View source for Laguna (province)

{{Short description|Province in Calabarzon, Philippines}}
{{Other uses|Laguna (disambiguation){{!}}Laguna}}
{{Duplicated citations|reason=DuplicateReferences script detected:

* http://www.gutenberg.org/files/13742/13742-h/13742-h.htm#d0e912 (refs: 7, 8)
* https://psa.gov.ph/sites/default/files/City%20and%20Municipal-level%20Small%20Area%20Poverty%20Estimates_%202009%2C%202012%20and%202015_0.xlsx (refs: 61, 62, 63)

|date=September 2025}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=November 2022}}
{{Use Philippine English|date=November 2022}}
{{Infobox settlement
| name               = Laguna
| settlement_type    = {{PH wikidata|settlement_type}}
| image_skyline      = {{multiple image
| border                   = infobox
| total_width              = 300
| image_style              = border:1;
| perrow                   = 2/2/2
| image1 = 
Laguna Provincial Capitol, Dec 2023 (1).jpg
| image2 = Paete Church, Laguna, December 2023 (2).jpg
| image3 = Raring to go under Pagsanjan falls.jpg
| image4 = Rizal Shrine (Back view), Calamba, Laguna, March 2023.jpg
| image5 = Southwoods Mall, Biñan, Laguna, Jul 2024 (1).jpg
| image6 = Nagcarlan.jpg
}}
| image_alt          = 
| image_caption      = From left-right, top-bottom: Laguna Provincial Capitol • [[Saint James the Apostle Parish Church (Paete)|Paete Church]] • [[Pagsanjan Falls]] • [[Rizal Shrine (Calamba)|Rizal Shrine]] • [[Southwoods Mall]] • [[Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery]]
| image_flag         = File:PH-LAG_Flag.svg
| flag_size          = 120x80px
| image_seal         = File:Laguna_Province,_Philippines_Seal.svg
| seal_size          = 100x80px
| motto = {{force singular}} ''"Laban, Laguna!" ''
| anthem             = Martsa ng Laguna (Laguna March)
| image_map          = {{PH wikidata|image_map}}
| map_alt            = 
| map_caption        = Location in the Philippines
| coordinates        = {{PH wikidata|coordinates}}
| named_for          = [[Laguna de Bay]]
| subdivision_type   = Country
| subdivision_name   = {{PH wikidata|country}}
| subdivision_type1  = [[Regions of the Philippines|Region]]
| subdivision_name1  = {{PH wikidata|region}}
| established_title  = [[Date of establishment|Founded]]
| established_date   = July 28, 1571<ref>[https://independent.academia.edu/PepeAlas/Papers/1753105/28_JULY_1571_THE_FOUNDATION_DATE_OF_THE_PROVINCE_OF_LA_LAGUNA "28 JULY 1571: The Foundation date of the Province of Laguna"]. Academia.edu.</ref><ref>[http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/282428/young-historian-finds-laguna-birth-date Young historian finds Laguna birth date|Inquirer News] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121008054619/http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/282428/young-historian-finds-laguna-birth-date |date=October 8, 2012 }}</ref>
| seat_type          = Capital
| seat               = [[Santa Cruz, Laguna|Santa Cruz]]
| leader_title       = [[Governor of Laguna|Governor]]
| leader_name        = [[Sol Aragones|Marisol C. Aragones-Sampelo]] ([[Akay National Political Party|AKAY]])
| leader_title1      = [[Vice Governor of Laguna|Vice Governor]]
| leader_name1       = [[JM Carait|Magtangol Jose C. Carait III]] ([[Lakas–CMD|Lakas]])
| leader_title2      = [[Sangguniang Panlalawigan|Legislature]]
| leader_name2       = [[Laguna Provincial Board]]
| area_footnotes     = <ref name=nscblist>{{cite web|title=List of Provinces |url=http://www.nscb.gov.ph/activestats/psgc/listprov.asp |work=PSGC Interactive |publisher=National Statistical Coordination Board |access-date=November 18, 2013 |location=Makati City, Philippines |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130111015112/http://www.nscb.gov.ph/activestats/psgc/listprov.asp |archive-date=January 11, 2013 }}</ref>
| area_total_km2     = {{PH wikidata|area}}
| area_rank          = 63rd out of 81
| elevation_max_m    = 2,170
| elevation_max_point = [[Mount Banahaw]]
| population_footnotes = {{PH census|current|04A}}
| population_total   = {{PH wikidata|population_total}}
| population_as_of   = {{PH wikidata|population_as_of}}
| population_rank    = 3rd out of 81
| population_density_km2 = auto
| population_density_rank = 3rd out of 81
| population_demonym = {{hlist|Lagunense|Laguneno}}
| demographics_type1 = Divisions
| demographics1_footnotes = 
| demographics1_title1 = [[Independent cities of the Philippines|Independent&nbsp;cities]]
| demographics1_info1 = 0
| demographics1_title2 = [[Cities of the Philippines|Component cities]]
| demographics1_info2 = {{Collapsible list
| titlestyle = font-weight:normal;text-align:left;background-color:WhiteSmoke;
| title      = 6
 | [[Biñan]]
 | [[Cabuyao]]
 | [[Calamba, Laguna|Calamba]]
 | [[San Pablo, Laguna|San Pablo]]
 | [[San Pedro, Laguna|San Pedro]]
 | [[Santa Rosa, Laguna|Santa Rosa]]
}}
| demographics1_title3 = [[Municipalities of the Philippines|Municipalities]]
| demographics1_info3 = {{Collapsible list
| titlestyle              = font-weight:normal;text-align:left;background-color:WhiteSmoke;
| title                   = 24
 | [[Alaminos, Laguna|Alaminos]]
 | [[Bay, Laguna|Bay]]
 | [[Calauan]]
 | [[Cavinti]]
 | [[Famy]]
 | [[Kalayaan, Laguna|Kalayaan]]
 | [[Liliw]]
 | [[Los Baños, Laguna|Los Baños]]
 | [[Luisiana]]
 | [[Lumban]]
 | [[Mabitac]]
 | [[Magdalena, Laguna|Magdalena]]
 | [[Majayjay]]
 | [[Nagcarlan]]
 | [[Paete]]
 | [[Pagsanjan]]
 | [[Pakil]]
 | [[Pangil]]
 | [[Pila, Laguna|Pila]]
 | [[Rizal, Laguna|Rizal]]
 | [[Santa Cruz, Laguna|Santa Cruz]]
 | [[Santa Maria, Laguna|Santa Maria]]
 | [[Siniloan]]
 | [[Victoria, Laguna|Victoria]]
}}
| demographics1_title4 = [[Barangay]]s
| demographics1_info4 = 681
| demographics1_title5 = [[House of Representatives of the Philippines|Districts]]
| demographics1_info5 = *[[Legislative districts of Laguna]]
*[[Legislative district of Biñan]]
*[[Legislative district of Calamba]]
*[[Legislative district of Santa Rosa]]
| demographics_type2 = Demographics
| demographics2_footnotes = 
| demographics2_title1 = [[Ethnic groups]]
| demographics2_info1 = {{unbulleted list | [[Tagalog people|Tagalog]] (85.8%) | [[Bicolano people|Bicolano]] (4.8%) | [[Visayan people|Bisaya]] (4.1%) }}
| demographics2_title2 = [[Languages]]
| demographics2_info2 = {{hlist | [[Tagalog language|Tagalog]] | [[Philippine English|English]] | [[Filipino language|Filipino]] |[[Hatang Kayi language|Hatang Kayi]] | [[Ilocano language|Ilocano]] | [[Bikol languages|Bikol]] }}
| timezone           = [[Philippine Standard Time|PHT]]
| utc_offset         = +8
| postal_code_type   = [[ZIP codes in the Philippines|ZIP Code]]
| postal_code        = {{PH wikidata|postal_code}}
| area_code_type     = {{areacodestyle}}
| area_code          = {{PH wikidata|area_code}}
| iso_code           = {{PH wikidata|iso_code}}
| blank1_name_sec1   = [[Human Development Index|HDI]]
| blank1_info_sec1   = {{increase}} 0.732 ({{font color|Darkgreen|High}})
| blank2_name_sec1   = HDI rank
| blank2_info_sec1   = [[List of Philippine provinces and regions by Human Development Index|8th]] (2015)
| blank3_name_sec1   = Income classification
| blank3_info_sec1   = 1st class
| website            = {{Official URL}}
| seat1              = [[Biñan]]
| seat1_type         = Largest city
| image_map1         = {{hidden begin|title=OpenStreetMap|ta1=center}}{{Infobox mapframe|frame-width=250|zoom=8}}{{hidden end}}
}}

'''Laguna''' {{IPA|tl|lɐˈɣuː.na|}}, officially the '''Province of Laguna''' ({{langx|fil|Lalawigan ng Laguna}}), is a [[Provinces of the Philippines|province]] in the [[Philippines]] located in the [[Calabarzon]] [[Regions of the Philippines|region]] in [[Luzon]]. Its capital is [[Santa Cruz, Laguna|Santa Cruz]] while its largest city is [[Biñan]]. The province is situated southeast of [[Metro Manila]], south of the province of [[Rizal (province)|Rizal]], west of [[Quezon]], north of [[Batangas]] and east of [[Cavite]]. Laguna straddles the southern shores of [[Laguna de Bay]], the largest lake in the country. As of the 2024 census, the total population of Laguna is 3,687,345.{{PH census|current|04A}} Among all 82 provinces in the Philippines, Laguna accounted for the largest share (5%) of the national [[Gross Domestic Product]] (GDP) with a total of Php 990.69 billion in 2022.<ref>https://laguna.gov.ph/news/2613{{Dead link|date=July 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

Laguna is notable as the birthplace of [[José Rizal]], the country's ''[[de facto]]'' national hero. It has numerous natural and cultural attractions such as Cavinti Falls aka [[Pagsanjan Falls]], the [[University of the Philippines Los Baños]] and the [[University of the Philippines Open University]] in [[Los Baños, Laguna|Los Baños]], the hot spring resorts of Calamba on the slopes of [[Mount Makiling]], [[Pila, Laguna|Pila]] historic town plaza, Taytay Falls in [[Majayjay]], the wood carvings and ''[[papier-mâché]]'' created by the people of [[Paete]], the annual ''[[Sampaguita]] Festival'' in [[San Pedro, Laguna|San Pedro]], the ''turumba'' of [[Pakil]], the ''tsinelas'' footwear from [[Liliw]], the ''Pandan Festival'' of [[Luisiana]], the ''Pinya Festival'' of [[Calauan]], the [[Seven Lakes of San Pablo]], and the [[Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery]] in [[Nagcarlan]].

Laguna is part of the [[Greater Manila Area]] alongside Cavite, Rizal, and [[Bulacan]].

== History ==

===Early history===
Pre-Hispanic settlement in the area can be dated to prehistoric times, as evidenced in the names of towns such as Pila, Laguna, whose name can be traced to the straight mounds of dirt that form the boundaries of the rice paddy, or ''Pilapil''. The written history of the province of Laguna, (Lagoon in [[Spanish language in the Philippines|Spanish]]) and that of the [[Calabarzon|Southern Tagalog]] region, dates to 900 AD. The [[Laguna Copperplate Inscription]] is the oldest known written document found in the Philippines. It notes that its subject was released from a debt to the King of [[Kingdom of Tondo|Tondo]].

A prominent figure during the time of pre-Hispanic contact is [[Gat Pangil]], a powerful native ruler in the area. The towns of [[Bay, Laguna|Bay]], [[Pangil, Laguna|Pangil]] and [[Pakil, Laguna|Pakil]] were reputed to have once been a part of his domain, although accounts vary about his identity.

===Spanish colonial period===
[[File:4070Diocesan Shrine of Nuestra Señora de los Dolores de Turumba 31.jpg|left|thumb|[[Saint Peter of Alcantara Parish Church (Pakil)|Pakil church]]]]
[[File:Alberto Mansion, Biñan, Laguna, February 2023.jpg|left|thumb|236x236px|[[Alberto Mansion]], [[Biñan]]]]
The province of Laguna, which was formerly called ''La Laguna'' and ''La Provincia de la Laguna de Bay'', was named after [[Laguna de Bay]], the body of water that forms its northern boundary.<ref name="CalirayaLake">{{cite web|title=History of Laguna|url=http://www.calirayalake.com/historylaguna.html|website=Calirayalake.com|access-date=June 23, 2016}}</ref> Laguna de Bay, in turn, was named after the town of [[Bay, Laguna|Bay]], the first provincial capital. Captain [[Juan de Salcedo]] with a band of one hundred Spanish-Mexican soldiers conquered the province and its surrounding regions for Spain in 1571. The province of La Laguna comprised the modern province of Laguna, as well as parts of what are now known as [[Rizal (province)|Rizal]] and [[Quezon]] provinces.

In 1577, Spanish [[Franciscan]] [[missionaries]] arrived in [[Manila]], and in 1578 they started evangelizing Laguna, [[Morong (district)|Morong]] (now [[Rizal (province)|Rizal]]), [[Tayabas Province|Tayabas]] (now [[Quezon]]) and the [[Bicol Peninsula]] as part of the colonizing effort. [[Juan de Plasencia]] and Diego de Oropesa were the earliest Franciscans sent to these places. From 1580, the towns of [[Bay, Laguna|Bay]], Caliraya, [[Majayjay]], [[Nagcarlan]], [[Liliw]], [[Pila, Laguna|Pila]], [[Santa Cruz, Laguna|Santa Cruz]], [[Lumban]], [[Pangil]] and [[Siniloan]] were founded. During the time of [[Governor-General of the Philippines|Governor-General]] [[Gómez Pérez Dasmariñas]], the province of La Laguna was divided into the following [[encomienda]]s:<ref name="BlairRobertson7">{{cite book|last1=Blair|first1=Emma Helen|last2=Robertson|first2=James Alexander|title=The Philippine Islands, 1493 - 1898, Volume VIII|url=http://www.gutenberg.org/files/13742/13742-h/13742-h.htm#d0e912|access-date=April 24, 2017|archive-date=April 25, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170425024538/http://www.gutenberg.org/files/13742/13742-h/13742-h.htm#d0e912|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="BlairRobertson5">{{cite book|last1=Blair|first1=Emma Helen|last2=Robertson|first2=James Alexander|title=The Philippine Islands, 1493–1898, Volume V|url=http://www.gutenberg.org/files/13742/13742-h/13742-h.htm#d0e912|access-date=April 24, 2017|archive-date=April 25, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170425024538/http://www.gutenberg.org/files/13742/13742-h/13742-h.htm#d0e912|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Lumban">{{cite journal|last1=Barreto-Tesoro|first1=Grace|title=Ano at Saan ang Lumban|url=http://www.bagongkasaysayan.org/ebook/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/6.Ano-at-Saan-ang-Lumban_Barretto-Tesoro_Marked.pdf|access-date=April 24, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170425025218/http://www.bagongkasaysayan.org/ebook/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/6.Ano-at-Saan-ang-Lumban_Barretto-Tesoro_Marked.pdf|archive-date=April 25, 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>
*Maribago – Currently the area of Balibago in [[Santa Rosa, Laguna|Santa Rosa]]
*Tabuco – Currently the areas surrounding [[San Pedro, Laguna|San Pedro]], [[Biñan]], [[Santa Rosa, Laguna|Santa Rosa]], [[Cabuyao]], and [[Calamba, Laguna|Calamba]]
*Taitay – Currently [[Taytay, Rizal]]
*Bay – The area surrounding [[Bay, Laguna]], and [[Los Baños, Laguna]]
*Pila – The area that is now [[Pila, Laguna|Pila]], [[Victoria, Laguna|Victoria]], [[Pililla]], and [[Jalajala]], Rizal
*Mahaihai – Currently the area around [[Majayjay]], [[Magdalena, Laguna|Magdalena]], and [[Luisiana]]
*Lumbang – The largest encomienda, containing what is now known as [[Lumban]], [[Santa Cruz, Laguna|Santa Cruz]], [[Paete]], [[Pakil]], [[Cavinti]], and [[Pagsanjan]]
*Tayaval – Tayabas, now known as [[Quezon]] province
*Panguil – Now [[Pangil]]
*Sinaloa – The area surrounding [[Siniloan]], [[Famy]] and [[Mabitac]]
*Morong – Currently the areas surrounding [[Morong, Rizal|Morong]], including the town of [[Santa Maria, Laguna|Santa Maria]], formerly known as Caboan
*Nayun – Nayum, currently [[Tiaong, Quezon]]

By 1591, there were approximately 48,400 people living in the province.<!--How many were ethnic Spanish? -->

Laguna was the site of multiple engagements during the [[Sangley Rebellion (1603)|Sangley Rebellion]], made up of Chinese-Filipino mestizos.<ref name="CalirayaLake" /> In 1603, [[Antonio de Morga]] relates how the Chinese rebels scattered to three divisions, one of which went to the mountains of San Pablo.<ref name="MorgaPhilippines">{{cite book|last1=de Morga|first1=Antonio|title=History of the Philippine Islands|url=http://www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/7001/pg7001-images.html|access-date=April 26, 2017|archive-date=January 23, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200123125303/http://www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/7001/pg7001-images.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Captain Don Luys de Velasco, aided by Spanish and Filipino forces, was successful in pursuing the rebels. Eventually the Chinese were able to kill Luys de Velasco and ten of his men, before securing themselves in San Pablo while waiting for reinforcement from the mainland. On October 20, 1603, Governor-General [[Pedro Bravo de Acuña]] then sent Captain Cristoval de Axqueta Menchaca to pursue and crush the rebellion and was successful after twenty days of fighting.

