Bwisit N Proj. Sa Ap!

Region III – Central Luzon Aurora by Jaume Ollé, 12 January 2001 [no longer in use] The Philippine Republic's Province of Aurora is as small and thinly populated as Quezon is large and populous. It is located just north of Quezon on the east coast of Luzon, known to the Spanish as the "contra costa." Its population is 173,000 in eight towns. Aurora is named for Aurora Quezon, the wife of President Manuel Quezon of the Commonwealth of the Philippines; both were born in the capital town of Baler, now apparently renamed Naval. The Catholic church of the town was defended by four Spanish officers and fifty men for nearly a year, June 1898 to June 1899, and was the last Spanish outpost in the Philippines to surrender. The Filipinos admire this heroic defense, and have set up a monument to it. Aurora became a subprovince of Quezon in 1951, and a full province in 1979, so the image above is very likely obsolete. Aurora is heavily forested, and the cleared land is used mostly for farming; there seems to be no industry. The province is exposed to Pacific typhoons, and is hit by an average of four per year, some of devastating severity. On the other hand it is a fine place for surfing, as well as scuba-diving and snorkeling, though local support services are not readily found. It also has dramatic scenery on the side of the mountains. The principal products are copra, rice, banana, coffee, pepper, and citrus, plus various wood products and fish. There is some cottage weaving, and the provincial government is trying to develop food-processing and woodprocessing industry. John Ayer, 18 March 2001 Aurora was transferred to Region III by Executive Order No. 103. Bataan by Jaume Ollé, 12 January 2001 Bataan is in the Central Luzon Region of the Philippine Republic, occupying a peninsula that forms the northern enclosure of Manila Bay. A narrow channel separates it from Corregidor. Most of the province is still given over to farming and fishing, with the surplus of both going across the bay to feed the ever-hungry capital. Bataan is taking advantage of its position on Manila Bay to develop international and domestic port traffic and various industries. It also has plenty of beaches, mountain streams, etc., and hopes to encourage tourism. Bataan, with 558,000 inhabitants, is the least populous province in the region. After the Japanese invaded the Philippines in World War II, Bataan was the last stronghold of the American and Filipino forces in the archipelago. Eighty thousand of them held out in Bataan for four months, hoping for a relief by sea that America was never able to send. Their supplies eventually failed, and a renewed Japanese assault compelled their surrender on April 9, 1942. Corregidor surrendered a month later. The prisoners were marched off to internment camps. Many, weakened by months of privation, were unable to keep up the pace, and were killed out of hand, to the number of ten thousand. This Bataan Death March was an early subject of the Asian War Crimes Tribunal. Bataan bears famous monuments to this heroic but doomed defense and to the victims of the Death March, plus another erected many years later by the Japanese to international peace and friendship. John Ayer, 20 March 2001 Bulacan by Jaume Ollé, 12 January 2001

Bulacan is the most populous province in Region III, with 2,230,000 inhabitants as of 2000, and apparently accomplished the remarkable feat of increasing its population by twenty-five percent since 1995. Its area is 2638 sq.km., divided into twenty-four towns, of which five share a modest coastline along Manila Bay. The capital is Malolos. The province's name derives from a native word referring to the many and various flowers, including many kinds of orchids. The land slopes upward to the east, where Mount Oriol is the highest peak. Both Pampanga and Bulacan took leading parts in the last rebellion against Spain and the first Philippine Republic. Bulacan has a mixed economy, agricultural and industrial. The principal crops are rice, sugar cane, maize, melons, vegetables, and bamboo. Industries include food processing, leather tanning, textiles, shoemaking, ceramics, chemicals, metals and machinery production. Handicrafts are also practiced, and there is much fishing, both fresh-water and salt-water. John Ayer, 20 March 2001 Nueva Ecija by Jaume Ollé, 12 January 2001 The province of Nueva Ecija is the biggest in Central Luzon, well over 5000 sq.km. Its population is 1,614,000 by the 2000 census in twenty-nine towns and three cities, Palayan (the capital) with 31,000 inhabitants, San José with 107,000, and Cabanatuan (always spelled with a C except on its flag) with 218,000. Nueva Ecija is overwhelmingly agricultural, as appears on all four flags. It is known as the breadbasket of the Philippines. The soil is apparently so rich that it will grow anything planted in it. Central Luzon State University in Munoz and several other research institutions assist in agricultural development; the province apparently does not aspire to industry except as adjuncts to agriculture (food processing, for example). When Nueva Ecija was created in 1705, Governor Cruzar named it after his native place, Ecija (Écija), in Seville province (Andalusia, Spain). John Ayer, 24 March 2001 Cabanatuan by Dirk Schönberger, 12 January 2001 Source: Symbols of the state Palayan by Dirk Schönberger, 12 January 2001 Source: Symbols of the state San José by Dirk Schönberger, 12 January 2001 Source: Symbols of the state Pampanga image by Ivan Anthony Henares, 15 February 2006 Old flag by Jaume Ollé, 12 January 2001 The Philippine Republic's Province of Pampanga has 1,727,000 inhabitants by the 2000 census; it comprises the City of Angeles (pop. 243,000) and twenty-one towns, San Fernando being both the provincial and the regional capital. Its area is 2,171 sq.km. Pampanga was founded in 1571, covering the whole of Central Luzon; all the other provinces have been set off from it over the

