor of the municipal building together with the post office with one post master, one mail sorter, and two letter carriers who serve the municipality. Computers are installed in each office, an e-mail system, and three fax machines. As of 2011, cell phones use keep on spreading, as well as the internet connectivities that the same cell phone service providers offer, namely Digitel, Globe, and PLDT/Smart, among other telecommunication companies. Media/Handling Facilities All newspapers, magazines, comics, and other periodicals available in the National Capital Region (NCR) reach the municipality, physically, and through the net, including those available internationally. Likewise, radio, television sets, computer gadgets, and the like in the locality have good and clear receptions of the programs aired in the mass media, and likewise provided in the internet, which then make the population of Tuy well-informed and well-updated in terms of national and international issues. Financial Institutions There are two (2) financial institutions that exist in the municipality, namely: Malarayat Rural Bank Tuy Market Vendors and Community Multi-Purpose Cooperative Barangays Tuy is politically subdivided into 22 barangays. Acle Bayudbud Bolboc (Maligas) Dalima Dao Guinhawa Lumbangan Luntal Magahis Malibu Mataywanac Palincaro Luna (Pob.) Burgos (Pob.) Rizal (Pob.) Rillo (Pob.) Putol Sabang San Jose San Jose (Putic) Talon Toong Tuyon-tuyon (Obispo)