Another historic province in the Calabarzon region, Laguna is the province of the National Hero, Dr. Jose P. Rizal. It is located south of Metro Manila and the biggest lake in the country, Laguna de Bay. The province is bounded on the northeast by Rizal province and southeast by Quezon Province, on the southwest by Batangas, and on the west by Cavite. The easternmost part of the province is mountainous, being the southern tip of the Sierra Madre mountain range; the southwestern part is dominated by Mt. Makiling while the rest is flat lands.

The people of Laguna are mostly Tagalogs with some migrants from other cultural groups especially in the towns and cities close to Metro Manila. The province-wide celebration of Anilag Festival in the capital town of Sta. Cruz is held to coincide with the Foundation Day of the province. Anilag means Ani ng Lagna or Harvest of Laguna. Activities include parade, street dancing, trade fair, and beauty pageants.

1. Jose Rizal - National Hero, physician, writer, scientist
2. Eduardo A. Quisumbing - 1980 National Scientist in biology (botany)
3. Encarnacion A. Alzona - 1985 National Scientist in historiography
4. Dioscoro L. Umali - 1986 National Scientist in biology (genetics)
5. Dolores A. Ramirez - 1997 National Scientist in biology (genetics)
6. Gelia Castillo - 1999 National Scientist in biology (agriculture and sociology)
7. Ricardo M. Lantican - 2005 National Scientist
8. Jose M. Maceda - National Artist for music
9. Charice Pempengco - International Singer from Cabuyao
10. Mark Herras - Actor
11. Carmina Villaroel - Actress
12. Barbie Forteza - Actress

In 2006, poverty incidence stood at 13.2%, the 7th lowest in the country and well below the country' 32.9%.

Farming is the main economic activity of the people especially in the eastern part of the province. Many people are engaged in fishing at the Laguna de Bay, putting up fish cages along the shorelines.

Agricultural production of Laguna in 2007 are as follows (figure in thousand metric tons, rank among 79 provinces)

Animal inventory of Laguna in 2007 are as follows (figure in thousand, rank among 79 provinces)

Other farm products from Laguna are lanzones, Fishing is mostly concentrated on Laguna de Bay, the largest lake in the country.

Although manufacturing is a major source of employment, it is mostly concentrated in the area from Calamba City northward to San Pedro in the boundary with Metro Manila. In this part of the province, blue chip companies in the automotive, electronics, food, and chemical sectors have established operation in the several industrial estates. A litany of those companies would include Toyota, Ford, Honda, Fujitsu, Panasonic, NEC, Coca-cola, Gardenia, Monde-Nissind, and United Laboratories. In fact, Sta. Rosa City is often dubbed as the automotive capital of the country. Moreover, subdivisions are sprouting here and there as real estate giants and upstarts alike scramble to buy every piece of land offered for sale. Areas which were once sugarcane plantations and ricefields have been tirned into roads, buildings, and golf courses. In the eastern towns, Paete is known for its export-quality papier-mache and wooden crafts, Lumban for embroidered dresses, and Liliw for sandals and shoes. The province is known for sweet desserts such buko pie (coconut pie), espasol (glutinous rice or cornmeal, brown sugar and coconut milk), and puto Binan (rice cake).

Tourism in Laguna is on a roll. With its many natural attractions and historical sites coupled with its proximity to Metro Manila, the province is an easy choice for weekend getaways or corporate outings. In 2006, there were 340 banks operating in the province, the second province after Cebu with the most concentration of banks. Total deposits amounted to 74.6 billion pesos.

Real estate development is the most likely business in Laguna that will keep on growing in the many years to come. The plan to construct an eastern expressway around Laguna de bay and up to eastern Bulacan will trigger the development of the eastern and central part of Laguna. The presence of many industrial plants in the province requires thousands of skilled labor. Thus there is a need for more specialized training centers for engineering, design, and other technical jobs. Also, more investments in factories producing parts and packaging materials are in demand. Tourism-related ventures in this province would do well especially eco-tourism and wellness resorts. For those interested in agribusiness, the production of high value crops such as rootcrops and vegetables are recommended especially in the eastern towns. Commercial poultry and piggery are also suggested due to the proximity of markets.

1. Enchanted Kingdom - a theme park in Sta. Rosa
2. Splash Island - country's largest water park
3. Mt. Makiling - a favorite destination of bio-enthusiasts, artists, mystics, and mountain climbers
4. Los Banos - home to University of the Philippines and the International Rice Reasearch Institute
5. National Arts Center
6. Seven Lakes of San Pablo
7. Pagsanjan Waterfall
8. Lake Caliraya - in Cavinti town
9. Famy Hidden Waterfalls
10. St. Gregory Church - in Majayjay
11. Jose Rizal Shrine - in Calamba City

Laguna Lake - an important source of livelihood for many people living on its shore.

Gown made from parts of the coconut tree. For more photos, go here

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