centuries. It is almost landlocked, but has an extensive riverine network centered on the Pampanga River. Mount Arayat National Park, in the town of Arayat near Angeles, is managed by the provincial government. The early inhabitants apparently came in several waves from Java. They still speak a distinct language. Before the Spanish arrived the Kampampangans practiced irrigation, grew rice and sugar cane and fruit trees and fiber and ornamental plants and spices, wove useful and attractive fabrics, smelted metals and made tools and jewelry, wrote their language with a syllabary, and had a written code of laws. Farming and fishing are the main economic activities; Pampanga still grows rice and sugar cane, also maize, fruits, vegetables, melons, and root crops. The Pampanga River and commercial fishponds yield carp, crabs, and shrimp. Pampanga Agricultural College is located in Magalang. Woodcarving, furniture-making, lanternmaking, ceramics, and other crafts are also widely practiced. The oldest vocational school in the Far East is in Bacolor. Clark Air Base and two other American military bases were located in Pampanga, and their structures still stand, now constituting a special economic zone. During World War II the Japanese had a kamikaze base in Pampanga, and there are memorials to the kamikaze pilots. John Ayer, 27 March 2001 Angeles by Dirk Schönberger, 12 January 2001 Source: Symbols of the state San Fernando by Ivan Anthony Henares, 8 February 2005 Source: Symbols of the state Tarlac by Jaume Ollé, 12 January 2001 Continuing through Region III on the basis of least populous province to most populous brings us to Tarlac, population 1,045,000 by the 2000 census on 3,053 sq.km. divided into seventeen towns, of which Tarlac is the capital. There are no cities. The province is landlocked and mostly agricultural. The easternmost soil zone is the biggest, well-drained soil that grows rice, sugar cane, maize, tobacco, and some minor crops and livestock. To the west this soil gives way to clay, challenging for agriculture but useful for ceramics and bricks. Westernmost is the Zambales range, forested, yielding some woods (which get turned into furniture and wooden clogs) and home to some more of the Aeta. Tarlac contains the place of internment for the survivors of the Bataan Death March, and a large monument salutes their sacrifice. John Ayer, 1 March 2001 Zambales by Jaume Ollé, 12 January 2001 North up the west coast of Luzon from Bataan is the province of Zambales, which, with 623,000 by the 2000 census, is the second least populous, but at 3,714 sq.km. it is about three times as big as Bataan. 194,000 of these live in the city of Olongapo; the rest are divided among thirteen towns. Iba is the capital. Like Bataan, Zambales is overwhelmingly agricultural. Its principal products are maize, rice, sugar cane, vegetables, poultry, and swine. The inhabitants also practice various handicrafts for sale. There are also three large mining operations, concentrating on chromite, though Zambales also has reserves of gold, iron, nickel, and other resources. Zambales is very diverse ethnically, having surviving populations of Aetas, apparently the earliest inhabitants, who still practice their hunter-gatherer life without fixed

abode in the mountains, and Sambalis, for whom the province was named. It is also the location of Subic Bay, where the Spanish in 1895 built a navy base that passed to the United States a few years later. It was destroyed by the eruption of Mount Pinatubo in 1991, and a Philippine Free Port was then built on the bay. Zambales is also working to develop its tourist potential; there is a marine life sanctuary offshore at San Salvador Island, and a variety of ecosystems inland, including the area recovering from Mount Pinatubo's eruption, plus many miles of varied shoreline. John Ayer, 1 March 2001 Olongapo by Dirk Schönberger, 12 January 2001 Common Dialect in Region III is Kapampangan

OTHER INFORMATION ABOUT REGION III BATAAN Bataan, which has been called “Fruit Queen of the Philippines,” is also the glory of Filipino bravery and heroism. Even at the early phase of Bataan’s development, the province had established its share of significant historical events. In 1600, the invading forces of Dutch Admiral Van Noort was repulsed in the attempt to land on Mariveles by a detachment of Filipino and Spanish soldiers led by Antonio de Morga. In 1664, the second attempt to Dutch forces that had succeeded in establishing a beachhead in Abucay was again repulsed by Filipino and Spanish defenders. And then, World War II catapulted the province to historical fame and lasting symbol of courage, having been the last fortress of Filipino and American defenders against the invading Japanese forces. Former Name: None Land Area: 1,373 square kilometers Capital: Balanga Population: 323,254 (1980) Principal Dialect: Tagalog Income Classification: Second Class Province No. of Cities: None No. of Municipalities: 12 (Abucay, Bagac, Balanga, Dinalupihan, Hermosa, Limay, Mariveles, Morong, Orani, Orion, Pilar, and Samal) No. of Municipal Districts: None