Around this time the hot springs of [[Los Baños, Laguna|Los Baños]] and [[San Pablo, Laguna|San Pablo]] were known to the Spanish, and a hospital was built in the area. By 1622, the hospital was notable enough to be mentioned by the Archbishop of Manila at the time, [[Miguel García Serrano]] in his letter to [[Monarchy of Spain|King]] [[Philip IV of Spain|Philip IV]].<ref name="BlairRobertson20">{{cite book|last1=Blair|first1=Emma Helen|last2=Robertson|first2=James Alexander|title=The Philippine Islands, 1493 - 1898 Volume XX|url=http://www.gutenberg.org/files/16133/16133-h/16133-h.htm#d0e2027|access-date=April 26, 2017|archive-date=December 3, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181203211225/http://www.gutenberg.org/files/16133/16133-h/16133-h.htm#d0e2027|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 1639, a second rebellion involving the Chinese occurred, and the rebels fortified themselves in the highlands of [[Cavinti]] and [[Lumban]] before surrendering in [[Pagsanjan]] a year later.

[[File:San Pablo Cathedral exterior 1.jpg|left|thumb|Facade of the [[Saint Paul the First Hermit Cathedral|Cathedral Parish of Saint Paul the Hermit]], San Pablo City]]

In 1670, a [[National boundary delimitation|delimitation]] of borders were made between [[Lucban]], Majayjay and [[Cavite]]. The most populous town at that time, [[Bay, Laguna|Bay]], was capital of the province until 1688, when the seat of the provincial government was moved to Pagsanján. Pagsanján would be the provincial seat until 1858 when it was moved once again to Santa Cruz. In 1754, the province of Laguna and [[Quezon|Tayabas]] were divided, with the Malinao River separating the towns of Majayjay and [[Lucban]].<ref name="HistoryWeebly" />

In 1678, Fray Hernando Cabrera founded San Pablo de los Montes (now [[San Pablo, Laguna|San Pablo City]]) and built a wooden church and convent considered as the best and finest in the province.<ref name="HistoryWeebly">{{cite web|url=http://lagunaphilippines.weebly.com/history.html|title=History – Laguna, Philippines.|website=lagunaphilippines.weebly.com}}</ref>

Fighting extended to Laguna during the [[British occupation of Manila]] between the years of 1762–64. A detachment of British troops under Captain Thomas Backhouse entered the province in search of the silver cargo of the galleon ''Filipina'' while Francisco de San Juan led a band of volunteers that fought them in several engagements in and around the then provincial capital of Pagsanjan. Backhouse plundered the town and burned its newly reconstructed church but San Juan succeeded in escaping with the precious hoard to Pampanga where the treasure greatly bolstered the defense effort of Governor-General [[Simón de Anda y Salazar]]. For his actions, San Juan was made a brigade commander and ''alcalde mayor'' of Tayabas (now [[Quezon]]) province.<ref name="HistoryWeebly" />

In 1774, authorities from Bulacan, Tondo, Laguna Bay, and other areas surrounding Manila reported with consternation that discharged soldiers and deserters (from Mexico, Spain and Peru) were providing Indios military training for the weapons that had been disseminated all over the territory during the British war.<ref>[https://www.academia.edu/36911506/Eva_Maria_Mehl_Forced_migration_in_the_Spanish_pacific_world_From_Mexico_to_the_Philippines_1765-1811?auto=download "Eva Maria Mehl: Forced migration in the Spanish pacific world: From Mexico to the Philippines, 1765–1811" Page 100.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220516010924/https://www.academia.edu/36911506/Eva_Maria_Mehl_Forced_migration_in_the_Spanish_pacific_world_From_Mexico_to_the_Philippines_1765-1811?auto=download |date=May 16, 2022 }} From the original Spanish language source in the archives of Mexico: "CSIC ser. Consultas riel 208 leg.14 (1774)"</ref>

By the end of the 1700s, Laguna was a major province of 14,392 native families and 336 [[Spanish Filipinos|Spanish Filipino families]].<ref name="Estadismo1">{{Cite web |url=http://www.xeniaeditrice.it/zu%C3%B1igaIocrpdf.pdf |title=ESTADISMO DE LAS ISLAS FILIPINAS TOMO PRIMERO By Joaquín Martínez de Zúñiga (Original Spanish) |access-date=February 23, 2024 |archive-date=March 9, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160309030040/http://www.xeniaeditrice.it/zu%C3%B1igaIocrpdf.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>{{rp|539}}<ref name="Estadismo2">[https://ia601608.us.archive.org/10/items/bub_gb_ElhFAAAAYAAJ_2/bub_gb_ElhFAAAAYAAJ.pdf ESTADISMO DE LAS ISLAS FILIPINAS TOMO SEGUNDO By Joaquín Martínez de Zúñiga (Original Spanish)]</ref>{{rp|31,54,113}} There were also 2,000 Chinese-Filipino farmers/families.<ref>Conquest and Pestilence in the Early Spanish Philippines By Linda A. Newson[Page 124](Citing: 4. AGI PAT 23-9 and BR 5: 157–159 Miguel de Loarca [1582]; Quirino and García, “Manners,” 410–411; Morga, Sucesos, 275; Phelan, Hispanization, 19; Scott, Barangay, 141.)</ref>

A major event in Laguna occurred in 1840, when religious intolerance led the people of Majayjay, Nagcarlan, [[Bay, Laguna|Bay]], and [[Biñan]] to join the revolt of [[Hermano Pule]] (Apolinario de la Cruz) of [[Lucban]], Tayabas.<ref name="HistoryWeebly" /> This revolt was eventually crushed by Governor-General [[Marcelino de Oraá Lecumberri]].

As part of political restructuring during the 19th century, the municipalities of [[Morong, Rizal|Morong]], [[Pililla]], [[Tanay, Rizal|Tanay]], [[Baras, Rizal|Baras]], [[Binangonan]], [[Jalajala]], [[Angono]] and [[Cardona, Rizal|Cardona]] were separated from Laguna and re-organized to the province [[Distrito de Morong|Politico-Militar Distrito de Morong]]. In 1858, the provincial capital was once again moved from Pagsanjan to Santa Cruz, where it stands until today.

In 1861, [[José Rizal]] was born in [[Calamba, Laguna|Calamba]] to [[Francisco Rizal Mercado|Francisco Mercado]] and [[Teodora Alonso Realonda|Teodora Alonso]]. Rizal would become one of the leading members of the [[Propaganda Movement]], who advocated political reforms for the colony. Rizal would go on to write two novels, ''[[Noli Me Tángere (novel)|Noli Me Tángere]]'' and ''[[El filibusterismo]]'', which in part fueled additional anti-colonial sentiment, contributing to the eventual [[Philippine Revolution]]. In 1896, thousands of inhabitants, especially of Bay, [[Los Baños, Laguna|Los Baños]], [[Nagcarlan]], [[Magdalena, Laguna|Magdalena]], [[Santa Cruz, Laguna|Santa Cruz]], and Pagsanjan had joined the revolutionary [[Katipunan]].<ref name="HistoryWeebly" /> Rizal was executed on December 30, 1896, on charges of rebellion. Today, Rizal is recognized as a national hero of the Philippines.

===Philippine Revolution===
[[File:Labanan sa Sambat historical marker.jpg|upright|thumb|Historical marker of the [[Battle of Sambat]], Pagsanjan, Laguna]]

Laguna was one of the eight provinces to [[Philippine Revolution|rise in revolt]] against the Spanish misrule led by Generals [[Paciano Rizal]] in Calamba, Severino Taiño in Pagsanjan, [[Agueda Kahabagan]] in [[Calauan]], and [[Miguel Malvar]] in [[Batangas]].<ref name="CalirayaLake" /> [[Emilio Jacinto]], known as the "brains of the [[Katipunan]]", also led forces in the province at the time.

One of the early engagements of the revolution was the [[Battle of Sambat]], in Pagsanjan. Katipuneros from Laguna, led by Severino Taiño, took the city of Pagsanjan and attempted to use it as a starting point towards the liberation of the province, but was quelled by forces led by [[Basilio Augustín]].<ref name="LagunaGovFlag">{{cite web|title=Why Laguna deserves a ray of sun in the Philippine National Flag|url=http://www.laguna.gov.ph/content/why-laguna-deserves-ray-sun-philippine-national-flag|website=Provincial Government of Laguna|access-date=April 28, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201045935/http://www.laguna.gov.ph/content/why-laguna-deserves-ray-sun-philippine-national-flag|archive-date=December 1, 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>

The defeat in Sambat meant the end of large-scale organized revolt in Laguna, the ''Malungingnging'' chapter of the Katipunan failing to replicate the relative success of the revolution in Cavite. The revolutionaries resorted to hit-and-run and guerrilla tactics against the Spanish, lasting until the [[Pact of Biak-na-Bato]] on December 14 to 15, 1897.<ref name="HistoryWeebly" />

Some revolutionaries continued the armed struggle after the Pact of Biak-na-Bato in refusal of [[Emilio Aguinaldo]]'s orders. Jacinto led a battle against Spanish troops in [[Magdalena, Laguna|Magdalena]] in February 1898, but had to retreat after being shot in the hip. Jacinto would take refuge at the nearby church but was then arrested and jailed in Santa Cruz. Jacinto would escape by pretending to be a double agent for the Spanish, but would eventually contract [[malaria]] and die in April 1899.<ref name="inqjacinto">{{cite news |last1=Sembrano |first1=Edgar Allan |title='Brains of the Katipunan' honored in Magdalena, Laguna |url=https://lifestyle.inquirer.net/334229/brains-of-the-katipunan-honored-in-magdalena-laguna/ |access-date=30 July 2024 |work=Lifestyle.INQ |date=5 May 2019 |archive-date=July 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240730105433/https://lifestyle.inquirer.net/334229/brains-of-the-katipunan-honored-in-magdalena-laguna/ |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Pio del Pilar]] and [[Paciano Rizal]] led revolutionary troops to victory in the [[Battle of Calamba]] in May 1898, and the surrender of the last Spanish garrison in Laguna in Santa Cruz, on August 31 of the same year.

Laguna actively supported the [[First Philippine Republic]] proclaimed at [[Malolos]] on January 23, 1899. Its two delegates to the [[Malolos Congress]] were Don Higino Benítez and Don Graciano Cordero, both natives of Pagsanján.<ref name="HistoryWeebly" />

===American colonial period===
On the outbreak of the [[Philippine–American War]], Generals [[Juan Cailles]] and [[Paciano Rizal]] led the defense of Laguna during the war's early stages. The [[Battle of Mabitac]] was fought in defense of the town of [[Mabitac]] and was won by Filipino forces. However, forces led by [[Henry W. Lawton]] fought and won in [[Battle of Santa Cruz (1899)|Santa Cruz]], [[Battle of Pagsanjan|Pagsanjan]], and [[Battle of Paete|Paete]], effectively securing the province for American forces.

By the end of the war, the entire country was occupied by American forces and was taken as a colony. The [[Taft Commission]] was established to govern the Philippines during the interim period, which appointed Juan Cailles as the provincial governor of Laguna. Act No. 83, or the Provincial Government Act, established a civilian government under American occupation.<ref>{{cite PH act|chamber=Act|number=83|title=A General Act For The Organization Of Provincial Governments In The Philippine Islands|date=February 6, 1901|access-date=July 30, 2022|url=https://thecorpusjuris.com/legislative/acts/act-no-83.php|archive-date=November 27, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241127171304/https://thecorpusjuris.com/legislative/acts/act-no-83.php|url-status=live}}</ref> During this time, roads were built, schools were established, and in 1917, the [[Manila Railroad Company]] extended its line to Laguna as far as Pagsanjan.

In 1903, the town of [[Muntinlupa]] became part of La Laguna and was annexed to the town of Biñan,<ref>{{cite PH act|url=https://elibrary.judiciary.gov.ph/thebookshelf/showdocs/28/22800|chamber=Act|number=1008|date=November 25, 1903|title=An Act Amending Act Numbered Nine hundred and thirty-nine, entitled "An Act reducing the thirty municipalities of the Province of La Laguna to nineteen," and Act Numbered Nine hundred and forty-two, entitled "An Act reducing the thirty - two municipalities of the Province of Rizal to fifteen," and providing that the boundary line between the Provinces of La Laguna and Rizal be changed so as to include in La Laguna the municipality of Muntinlupa now a part of Rizal.|access-date=August 5, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240805013207/https://elibrary.judiciary.gov.ph/thebookshelf/showdocs/28/22800|archive-date=August 5, 2024|url-status=live}}</ref> but was later returned to the province of [[Rizal (province)|Rizal]] in 1905.<ref>{{cite PH act|url=https://elibrary.judiciary.gov.ph/thebookshelf/showdocs/28/17388|chamber=Act|number=1308|date=March 22, 1905|title=An Act providing for the return of the former municipality of Muntinlupa from the Province of La Laguna to the Province of Rizal, repealing paragraph (e) of section one and sections two and three of Act Numbered One thousand and eight, and changing the name of the municipality of Pateros, of the Province of Rizal, to Taguig.|access-date=June 18, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220831181658/https://elibrary.judiciary.gov.ph/thebookshelf/showdocs/28/17388|archive-date=August 31, 2022|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="history_munti">{{cite news|url=https://www.muntinlupacity.gov.ph/?page_id=28|title=About the City|website=City Government of Muntinlupa|access-date=June 19, 2022|archive-date=June 26, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220626204300/https://www.muntinlupacity.gov.ph/?page_id=28|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Resistance against the American occupation continued in Laguna. [[Teodoro Asedillo]] organized peasants in [[Kalayaan, Laguna|Longos]], [[Cavinti]], [[Paete]], and [[Sampaloc, Quezon|Sampaloc]] in [[Quezon (province)|Tayabas]] province under the ''[[Katipunan ng mga Anak-Pawis sa Pilipinas]]'', a labor federation opposed to American colonization.<ref name="miranda">{{cite journal |last1=Evelyn |first1=Miranda |title=Ang mga Kilusang radikal 1890-1990: Ilang Mahahalagang Tala {{!}} Philippine Social Sciences Review |journal=Philippine Social Sciences Review |date=23 April 2010 |url=https://www.journals.upd.edu.ph/index.php/pssr/article/view/1690 |access-date=31 July 2024 |archive-date=July 31, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240731073735/https://www.journals.upd.edu.ph/index.php/pssr/article/view/1690 |url-status=live }}</ref> Asedillo became a local legend in the area as a [[Robin Hood]] figure. A manhunt on Asedillo began in November 1935, eventually leading to his capture and execution.<ref name="constantino">{{cite book |last1=Constantino |first1=Renato |last2=Constantino |first2=Letizia R. |title=A History of the Philippines: From the Spanish Colonization to the Second World War |date=1975 |publisher=Monthly Review Press |isbn=978-1-58367-796-4 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=a_6qzQEACAAJ |language=en}}</ref>{{rp|365–366}}

On May 2, 1935, members of the [[Sakdalista|Sakdalista party]] in [[Cabuyao]] and nearby towns took over the municipal hall and church as part of a general uprising with the main goal of achieving immediate independence from the United States.<ref name="terami">{{cite book |last1=Terami-Wada |first1=Motoe |title=Sakdalistas' struggle for Philippine independence, 1930-1945 |date=2014 |publisher=Ateneo de Manila University Press |location=Quezon City |isbn=9789715506793}}</ref>{{rp|3}} Led by [[Salud Algabre]], approximately 300 Sakdalistas<ref name="sakdal">{{cite journal |last1=Sturtevant |first1=David R. |title=Sakdalism and Philippine Radicalism |journal=The Journal of Asian Studies |date=February 1962 |volume=21 |issue=2 |pages=199–213 |doi=10.2307/2050522 |jstor=2050522 }}</ref> occupied the town hall and church of Cabuyao. The uprising was quelled the next day after members of the Philippine Constabulary led by Governor Cailles clamped down on the Sakdalistas. 50 Sakdalistas were killed with 22 suffering injuries.<ref name=sakdal/>

===Japanese occupation during the Second World War===
During the [[Japanese occupation of the Philippines]] (1942–1945), Laguna was a center of Filipino resistance despite the presence of [[Makapili]] collaborators.<ref name="HistoryWeebly" />

Marking's Guerrillas raided the Cine Lumban in Laguna in June 1942 in an attempt to free the 115 American [[POW]]s. Only one American was rescued, Corporal George Lightman of the 3rd Pursuit Squadron, because the ranking American captain ordered his men to stay where they were. The Japanese executed 10 American prisoners in retribution.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Kaminski |first1=Theresa |title=Angels of the Underground |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=New York |isbn=9780199928248 |pages=241–242}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Panlilio |first1=Yay |title=The Crucible: An Autobiography by Colonel Yay, Filipina American Guerrilla |url=https://archive.org/details/crucibleautobiog00panl_751 |url-access=limited |date=1950 |publisher=Rutgers University Press |location=New Brunswick |isbn=9780813546827 |pages=[https://archive.org/details/crucibleautobiog00panl_751/page/n49 19]-20}}</ref>

The establishment of the military general headquarters and military camp bases of the Philippine Commonwealth Army and the [[Philippine Constabulary]] is a military unit organization was founded on January 3, 1942, to June 30, 1946, in the province of Laguna, and aided of the local military regular units of the Philippine Commonwealth Army 4th and 42nd Infantry Division and the Philippine Constabulary 4th Constabulary Regiment. Started the engagements of the Anti-Japanese Military Operations in Southern Luzon, [[Mindoro]] and [[Palawan]] from 1942 to 1945 against the [[Imperial Japanese Army|Japanese Imperial forces]].{{incomprehensible inline|date=April 2016}}

