Laguna is a province of the Philippines located in the Calabarzon region (Region IV-A) of Luzon. The province covers roughly 1,928.23 square kilometers and is composed of 24 municipalities and 6 cities and 681 barangays. The capital of the province is Santa Cruz. The name 'Laguna' comes from the Spanish word for 'lake,' referring to its proximity to Laguna de Bay, the largest lake in the Philippines.

History

Laguna, originally inhabited by indigenous Tagalog-speaking communities, became an important settlement during the pre-colonial period due to its fertile lands and proximity to Laguna de Bay. During Spanish colonization in the 16th century, it was formally established as a province and became a hub for agriculture, particularly rice, sugarcane, and coconut. Laguna is historically significant as the birthplace of José Rizal, the Philippines' national hero, who was born in Calamba in 1861. The province played a role in the Philippine Revolution against Spanish rule and later in the Philippine-American War. Over time, Laguna developed into a center for industry, education, and commerce while retaining its cultural heritage and natural landmarks.