Topography: Eight of the municipalities of Bataan lie along the eastern coast, one in the hinterland, and three along the western shoreline. In between these coastal towns are mountain ranges that allow for proper drainage and irrigations. No. of Principal Rivers: 4 No. of Mountains: 5(prominent are Mariveles and Samat) Climate: Dry season from November to April and wet season the rest of the year. Heaviest rainfall is in August. The coldest months are December and January; the warmest are April and May. Average Annual Rainfall: 100.58 inches Principal products/crops: Rice, corn, sugarcane, rootcrops, banana, caimito, and vegetables. Industries: Rice farming and fishing Mineral Resources: Iron ore and pyrite cinders Forest Resources: Hardwood and timber Tourist Attractions: Dambana ng Kagitingan, Camaya Point, Pulong Bato Resort, Montemar Beach Resort, Villa Carmen, and the Philippine-Japanese Friendship Tower. Governor: Leonardo B. Roman Congressman: Felicito C. Payumo, Enrique T. Garcia BULACAN The people of Bulacan have distinguished themselves for their nationalism, and many natives of the province have been honored as national heroes. The province was among the first eight to take up arms against Spain in the Philippine Revolution of 1896. The constitution of the First Philippine Republic was drafted and ratified in the historic Barasoain Church in Malolos in 1898. Malolos was also the site of the founding of the First Philippine Republic, also known as the Malolos Republic, which was inaugurated in 1899 with Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo as president. Former Name: None Land Area: 2,625 square kilometers Capital: Malolos Population: 1,096,046 (1980) Principal Dialect: Tagalog Income Classification: First Class Province No. of Cities: None No. of Municipalities: 24 ( Angat, Balagtas, Baliuag, Bocaue, Bulacan, Bustos, Calumpit, Doña Remedios Trinidad, Guiguinto, Hagonoy, Malolos, Marilao, Meycauayan, Norzagaray, Obanda, Pandi, Paombong, Plaridel, Pulilan, San Ildefonso, San Jose del Monte, San Miguel, San Rafael. And Santa Maria) No. of Municipal District: None Topography: The terrain of the province is generally flat, broken only by mountains near the boundaries fronting the provinces of Nueva Ecija, Quezon, and Rizal. From the elevated areas flow the rivers which drain the province. No. of Principal Rivers: 3 (Novaliches, Apo, and Angat) No. of Mountains: 16 Climate: The climate which is distinctly tropical, consists of two seasons: wet from April to November and dry the rest of the year. Bulacan is protected from the northeast monsoon and the trade winds by mountains on the north but is exposed to the southwest monsoon and occasional storms. Average Annual Rainfall: 100.58 inches Principal products/crops: Rice Industries: Cement manufacturing, textile and steel manufacturing, poultry feed making, chemical and tanning industries Mineral Resources: Iron, andesite, limestone, marble and quartz

Forest Resources: Timber, rattan, nipa and fiber Tourist Attractions: Bustos Dam, Madlum Cave, Sibul Springs, Biak-na-bato and Titilandong Falls Governor: Roberto M. Pagdanganan Congressman: Francisco B. Aniag Jr., Vicente C. Rivera Jr., Jose de Leon Cabochan, Rogaciano M. Mercado NUEVA ECIJA Nueva Ecija is one of the oldest settlements in the Philippines. It was originally part of Pampanga until its creation as a separate province in 1705. When the Philippine Revolution broke out in 1896, Nueva Ecija was one of the first eight provinces to rally behind the movement for Philippine Independence. The Spaniards were driven out of the area and a revolutionary government was established under the leadership of Felino Cajucom. With the cessation of hostilities on June 11, 1901, a civil government took over with Jacob P. Krops becoming the first governor of the province. Dubbed as the “Rice Bowl of the Philippines”, Nueva Ecija, until recently, was one of the seeding grounds of agrarian unrest. It served as base of operations for the Huk resurgence in 1965, and has been the site of many encounters between government troops and insurgents. Former Name: None Land Area: 5,284.3 square kilometers Capital: Palayan City Population: 1,069,400 (1980) Principal Dialect: Tagalog Income Classification: First Class Province No. of Cities: 3 (Cabanatuan, Palayan and San Jose) No. of Municipalities: 29 (Aliaga, Bongabon, Cabiao, Carranglan, Cuyapo, Gabaldon, Gapan, Gen. Mamerto Natividad, General Tinio, Guimba, Jaen, Laur, Licab, Llanera, Lupao, Munoz, Nampicuan, Pantabangan, Pernaranda, Quezon, Rizal, San Antonio, San Isidro, San Leonardo, Santa Rosa, Santo Domingo, Talavera, Talugtog, and Zaragosa) No. of Municipal Districts: None Topography: The mountains scattered along the eastern portion protect the region from monsoon winds. Six rivers drain the province. No. of Principal Rivers: 6 (Pampanga, Rio Chico, Diamman, Penaranda, Bongabon and Talavera) No. of Mountains: 10 (along the Caraballo and Sierra Madre Mountains) Climate: In eastern part of the province, there is a continuous even rainfall throughout the year. In the northern and northeastern portions, it is relatively dry from April to November. In the southwestern portion, there are two pronounced seasons – dry from November to April and wet during the remaining months. Average Annual Rainfall: 100.58 inches Principal products/crops: Rice, corn, mangoes, water-melons, onion and garlic Industries: Cottage industries such as shoemaking, furniture making, pottery, handicraft, needlework, poultry raising and piggery Mineral Resources: Copper, gold, manganese, limestone and marble Forest Resources: Timber Tourist Attractions: Pantabangan Dam, Central Luzon State University and the Valdefuente River Governor: Eduardo L. Joson Congressman: Eduardo V. Joson Jr., Simeon F. Garcia, Hermogenes D. Concepcion Jr., Nicanor G. de Guzman Jr.

PAMPANGA The province of Pampanga used to be a much larger territory. The first political boundaries defined during the Spanish era included a large part of the entire Central Luzon plains. The province diminished in size when various sections were cut off and added to the surrounding provinces of Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Bataan and Tarlac. Pampanga has been the focal point of rebellions during Spaniards regime. It was one of the first eight provinces which rose up in arms against the Spaniards in 1896. The province has also been the scene of social unrest in the 1950s and the 1906s. December 11 of every year has been set by Presidential Proclamation No. 2226 as Pampanga Day to commemorate its inauguration in 1571 as the first province of Luzon. Former Name : None Land Area :2,180.7 square kilometers Capital: San Fernando Population: 1,181,590(1980) Principal Dialect: Pampango Income classification: First Class Province No. of Cities:1(Angeles) No.of Municipalities: 21 ( Apalit, Arayat,Bacoor, Candaba, Floridablanca, Guagua, Lubao, Mabalacat, Macabebe, Magalang, Masantol, Mexico, Minalin, Porac, San Fernando, San Luis, San Simon, Santa Ana, Santa Rita, San Tomas, and Sexmoan) No. of Municipal Districts: None Topography: Terrain is extremely flat with mountains breaking the horizon. Mt. Arayat, the highest mountain in the province, is on the northwest. No. of Principal Rivers: 3 (Pampanga River is the largest) No. of Mountains: 3 (Mt. Arayat is the highest) Climate: Rainy season from May to October and dry season from November to April. Average Annual Rainfall: 90 inches Principal products/crops: Rice, sugarcane and watermelon Industries: Poultry raising and fishing (major industry) Mineral Resources: Feldspar, silica sand, and limestone Forest Resources: Timber Tourist Attractions: Mt. Arayat National Park in Arayat and Magalang, Clark Air Base, and the churches of Apalit, Lubao and Magalang. Governor: Bren Z. Guiao Congressman: Carmelo F. Lazatin, Emigdio L. Lingad, Oscar S. Rodriguez, Marciano M. Pineda