Beginning in 1945, attacks by the Filipino soldiers of the 4th, 42nd, 43rd, 45th, 46th and 47th Infantry Division of the Philippine Commonwealth Army, 4th Constabulary Regiment of the Philippine Constabulary and the recognized guerrillas against Japanese forces in Laguna increased in anticipation of the Liberation of the Philippines by joint Filipino & American forces.{{explain|date=April 2016}}

===The postwar era===
==== Establishment of the International Rice Research Institute ====
The International Rice Research Institute was established in 1960, during the presidency of [[Carlos P. Garcia]], and a site in [[Los Baños, Laguna|Los Baños]] was selected to be its headquarters. By 1962 during the presidency of [[Diosdado Macapagal]], IRRI had begun research to develop the new high yield [[IR8|"Miracle Rice" (IR8)]] variety.<ref name="BillGanzel">{{Cite web |url=http://www.livinghistoryfarm.org/farminginthe50s/crops_17.html |title=The Development of "Miracle Rice" Varieties |last=Ganzel |first=Bill |date=2007 |website=Wessels Living History Farm |publisher=Ganzel Group |access-date=19 September 2017 |archive-date=June 5, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170605030808/http://www.livinghistoryfarm.org/farminginthe50s/crops_17.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> Enhanced by the extensive use of chemical fertilizers, IR8 would serve as the foundation for the brief success of the Philippine Government's [[Masagana 99]] agricultural program during the 1970s, although the program would fail in the 1980s mostly because of the [[Presidency of Ferdinand Marcos|Marcos administration]]'s credit scheme did not work.<ref name="MiguelPaoloJoelandLarah">{{Cite news |last1=Reyes |first1=Miguel Paolo P. |last2=Ariate |first2=Joel F. Jr. |last3=Del Mundo |first3=Lara Vinda |title='Success' of Masagana 99 all in Imee's head – UP researchers |publisher=Vera Files |url=https://www.verafiles.org/articles/success-masagana-99-all-imees-head-researchers |url-status=live |access-date=2020-05-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200524143622/https://www.verafiles.org/articles/success-masagana-99-all-imees-head-researchers |archive-date=2020-05-24}}</ref>

===During the Marcos dictatorship era===
The social unrest which arose when [[Ferdinand Marcos]]' debt-driven campaign spending led to the [[1969 Philippine balance of payments crisis]]<ref name=Balbosas1992>{{Cite journal |last=Balbosa |first=Joven Zamoras |date=1992 |title=IMF Stabilization Program and Economic Growth: The Case of the Philippines |journal=Journal of Philippine Development |volume=XIX |issue=35 |url=https://dirp4.pids.gov.ph/ris/pjd/pidsjpd92-2imf.pdf |access-date=November 18, 2022 |archive-date=September 21, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210921141056/https://dirp4.pids.gov.ph/ris/pjd/pidsjpd92-2imf.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="CamilleDiola">{{Cite news |url=https://newslab.philstar.com/31-years-of-amnesia/golden-era |title=Debt, deprivation and spoils of dictatorship {{!}} 31 years of amnesia |last=Diola |first=Camille |work=The Philippine Star |access-date=2 May 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170626200905/https://newslab.philstar.com/31-years-of-amnesia/golden-era |archive-date=26 June 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref> spread beyond the capital and also triggered protests by students in Laguna, especially [[UP Los Baños]].<ref name="PangilinanJamolinDeGuzmanandYema2020">{{Cite journal |last1=Pangilinan-Jamolin |first1=Lei |last2=Guzman |first2=Rowena de |last3=Yema |first3=Dan Paolo |date=2020-12-01 |title=Experiences of selected University of the Philippines Los Banos (UPLB) community members during Martial Law in the Philippines |url=https://www.ukdr.uplb.edu.ph/journal-articles/3949 |journal=U.P. Los Baños Journal}}</ref> When [[Martial law under Ferdinand Marcos|martial law]] was declared in September 1972, Marcos cracked down on any form of criticism or activism, leading to the arrest of many of Laguna citizens. Among those who experienced [[Human rights abuses of the Marcos dictatorship|arrest and torture during martial law]] were Dr. [[Aloysius Baes]], while among those who became desaparecidos were [[Tish Ladlad]], [[Cristina Catalla]], [[Gerry Faustino|Gerardo "Gerry" Faustino]], [[Rizalina Ilagan]], [[Ramon Jasul]], Professor [[Jessica Sales]], and Philippine Council for Agricultural Research and Resource Development artist-illustrator Manuel Ontong. Among those confirmed to have been martyred for their beliefs were [[Modesto Sison|Modesto "Bong" Sison]], and [[Manuel Bautista]].<ref name="PangilinanJamolinDeGuzmanandYema2020"/><ref name="MalayRodriguez">{{Cite book |last1=Malay |first1=Carolina S. |title=Ang mamatay nang dahil sa 'yo |last2=Rodriguez |last3=Ma Cristina V. |publisher=[[National Historical Commission of the Philippines]] |year=2015 |isbn=978-971-538-270-0 |location=Ermita, Manila, Philippines |oclc=927728036}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://bantayog.foundation/ontong-manuel-f | title=ONTONG, Manuel F }}</ref> [[Camp Vicente Lim]] in the [[Canlubang]] district of [[Calamba, Laguna|Calamba]] was among the many sites where prisons were put up to contain detainees who dared to criticize the Marcos administration.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Martyrs and Heroes: MENDOZA, Armando Lano |url=https://bantayog.foundation/mendoza-armando-lano |access-date=2022-11-18 |website=Bantayog ng mga Bayani Website |archive-date=November 18, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221118150514/https://bantayog.foundation/mendoza-armando-lano |url-status=live }}</ref>

Laguna has been the victim of perennial flooding along the south and eastern coasts of [[Laguna de Bay]] due to the 1977 cancellation of the Parañaque spillway project. The spillway had been the second part of a plan to reduce flooding on the lakeshore towns of Metro Manila in the 1970s, but the various economic crises of the 1970s led to a lack of budget, which meant that only the [[Manggahan Floodway]] in [[Rizal (province)|Rizal]] province was built.<ref name="EIR">{{Cite web |date=December 9, 2020 |title=VERA FILES FACT CHECK: Claim on Cory Aquino scrapping Marcos-era floodway NEEDS CONTEXT |url=https://verafiles.org/articles/vera-files-fact-check-claim-cory-aquino-scrapping-marcos-era |access-date=September 26, 2022 |website=VERA Files |archive-date=September 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220926104211/https://verafiles.org/articles/vera-files-fact-check-claim-cory-aquino-scrapping-marcos-era |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite report |author1=Japan International Cooperation Agency |author2=CTI Engineering International Co. Ltd. |author3=Nippon Koei Co. Ltd. |title=Republic of The Philippines Follow-Up Study on Parañaque Spillway Project – Final Report |date=October 2020 |volume=1: Main Report |url=https://openjicareport.jica.go.jp/pdf/12362240_01.pdf |access-date=11 October 2022 |publisher=Department of Public Works and Highways, Republic of The Philippines |archive-date=October 13, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221013105331/https://openjicareport.jica.go.jp/pdf/12362240_01.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>{{rp|page=61}} The Floodway drew waters away from the Metro Manila lakeshore towns, but dumped them on to the lake. The cancellation of the Parañaque spillway meant that there was no way for the water levels of the lake to be reduced in turn.<ref name="llda">{{cite web|url=http://www.llda.gov.ph/masterplan.htm |title=Laguna de Bay Masterplan |publisher=Laguna Lake Development Authority |access-date=2009-07-21 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090129185344/http://www.llda.gov.ph/masterplan.htm |archive-date=January 29, 2009 }}</ref><ref name="Alcazaren">{{cite web | last = Alcazaren | first = Paulo | title = City Sense: 10 reasons why it floods in Manila | work = The Philippine Star | publisher = STAR Group of Publications | date = June 15, 2013 | url = http://www.philstar.com/modern-living/2013/06/15/953965/10-reasons-why-it-floods-manila | access-date = October 10, 2014 | archive-date = September 24, 2024 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20240924074444/https://www.philstar.com/lifestyle/modern-living/2013/06/15/953965/10-reasons-why-it-floods-manila | url-status = live }}</ref> Within the first year of Manggahan Floodway's completion in 1986, Laguna was hit by an unusual large flood which lasted for 2 months and resulted in high mortality and morbidity rates due to [[gastroenteritis]] and other water-borne diseases.<ref name="ilec">S.E. Jorgensen and R.A. Vollenweider, ''Guidelines of Lake Management, Volume 1 – Principles of Lake Management'', International Lake Environment Committee ([http://www.ilec.or.jp/eg/pubs/guideline/chapter/Vol.1_chapter/Vol.1_Chapter9.pdf Online version] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110523153755/http://www.ilec.or.jp/eg/pubs/guideline/chapter/Vol.1_chapter/Vol.1_Chapter9.pdf |date=2011-05-23 }})</ref>

==Geography==
Laguna covers a total area of {{convert|1,917.85|km2|abbr=on|sp=us}}{{PSGC detail|nscb}} occupying the north{{nbhyph}}central section of the [[Calabarzon]] region in [[Luzon]]. The province is situated southeast of [[Metro Manila]], south of [[Rizal (province)|Rizal]] province, west of [[Quezon]], north of [[Batangas]] and east of [[Cavite]]. Laguna is the third largest province in the Calabarzon region and the 63rd largest in the entire country. The municipalities of [[Cavinti]] and the city of [[San Pablo, Laguna|San Pablo]] have the largest land areas with {{convert|203.58|km2|abbr=on}} and {{convert|197.56|km2|abbr=on|sp=us}}, respectively. The municipality of [[Victoria, Laguna|Victoria]] has the smallest land area with {{convert|57.46|km2|abbr=on}}.

Laguna lies on the southern shores of [[Laguna de Bay]], the largest lake in the country. The land near Laguna de Bay can be considered to be narrow and flat, while become more rugged going further inland towards the mountainous areas of [[Sierra Madre (Philippines)|Sierra Madre]], [[Mount Makiling]], and [[Mount Banahaw]].<ref name="DARCalabarzon">{{cite web|title=About Region 4a, The CaLaBaRzon Region|url=http://ati.da.gov.ph/calabarzon/content/about-region-4a-calabarzon-region|website=DAR|access-date=April 29, 2017|archive-date=June 12, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170612092028/http://ati.da.gov.ph/calabarzon/content/about-region-4a-calabarzon-region|url-status=dead}}</ref>

[[File:Mt Banahaw.jpg|left|thumb|Aerial view of Mount Banahaw]]

Laguna is home to [[List of mountains in the Philippines|24 mountains]], most of which are inactive volcanoes. The highest peak in Laguna is Mt. Banahaw, with an elevation of {{convert|2170|m|abbr=on|sp=us}}. Banahaw, unlike most other volcanoes in Laguna, is an active [[Complex volcano|complex]] [[stratovolcano]], which last erupted in 1843. Banahaw is located in the boundary of Laguna and Quezon and is home to multiple hot springs.<ref name="BanahawPhilvolcs">{{cite web|title=Banahaw Volcano|url=http://www.phivolcs.dost.gov.ph/html/update_VMEPD/Volcano/VolcanoList/banahaw.htm|website=Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology|access-date=April 29, 2017|archive-date=October 3, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181003122554/http://www.phivolcs.dost.gov.ph/html/update_VMEPD/Volcano/VolcanoList/banahaw.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> Laguna is also home to the [[Laguna Volcanic Field]], which can be found near San Pablo. The Laguna [[Volcanic field|Volcanic Field]] is composed of over 200 [[dormant volcano|dormant]] and [[monogenetic volcanic field|monogenetic]] [[maar]]s, [[Volcanic crater lake|crater lake]]s, [[scoria cone]]s and stratovolcanoes, the tallest of which is [[Mount Makiling]] at {{convert|1090|m|abbr=on}} in elevation.

San Pablo itself is known for its [[Seven Lakes of San Pablo|seven crater lakes]], the largest of which is [[Lake Sampaloc]]. Apart from Laguna de Bay and the Seven Lakes of San Pablo, there are also two reservoir lakes that can be found in Laguna, the [[Lake Caliraya]] and [[Lumot Lake]]. These two man-made lakes were formed by the creation of the [[Caliraya Dam]] and the [[Lumot Dam]].

[[File:Pagsanjan Falls.jpg|upright|thumb|View of Pagsanjan Falls from inside the Devil's Cave]]

Due to its proximity to Laguna de Bay, Laguna is home to a large number of its tributaries. One of the most famous rivers in Laguna is the [[Bumbungan River]], also known as the Pagsanjan River, named after the town of [[Pagsanjan]] and its falls. The Cavinti Falls, also known as [[Pagsanjan Falls]], lie at the end of the river. The Cavinti Falls are a three-drop waterfall with a longest drop of {{convert|120|m|abbr=on}}.

Laguna has {{convert|60624|ha|km2|abbr=on}} of alienable and disposable agricultural land, mostly found near the low-lying areas. Around {{convert|41253|ha|km2|abbr=on}}, or 23.44% of Laguna's total land area is forest land, situated near Mount Makiling and further south towards Quezon.<ref name="LagunaEconomy">[http://laguna.com.ph/content/province-profile "Province Profile"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120829002755/http://laguna.com.ph/content/province-profile |date=August 29, 2012 }}. Provincial Government of Laguna.</ref> Laguna has an estimated {{convert|16205|ha|km2|abbr=on}} of forest cover, ranking it third in the region.<ref name="DENRForest">{{cite web|title=Forest Cover in Calabarzon as of CY 2003 (in hectare)|url=http://calabarzon.denr.gov.ph/index.php/about-us/regional-profile/reg-prof-state-reg-enr/87-regional-articles-default/149-forest-cover|website=Department of Environment and Natural Resources|access-date=April 30, 2017|archive-date=February 6, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170206112122/http://calabarzon.denr.gov.ph/index.php/about-us/regional-profile/reg-prof-state-reg-enr/87-regional-articles-default/149-forest-cover|url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Climate===
The province is relatively dry from November to April and wet during the rest of the year for a small portion near the southern boundary. The other parts, west of Santa Cruz municipality, experience a dry season from November to April and rainy season during the rest of the year. The eastern and southernmost portions do not have distinct season, with rainfall more evenly distributed throughout the year.<ref name="DENRProfile">{{cite web|title=Physical and Socio-Economic Profile|url=http://calabarzon.denr.gov.ph/index.php/about-us/regional-profile/reg-profile-physical-socio-eco|website=Department of Environment and Natural Resources|access-date=April 30, 2017|archive-date=May 18, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170518144024/http://calabarzon.denr.gov.ph/index.php/about-us/regional-profile/reg-profile-physical-socio-eco|url-status=dead}}</ref> Laguna is classified under the [[Köppen climate classification]] as predominantly having a [[Tropical monsoon climate]], mostly centered around the areas of [[Calamba, Laguna|Calamba]] to [[Calauan]]. The area stretching from [[Biñan]] to [[Cabuyao]] is classified as having a [[Tropical savanna climate]], while the area from [[Luisiana]] to [[Pangil]] has a [[tropical rainforest climate]].<ref name="ClimateLaguna">{{cite web|title=CLIMATE: LAGUNA|url=https://en.climate-data.org/region/1844/|website=Climate-Data.org|access-date=April 30, 2017}}</ref>

==Administrative divisions==
[[File:Map of Laguna’s Municipalities.png|thumb|A map containing Laguna's municipalities]]

Laguna comprises 24 [[Philippine municipality|municipalities]] and 6 [[Cities of the Philippines|cities]]. The provincial capital of Laguna is [[Santa Cruz, Laguna|Santa Cruz]]. As of the 2024 census, there are 3,687,345 people in the province.{{PH census|current|04A}}

The province is divided into four parts. The northwestern half consists of the component cities of San Pedro, Biñan, Santa Rosa, Cabuyao, and Calamba. The northeastern half is made up of the municipalities of Santa Maria, Mabitac, Famy, Siniloan, Pangil, Pakil, Paete, Kalayaan, and Lumban. The western half includes the municipalities of Los Baños, Bay, Calauan, Alaminos, and the component city of San Pablo. The eastern half is composed of the municipalities of Victoria, Pila, Santa Cruz (the capital), Rizal, Nagcarlan, Liliw, Magdalena, Majayjay, Pagsanjan, Luisiana, and Cavinti. Much of the population is concentrated in the northwestern and western halves of the province.

