Rizal is a province of the Philippines located in the CALABARZON Region (Region IV-A) of Luzon. The province covers roughly 1,182.65 square kilometers and is composed of 13 municipalities and 1 component city with a total of 189 barangays. The capital of the province is Antipolo. The province was named after Dr. José Rizal, the national hero of the Philippines, and it is known for its mountainous terrain and proximity to Metro Manila.

History

Rizal Province, located in the CALABARZON region of Luzon, Philippines, has a rich history that traces back to pre-Hispanic times when Tagalog communities thrived along the Pasig River. During the Spanish colonial period, the area formed part of the provinces of Tondo and Laguna, and in 1853, the Morong Politico-Military District was established, encompassing several towns such as Morong, Pililla, Tanay, Baras, Binangonan, Jalajala, Angono, Cardona, Cainta, and Taytay. This district served as an administrative unit under Spanish rule, laying the foundation for the province's later organization. Under American rule, Rizal Province was officially created on June 11, 1901, by combining parts of Manila Province and the Morong District, and was named in honor of the national hero, Dr. José Rizal, with Ambrosio Flores serving as its first governor. The province experienced changes during World War II and post-war reorganizations, including the brief inclusion of several towns into the City of Greater Manila and the later creation of Metro Manila in 1975, which reduced Rizal to 14 municipalities. In recent history, Antipolo was officially designated as the provincial capital in 2020, reflecting ongoing development while preserving its historical and cultural heritage. Today, Rizal balances its rich past with modern growth, remaining a key province known for its natural attractions and proximity to Metro Manila.