TARLAC The first coins of the Philippine Republic were first issued in Tarlac, by Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo in 1900. Prior to that in 1874, there were only five towns comprising the province under the Spanish regime. During the last part of 1899, Aguinaldo’s government, being pursued by the American forces, escaped northward and made Tarlac its provisional seat. It was then that Apolinario Mabini was appointed foreign minister of the Republic. Later, in the same year, the first document concerning the Philippine revolution was printed in Tarlac and circulated in the form of a pamphlet. The document, entitled “Rosena Veridica de la Revolution Filipina” by Gen. Aguinaldo gained significance

because of its detailed indictment against the abuses of the American expeditionary forces. Former Name: None Land Area: 3,053.4 square kilometers Capital: Tarlac Population: 688,457 (1980) Principal Dialect: Ilocano, Pampango, and Tagalog Income Classification: First Class Province No. of Cities: None No. of Municipalities: 17 (Anao, Bamban, Camiling, Capas, Concepcion, Gerona, La Paz, Mayantoc, Moncada, Paniqui, Pura, Ramos, San Clemente, San Manuel, Santa Ignacia, Tarlac, and Victoria) No. of Municipal Districts: None Topography: Tarlac is located at the center of the Central Plain of Luzon. Its terrain is one continuous plain punctuated by mountain ranges on the boundary between Zambales. No. of Principal Rivers: 6 ( Pampanga, Agno, and Tarlac, among others) No. of Mountains: 3 Climate: Dry season from November to April and rainy season from May to October. Average Annual Rainfall: 97.58 inches Principal products/crops: Rice, corn, sugarcane, tobacco, fruits and tubers Industries: Lumbering, poultry raising and sugar milling Mineral Resources: Manganese and iron Forest Resources: Hardwood Tourist Attractions: Bamban Park where the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes is enthroned, the Capas Death March Monument, Magsaysay Dam, and the Camiling Museum. Governor: Mariano U. Ocampo III Congressman: Jose S. Cojuangco Jr., Jose V. Yap, Herminio S. Aquino ZAMBALES The aborigines of Zambales were the Negritos or Aetas who fled to the mountains, upon the arrival of the earliest known migrants believed to be the Malays from Celebes. The old province included the coastal towns from Cape Bolinao of Lingayen Gulf to Subic Bay. However, due to physical difficulties in administration, the province lost seven (7) towns to Pangasinan. These were Alminos, Bolinao, San Isidro, Infanta, Anda, Bani, and Agno. Among the earliest towns were Masinloc, organized in 1607, Iba in 1611 and Sta. Cruz in 1612. Masinloc was the capital of Zambales before the seat of local government was transferred to Iba. Former Name: None Land Area: 3,714.4 square kilometers Capital: Iba Population: 444,037 (1980) Principal Dialect: Ilocano and Tagalog Income Classification: Third Class Province No. of Cities: 1 (Olongapo) No. of Municipalities: 13 (Botolan, Cabangan, Candelaria, Castillejos, Iba, Masinloc, Palauig, San Antonio, San Felipe, San Marcelino, San Narciso, Santa Cruz, and Subic) No. of Municipal Districts: None Topography: The province has a very irregular terrain and peninsula formed by the Zambales Mountain. No. of Principal Rivers: 3 No. of Mountains: 48

Climate: Dry season from November to April and rainy season from May to October. Zambales is open to the southwest monsoon and cyclonic storms. Average Annual Rainfall: 100.58 inches Principal products/crops: Rice, monggo and mango Industries: Mining and logging (major industry), fishing, and cottage industries Mineral Resources: Chromite Forest Resources: Timber, rattan, and charcoal Tourist Attractions: The coastal stretch from San Antonio to Iba, Olongapo City known for its “night life”, and the gleaming waterfalls in San Miguel and San Felipe Governor: Amor D. Deloso Congressman: Katherine H. Gordon, Pacita Trinidad Gonzales

REGION IV AURORA Transformation of Aurora from its former category as a sub-province (part of Quezon province) to a new province came in a plebiscite held on May 20, 1979 when more tan 99 percent voted for province-hood status. From an economic viewpoint, Aurora is purely agriculture-based. However, it has industrial potentials because of its mineral deposits, the extent of which is still to be explored. It also has potentials for developing into one of the principal fish-producing provinces of the country. Size-wise, Aurora is larger than the provinces of Batangas, Laguna, Ilocos Norte, and Siquijor. Former Name: Bondo (1814 to 1935) Land Area: 3,239.6 square kilometers Capital: Baler Population: 107,145 (1980) Principal Dialects: Tagalog Income Classification: Fifth Class Province No. of Cities: None No. of Municipalities: 8 (Baler, Casiguran, Dilasag, Dinalongan, Dingalan, Dipaculao, Maria Aurora, and San Luis) No. of Municipal Districts: None Topography: The province has a verdant and rugged terrain. No. of Principal Rivers: 3 (with Quezon) No. of Mountains: 26 (with Quezon) Climate: Characterized by the absence of a dry season with a pronounced maximum rainfall occurring From October to January. The position of the province exposes it to typhoons that batter the country. Average Annual Rainfall: 111.56 inches Principal products/crops: copra and rice Industries: Fishing and buntal hat weaving Mineral Resources: Gold, coal, limestone and silica Forest Resources: Timber Tourist Attractions: Cape Encanto Point, and a number of coves and beaches Governor: Eunice G. Cucueco Congressman: Benedicto G. Miran BATANGAS