{{unbulleted list
| {{Color box|#CCFFCC|†|border=darkgray}} {{font|Capital municipality|size=90%}}
| {{Color box|#FFE6F3|∗|border=darkgray}} {{font|Component city|size=90%}}
| {{Color box|#FDFDFD|border=darkgray}} {{font|Municipality|size=90%}}
}}
{{col-begin|width=auto}}
{{col-break}}
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="margin:auto; table-layout:fixed; text-align:right; background:#fdfdfd; font-size:90%;"
|-
! scope="col" style="border-bottom:none;" class="unsortable" colspan=2 | City {{small|or}} municipality
! scope="col" style="border-bottom:none;" class="unsortable" | [[Legislative districts of Laguna|District]]{{PSGC detail|nscb}}
! scope="col" style="border-bottom:none;" class="unsortable" colspan=3 | Population
! scope="col" style="border-bottom:none;" class="unsortable" | {{PSGC rubric}}
! scope="col" style="border-bottom:none;" class="unsortable" colspan=2 | Area{{PSGC detail|nscb}}
! scope="col" style="border-bottom:none;" class="unsortable" colspan=2 | Density
! scope="col" style="border-bottom:none;" class="unsortable" | {{abbr|Barangay|Total number of barangays}}
! scope="col" style="border-bottom:none;" class="unsortable" | [[Coordinates]]{{ref label|Coord|A|none}}
|-
! scope="col" style="border-top:none;" colspan=2 |
! scope="col" style="border-top:none;" |
! scope="col" style="border-style:hidden hidden solid solid;" colspan=2 | {{small|(2024)}}{{PH census|2024|04A}}
! scope="col" style="border-style:hidden solid solid hidden;" | {{small|(2020)}}{{PH census|2020|04A}}
! scope="col" style="border-top:none;" |
! scope="col" style="border-style:hidden hidden solid solid;" | km<sup>2</sup>
! scope="col" style="border-style:hidden solid solid hidden;" class="unsortable" | {{nowrap|sq mi}}
! scope="col" style="border-style:hidden hidden solid solid;" | /km<sup>2</sup>
! scope="col" style="border-style:hidden solid solid hidden;" class="unsortable" | {{nowrap|/sq mi}}
! scope="col" style="border-top:none;" |
! scope="col" style="border-top:none;" |
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:left; background:initial;" colspan="2"| [[Alaminos, Laguna|Alaminos]]
| style="text-align:center;" | [[Laguna's 3rd congressional district|3rd]]
| {{percent and number|53,589|3,687,345|disp=table|1|pad=yes}}
| 51,619
| {{PAGR|2024.5835|53,589|2020.3315|51,619}}
| {{convert|57.46|km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| {{convert|{{significant figures|53589/57.46|2}}|PD/km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| style="text-align:center;" | 15
| style="text-align:center;" | {{coord|14.0613|N|121.2478|E|name=Alaminos|region:PH-LAG_type:city|format=dms}}
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:left; background:initial;" colspan="2"| [[Bay, Laguna|Bay]]
| style="text-align:center;" | [[Laguna's 2nd congressional district|2nd]]
| {{percent and number|69,802|3,687,345|disp=table|1|pad=yes}}
| 67,182
| {{PAGR|2024.5835|69802|2020.3315|67182}}
| {{convert|42.66|km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| {{convert|{{significant figures|69802/42.66|2}}|PD/km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| style="text-align:center;" | 15
| style="text-align:center;" | {{coord|14.1800|N|121.2799|E|name=Bay|region:PH-LAG_type:city|format=dms}}
|- style="background:#ffe6f3;"
! scope="row" style="text-align:left; background:#ffe6f3; border-right:0;"| [[Biñan]]
| style="text-align:right;border-left:0;" | ∗
| style="text-align:center;" | [[Biñan's at-large congressional district|Lone]]
| {{percent and number|584,479|3,687,345|disp=table|1|pad=yes}}
| 407,437
| {{PAGR|2024.5835|584479|2020.3315|407437}}
| {{convert|40.27|km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| {{convert|{{significant figures|584479/40.27|2}}|PD/km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| style="text-align:center;" | 24
| style="text-align:center;" | {{coord|14.3373|N|121.0827|E|name=Biñan|region:PH-LAG_type:city|format=dms}}
|- style="background:#ffe6f3;"
! scope="row" style="text-align:left; background:#ffe6f3; border-right:0;"| [[Cabuyao]]
| style="text-align:right;border-left:0;" | ∗
| style="text-align:center;" | [[Laguna's 2nd congressional district|2nd]]
| {{percent and number|365,202|3,687,345|disp=table|1|pad=yes}}
| 355,330
| {{PAGR|2024.5835|365202|2020.3315|355330}}
| {{convert|43.30|km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| {{convert|{{significant figures|365202/43.30|2}}|PD/km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| style="text-align:center;" | 18
| style="text-align:center;" | {{coord|14.2770|N|121.1232|E|name=Cabuyao|region:PH-LAG_type:city|format=dms}}
|- style="background:#ffe6f3;"
! scope="row" style="text-align:left; background:#ffe6f3; border-right:0;"| [[Calamba, Laguna|Calamba]]
| style="text-align:right;border-left:0;" | ∗
| style="text-align:center;" | [[Calamba's at-large congressional district|Lone]]
| {{percent and number|575,046|3,687,345|disp=table|1|pad=yes}}
| 539,671
| {{PAGR|2024.5835|575046|2020.3315|539671}}
| {{convert|149.50|km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| {{convert|{{significant figures|575046/149.50|2}}|PD/km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| style="text-align:center;" | 54
| style="text-align:center;" | {{coord|14.2106|N|121.1638|E|name=Calamba|region:PH-LAG_type:city|format=dms}}
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:left; background:initial;" colspan="2"| [[Calauan]]
| style="text-align:center;" | [[Laguna's 3rd congressional district|3rd]]
| {{percent and number|89,670|3,687,345|disp=table|1|pad=yes}}
| 87,693
| {{PAGR|2024.5835|89670|2020.3315|87693}}
| {{convert|77.85|km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| {{convert|{{significant figures|89670/77.85|2}}|PD/km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| style="text-align:center;" | 17
| style="text-align:center;" | {{coord|14.1486|N|121.3158|E|name=Calauan|region:PH-LAG_type:city|format=dms}}
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:left; background:initial;" colspan="2"| [[Cavinti]]
| style="text-align:center;" | [[Laguna's 4th congressional district|4th]]
| {{percent and number|24,740|3,687,345|disp=table|1|pad=yes}}
| 23,980
| {{PAGR|2024.5835|24740|2020.3315|23980}}
| {{convert|203.58|km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| {{convert|{{significant figures|24740/203.58|2}}|PD/km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| style="text-align:center;" | 19
| style="text-align:center;" | {{coord|14.2454|N|121.5078|E|name=Cavinti|region:PH-LAG_type:city|format=dms}}
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:left; background:initial;" colspan="2"| [[Famy]]
| style="text-align:center;" | [[Laguna's 4th congressional district|4th]]
| {{percent and number|17,668|3,687,345|disp=table|1|pad=yes}}
| 16,791
| {{PAGR|2024.5835|17668|2020.3315|16791}}
| {{convert|53.06|km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| {{convert|{{significant figures|17668/53.06|2}}|PD/km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| style="text-align:center;" | 20
| style="text-align:center;" | {{coord|14.4399|N|121.4471|E|name=Famy|region:PH-LAG_type:city|format=dms}}
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:left; background:initial;" colspan="2"| [[Kalayaan, Laguna|Kalayaan]]
| style="text-align:center;" | [[Laguna's 4th congressional district|4th]]
| {{percent and number|25,243|3,687,345|disp=table|1|pad=yes}}
| 24,755
| {{PAGR|2024.5835|25243|2020.3315|24755}}
| {{convert|46.60|km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| {{convert|{{significant figures|25243/46.60|2}}|PD/km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| style="text-align:center;" | 3
| style="text-align:center;" | {{coord|14.3261|N|121.4781|E|name=Kalayaan|region:PH-LAG_type:city|format=dms}}
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:left; background:initial;" colspan="2"| [[Liliw]]
| style="text-align:center;" | [[Laguna's 3rd congressional district|3rd]]
| {{percent and number|39,976|3,687,345|disp=table|1|pad=yes}}
| 39,491
| {{PAGR|2024.5835|39976|2020.3315|39491}}
| {{convert|39.10|km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| {{convert|{{significant figures|39976/39.10|2}}|PD/km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| style="text-align:center;" | 33
| style="text-align:center;" | {{coord|14.1307|N|121.4365|E|name=Liliw|region:PH-LAG_type:city|format=dms}}
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:left; background:initial;" colspan="2"| [[Los Baños, Laguna|Los Baños]]{{ref label|citynote|1|1}}
| style="text-align:center;" | [[Laguna's 2nd congressional district|2nd]]
| {{percent and number|117,030|3,687,345|disp=table|1|pad=yes}}
| 115,353
| {{PAGR|2024.5835|117030|2020.3315|115343}}
| {{convert|54.22|km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| {{convert|{{significant figures|117030/54.22|2}}|PD/km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| style="text-align:center;" | 14
| style="text-align:center;" | {{coord|14.1775|N|121.2214|E|name=Los Baños|region:PH-LAG_type:city|format=dms}}
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:left; background:initial;" colspan="2"| [[Luisiana]]
| style="text-align:center;" | [[Laguna's 4th congressional district|4th]]
| {{percent and number|21,824|3,687,345|disp=table|1|pad=yes}}
| 20,859
| {{PAGR|2024.5835|21824|2020.3315|20859}}
| {{convert|73.31|km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| {{convert|{{significant figures|21824/73.31|2}}|PD/km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| style="text-align:center;" | 23
| style="text-align:center;" | {{coord|14.1850|N|121.5094|E|name=Luisiana|region:PH-LAG_type:city|format=dms}}
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:left; background:initial;" colspan="2"| [[Lumban]]
| style="text-align:center;" | [[Laguna's 4th congressional district|4th]]
| {{percent and number|32,793|3,687,345|disp=table|1|pad=yes}}
| 33,330
| {{PAGR|2024.5835|32793|2020.3315|32330}}
| {{convert|40.53|km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| {{convert|{{significant figures|32793/40.53|2}}|PD/km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| style="text-align:center;" | 16
| style="text-align:center;" | {{coord|14.2976|N|121.4589|E|name=Lumban|region:PH-LAG_type:city|format=dms}}
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:left; background:initial;" colspan="2"| [[Mabitac]]
| style="text-align:center;" | [[Laguna's 4th congressional district|4th]]
| {{percent and number|21,748|3,687,345|disp=table|1|pad=yes}}
| 21,275
| {{PAGR|2024.5835|21748|2020.3315|21275}}
| {{convert|80.76|km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| {{convert|{{significant figures|21748/80.76|2}}|PD/km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| style="text-align:center;" | 15
| style="text-align:center;" | {{coord|14.4272|N|121.4265|E|name=Mabitac|region:PH-LAG_type:city|format=dms}}
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:left; background:initial;" colspan="2"| [[Magdalena, Laguna|Magdalena]]
| style="text-align:center;" | [[Laguna's 4th congressional district|4th]]
| {{percent and number|28,131|3,687,345|disp=table|1|pad=yes}}
| 27,816
| {{PAGR|2024.5835|28131|2020.3315|27816}}
| {{convert|35.00|km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| {{convert|{{significant figures|28131/35.00|2}}|PD/km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| style="text-align:center;" | 24
| style="text-align:center;" | {{coord|14.1996|N|121.4292|E|name=Magdalena|region:PH-LAG_type:city|format=dms}}
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:left; background:initial;" colspan="2"| [[Majayjay]]
| style="text-align:center;" | [[Laguna's 4th congressional district|4th]]
| {{percent and number|28,504|3,687,345|disp=table|1|pad=yes}}
| 27,893
| {{PAGR|2024.5835|28504|2020.3315|27893}}
| {{convert|69.58|km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| {{convert|{{significant figures|28504/69.58|2}}|PD/km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| style="text-align:center;" | 40
| style="text-align:center;" | {{coord|14.1455|N|121.4725|E|name=Majayjay|region:PH-LAG_type:city|format=dms}}
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:left; background:initial;" colspan="2"| [[Nagcarlan]]
| style="text-align:center;" | [[Laguna's 3rd congressional district|3rd]]
| {{percent and number|66,351|3,687,345|disp=table|1|pad=yes}}
| 64,866
| {{PAGR|2024.5835|66351|2020.3315|64866}}
| {{convert|78.10|km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| {{convert|{{significant figures|66351/78.10|2}}|PD/km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| style="text-align:center;" | 52
| style="text-align:center;" | {{coord|14.1365|N|121.4127|E|name=Nagcarlan|region:PH-LAG_type:city|format=dms}}
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:left; background:initial;" colspan="2"| [[Paete]]
| style="text-align:center;" | [[Laguna's 4th congressional district|4th]]
| {{percent and number|25,254|3,687,345|disp=table|1|pad=yes}}
| 24,945
| {{PAGR|2024.5835|25254|2020.3315|24945}}
| {{convert|55.02|km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| {{convert|{{significant figures|25254/55.02|2}}|PD/km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| style="text-align:center;" | 9
| style="text-align:center;" | {{coord|14.3641|N|121.4815|E|name=Paete|region:PH-LAG_type:city|format=dms}}
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:left; background:initial;" colspan="2"| [[Pagsanjan]]
| style="text-align:center;" | [[Laguna's 4th congressional district|4th]]
| {{percent and number|45,602|3,687,345|disp=table|1|pad=yes}}
| 44,325
| {{PAGR|2024.5835|45602|2020.3315|44325}}
| {{convert|27.40|km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| {{convert|{{significant figures|45602/27.40|2}}|PD/km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| style="text-align:center;" | 16
| style="text-align:center;" | {{coord|14.2727|N|121.4540|E|name=Pagsanjan|region:PH-LAG_type:city|format=dms}}
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:left; background:initial;" colspan="2"| [[Pakil]]
| style="text-align:center;" | [[Laguna's 4th congressional district|4th]]
| {{percent and number|23,972|3,687,345|disp=table|1|pad=yes}}
| 23,495
| {{PAGR|2024.5835|23972|2020.3315|23495}}
| {{convert|46.50|km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| {{convert|{{significant figures|23972/46.50|2}}|PD/km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| style="text-align:center;" | 13
| style="text-align:center;" | {{coord|14.3807|N|121.4786|E|name=Pakil|region:PH-LAG_type:city|format=dms}}
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:left; background:initial;" colspan="2"| [[Pangil]]
| style="text-align:center;" | [[Laguna's 4th congressional district|4th]]
| {{percent and number|25,318|3,687,345|disp=table|1|pad=yes}}
| 25,025
| {{PAGR|2024.5835|25318|2020.3315|25025}}
| {{convert|45.03|km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| {{convert|{{significant figures|25318/45.03|2}}|PD/km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| style="text-align:center;" | 8
| style="text-align:center;" | {{coord|14.4029|N|121.4677|E|name=Pangil|region:PH-LAG_type:city|format=dms}}
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:left; background:initial;" colspan="2"| [[Pila, Laguna|Pila]]
| style="text-align:center;" | [[Laguna's 4th congressional district|4th]]
| {{percent and number|57,776|3,687,345|disp=table|1|pad=yes}}
| 54,613
| {{PAGR|2024.5835|57776|2020.3315|54613}}
| {{convert|31.20|km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| {{convert|{{significant figures|57776/31.20|2}}|PD/km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| style="text-align:center;" | 17
| style="text-align:center;" | {{coord|14.2374|N|121.3618|E|name=Pila|region:PH-LAG_type:city|format=dms}}
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:left; background:initial;" colspan="2"| [[Rizal, Laguna|Rizal]]
| style="text-align:center;" | [[Laguna's 3rd congressional district|3rd]]
| {{percent and number|18,864|3,687,345|disp=table|1|pad=yes}}
| 18,332
| {{PAGR|2024.5835|18864|2020.3315|18332}}
| {{convert|27.90|km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| {{convert|{{significant figures|18864/27.90|2}}|PD/km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| style="text-align:center;" | 11
| style="text-align:center;" | {{coord|14.1140|N|121.3933|E|name=Rizal|region:PH-LAG_type:city|format=dms}}
|- style="background:#ffe6f3;"
! scope="row" style="text-align:left; background:#ffe6f3; border-right:0;"| [[San Pablo, Laguna|San Pablo]]
| style="text-align:right;border-left:0;" | ∗
| style="text-align:center;" | [[Laguna's 3rd congressional district|3rd]]
| {{percent and number|300,166|3,687,345|disp=table|1|pad=yes}}
| 285,338
| {{PAGR|2024.5835|300166|2020.3315|285348}}
| {{convert|197.56|km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| {{convert|{{significant figures|300166/197.56|2}}|PD/km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| style="text-align:center;" | 80
| style="text-align:center;" | {{coord|14.0700|N|121.3255|E|name=San Pablo|region:PH-LAG_type:city|format=dms}}
|- style="background:#ffe6f3;"
! scope="row" style="text-align:left; background:#ffe6f3; border-right:0;"| [[San Pedro, Laguna|San Pedro]]
| style="text-align:right;border-left:0;" | ∗
| style="text-align:center;" | [[Laguna's 1st congressional district|1st]]
| {{percent and number|348,968|3,687,345|disp=table|1|pad=yes}}
| 326,001
| {{PAGR|2024.5835|348968|2020.3315|326001}}
| {{convert|24.05|km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| {{convert|{{significant figures|348968/24.05|2}}|PD/km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| style="text-align:center;" | 27
| style="text-align:center;" | {{coord|14.3620|N|121.0574|E|name=San Pedro|region:PH-LAG_type:city|format=dms}}
|- style="background:#cfc;"
! scope="row" style="text-align:left; background:#cfc; border-right:0;"| [[Santa Cruz, Laguna|Santa Cruz]]
| style="text-align:right;border-left:0;" | †
| style="text-align:center;" | [[Legislative districts of Laguna#4th District|4th]]
| {{percent and number|126,844|3,687,345|disp=table|1|pad=yes}}
| 123,574
| {{PAGR|2024.5835|126844|2020.3315|123574}}
| {{convert|38.59|km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| {{convert|{{significant figures|126844/38.59|2}}|PD/km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| style="text-align:center;" | 26
| style="text-align:center;" | {{coord|14.2854|N|121.4134|E|name=Santa Cruz|region:PH-LAG_type:city|format=dms}}
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:left; background:initial;" colspan="2"| [[Santa Maria, Laguna|Santa Maria]]
| style="text-align:center;" | [[Laguna's 4th congressional district|4th]]
| {{percent and number|34,102|3,687,345|disp=table|1|pad=yes}}
| 34,511
| {{PAGR|2024.5835|34102|2020.3315|34511}}
| {{convert|108.40|km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| {{convert|{{significant figures|34102/108.40|2}}|PD/km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| style="text-align:center;" | 25
| style="text-align:center;" | {{coord|14.4721|N|121.4234|E|name=Santa Maria|region:PH-LAG_type:city|format=dms}}
|- style="background:#ffe6f3;"
! scope="row" style="text-align:left; background:#ffe6f3; border-right:0;"| [[Santa Rosa, Laguna|Santa Rosa]]
| style="text-align:right;border-left:0;" | ∗
| style="text-align:center;" | [[Santa Rosa's at-large congressional district|Lone]]
| {{percent and number|430,920|3,687,345|disp=table|1|pad=yes}}
| 414,812
| {{PAGR|2024.5835|430920|2020.3315|414812}}
| {{convert|54.84|km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| {{convert|{{significant figures|430920/54.84|2}}|PD/km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| style="text-align:center;" | 18
| style="text-align:center;" | {{coord|14.3157|N|121.1122|E|name=Santa Rosa|region:PH-LAG_type:city|format=dms}}
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:left; background:initial;" colspan="2"| [[Siniloan]]
| style="text-align:center;" | [[Laguna's 4th congressional district|4th]]
| {{percent and number|42,533|3,687,345|disp=table|1|pad=yes}}
| 39,460
| {{PAGR|2024.5835|42533|2020.3315|39460}}
| {{convert|64.51|km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| {{convert|{{significant figures|42533/64.51|2}}|PD/km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| style="text-align:center;" | 20
| style="text-align:center;" | {{coord|14.4215|N|121.4444|E|name=Siniloan|region:PH-LAG_type:city|format=dms}}
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:left; background:initial;" colspan="2"| [[Victoria, Laguna|Victoria]]
| style="text-align:center;" | [[Laguna's 4th congressional district|4th]]
| {{percent and number|45,230|3,687,345|disp=table|1|pad=yes}}
| 43,408
| {{PAGR|2024.5835|45230|2020.3315|43408}}
| {{convert|22.35|km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| {{convert|{{significant figures|45239/22.35|2}}|PD/km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| style="text-align:center;" | 9
| style="text-align:center;" | {{coord|14.2316|N|121.3278|E|name=Victoria|region:PH-LAG_type:city|format=dms}}
|- class="sortbottom"
! scope="row" colspan=4 style="text-align:left;" | Total
! scope="col" style="text-align:right;" | 3,687,345
! scope="col" style="text-align:right;" | 3,382,193
! scope="col" style="text-align:right;" | {{PAGR|2024.5835|3687345|2020.3315|3382193}}
! scope="col" style="text-align:right;" | 1,928.23
! scope="col" | {{convert|1,928.23|km2|disp=number|2}}
! scope="col" style="text-align:right;" | {{significant figures|3687345/1,928.23|2}}
! scope="col" style="text-align:right;" | {{convert|{{significant figures|3687345/1,928.23|2}}|PD/km2|disp=number}}
! scope="col" | 681
! scope="col" style="font-style:italic;" | {{small|(see [[#External links|GeoGroup box]])}}
|- class="sortbottom" style="background:#f2f2f2; border-top:double gray; line-height:1.3em;"
| colspan=13 |
{{Ordered list
| list_style_type = upper-alpha|{{note label|Coord|B|none}}Coordinates mark the [[town center]], and are sortable by [[latitude]].
}}
----
{{unbulleted list
| style = padding-left:2em;
| {{note label|citynote|1|1}} [[Los Baños, Laguna|Los Baños]] was declared as the ''Special Science and Nature City of the Philippines'' through ''Presidential Proclamation No. 349''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lagunatravelguide.com/index.php?page=los-banos|title=Los Baños|publisher=Laguna Travel Guide|date=September 17, 2000|access-date=October 29, 2012|archive-date=December 26, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131226035041/http://www.lagunatravelguide.com/index.php?page=los-banos|url-status=dead}}</ref><br />The proclamation, however, does not convert the municipality to a city or give it corporate powers that are accorded to other cities.
}}
|}
{{col-end}}