Batangas was one of the eight provinces which revolted against Spain; hence, it was placed under law by Gov. Gen. Ramon Blanco on August 30, 1896. The province has large forest areas in the highlands. Lumbang oil, used in making paints and varnishes, is obtained from the seeds of the lumbang trees which thrive in these forest. American civil government was established in Batangas on May 2, 1901 and again on July 4, 1902. Former Name: “Bonbon” or “Balayan” and “Taal” Land Area: 3,165.8 square kilometers Capital: Batangas City Population: 1,174,201 (1980) Principal Dialect: Tagalog Income Classification: First Class Province No. of Cities: 2 (Batangas and Lipa) No. of Municipalities: 32 (Agoncillo, Alitagtag, Balayan, Balete, Bauan, Calaca, Calatagan, Cuenca, Ibaan, Laurel, Lemery, Lian, Lobo, Mabini, Malvar, Mataas na Kahoy, Nasugbu, Padre Garcia, Rosario, San Jose, San Juan, San Luis, San Nicolas, San Pascual, Santa Teresita, Santo Tomas, Taal, Talisay, Tinauan, Taysan, Tingloy, and Tuy) No. of Municipal Districts: None Topography: The province which is elevated down toward the west, south and southwest coasts. It is characterized by highlands. No. of Principal Rivers: 7( some of which are Malaking Ilog, Malitlit, Munting Tubig, and Rosario) No. of Mountains: 5 Climate: Dry season from November to April and wet during the rest of the year. Heaviest rainfall is from July to August. The coldest month is January; the warmest months are April and May. Average Annual Rainfall: 85.66 inches Principal products/crops: Rice, sugarcane, coconut, corn, banana, mandarin, orange, and coffee Industries: Fishing, farming and weaving (embroidery) Mineral Resources: Copper, ore, lead, clay and limestone Forest Resources: Timber and lumbang oil Tourist Attractions: Taal Volcano and Lake, Matabungkay Beach Resort, Talisay Beach, Butong Beach, Laiya, Batulao Beach and the Calatagan resort (Punta Baluarte) Governor: Vicente A. Mayo Congressman: Conrado Apacible, Hernando B. Perez, Milagros L. Trinidad, Jose Calingasan CAVITE Cavite province, where the first Philippine flag was unfurled and the national anthem first played, is traditionally called “the cradle of Philippine freedom.” It was here, in 1872, that an event leading to the execution of the three-martyr-priests, Fathers Gomez, Burgos and Zamora, took place fanning in consequence the embers of Filipino nationalism. Rich in history, Cavite has, however, been rather slow in catching up with the times. It is, in fact what might be called “the slumbering province.” In 1942, about 18,000 Cavitenos still spoke chabacano. Also, in spite of the advent of electricity, jeepneys, and a refinery in Rosario, Cavite remains very much as it was before World War II. Former Name: None Land Area: 1,287.6 square kilometers

Population: 771,320 (1980) Principal Dialect: Tagalog Income Classification: Second Class Province No. of Cities: 3 (Cavite, Tagaytay and Trece Martires No. of Municipalities: 20 (Alfonso, Amadeo, Bacoor, Carmona, Dasmarinas, Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo (Bailen), Gen. Mariano Alvarez, Gen. Trias, Imus Indang, Kawit, Magallanes, Maragondon, Mendez-Nunez, Naic, Noveleta, Rosario, Silang, Tanza, and Ternate) No. of Municipal Districts: None Topography: Its terrain is characterized by rolling hinterlands punctuated by hills where upland crops grow in abundance. The shoreline fronting Manila Bay is at sea level. The only rugged portion of the province is at the boundary of Batangas where the Dos Picos mountains are located. No. of Principal Rivers: 2 No. of Mountains: 2 (Mt. Dos Picos and Mt. Tala) Climate: Dry season from December to April and rainy season from May to November. Average Annual Rainfall: 77.2 inches Principal products/crops: Rice, sugarcane, coconut, coffee, banana and peanuts Industries: Fishing, salt making and chemical manufacturing (major industries) Mineral Resources: Salt Forest Resources: Timber and rattan Tourist Attractions: The municipality of Alfonso where traditional customs such as “Palaro”, and “Santacruzan” are held, the Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit, and the Lake Taal and Taal volcano, which are visible from different lodges. Governor: Juanito R. Remulla Congressman: Leonardo L. Guerrero, Renato P. Dragon, George A. Nunez LAGUNA Laguna and its people hade figured prominently in Philippine history. The province is one of the oldest settlements in the country where the Spaniards found densely populated settlements along the Laguna de Bay coasts, inland lakes and its many rivers. The Aetas, after them, the Dumagats, first sttled in Laguna before they were displaced by the Tagalogs. Laguna was one of the first eight provinces that rose against Spain. The province is also known as the birthplace of Dr. Jose Rizal, the country’s national hero. Today, Laguna which is famous for its Pagsanjan and Botocan Falls, is the center of scientific agriculture research in the Philippines. Former Name: None Land Area: 1,759.7 square kilometers Capital: Cruz Population: 973,104 (1980) Principal Dialect: Tagalog Income Classification: First Class Province No. of Cities: 1 (San Pablo) No. of Municipalities: 29 ( Alaminos, Bay, Biñan, Cabuyao, Calamba, Calauan, Cavinti, Famy, Kalayaan- Longos, Liliw (Lilio), Los Baños, Luisiana, Lumban, Mabitac, Magdalena, Majayjay, Nagcarlan, Paete, Pagsajan, Pakil, Pangil, Pila, Rizal, San Pedro, Santa Cruz, Santa Maria, Santa Rosa, Siniloan, and Victoria) No. of Municipal Districts: None Topography: Characterized by a series of dormant volcanoes alternating with gently rolling and level plains. There are several mountains here, most famous of which are Mt. Makiling, and Mt. Banahaw.

No. of Principal Rivers: 7 (Balanac, Lumban, Mabacan, Malaunod, Mayor, Sta. Cruz and Sta. Maria) No. of Mountains: 10 (Makiling, Banahaw and San Cristobal among others) Climate: The eastern portion has more or less evenly distributed rainfall throughout the year. A small portion in the southern boundary has no pronounced seasons although it is relatively dry from November to April and wet during the rest of the year. The rest of Laguna is dry from November to April and wet the rest of the year. Average Annual Rainfall: 100.3 inches Principal products/crops: Coconut, rice, sugarcane and corn Industries: Fishing, livestock and poultry raising Mineral Resources: Copper and iron ore Forest Resources: Timber Tourist Attractions: Sampaloc Lake, Dona Leonilla Park, UP College of Agriculture, the Mount Makiling National Park, Pagsajan Falls, Hidden Valley, National Arts Center, National Botanical Garden, La Laguna Encantada, Cielito Lindo, Underground Cemetery in Nagcarlan, and the hidden valley springs in Caliraya. Governor: Felicisimo T. San Luis Congressman: Nereo R. Joaquin, Joaquin M. Chipeco Jr., Florante L. Aquino, Magdaleno M. Palacol MARINDUQUE Rich in religious heritage, Marinduque formerly belonged to the Archdiocese of Manila. However, when the secular priest stationed in Boac died in 1821, Archbishop Miguel Garcia Serrano entrusted its spiritual care to the Jesuits who later founded the first three towns of Boac, Sta. Cruz and Gasan. Marinduque was created on May 1, 1901 when Act. No. 125 of the US-Philippine Commission was passed. Legend, however, has a different version of how the island of Marinduque was formed. Heart-shaped, Marinduque was formed as a consequence of a tragic love affair between a girl named Marin and her lover Garduke. Because Datu Batumbacal, Marin’s father, disapproved of the affair, he ordered the beheading of Garduke. But before this could be done, the pair sailed out to sea and drowned themselves. The island that rose from the waters was named Marinduque. Former Name: Malandik and Marindoc Land Area: 959.2 square kilometers Capital: Boac Population: 173,715 (1980) Principal Dialect: Tagalog Income Classification: Fourth Class Province No. of Cities: None No. of Municipalities: 6 (Boac, Buenavista, Gasan, Mogpog, Santa Cruz and Torrijos) No. of Municipal Districts: None Topography: The province has several rivers, and its terrain is flat in the towns of Boac, Mogpog, Gasan and a portion of Buenavista. The land becomes rugged towards the central spine. No. of Principal Rivers: 3 (Boac River is the largest No. of Mountains: 3 Climate: Dry season from December to May, and rainy season from June to November. The province is frequently visited by typhoons. Average Annual Rainfall: 70.99 inches Principal products/crops: Rice, copra, corn and cassava Industries: Mining and agriculture Mineral Resources: Gold, copper, silver and iron

Forest Resources: Timber Tourist Attractions: The Bathala Caves, Banot beach in Gasan, the Tres Reyes Islands (Melchor, Gaspar, Baltazar), the Malbog sulphur hot springs in Buenavista, and the Moriones Festival, celebrated during Holy Week. Governor: Luisito M. Reyes Congressman: Carmencita O. Reyes OCCIDENTAL MINDORO Native to the island of Mindoro is the Mangyan tribe. Intensive settlement during the Spanish and American eras has produced a population of migrants from other provinces, including Muslims from Mindanao and Sulu. As early as the 10th century, the natives of Mindoro were trading extensively with Chinese merchants. In a document dated 1226 A.D., Chau-Ju-Jua, a Chinese historian, mentions Mindoro and refers o the island as “Mai”. Spanish expeditions come to tame the land as early as 1570, particularly the areas known as Mamburao and Lubang. Former Name: Mait and Mina de Oro Land Area: 5,879.8 square kilometers Capital: Mamburao Population: 222,431 (1980) Principal Dialect: Tagalog Income Classification: Fourth Class Province No. of Cities: None No. of Municipalities: 11 (Abra de Ilog, Calintaan, Looc, Lubang, Magsaysay, Mamburao, Paluan, Rizal, Sablayan, San Jose, and Santa Cruz) No. of Municipal Districts: None Topography: Its terrain is marked by successive mountain ranges intermittent valleys and elongated plateaus. There are also rolling prairie lands along the coastal region. No. of Principal Rivers: 2 No. of Mountains: 19 (Mt. Baco is the highest) Climate: Dry season from November to May, and rainy season from June to October. Average Annual Rainfall: 93.18 inches Principal products/crops: Rice, coconut, fruits and rootcrops. Industries: Fishing (major industry), logging lumbering and cattle raising Mineral Resources: Iron, chromite, copper, gypsum and coal Forest Resources: Timber Tourist Attractions: Pagbahan River, White Island, Busuanga River and Tayamaan Cove Governor: Pedro Medalla Jr. Congressman: Mario Gene J. Mendiola ORIENTAL MINDORO In the early years, Mindoro was administered as a part of the province of Bonbon, now Batangas. It was separated at the start of the 17th century and organized into a corregimiento with Puerto Galera as the capital. During the Philippine Revolution of 1896, the revolutionary forces in Mindoro established a government until 1901 when the American forces occupied the province. The island of Lubang, formerly a part of Cavite, was annexed to Mindoro on June 23, 1902. Mindoro was made a part of Marinduque when the latter was organized into regular province. Five years later, Mindoro was organized into a special province. It was mad a regular province under Act. No. 2964 approved on February 20, 1921. On June 13, 1950, Mindoro was split into two provinces under Republic Act No. 205.