==Demographics==
{{Philippine Census
| align= none
| cols = 3
| title= Population census of Laguna
| 1903 = {{PH census population|1903}}
| 1918 = {{PH census population|1918}}
| 1939 = {{PH census population|1939}}
| 1948 = {{PH census population|1948}}
| 1960 = {{PH census population|1960}}
| 1970 = {{PH census population|1970}}
| 1975 = {{PH census population|1975}}
| 1980 = {{PH census population|1980}}
| 1990 = {{PH census population|1990}}
| 1995 = {{PH census population|1995}}
| 2000 = {{PH census population|2000}}
| 2007 = {{PH census population|2007}}
| 2010 = {{PH census population|2010}}
| 2015 = {{PH census population|2015}}
| 2020 = {{PH census population|2020}}
| 2024 = {{PH census population|2024}}
| 2030 = 
| footnote = Sources: Philippine Statistics Authority{{PH census|2015|04A}}{{PH census|2010|04A}}{{PH census|2010}}
}}

The population of Laguna in the 2020 census was 3,687,345 people,{{PH census|current|04A}} with a density of {{convert|{{significant figures|3,687,345/1,917.85|2}}|PD/km2|disp=or|sp=us}}. [[Biñan]] is the most populous city in Laguna, accounting for 15.9% of the provincial population with 584,479 inhabitants, while [[Famy]] is the smallest municipality in Laguna with a total population of 17,668. In terms of population density, San Pedro and Biñan have the largest with both having a density of {{convert|15000|PD/km2|abbr=on|sp=us}}, while Cavinti is the smallest with a density of {{convert|120|PD/km2|abbr=on}}. Most of the people in Laguna live in the cities of San Pedro, Biñan, Santa Rosa, Cabuyao, Calamba and San Pablo accounting to 70.7% of the population of the province. Laguna is the 3rd most populous province in the Philippines and also the 3rd densest. Laguna has a median age of 24.9 years.<ref name="PSAQuickstat">{{cite web|title=Laguna Quickstat - June 2018|url=https://psa.gov.ph/content/laguna-quickstat-june-2018|website=Philippine Statistics Authority|access-date=February 4, 2023|archive-date=February 4, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230204072752/https://psa.gov.ph/content/laguna-quickstat-june-2018|url-status=live}}</ref>

{{bar box
| title = Population by ethnicity (2020)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://psa.gov.ph/content/ethnicity-philippines-2020-census-population-and-housing |title=Ethnicity in the Philippines (2020 Census of Population and Housing) |publisher=Philippine Statistics Authority |access-date=July 4, 2023 |archive-date=July 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230720023033/https://psa.gov.ph/content/ethnicity-philippines-2020-census-population-and-housing |url-status=live}}</ref>
| titlebar = #CCCCFF
| left1 = Ethnicity
| right2 = Population
| barwidth = 5.5em
| float = right
|bars =
{{bar pixel| [[Tagalog people|Tagalog]]| #000040| 85.82|| {{number and percent| 2,894,851| 3,373,136| 2}}}}
{{bar pixel| [[Bicolano people|Bicolano]]| #404070| 4.83|| {{number and percent| 162,961| 3,373,136| 2}}}}
{{bar pixel| [[Visayan people|Bisaya]]| #707094| 4.18|| {{number and percent| 140,890| 3,373,136| 2| pad=yes}}}}
{{bar pixel| [[Ilocano people|Ilocano]]| #9494AF| 1.31|| {{number and percent| 44,173| 3,373,136| 2}}}}
{{bar pixel| [[Hiligaynon people|Hiligaynon]]| #C3C3D2| 1.09|| {{number and percent| 36,695| 3,373,136| 2}}}}
{{bar pixel| [[Waray people|Waray]]| #D2D2DE| 0.72|| {{number and percent| 24,336| 3,373,136| 2}}}}
{{bar pixel| [[Cebuano people|Cebuano]]| #DEDEE6| 0.31|| {{number and percent| 10,508| 3,373,136| 2}}}}
{{bar pixel| [[Pangasinan people|Pangasinan]]| #E6E6EC| 0.31|| {{number and percent| 10,330| 3,373,136| 2}}}}
{{bar pixel| ''Others''| #AFAFC3| 1.42|| {{number and percent| 47,991| 3,373,136| 2}}}}
{{bar pixel| ''Not Reported''| #ECECF1| 0|| {{number and percent| 41| 3,373,136| 2}}}}
}}

===Languages===
Being in the middle of the [[Southern Tagalog Region]], almost all people in Laguna speak [[Tagalog language|Tagalog]], with 99.2% of the population being fluent in it. It is spoken with a dialect greatly influenced from those spoken in the neighboring [[Cavite]], [[Batangas]], [[Rizal (province)|Rizal]], [[Quezon]] and [[Bulacan]], and has several variants in each municipality. There is a minority of people fluent in [[Central Bikol|Bicolano]], [[Hiligaynon language|Hiligaynon]], [[Karay-a language|Karay-a]], [[Ilocano language|Ilocano]], [[Cuyonon language|Cuyunon]], [[Pangasinan language|Pangasinan]] and [[Waray language|Waray]]. A significant portion of the workforce in Laguna can read and speak English and [[Filipino language|Filipino]].<ref name="DOTLagunaSites">{{cite web|title=Philippine Sites – Laguna|url=http://www.tourism.gov.ph/sitepages/InteractiveSitesPage.aspx?siteID=19|website=Department of Tourism|access-date=April 29, 2017|archive-date=June 5, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170605083556/http://www.tourism.gov.ph/SitePages/InteractiveSitesPage.aspx?siteID=19|url-status=dead}}</ref> In 2015, literacy in Laguna was at 99.6%.<ref name="PSAQuickstat" />

===Religion===
{{main|Religion in the Philippines}}
{{Pie chart
|caption = Breakdown of religious affiliation in Laguna, 2020 census<ref name=psareligion/>
|value1 =  88.17
|label1 = [[Roman Catholic Church|Roman Catholic]]
|value2 =  5.12
|label2 = Other Christian denomination
|value3 = 1.8
|label3 = Non-Christian
|value4 = 4.1
|label4 = [[Iglesia Ni Cristo]]
}}
According to the 2020 [[Philippine Statistics Authority]] census, 3.327 million Lagunenses identify as members of a religion, spread across 127 churches and denominations. The largest religion in Laguna is the [[Roman Catholic Church]] which represents 2.974 million Lagunenses or 88% of the population. There are 88 Catholic churches in Laguna,<ref name="inqbaraoidan">{{cite news |last1=Baraoidan |first1=Kimmy |title=Laguna churches are feast for eyes, soul |url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/888860/laguna-churches-are-feast-for-eyes-soul |access-date=30 July 2024 |work=INQUIRER.net |date=13 April 2017 |language=en |archive-date=July 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240730062945/https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/888860/laguna-churches-are-feast-for-eyes-soul |url-status=live }}</ref> including some of the oldest churches in the Philippines. Catholics in Laguna also follow [[Catholic Church in the Philippines|cultural and religious]] observances practiced in the country, such as the ''[[Visita Iglesia]]'' and other observances.

Outside of Catholicism, the [[Iglesia ni Cristo]] has 4-5% of the Listing Members in the province, [[Iglesia Filipina Independiente]], and [[Jesus is Lord Church]] have relatively significant population of Christian adherents. Other denominations such as [[mainline Protestant]]ism, [[Charismatic Christianity|charismatics]], and [[Evangelical Christianity|evengalicals]] also have churches in Laguna. Overall, these non-Catholic denominations make up for 10.12% of the total population of Laguna.

Non-Christian adherents practice [[Islam]], [[Buddhism]], [[Dambana|Anitism]], or some other religion. Some number of Lagunenses also identified as [[Atheism|atheist]].<ref name="psareligion">{{cite web |title=Religious Affiliation in the Philippines (2020 Census of Population and Housing) {{!}} Philippine Statistics Authority {{!}} Republic of the Philippines |url=https://psa.gov.ph/content/religious-affiliation-philippines-2020-census-population-and-housing |website=Philippine Statistics Authority |access-date=30 July 2024 |archive-date=March 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230310184554/https://psa.gov.ph/content/religious-affiliation-philippines-2020-census-population-and-housing |url-status=live }}</ref> The City of [[Binan]] has an Office of Muslim Affairs to handle concerns from the Muslim community within the city.

==Economy==
{{stack|float=right|{{PH poverty incidence}}}}

===Economic history===
No other province besides Cavite experienced the rapid economic growth of Laguna between the late 1960s to the mid-1980s.

Present-day Laguna shows a thriving highly developed mixed economy. With a population of 3,382,193 (2020 census),{{PH census|current|04A}} and a total area of {{convert|1760|km2|abbr=on}} of land, Laguna produces millions of pesos worth of coconuts, rice, sugar, citrus fruits, [[lanzones]] and other products. Tourists flock to its beauty spots, especially [[Pagsanjan Falls]], [[Calamba, Laguna|Calamba]] and [[Los Baños, Laguna|Los Baños]] [[hot spring]]s, [[Mount Makiling]], [[Caliraya Lake]] and many others. Levels of development vary. The towns near [[Metro Manila]] have become industrialized whereas the inner towns continue to engage in agricultural production or pursue agri-based industries and cottage and small-scale industries.<ref name="HistoryWeebly" /> In 2015, Laguna was reported to have an [[equity (finance)|equity]] of {{Philippine peso|4.474}} billion, the second highest in the region behind [[Cavite]].<ref name="ABSCBNRichest">{{cite news|title=Which regions, provinces, cities are Philippines' richest?|url=https://www.abs-cbn.com/focus/11/18/15/which-regions-provinces-cities-are-philippines-richest|access-date=April 30, 2017|agency=ABS-CBN}}</ref>

Laguna is labeled as the "[[Detroit]] of the Philippines" because of the presence of major vehicle manufacturers in the city of [[Santa Rosa, Laguna|Santa Rosa]]. It is also considered the "[[Silicon Valley]] of the Philippines" because of the vast number of electronic and semi-conductor companies operating in the province. Laguna is also the "Resort Capital of the Philippines", for it houses more than 700 hot spring resorts in the areas of [[Calamba, Laguna|Calamba]] and [[Los Baños, Laguna|Los Baños]].<ref name="PIA">[http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=641335323027 "Laguna, pangunahing lugar na puntahan, tirahan, at pangalakalan"] {{webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20121221152221/http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=641335323027 |date=December 21, 2012 }}. Philippine Information Agency.</ref><ref name="LagunaEconomy" />

===Natural resources===
[[File:188Lumot, Cavinti, Laguna 13.jpg|thumb|Caliraya-Lumot River Watershed Forest Reserve]]

The main natural resources of Laguna are in its agriculture and fisheries, owing to its position near Laguna de Bay and the surrounding lowlands.

There are about forty rivers in Laguna with a total area of almost {{convert|0.5|km2|abbr=on}}.{{citation needed|date=August 2012}} [[Laguna de Bay]] has an approximate area of {{convert|3800|km2|sp=us}} broken down into {{convert|2900|km2|sp=us}} of land and {{convert|900|km2|abbr=on}} of lake proper with {{convert|220|km|sp=us|abbr=on}} shoreline. The shores of Laguna de Bay provide fishing grounds capable of producing {{convert|41000|MT|kg}} of fish, or roughly two-thirds of the fresh water fish requirements of [[Metro Manila]].<ref name="LagunaEconomy" />

Laguna has an estimated {{convert|300000000|USgal|m3}} of underground water. At least seven principal water basins in the province with a total of {{convert|5,773|km2|sp=us}} drainage area and {{convert|1,316|km2|sp=us}} level area provide an estimated {{convert|9.238|km2|sp=us}} total run-off annually.<ref name="LagunaEconomy" /> There are two major watershed reserves in Laguna, the Malabanban Cabunsod Watershed Forest Reserve in [[San Pablo, Laguna|San Pablo]], and the Caliraya-Lumot River Watershed Forest Reserve, which spans the municipalities of [[Paete]], [[Cavinti]], [[Kalayaan, Laguna|Kalayaan]], and [[Lumban]]. Overall, these two watersheds span an area of {{convert|11164.71|ha}}.<ref name="DENRWatershed">{{cite web|title=Proclaimed Watershed Forest Reserve|url=http://calabarzon.denr.gov.ph/index.php/about-us/regional-profile/reg-prof-state-reg-enr/87-regional-articles-default/147-proc-watershed-forest-reserve|website=DENR|access-date=April 29, 2017}}</ref>

Laguna has a relatively small mining industry compared to the other provinces in the region, with only 11 non-metallic mines registered in the region, and only 8 of which are operating. These mines are found in [[Santa Cruz, Laguna|Santa Cruz]], [[Magdalena, Laguna|Magdalena]], [[Siniloan]], Lumban, and San Pablo. A total of {{convert|39.7823|ha|km2}} are used for mining purposes.<ref name="DENRMining">{{cite web|title=Directory of Non-Metallic Mines and Quarries|url=https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1sp_jZ8r9okX3dFTjRaNzQ2ZkE/view?usp=drive_web|website=DENR Mines and Geosciences Bureau|access-date=April 29, 2017}}</ref> Aggregates make up the largest amount in Laguna's mineral industry, with a value of {{Philippine peso|16,995,923|link=yes}}. Overall, Laguna's mining economy contributes 8.87% to the region's total mining economy.<ref name="DENRMining2">{{cite web|title=Region IV-A Mineral Production by Province, by Mineral 2015|url=https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1sp_jZ8r9okQndBMGpWcDRLZ1E/view|website=DENR Mines and Geosciences Bureau|access-date=April 29, 2017}}</ref>

===Agricultural activities===
[[File:Mabitac, Laguna rice field 3.JPG|thumb|Rice field in [[Mabitac]]]]

Laguna has {{convert|60,624|ha}} of alienable and disposable agricultural land. About {{convert|41,253|ha}} or 23.44% of Laguna's total land area is forest land.<ref name="LagunaEconomy" /> In 2002, there were 38,445 farms in Laguna. The top five crops produced in Laguna are [[rice]], [[maize]], [[coconut]]s, [[mango]]es, and [[banana]]s.<ref name="PSAQuickstat" /> Other crops grown in the province include [[Robusta coffee]],<ref name="AgriPerformance">{{cite web|title=Performance of Philippine Agriculture January-March 2012|url=https://psa.gov.ph/sites/default/files/perf_jan-march2012.pdf|website=Bureau of Agricultural Statistics|access-date=April 30, 2017|archive-date=October 1, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181001070306/https://psa.gov.ph/sites/default/files/perf_jan-march2012.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> [[pineapple]], [[Lansium parasiticum|lanzones]], [[rambutan]],<ref name="PSACrops">{{cite web|title=Top Five Permanent Crops in Terms of Number of Trees/Vines/Hills by Province : Calabarzon, 1991 and 2002|url=https://psa.gov.ph/sites/default/files/attachments/hsd/specialrelease/Reg4A_Table%203.pdf|website=Philippine Statistics Authority|access-date=April 30, 2017}}</ref> and [[sugarcane]].<ref name="DARProfile">{{cite web|title=Region IV-A Profile|url=http://www.dar.gov.ph/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1123|website=Department of Agrarian Reform|access-date=April 30, 2017|archive-date=May 27, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170527193855/http://www.dar.gov.ph/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1123|url-status=live}}</ref> Calamba was once the site of a [[sugar cane mill]], although the decline of the sugar industry during the 1970s and 1980s resulted in its eventual shutdown.