Former Name: Mait and Mina de Oro Land Area: 4,364.7 square kilometers Capital: Calapan Population: 446,938 (1980) Principal Dialect: Tagalog Income Classification: Second Class Province No. of Cities: None No, of Municipalities: 15 ( Baco, Bansud, Bongabong, Bulalakao-San Pedro, Calapan, Gloria, Mansalay, Naujan, Pinamalayan, Pola, Puerto Galera, Roxas, San Teodoro, Socorro, and Victoria) No. of Municipal Districts: None Topography: There are several mountains in the northern and western portions of Oriental Mindoro. Just off the north coast is the Verde Island Passage, which divides the Verde Island into north and south passes. Soquicay Bay provides the best typhoon refuge on the coast. No. of Principal Rivers: 1 No. of Mountains: 15 (Mt. Halcon is the highest) Climate: Rainy season from June to October and dry season from November to May. Average Annual Rainfall: 85.11 inches Principal products/crops: Coconut, fruits, coffee, vegetables and abaca Industries: Logging and lumbering (major industries), livestock and poultry raising, and weaving. Mineral Resources: Copper, gold, and marble Forest Resources: Timber Tourist Attractions: The Bangkuro Church (a church within a church), Lazarete Wharf, and the beaches in Balete, Aganahaw, and Puerto Galera. Governor: Benjamin I. Espiritu Congressman: Rodolfo G. Valencia, Jesus M. Punzalan PALAWAN Palawan, which is the country’s largest province, has three historical forts. Fort Culion built in 1740, Fort Cuyo in 1680, and Fort Labo in 1719, were all constructed by the Augustinians to ward off Muslim Raiders. Palawan has the richest fishing grounds in the country. But still another important source of income for many people of the province is the gathering of edible bird’s nests. Highly prized as a delicacy, edible bird’s nests are gathered from caves and cliffs in certain areas of the province. Palawan has several exciting natural wonders. Among them are the wonderful Tabon caves in Quezon Island, Ursula Island in Brooke’s Point, and the Palawan Beach Resort. There are also groups of rare animals found in the province. Former Names: Calamianes and Paragua Land Area: 14,896.3 square kilometers Capital: Puerto Princesa City Population: 371,782 (1980) Principal Dialect: Tagalog and Cuyonan Income Classification: Second Class Province No. of Cities: 1 (Puerto Princesa) No. of Municipalities: 21 (Aborlan, Agutaya, Araceli, Balabac, Batarasa, Brooke’s Point, Busuanga, Cagayancillo, Coron, Cuyo, Dumaran, El Nido, Kalayaan Island, Linapacan, Magsaysay, Narra, Marcos, Quezon, Roxas, San Vicente, and Taytay) No. of Municipal Districts: None Topography: Palawan is a frontier country noted for its wild life. The island has rugged mountains running its entire length, with ridges visibly higher on its southern

side. Peaks range from 1,000 to 1,900 meters. Along the east and west coasts are heavily forested rolling plains. Rivers and streams characterize the eastern section. The most unusual of these is the Underground River flowing under limestone rocks for about seven kilometers. Except for a few which admit flat-bottomed crafts, there are no navigable rivers. No. of Principal Rivers: 1 No. of Mountains: 47 Climate: The entire western coastal region had two distinct seasons: dry from April to September and wet the rest of the year. The eastern coast has a pronounced dry season from April to June, and wet the rest of the year. Calm months are from April to June on the northern and southern portions (the southern areas are practically free from typhoons while the northern areas are buffeted with gales and torrential rains from July to August). Average Annual Rainfall: 63.28 inches Principal products/crops: Rice, coconut, banana, corn, vegetables, rootcrops, and fruits Industries: Logging (main industry), fishing and gathering of edible bird’s nests Mineral Resources: Copper, manganese, mercury and chromite Forest Resources: Edible bird’s nests, rare animals and plants, and timber Tourist Attractions: The noted Underground River, Canigaran beach, Iwahig Penal Colony, the Tabon Caves in Quezon Island, Ursula Island in Brooke’s Point, and the Palawan Beach Resort. Governor: Victoriano J. Rodriguez Congressman: David A. Ponce de Leon, Ramon V. Mitra QUEZON Quezon, which was explored by the Spaniards in 1571 and 1572, was the site of many sporadic rebellions, the most notable of which was that led by Apolinario de la Cruz. Later called “Hermano Pule”, de la Cruz was not allowed to join a Spanish monastic order. The founding of his own religious society resulted in a rebellion. Succeeding at first, Hermano Pule proclaimed himself king of the Tagalogs. The establishment of a civil government in the province took place during the American Occupation in 1901. On September 7, 1946, President Manuel L. Roxas, by the virtue of Republic Act No. 14, renamed Tayabas to Quezon, in honor of Manuel L. Quezon who came from the town of Baler (formerly a part of Quezon). Former Names: Kalilaya and Tayabas Land Area: 8,706.7 square kilometers Capital: Lucena City Population: 1,129,277 (1980) Principal Dialect: Tagalog Income Classification: First Class Province No. of Cities: 1 (Lucena) No. of Municipalities: 40 (Agdangan, Alabat, Atimonan, Buenavista, Burdeos, Calauag, Candelaria, Catanauan, Dolores, General Luna, General Nakar, Guinayangan, Gumaca, Infanta, Jumalig, Lopez, Lucban, Macelelon, Mauban, Mulanay, Padre Burgos, Pagbilao, Panukulan, Patnanungan, Perez, Pitogo, Plaridel, Polillo, Quezon, Real, Sampaloc, San Andres, San Antonio, San Francisco, San Narciso, Sariaya, Tagkawayan, Tayabas, Tiaong and Unisan) No. of Municipal Districts: None Topography: There are small coastal lowlands rimmed by rugged highlands in the interior of the province. The Sierra Madre Range runs along the entire length of Quezon. Several islands are part of the province, the largest of which is Polillo Island. No. of Principal Rivers: 5