Rice farming is an important part of Laguna's agriculture, with approximately {{convert|30619|ha|km2|abbr=on}} of land used for cultivating {{convert|130904|MT|kg}} of rice.<ref name="PSAQuickstat" /> [[Los Baños, Laguna|Los Baños]] is also the site of multiple research institutions specializing in rice, such as the [[International Rice Research Institute]] (IRRI), the ASEAN Center for Biodiversity (ACB) and the Southeast Asian Regional center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA), among others.<ref name="LagunaEconomy" />

Laguna de Bay, with a surface area of {{convert|900|km|sp=us}}, is the province's main fishing ground producing {{convert|410000|MT|kg}} of fish. Carp and tilapia fingerlings are also being grown in inland ponds and freshwater fish pens. There are a total of 457 operators utilizing an area of {{convert|1839|ha|km2|abbr=on}} for fish pens and fish cages. Aside from Laguna de Bay, approximately 12% of the area in the [[Seven Lakes of San Pablo]] is being used for [[aquaculture]].

===Industry and commerce===

Laguna hosts numerous industrial estates and IT parks registered with the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA), with major concentrations in the cities of Santa Rosa, Biñan, and Calamba.<ref name="PEZA">{{cite web |title=List of Economic Zones |url=http://www.peza.gov.ph/index.php/economic-zones/list-of-economic-zones |website=DTI – Philippine Economic Zone Authority |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170428043334/http://www.peza.gov.ph/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=201&Itemid=161 |archive-date=28 April 2017 |url-status=dead |access-date=17 August 2025}}</ref>

In 2019, a 2.16 MWp commercial rooftop solar project at New Zealand Creamery in Calamba received the Asian Power Awards’ “Solar Power Project of the Year – Philippines”.<ref>{{cite web |title=Find out who emerged as the victors in the Asian Power Awards 2019 |url=https://asian-power.com/ipp/news/find-out-who-emerged-victors-in-asian-power-awards-2019 |website=Asian Power |date=5 September 2019 |access-date=17 August 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=PROINSO, SOLAREN Win Asian Power Award for 2.16 MWp Commercial Solar Rooftop Project |url=https://www.saurenergy.com/solar-energy-news/proinso-solaren-win-asian-power-award-for-2-16-mwp-commercial-solar-rooftop-project |website=Saur Energy |date=5 September 2019 |access-date=17 August 2025 |archive-date=February 18, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250218041858/https://www.saurenergy.com/solar-energy-news/proinso-solaren-win-asian-power-award-for-2-16-mwp-commercial-solar-rooftop-project |url-status=live }}</ref>

The province also has a growing IT–business process management (IT–BPM) presence in its urban centers; PEZA lists several IT parks and an IT center in Laguna.<ref name="PEZA" />

==Infrastructure==

===Road network===
[[File:SLEX - Turbina (Calamba, Laguna)(2018-08-21).jpg|thumb|left|The [[South Luzon Expressway]] connects Laguna with Metro Manila and Batangas.]]

Laguna has a total of {{convert|348|km|mi|sp=us}} of national roads, all paved.<ref>Kilometer count tabulated from data for the e district engineering offices in Laguna in the [http://www.dpwh.gov.ph/dpwh/atlas/2015%20DPWH%20Road%20Data/Road%20Data%202015/region_iv_a.htm 2015 Road Data] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170407234338/http://www.dpwh.gov.ph/dpwh/atlas/2015%20DPWH%20Road%20Data/Road%20Data%202015/region_iv_a.htm |date=April 7, 2017 }} by the [[Department of Public Works and Highways]]</ref> Daang Maharlika/Manila South Road ([[N1 highway (Philippines)|Route 1]], [[Pan-Philippine Highway|AH26]]), [[Calamba–Pagsanjan Road]] (Route 66) and [[Manila East Road]] (Route 601, Route 602), Pagsanjan–Lucban Road (Route 603) and [[Bay–Calauan–San Pablo Road]] (Route 67), form the highway network backbone, and secondary and tertiary national roads interconnect most municipalities, with Magdalena only connected by provincial road. Provincial roads serves as a supplement to the national roads, and connects barangays and municipalities not connected to the main network. The highway network is interconnected with nearby provinces and Metro Manila.

The [[South Luzon Expressway]] (SLEX) passes through Laguna. The [[Cavite–Laguna Expressway]] begins in [[Biñan]] and connects the province to Cavite. A public-private partnership initiative of the national government include plans to build a circumferential road along Laguna de Bay shoreline, the [[Laguna Lakeshore Expressway Dike]] (or C-6 Extension),<ref>[http://www.dpwh.gov.ph/bureau_services/PPP/projects/c6_extension.htm dpwh.gov.ph "Private-Public Partnership - Laguna de Bay Flood Control Dike Expressway (C-6 Extension)"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120727014147/http://www.dpwh.gov.ph/bureau_services/PPP/projects/c6_extension.htm|date=July 27, 2012}}</ref> from [[San Pedro, Laguna|San Pedro]] to [[Los Baños, Laguna|Los Baños]]. Some of the proposed road networks include the [[Calamba–Los Baños Expressway]].<ref name="LagunaEconomy" /><ref>[http://www.dpwh.gov.ph/PPP/main3.asp?page=a5 dpwh.gov.ph "Private-Public Partnership - Calamba–Los Baños Expressway"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120711062520/http://www.dpwh.gov.ph/PPP/main3.asp?page=a5|date=July 11, 2012}}</ref>

===Power===
Three power generating plants are operating in the province.<ref name="LagunaEconomy" />

*Botocan Hydro-electric Plant (25MW) – [[Majayjay]]
*Caliraya Hydro-electric Plant (23.5 MW) – [[Kalayaan, Laguna|Kalayaan]]
*Mak-Ban Geothermal Plant (20MW) – [[Bay, Laguna|Bay]]

[[File:Laguna electric utilities.svg|400px]]

[[Meralco]], the main electricity distributor of Metro Manila, has also the franchise for most of Laguna.<ref name="LagunaEconomy" /> Most of the municipalities in the 4th District, however, are franchise areas of First Laguna Electric Cooperative (FLECO).

==Government==
{{see also|Laguna Provincial Board}}
{{multiple image
| total_width       = 300
| caption_align     = center
| image1            = Sol Aragones (cropped 2).jpg
| caption1          = [[Governor of Laguna|Governor]]<br />[[Sol Aragones|Marisol Aragones-Sampelo]]
| image2            = JM Carait.jpg
| caption2          = [[Vice Governor of Laguna|Vice Governor]]<br />Magtangol Jose Carait III
}}

[[File:Laguna Provincial Capitol Main Building (P. Guevara Avenue, Santa Cruz, Laguna; 06-28-2023).jpg|right|thumb|Laguna Provincial Capitol]]
[[File:Calamba Halang, Provincial Road-Chipeco, Laguna capitol extension (Calamba, Laguna; 10-27-2023).jpg|right|thumb|Laguna Provincial Capitol Extension Building, Calamba City]]

The seat of the provincial government of Laguna is [[Santa Cruz, Laguna|Santa Cruz]], and has been the capital since 1858. Historically, the provincial government was seated in [[Bay, Laguna|Bay]] (1581–1688) and [[Pagsanjan]] (1688–1858) before setting in Santa Cruz.

The provincial government is organized under a [[Governor of Laguna|governor]] and vice governor, as well as the [[Laguna Provincial Board]]. Laguna is divided to four districts and one district each for Biñan, Calamba, and Santa Rosa for the purposes of electing members of the provincial board and a member of the House of Representatives. On a municipal level, the province is governed by mayors and their own legislatures, the [[Sangguniang Panlungsod]] and [[Sangguniang Bayan]] for cities and municipalities, respectively. Each municipality is further composed for barangays, which are headed by a [[Punong Barangay]] and legislated by a [[Sangguniang Barangay]].

===Provincial government===
The governor of Laguna is [[Sol Aragones]] since June 2025.
{|class=wikitable style="font-size:90%;"
|-
! colspan=4 | [[Governor of Laguna|Governor]]
|-
| colspan=4 style="text-align:center;" |[[Sol Aragones|Marisol Aragones-Sampelo]]
|-
! colspan=4 | [[Vice Governor of Laguna|Vice governor]]
|-
| colspan=4 style="text-align:center;" | Magtangol Jose Carait III
|-
! colspan=4 | [[Laguna Provincial Board|Provincial board]]
|-
! 1st District
| Rafael Campos
| Bernadeth Olivares
|-
! 2nd District
| Neptali Bagnes
| Tito Fortunato Caringal II 
|-
! 3rd District
| Karla Monica Adajar-Lajara
|[[Angelica Jones|Angelica Jones Alarva]]
|-
! 4th District
| [[Jam Agarao]]
| Rai-Ann San Luis
|-
! Biñan
| Wilfredo Bejasa Jr.
| Flaviano "Jigcy" D. Pecaña Jr.
|-
! Calamba
| Princess Lajara
| Dyan Espiridion
|-
! Santa Rosa
| Jose Cartaño
| Arnel Gomez
|-
![[Liga ng mga Barangay|ABC]]
| colspan=4 |Lorenzo Zuñiga Jr.
|-
![[Philippine Councilors League|PCL]]
| colspan=4 |		Arvin L. Manguiat
|-
![[Sangguniang Kabataan|SK]]
| colspan=4|Bhenj Stephen Felismino
|}

===House of Representatives===
On the legislative level, the province is divided into seven [[Legislative districts of Laguna|legislative districts]], each of which elect their own representative to the [[House of Representatives of the Philippines|House of Representatives]].

{| class=wikitable style="font-size:90%;"
|-
! District
! Representative
|-
! [[Laguna's 1st congressional district|1st District]]
| [[Ann Matibag]]
|-
! [[Laguna's 2nd congressional district|2nd District]]
| [[Ramil Hernandez]]
|-
! [[Laguna's 3rd congressional district|3rd District]]
| Loreto Amante
|-
! [[Laguna's 4th congressional district|4th District]]
|  [[Benjamin Agarao Jr.]]
|-
! [[Biñan's at-large congressional district|Lone District of Biñan]]
| Arman Dimaguila
|-
! [[Calamba's at-large congressional district|Lone District of Calamba]]
| [[Cha Hernandez|Charisse Anne Hernandez]]
|-
! [[Santa Rosa's at-large congressional district|Lone District of Santa Rosa]]
| Roy M. Gonzales
|}

==Arts and culture==
[[File:Philippines Paete Church Mural2.JPG|thumb|upright|Mural at the St. James the Apostle Parish Church]]

Laguna is a major contributor to the development of arts in the Philippines. Paete is known as the "Woodcarving Capital of the Philippines"<ref name="UPPaete">{{cite web|title=Paete, the Wood Carving Capital of the Philippines|url=http://fmds.upou.edu.ph/index.php/27-fmds-community/201-paete|website=UP Open University|access-date=May 6, 2017|archive-date=May 8, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170508104231/http://fmds.upou.edu.ph/index.php/27-fmds-community/201-paete|url-status=dead}}</ref> for the murals found in the [[Saint James the Apostle Parish Church (Paete)|Saint James the Apostle Parish Church]]. The church houses three murals created by Luciano Dans depicting images of Heaven, Earth, and Hell, as well as other murals of [[Saint Christopher]]. Some of these murals, however, need restoration as they have been infested by termites. [[Manuel Baldemor]] is an internationally acclaimed woodcarver born in Paete. Another famous icon in Laguna is the [[Our Lady of Turumba]], found in [[Pakil]].

Much like the rest of the country, Laguna celebrates multiple feasts and festivals throughout the year. Each barangay has their own fiesta in homage to a patron saint. Some of Laguna's famous festivals include the Turumba Festival in Pakil, the Pinya Festival in [[Calauan]], and the Tsinelas Festival in [[Liliw]].

==Tourism==
Laguna has a large tourist industry, owing to its historical and natural resources. The [[Department of Tourism (Philippines)|Department of Tourism]] currently accredits two hotels, one inn, six resorts, one establishment, one restaurant, four tour operations, four tour guides, and two museums in the province.<ref name="DOTLaguna">{{cite web|title=Laguna|url=http://www.visitmyphilippines.com/index.php?title=laguna&func=all&pid=6731|website=Department of Tourism|access-date=April 29, 2017|archive-date=October 1, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181001070921/http://www.visitmyphilippines.com/index.php?title=laguna&func=all&pid=6731|url-status=dead}}</ref> Laguna also has a total of 239 accredited tourist attractions, the second largest in the region behind Batangas. Tourism in Laguna is significant, although most of the visitors to tourist spots are foreigners, as opposed to other provinces in Calabarzon.<ref name="LyceumTourism">{{cite journal |last1=Tamayo |first1=Ma. Rosario |last2=Celis |first2=Mark Irvin |date=2014 |title=Tourism Development in Region IV: Employment Prospects and Opportunities of Tourism Graduates of Lyceum of the Philippines University |url=http://research.lpubatangas.edu.ph/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/Tourism-Development-in-Region-IV.pdf |journal=Strategic Development Policies and Impact Studies |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230413001928/http://research.lpubatangas.edu.ph/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/Tourism-Development-in-Region-IV.pdf |archive-date=April 13, 2023 |access-date=April 29, 2017}}</ref>

[[File:Rizal Shrine (left side view) (Calamba, Laguna; 2017-02-16).jpg|right|thumb|Rizal Shrine]]

Owing to its long history, Laguna has a host of sites that showcase the different periods of history in Laguna. The [[Rizal Shrine (Calamba)|Rizal Shrine]] in Calamba is the ancestral home of the Philippines' [[National hero of the Philippines|national hero]], [[José Rizal]]. Other historical sites include the Alberto House in Biñan, the [[Cuartel de Santo Domingo]] in Santa Rosa, the [[Pagsanjan Municipal Hall]], the [[Pagsanjan Arch]], the [[Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery]], the ancestral homes and Pinagbayanan crematorium in Pila, [[Emilio Jacinto]] Shrine in Santa Cruz, the [[Baker Memorial Hall]] in [[Campus of University of the Philippines Los Baños|UP Los Baños]], and the Tipakan in Luisiana.

Other historical markers include the Japanese Garden in Cavinti and the Homma-Yamashita Shrine in Los Baños, both of which commemorate the [[Japanese occupation of the Philippines]] during the Second World War, the memorial sites of the [[Battle of Sambat]] in Pagsanjan and the [[Battle of Mabitac]] in Mabitac, and the Bantayog ng Kagitingan, Bantayog ng mga Bayani, Trece Martires Monument, and the Bonifacio Monument in San Pablo.<ref name="DOTHistorical">{{cite web|title=Laguna: Historical|url=http://www.visitmyphilippines.com/index.php?title=Historical&func=all&pid=6605&tbl=0|website=Department of Tourism|access-date=April 29, 2017|archive-date=September 11, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160911150055/http://www.visitmyphilippines.com/index.php?title=Historical&func=all&pid=6605&tbl=0|url-status=dead}}</ref>

[[File:MajayjayChurchjf8943 17.JPG|left|thumb|[[Saint Gregory the Great Parish Church (Majayjay)|Saint Gregory the Great Parish Church]] in Majayjay]]

There are multiple historical and educational museums in Laguna in addition to its historical sites, such as the Pila Memorial Museum in Pila, the Salvador Laurel Museum and Library in San Pedro,<ref>{{cite web|title=Salvador H Laurel museum and library|url=http://www.salvadorlaurel.com/museum|website=Salvador H. Laurel|access-date=October 13, 2019|archive-date=October 13, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191013032109/http://www.salvadorlaurel.com/museum/|url-status=live}}</ref> the Museo de Santa Rosa in Santa Rosa, the Danilo Daleňa House of Paintings in Pakil, the Bahay Laguna in Magdalena, and the Monterola Museum in Nagcarlan.<ref name="LagunaMuseums">{{cite web|title=Museums|url=http://www.lagunatravelguide.com/index.php?page=museums|website=Laguna Travel Guide|access-date=April 29, 2017|archive-date=May 17, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170517085350/http://www.lagunatravelguide.com/index.php?page=museums|url-status=dead}}</ref> Los Baños is home to multiple museums, such as the [[International Rice Research Institute|IRRI Riceworld Museum]], the Museum of Natural History, the Museum of the Wildlife Collections of Dr. Dioscoro Rabor, and the Entomology Museum.<ref name="DOTLagunaMuseum">{{cite web|title=Laguna: Museums|url=http://www.visitmyphilippines.com/index.php?title=Museums&func=all&pid=6615&tbl=0|website=Department of Tourism|access-date=April 29, 2017|archive-date=September 11, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160911150543/http://www.visitmyphilippines.com/index.php?title=Museums&func=all&pid=6615&tbl=0|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Laguna is home to some of the oldest churches in the Philippines, dating back to the end of the 16th century. The [[St. James the Apostle Parish Church (Paete)|St. James the Apostle Parish Church]] in Paete, and the [[Saint Gregory the Great Parish Church (Majayjay)|Saint Gregory the Great Parish Church]] in Majayjay are considered to be some of the oldest in the province, dating as far back as 1578 and 1571, respectively.

Other historical churches in the provinces include the [[Saint Paul the First Hermit Cathedral]] in San Pablo (the see of the Bishop of the [[Roman Catholic Diocese of San Pablo]]), the [[Transfiguration of our Lord Parish Church (Cavinti)|Transfiguration of our Lord Parish Church]] in Cavinti, the [[Nuestra Señora de Candelaria Parish Church]] in Mabitac, the [[Immaculate Conception Parish Church (Los Baños)|Immaculate Conception Parish Church]] in Los Baños, the [[Saint John the Baptist Parish Church (Liliw)|Saint John the Baptist Church]] in Liliw, the [[Saint John the Baptist Parish Church (Calamba)|St. John the Baptist Church]] in Calamba, where Rizal was [[Baptism|baptized]], the [[Saint Peter of Alcantara Parish Church]] in Pakil, which houses the [[Our Lady of Turumba]] painting, the [[Immaculate Conception Parish Church (Santa Cruz)|Immaculate Conception Parish Church]] in Santa Cruz, St. Polycarp Church and the Diocesan Shrine of San Vicente Ferrer in Cabuyao, [[Santa Rosa de Lima Parish Church (Santa Rosa, Laguna)|Santa Rosa de Lima Parish Church]] in Santa Rosa, and the Diocesan Shrine of Jesus in the Holy Sepulchre (Lolo Uweng) and the San Pedro Apostol Parish Church in San Pedro. Lolo Uweng Church was known as the "[[Quiapo Church]] of the South."<ref>{{cite web|title=Lolo Uweng:Quiapo Church of the South|url=http://opinyon.com.ph/index.php/rated-18/news/local/95-the-quiapo-church-of-the-south|website=Opinyon|access-date=April 13, 2015|archive-date=October 13, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191013030031/http://opinyon.com.ph/index.php/rated-18/news/local/95-the-quiapo-church-of-the-south|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:Lake Yambo, San Pablo, Laguna.jpg|thumb|right|Lake Yambo, one of the [[Seven Lakes of San Pablo|seven lakes of San Pablo]]]]

Laguna contains many natural tourist spots, owing to its geography and climate. Laguna is home to the [[Laguna Volcanic Field]], a group of 200 volcanoes and maars. The highest feature of these fields is [[Mount Makiling]], which is also considered to be a holy mountain. The [[Seven Lakes of San Pablo]] are also part of this field. The highest peak in Laguna is [[Mount Banahaw]], which it shares with the province of Quezon. Laguna also features multiple waterfalls, such as the [[Pagsanjan Falls]], the Buruwisan Falls in Siniloan, the Botocan and Taytay Falls in Majayjay, the Talon ng Aliw and the Hulugan Falls, both in Luisiana. Other attractions in the province include the Cavinti Underground River and Caves Complex, the Simbahang Bato in Luisiana, the Dalitiwan River in Majayjay, and the Crocodile Park in Los Baños.<ref name="DOTLagunaNatural">{{cite web|title=Laguna: Natural|url=http://www.visitmyphilippines.com/index.php?title=Natural&func=all&pid=6611&tbl=0|website=Department of Tourism|access-date=April 29, 2017|archive-date=September 29, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170929185439/http://www.visitmyphilippines.com/index.php?title=Natural&func=all&pid=6611&tbl=0|url-status=dead}}</ref>

There are also multiple man-made tourist attractions and parks located in Laguna. The [[Enchanted Kingdom]] theme park is found in Santa Rosa and is accredited by the Department of Tourism. Other parks in Laguna include the Valesol Haven, the Boy Scouts of the Philippines Camp, the Maria Makiling Park, and the Makiling Botanical Garden, all found in Los Baños; the Wawa Park in Paete, and the Public Plaza of San Pablo.

Calamba and Los Baños are famous for its resorts and hot springs, lending to it the title of "Resort Capital of the Philippines". Other sites include the Turumba Swimming Pool in Pakil, the [[Lake Caliraya|Caliraya Lake]], Dagatan Boulevard in San Pablo, and the Sampaloc Lake Staircase.<ref name="DOTLagunaManMade">{{cite web|title=Laguna: Man-Made|url=http://www.visitmyphilippines.com/index.php?title=Man-Made&func=all&pid=6609|website=Department of Tourism|access-date=April 29, 2017|archive-date=October 1, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181001070901/http://www.visitmyphilippines.com/index.php?title=Man-Made&func=all&pid=6609|url-status=dead}}</ref>

==Education==
{{see also|Category:Universities and colleges in Laguna (province)}}
{{bar box
| float    = right
| title    = Highest educational attainment (2015, non-overseas residents)
| titlebar = #BCBCBC
| bars     = 
{{bar percent|No grade completed|#FE4D00|1.96|53,694}}
{{bar percent|Pre-school|#FE4D00|2.47|67,512}}
{{bar percent|Elementary|#FE4D00|24.624|673,229}}
{{bar percent|High school|#FE4D00|42.7635|1,169,174}}
{{bar percent|Post-secondary|#FE4D00|2.342|64,042}}
{{bar percent|College undergraduate|#FE4D00|12.1048|330,952}}
{{bar percent|Academic degree holder|#FE4D00|13.4946|368,948}}
{{bar percent|Post-baccalaureate|#FE4D00|0.128|3,502}}
{{bar percent|Not stated|#FE4D00|0.042|1,140}}
}}

{{bar box
| float    = right
| title    = Highest educational attainment (2010, overseas workers)
| titlebar = #BCBCBC
| bars     = 
{{bar percent|No grade completed|#AAFAAF|0.05|28}}
{{bar percent|Pre-school|#AAFAAF|0.01|6}}
{{bar percent|Elementary|#AAFAAF|5.47|3,298}}
{{bar percent|High school|#AAFAAF|29.48|17,773}}
{{bar percent|Post-secondary|#AAFAAF|12.16|7,333}}
{{bar percent|College undergraduate|#AAFAAF|16.65|10,041}}
{{bar percent|Academic degree holder|#AAFAAF|35.57|21,557}}
{{bar percent|Post-baccalaureate|#AAFAAF|0.35|214}}
{{bar percent|Not stated|#AAFAAF|0.07|44}}
}}

Education rates in Laguna are high. In 2015, there were approximately 2,734,045 out of 3,035,081 people, which 90.1% of the total population, having attained some form of education. The literacy rate of Laguna in 2015 was 99.6%.<ref name="PSAQuickstat" /> Most people in Laguna are high school graduates, while most overseas workers from Laguna have a college degree.

There are 586 public schools in Laguna, composed of 458 public schools and 128 secondary schools. The city of [[San Pablo, Laguna|San Pablo]] has the greatest number of public schools with 79, while the municipality of [[Rizal, Laguna|Rizal]] has the least with four.<ref name="Deped">{{cite web|title=DepEd: Datasets|url=http://www.deped.gov.ph/datasets|website=Department of Education|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170516054425/http://deped.gov.ph/datasets|archive-date=May 16, 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>

[[File:MCL RizalHall.jpg|left|thumb|Rizal Hall at [[Mapúa Malayan Colleges Laguna]]]]

Laguna is home to multiple schools and universities. There are an estimated 18 universities and 37 colleges in the province. There are three [[State university|state universities]] in Laguna with a total of 11 campuses: [[Laguna State Polytechnic University]], [[Pamantasan ng Cabuyao]], [[Polytechnic University of the Philippines]], and the [[University of the Philippines Los Baños]]. UPLB is also one of the [[List of the oldest schools in the Philippines|oldest universities in the Philippines]], having been established in 1909. The [[International Rice Research Institute]] can be found within the UPLB campus and is known internationally for its work in developing rice technologies.

There are also multiple private colleges in Laguna. Some colleges and universities with main campuses in [[Metro Manila]] have also established satellite campuses in Laguna, such as [[Lyceum of the Philippines University-Laguna]], [[De La Salle University Science and Technology Complex|De La Salle University – Laguna Campus]], [[Colegio San Agustin – Biñan|Colegio San Agustin]], [[La Consolacion College - Biñan|La Consolacion College]], [[San Sebastian College – Recoletos]], [[Colegio de San Juan de Letran]], [[Mapúa Malayan Colleges Laguna]], [[National University (Philippines)|National University Laguna]], and [[Our Lady of Fatima University|Our Lady of Fatima University – Laguna Campus]]. Most recently, the [[University of Santo Tomas]] and [[University of the East]] have announced that they will establish their respective campus in Santa Rosa.

Notable alumni from colleges in Laguna include [[Teodoro Casiño]], a former member of the House of Representatives; [[Eduardo Cojuangco Jr.]], the chairman of [[San Miguel Corporation]]; and [[Jerrold Tarog]], film director.
{{Clear}}

==Notable people==
<!-- include ONLY people with a WP article, see [[WP:NLIST]]. -->

===National heroes and patriots===
{{Div col|colwidth=30em}}
*[[José Rizal]] – writer, propagandist, national hero of the Philippines ([[Calamba, Laguna|Calamba]])
*[[Pedro Pelaez]] – educator, priest, known as the "father of Filipinization of the Church" ([[Pagsanjan]])
*[[Ambrosio Rianzares Bautista]] – lawyer and author of the [[Declaration of Philippine Independence]] ([[Biñan]])
*[[Paciano Rizal]] – military general and revolutionary; older brother of [[José Rizal]] ([[Calamba, Laguna|Calamba]])
*[[Agueda Kahabagan]] – Filipina general of the Philippine Revolutionary Army ([[Santa Cruz, Laguna|Santa Cruz]])
*[[Fernando Canon]] – Filipino revolutionary general, poet, inventor, engineer, musician ([[Biñan]])
* [[Juan Cailles]] – Filipino general during the Philippine-American War and first [[Governor of Laguna]] ([[Santa Cruz, Laguna|Santa Cruz]])
*[[Vicente Lim]] – World War II general ([[Calamba, Laguna|Calamba]])
*[[Delfina Herbosa de Natividad]] – one of the three women, together with Marcela Agoncillo and her daughter Lorenza, who sewed together the [[Flag of the Philippines]]; niece of José Rizal ([[Calamba, Laguna|Calamba]])
* [[Trinidad Rizal]] – feminist leader and co-founder of the Philippines' first feminist organization, the Asociacion Femenista Filipina. ([[Calamba, Laguna|Calamba]])
*[[Saturnina Hidalgo|Saturnina Rizal Hidalgo]] – [[José Rizal]]'s eldest sister ([[Calamba, Laguna|Calamba]])
*[[Salud Algabre]] – Filipina leader of the [[Sakdalista|Sakdal]] movement ([[Cabuyao]])
*[[Rizalina Ilagan]] – anti-martial law activist who was abducted by state security agents and [[Forced disappearance|disappeared]] along with [[Southern Tagalog 10|nine other activists]] in what is believed to be the single biggest case of involuntary disappearance during [[Ferdinand Marcos]]' [[martial law in the Philippines]] ([[Los Baños, Laguna|Los Baños]])
*[[Workers' resistance against the Marcos dictatorship#Martyrs and heroes honored at the Bantayog ng mga Bayani|Florencio Pesquesa]] – farm worker and labor leader during the [[martial law in the Philippines|Martial law]] era that was abducted and [[Forced disappearance|disappeared]]. His name is inscribed in the [[Bantayog ng mga Bayani]]<ref>{{Cite web|date=2016-07-13|title=PESQUESA, Florencio S.|url=https://www.bantayog.org/pesquesa-florencio-s/|access-date=2021-02-24|website=Bantayog ng mga Bayani|language=en-US|archive-date=November 27, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241127171720/https://www.bantayog.org/pesquesa-florencio-s/|url-status=live}}</ref> ([[Calamba, Laguna|Calamba]])

{{div col end}}

===Sciences===
{{Div col|colwidth=30em}}
*[[Encarnacion Alzona]] – [[National Scientist of the Philippines]] for Philippine History ([[Biñan]])
*[[Dioscoro L. Umali]] – [[National Scientist of the Philippines]] for Agriculture and Rural Development ([[Biñan]])
*[[Eduardo Quisumbing]] – [[National Scientist of the Philippines]] for Plant Taxonomy, Systematics, and Morphology ([[Santa Cruz, Laguna|Santa Cruz]])
* Ricardo Lantican – [[National Scientist of the Philippines]] for Plant Breeding <ref name="Flip Science">{{cite web |last=Angelo |first=Mikael |url=https://www.flipscience.ph/news/features-news/features/national-scientist-ricardo-lantican/#:~:text=Lantican%20was%20born%20on%20January,1933%20in%20Los%20Ba%C3%B1os%2C%20Laguna.&text=After%20graduating%20with%20a%20degree,State%20College%20two%20years%20later./ |title=Dr. Ricardo M. Lantican: The Filipino whose research changed four industries – FlipScience – Top Philippine science news and features for the inquisitive Filipino |publisher=Flipscience.ph |date=January 8, 2019 |access-date=December 12, 2021 |archive-date=December 2, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211202093526/https://www.flipscience.ph/news/features-news/features/national-scientist-ricardo-lantican/#:~:text=Lantican%20was%20born%20on%20January,1933%20in%20Los%20Ba%C3%B1os%2C%20Laguna.&text=After%20graduating%20with%20a%20degree,State%20College%20two%20years%20later./ |url-status=live }}</ref> ([[Los Baños, Laguna|Los Baños]])
* [[Dolores Ramirez]] – [[National Scientist of the Philippines]] for Biochemical Genetics & Cytogenetics ([[Calamba, Laguna|Calamba]])
* Bienvenido O. Juliano – [[National Scientist of the Philippines]] for Biochemistry <ref name="Manila Bulletin">{{cite web| url = https://mb.com.ph/2018/03/03/ben-juliano-cereal-chemist-second-to-none//| title = Ben Juliano, cereal chemist second to none – Manila Bulletin| website = [[Manila Bulletin]]| access-date = April 20, 2021| archive-date = June 13, 2021| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210613112121/https://mb.com.ph/2018/03/03/ben-juliano-cereal-chemist-second-to-none/| url-status = dead}}</ref> ([[Calamba, Laguna|Calamba]])
* [[Gelia T. Castillo|Gelia Tagumpay Castillo]] – [[National Scientist of the Philippines]] for Rural Sociology <ref name="National Academy of Science and Technology">{{cite web |author=GOVPH |url=https://www.nast.ph/index.php/13-news-press-releases/319-gelia-t-castillo-distinguished-rural-sociologist-89// |title=Gelia T. Castillo: Distinguished Rural Sociologist, 89 |publisher=Nast.ph |access-date=December 12, 2021 |archive-date=December 1, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211201143835/https://www.nast.ph/index.php/13-news-press-releases/319-gelia-t-castillo-distinguished-rural-sociologist-89 |url-status=live }}</ref> ([[Pagsanjan]])
*[[Emil Q. Javier]] – [[National Scientist of the Philippines]] for Agriculture, and 17th President of the [[University of the Philippines]] ([[Santa Cruz, Laguna|Santa Cruz]])
*[[José Fabella]] – Filipino physician and a public health advocate, ''Father of Public Health and Social Welfare in the Philippines''. ([[Pagsanjan]])
*[[Bonifacio Arévalo]] – founder of the Sociedad Dental de Filipinas, which is now known as the [[Philippine Dental Association]] ([[Biñan]])
*[[Jose Juliano]] – Filipino nuclear physicist and chemist ([[Calamba, Laguna|Calamba]])
*[[Rogel Mari Sese]] – Filipino [[astrophysicist]] who is known for being a proponent of space science in the Philippines.([[Los Baños, Laguna|Los Baños]])
*[[Francisco E. Baisas]] – entomologist regarded as the "dean of Philippine culicidologists" ([[Paete]])
*[[Mercedes Delfinado]] – [[Acarology|acarologist]] ([[Cabuyao]])
*[[Aloysius Baes]] – environmental chemist, environmental and pro-democracy activist, educator, and musician ([[Los Baños, Laguna|Los Baños]])
*[[Gregorio F. Zaide]] – historian, author, known as the ''Dean of Filipino Historiographers'' ([[Pagsanjan]])
*[[Leandro H. Fernandez]] – educator, author, and historian ([[Pagsanjan]])
*[[Alfredo E. Evangelista]] – archaeologist ([[San Pedro, Laguna|San Pedro]])
* Vicente Fabella – first Filipino certified public accountant and founder of [[José Rizal University]] ([[Pagsanjan]])
*[[Emerlinda R. Roman]] – educator, university administrator, and 19th President of the [[University of the Philippines]] ([[Los Baños, Laguna|Los Baños]])
{{div col end}}