No. of Mountains: 26 Climate: Characterized by the absence of a dry season, the pronounced rainy period occurs from October to January. The position of the province exposes it to the annual typhoons affecting the country. Average Annual Rainfall: 111.56 inches Principal products/crops: Coconut, corn, banana, vegetables and rootcrops Industries: Logging and fishing Mineral Resources: Gold, coal, limestone and silica Forest Resources: Timber Tourist Attractions: The Landlocked bays of Padre Burgos, Perez Park, Dalahican Beach, Quezon Memorial Park, and Balesin and Jomalig Bay Resorts. Governor: Eduardo T. Rodriguez Congressman: Wilfredo L. Enverga, Bienvenido O. Marquez Jr., Oscar F. Santos RIZAL Rizal, once an Aeta territory, is the only province which can really be considered as fully industrialized. Most of the country’s biggest corporations operate within the province. Its proximity to Manila has enabled its people to gain access to latest social, cultural and educational developments. Also as a direct result of its nearness to Manila, Rizal has become the most urbanized provinces in the country. The old province of Rizal was originally made up of the military district of Morong (one of its present towns) and a part of what was then the province of Manila. Rizal was created by the Americans under the Provincial Organization Act No. 1901. Under the Act, the Province of Rizal comprised 19 towns of the politico-military district of Morong. The province was named after the national hero Jose Rizal. Former Name: Morong or Moron (Rinconada de Morong) Land Area: 1,308.9 square kilometers Capital: Pasig (although a part of Metro Manila) Population: 555,533 (1980) Principal Dialect: Tagalog Income Classification: Second Class Province No. of Cities: None b14 (Angono, Antipolo, Baras, Binangonan, Cainta, Cardona, Jalajala, Morong, Pililla, Rodriguez, San Mateo, Tanay, and Teresa) No. of Municipal Districts: None Topography: The eastern portion of Rizal is composed of gently rolling hills broken only by a few ridges, while the western part is low and flat. No. of Principal Rivers: 2 (Marikina and Pasig) No. of Mountains: 36 Climate: Dry season from November to April and wet the rest of the year. Average Annual Rainfall: 58.83 inches Principal products/crops: Rice Industries: Manufacturing and fishing Mineral Resources: Cement, marble, limestone and feldspar Forest Resources: Timber Tourist Attractions: The town of Antipolo, Daranac Waterfalls, and Montalban Dam Governor: Reynaldo San Juan Congressman: Francisco S. Sumulong, Sr., Egmidio S. Tanjuatco Jr. ROMBLON The province of Romblon, better known for its marble quarries was organized into a politico-military comendencia by the Spanish colonial government in 1853. During

the Philippine-American War, Filipinos captured the province and held it until the establishment of civilian rule by the Americans. The islands remained a sub-province of Capiz until 1917 when it was created as an independent province. The earliest inhabitants of the province were said to be the Negritos from Panay and the Mangyans from Mindoro. Today, Romblon’s population is made up of several ethno-linguistic groups. The majority are descendants of the seafaring Malays who settled on the island of Panay. Former Names: Lomlon and Donblon Land Area: 1,355.9 square kilometers Capital: Romblon Population: 193,174 (1980) Principal Dialect: Hilagaynon Income Classification: Fifth Class Province No. of Cities: None No. of Municipalities: 17 ( Alcantara, Banton (Jones), Cajidiocan, Calatrava, Concepcion, Corcuera, Ferrol, Imelda, Looc, Magdiwang, Odiongan, Romblon, San Agustin, San Andres, San Fernando, San Jose, and Santa Fe) No. of Municipal Districts: 1 (Calatrava) Topography: Tablas, the largest island of Romblon, is about 70 kilometers long and 17 kilometers wide, with a continuous rolling plain on the west and an alluvial plain that reaches the sea on the east. Another island is the kidney-shaped Sibuyan island. Sibuyan is a mountain mass marked by thick forests. No. of Principal Rivers: 1 (Catingas) No. of Mountains: 10 Climate: Although open to the northwest monsoon, Romblon is partly sheltered from the northern and trade winds. It has no pRonounced maximum rain period but has a dry season from one to three months. Average Annual Rainfall: 90 inches Principal products/crops: Rice, rootcrops, corn, vegetables, fruits, coconut, and sugarcane Industries: Logging (major industry), fishing, timber operations, and production of food crops. Mineral Resources: Marble, zinc, copper, silver, limestone, sulfide ore, and pyrite. Forest Resources: Timber Tourist Attractions: Bonbon Beach, Festin’s Treehouse and the Fort of San Andres in Romblon town. Governor: Jose N. Madrid Congressman: Natalio M. Beltran, Jr.