===Arts===
{{Div col|colwidth=30em}}
*[[Marcelo Adonay]] – pioneer Filipino church composer and musical director ([[Pakil]])
*[[José Maceda]] – [[National Artist of the Philippines]] for Music ([[Pila, Laguna|Pila]])
*[[Tony Mabesa]] – [[National Artist of the Philippines]] for Theater ([[Los Baños, Laguna|Los Baños]])
*[[Jonas Baes]] – composer of [[Experimental music]] in the Philippines ([[Los Baños, Laguna|Los Baños]])
*[[Alice Doria-Gamilla]] – composer ([[Nagcarlan]])
*[[Cesar Alzona]] – military music composer and military official ([[Biñan]])
*[[Maria Carpena]] – stage actress and soprano singer known as the first recording artist in the Philippine music industry; dubbed the country's "Nightingale of [[Zarzuela]]"<ref name="Filipiknow women 1">{{cite news |title=9 Kickass Women in Philippine History You've Never Heard Of |url=https://filipiknow.net/extraordinary-filipinas-in-history/ |access-date=February 6, 2021 |work=FilipiKnow |date=June 3, 2018 |archive-date=January 28, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210128014648/https://filipiknow.net/extraordinary-filipinas-in-history/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="PNA 2">{{cite news |last1=Pa-a |first1=Saul |title=Sta. Rosa, Laguna honors 1st Filipino soprano recording artist |url=https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1083969 |access-date=February 6, 2021 |work=Philippine News Agency |archive-date=February 13, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210213161345/https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1083969 |url-status=live }}</ref> ([[Santa Rosa, Laguna|Santa Rosa]])
*[[Gerry Alanguilan]] – comic book artist, writer, and architect ([[San Pablo, Laguna|San Pablo]])
* [[Sonny Trinidad]] – comic book artist ([[Santa Rosa, Laguna|Santa Rosa]])
*[[Manuel Baldemor]] – painter, sculptor, printmaker, writer, and book illustrator ([[Paete]])
*[[Nena Saguil]] – modernist and abstract art painter ([[Santa Cruz, Laguna|Santa Cruz]])
* Danilo Echavaria Dalena – modern and contemporary painter<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mutualart.com/Artist/Danilo-E--Dalena/BA9BB4F5EAF4CD5A/Biography|title=Danilo E. Dalena Biography|access-date=November 8, 2019|archive-date=November 7, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191107233213/https://www.mutualart.com/Artist/Danilo-E--Dalena/BA9BB4F5EAF4CD5A/Biography|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|work=CNN Philippines|url=https://cnnphilippines.com/life/culture/arts/2017/03/02/danilo-dalena-last-full-show.html|title=The art of Danilo Dalena and the Filipino everyman|access-date=November 8, 2019|archive-date=November 7, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191107233211/https://cnnphilippines.com/life/culture/arts/2017/03/02/danilo-dalena-last-full-show.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> ([[Pakil]])
*[[Celso Al. Carunungan]] – writer, novelist, and film scriptwriter ([[San Pablo, Laguna|San Pablo]])
*[[Boni Ilagan|Bonifacio Ilagan]] – playwright, screenwriter, filmmaker, journalist, editor, and activist ([[Los Baños, Laguna|Los Baños]])
*[[Frank G. Rivera]] – playwright, actor and production designer ([[Paete]])
*[[Edgar Calabia Samar]] – poet and novelist ([[San Pablo, Laguna|San Pablo]])
*[[Celso Ad. Castillo]] – film director and screenwriter ([[Siniloan]])
*[[Emmanuel Borlaza]] – film director and screenwriter ([[Liliw]])
* [[Jerrold Tarog]] – film director and screenwriter ([[Calamba, Laguna|Calamba]])
*[[Louie Ignacio]] – TV director ([[Pagsanjan]])
*[[Rene Alviar]] - journalist ([[San Pedro, Laguna|San Pedro]])
*[[Tony Calvento]], journalist ([[San Pedro, Laguna|San Pedro]])
*[[HaveYouSeenThisGirl]] – author of the books ''[[Diary ng Panget]]'', ''[[Voiceless]]'' and ''[[She Died]]'' ([[San Pablo, Laguna|San Pablo]])
{{div col end}}

===Religion===
{{Div col|colwidth=30em}}
* Dalisay Lazaga – Roman Catholic [[Canossians|Canossian]] [[nun]] and [[Servant of God]]<ref name="CatholicSaints">{{cite web |url=https://catholicsaints.info/sister-dalisay-lazaga/ |title=Blog Archive » Sister Dalisay Lazaga |publisher=CatholicSaints.Info |access-date=2021-12-12 |archive-date=April 20, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210420071558/https://catholicsaints.info/sister-dalisay-lazaga/ |url-status=live }}</ref> ([[Santa Rosa, Laguna|Santa Rosa]])
*[[Leo M. Drona]] – Catholic Bishop, Second Bishop of the [[Roman Catholic Diocese of San Jose (Nueva Ecija)]] and Third Bishop of the [[Roman Catholic Diocese of San Pablo]], Laguna ([[Pangil]])
*[[Efren V. Esmilla]] – Catholic Bishop, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of [[Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Philadelphia|Philadelphia]]<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.usccb.org/news/2023/pope-francis-names-new-auxiliary-bishops-philadelphia |title=Pope Francis Names New Auxiliary Bishops of Philadelphia |access-date=December 8, 2023 |archive-date=December 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208122308/https://www.usccb.org/news/2023/pope-francis-names-new-auxiliary-bishops-philadelphia |url-status=live }}</ref> ([[Nagcarlan]])
*[[Timoteo Ofrasio]], [[Society of Jesus|S.J.]] – Filipino [[Society of Jesus|Jesuit]] priest, liturgist and lyricist; known for liturgical Catholic songs produced under the [[Jesuit Music Ministry]] such as "Paghahandog ng Sarili", "Isang Bansa", "Panalangin sa Pagiging Bukas-Palad", and "Alay sa Diyos", used during the 2015 papal visit to the Philippines ([[Alaminos, Laguna|Alaminos]])
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===Business===
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*[[Socorro Ramos]] – entrepreneur and co-founder of [[National Book Store]], the largest bookstore chain in the Philippines ([[Santa Cruz, Laguna|Santa Cruz]])
*[[Jaime Aristotle Alip]] – [[social entrepreneur]], and the [[Social Entrepreneur|founder]] and chairman emeritus of the CARD Mutually Reinforcing Institutions ([[San Pablo, Laguna|San Pablo]])

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===Politics, government, and civil society===
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*Rustico de los Reyes Jr. – Member of the [[Philippine Constitutional Commission of 1986]] and former member of the [[Regular Batasang Pambansa]] ([[Santa Cruz, Laguna|Santa Cruz]])
*Crispino de Castro– Member of the [[Philippine Constitutional Commission of 1986]] and first chairman of [[National Police Commission (Philippines)|National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM)]] ([[Biñan]])
*[[Ernesto Maceda]] – 15th [[President of the Senate of the Philippines]], columnist, and lawyer ([[Pagsanjan]])
*[[Pedro Guevara]] – former senator and former [[Resident Commissioners from the Philippines|Resident Commissioner to the U.S. House of Representatives from the Philippine Islands]] ([[Santa Cruz, Laguna|Santa Cruz]])
*[[Wenceslao Lagumbay]] – former senator and former member of the [[Regular Batasang Pambansa]] ([[Kalayaan, Laguna|Kalayaan]])
*[[Alexander Gesmundo]] – 27th [[Chief Justice of the Philippines|Chief Justice]] of the [[Supreme Court of the Philippines]] ([[San Pablo, Laguna|San Pablo]])
*[[Estanislao Fernandez]] – 88th [[Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines|Associate Justice]] of the [[Supreme Court of the Philippines]] and former senator ([[Liliw]])
*[[Lorenzo Relova]] – 103rd [[Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines|Associate Justice]] of the [[Supreme Court of the Philippines]].([[Pila, Laguna|Pila]])
*[[Conrado M. Vasquez]] – first [[Philippine Ombudsman|Ombudsman of the Philippines]] and 102nd [[Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines|Associate Justice]] of the [[Supreme Court of the Philippines]] ([[Biñan]])
*[[Arturo Brion]] – 161st [[Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines|Associate Justice]] of the [[Supreme Court of the Philippines]], and 26th [[Secretary of Labor and Employment (Philippines)|Secretary of the Department of Labor and Employment]] ([[San Pablo, Laguna|San Pablo]])
*[[Conrado Benitez]] – statesman, writer, educator, and one of the drafters of the [[1935 Constitution of the Philippines]] ([[Pagsanjan]])
*[[Crispin Oben]] – lawyer, member of the [[First Philippine Assembly]] ([[Lumban]])
*[[Joey Lina]] – 15th [[Governor of Laguna]], 20th [[Secretary of the Interior and Local Government]], and former senator ([[Victoria, Laguna|Victoria]])
*[[Cielito Habito]] – economist, professor, former [[National Economic and Development Authority|NEDA]] Director-General ([[Cabuyao]])
*[[Antonio C. Delgado]] – former [[Holy See–Philippines relations|Philippine Ambassador]] to the [[Holy See|Vatican]] ([[San Pablo, Laguna|San Pablo]])
*[[ER Ejercito]] – 17th [[Governor of Laguna]], actor, and former mayor of Pagsanjan ([[Pagsanjan]])
* [[Norberto S. Amoranto]] – 5th [[Mayor of Quezon City|Mayor]] of [[Quezon City]] ([[Biñan]])
*[[Liza Maza]] – former [[Gabriela Women's Party|Gabriela]] Partylist and [[Bayan Muna|Bayan Muna Partylist]] Representative ([[San Pablo, Laguna|San Pablo]])
*[[Sol Aragones]] – former news reporter and host of ABS-CBN News and Current Affairs, former legislator ([[San Pablo, Laguna|San Pablo]])
*[[Angelica Jones]] – actress and singer, former [[Legislative districts of Laguna#3rd District|3rd]] District board member of the [[Laguna Provincial Board]] ([[San Pablo, Laguna|San Pablo]])
*[[Cha Hernandez]] {{ndash}} incumbent congresswoman ([[Calamba, Laguna|Calamba]])
*[[Benjamin Madrigal Jr.]] – 51st [[Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines]] ([[Los Baños, Laguna|Los Baños]])
*[[Victor Corpus]] – military officer and public official ([[San Pablo, Laguna|San Pablo]])
*[[Jeff Cagandahan]] – prominent [[Filipinos|Filipino]] [[intersex]] man and [[intersex human rights]] activist who first successfully petitioned the Philippine courts to change name and sex markers ([[Pakil]])
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===Sports and beauty pageants===
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* [[Anthony Villanueva]] – boxer, [[1964 Summer Olympics]] silver medalist ([[Cabuyao]])
* [[Ariella Arida]] – fashion model, television personality, [[Binibining Pilipinas 2013|Miss Universe-Philippines 2013]], [[Miss Universe 2013]] 3rd Runner-up ([[Alaminos, Laguna|Alaminos]])
* [[Ronato Alcano]] – professional pool player ([[Calamba, Laguna|Calamba]])
* [[Maybelline Masuda]] – Filipino [[Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu]] practitioner ([[Calamba, Laguna|Calamba]])
* [[Jema Galanza]] – volleyball player ([[San Pedro, Laguna|San Pedro]])
* [[John Vic De Guzman]] – volleyball player and actor ([[Calamba, Laguna|Calamba]])
* [[Trisha Genesis]] – volleyball player ([[Santa Rosa, Laguna|Sta. Rosa]])
* [[Joshua Retamar]] – volleyball player ([[San Pedro, Laguna|San Pedro]])
* [[Mafe Galanza]] – volleyball player ([[San Pedro, Laguna|San Pedro]])
* [[Gilbert Malabanan]] – basketball player and coach ([[San Pedro, Laguna|San Pedro]])
* [[Kyla Atienza]] – volleyball player ([[San Pedro, Laguna|San Pedro]])
* [[Mean Mendrez]] – volleyball player ([[San Pedro, Laguna|San Pedro]])
* [[Yllana Aduana]] – [[Miss Philippines Earth 2023]] and [[Miss Earth 2023|Miss Earth Air 2023]] ([[Siniloan]])
* [[Roberta Tamondong]] – Binibining Pilipinas Grand International 2022 ([[San Pablo, Laguna|San Pablo]])
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===Entertainment===
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*[[Marco Sison]] – singer, actor, politician ([[Binan]])
*[[Jake Zyrus]] – singer ([[Cabuyao]])
*[[Didith Reyes]] – actress, singer
*[[Rico Blanco]] – singer, songwriter
*[[Julia Clarete]] – host, singer, actress
*[[Sabrina (Filipino singer)|Sabrina]] – singer
*[[Karylle]] – ''[[It's Showtime (Philippine TV program)|It's Showtime]]'' host, actress, daughter of [[Zsa Zsa Padilla]]
*[[Mario Montenegro]] – actor
*[[Bayani Casimiro]] – tap dancer
*[[Dencio Padilla]] – actor and comedian
*[[Palito]] – comedian and actor ([[Calamba, Laguna|Calamba]])
*[[Teody Belarmino]] – film actor ([[Calamba, Laguna|Calamba]])
*[[Alden Richards]] – model and actor ([[Santa Rosa, Laguna|Santa Rosa]])
*[[Angeli Gonzales]] – actress
*[[Alfie Anido]] – actor, matinee idol
*[[Paw Diaz]] – actress, model, TV host
*[[Dion Ignacio]] – actor
*[[C. J. Muere]] – actor
* [[Ronnie Alonte]] – actor, singer, dancer, ''[[It's Showtime (Philippine TV program)|It's Showtime]]'', Hashtags member
* [[Jane de Leon]] – ''[[It's Showtime (Philippine TV program)|It's Showtime]]'' GirlTrend member, actress
*[[Sabrina Man]] – child actress
*[[Princess Snell]] – actress
*[[Halina Perez]] – model, actress
*[[Carmina Villarroel]] – actress
*[[Charo Ronquillo]] – fashion model
*[[Charlene Almarvez]] – fashion model
*[[Barbie Forteza]] – actress, model
*[[Joan Da]] – finalist of the ''X Factor Philippines''
*[[Thea Tolentino]] – female winner of [[GMA Network]]'s [[Protégé: The Battle For The Big Artista Break|''Protégé'' Season 2]] ([[Calamba, Laguna|Calamba]])
*[[Jeric Gonzales]] – male winner of [[GMA Network]]'s [[Protégé: The Battle For The Big Artista Break|''Protégé'' Season 2]] ([[Calamba, Laguna|Calamba]])
*[[Zephanie Dimaranan]] – an ''Idol Philippines'' Grand Winner, singer, ([[Biñan, Laguna|Biñan]])
*[[Jak Roberto]] – actor, model
*[[Sanya Lopez]] – actress, model
*[[Stephanie Retuya]] – contestant and runner-up on [[Asia's Next Top Model (cycle 1)|''Asia's Next Top Model'' (cycle 1)]]
*[[Jiggly Caliente]] – actress, contestant on [[RuPaul's Drag Race (season 4)|''RuPaul's Drag Race'' season 4]] and [[RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars (season 6)|''All Stars'' 6]], and judge on ''[[Drag Race Philippines]]''
*[[Jhoanna (singer)|Jhoanna Robles]] – singer, member of p-pop group [[Bini (group)|Bini]] ([[Calamba, Laguna|Calamba]])<ref>{{cite news |title=LEADER OF THE PACK: 8 STARTER-FACTS ABOUT BINI MEMBER JHOANNA |url=https://zeenmag.com/leader-of-the-pack-8-starter-facts-about-bini-member-jhoanna/ |access-date=26 July 2024 |publisher=Zeen Magazine |date=25 June 2024 |archive-date=June 26, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240626124432/https://zeenmag.com/leader-of-the-pack-8-starter-facts-about-bini-member-jhoanna/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> 
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===Others===
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*[[Teodoro Asedillo]] – [[Filipino people|Filipino]] labor leader and revolutionary who was branded as a "bandit"; popularized as a folk hero because of the film ''[[Asedillo]]'' ([[Kalayaan, Laguna|Kalayaan]])
*[[Flor Contemplacion]] – Filipina domestic helper executed in Singapore after being convicted of murder ([[San Pablo, Laguna|San Pablo]])
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==See also==
*[[Campaigns of the Philippine–American War]]
*[[Laguna Lake Development Authority]]
*[[Roman Catholic Diocese of San Pablo]]
*[[Legislative districts of Laguna]]

==References==
{{reflist|colwidth=30em}}

==External links==
{{GeoGroup}}
*{{Commons category-inline}}
*{{OSM relation|1503483}}
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20141106160113/http://www.laguna.gov.ph/ Official Website of the Province of Laguna]

{{Geographic location
| Centre    = Laguna
| North     = [[Rizal (province)|Rizal]]<br />''[[Laguna de Bay]]''
| East      = [[Quezon]]
| South     = [[Quezon]]
| Southwest = [[Batangas]]
| West      = [[Cavite]]
| Northwest = [[Metro Manila]]
}}

{{Laguna|state=expanded}}
{{Navboxes
| title = Articles related to Laguna
| list  = 
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}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Laguna}}
[[Category:Laguna (province)| ]]
[[Category:1571 establishments in the Philippines]]
[[Category:Provinces of the Philippines]]
[[Category:Provinces of Calabarzon]]
[[Category:States and territories established in 1571]]