CALABARZON

The region is a must-see destination of infinite variety. In fact, it is not one destination but five adjacent yet diverse provinces, which are grouped together to integrate social and economic development of an area called the CALABARZON. It is an acronym for CAvite, LAguna, BAtangas, Rizal and QueZON, which are the growth areas of the southern part of the Philippines in terms of industrial resources, socio-economic importance and tourism potentials. Located south of Metro Manila in an area so rich in natural resources, the CALABARZON is a vast tapestry of fertile rice fields, coconut plantations, fruit orchards, mist-covered mountains, flowing streams, fiery volcanoes, serene lakes, primeval forests, sandy beaches and bountiful coastal waters. The region's accessibility to Metro Manila is the favored day tour destination of many city-weary weekenders from the busy metropolis.

The province of Cavite was a site of several historic battles between the Spaniards and the Filipino revolutionaries.  Cavite City used to be the site of the biggest American naval base (Sangley Point) in Asia until 1970.  Meanwhile, Tagaytay City provides a breath-taking view of Lake Taal and Taal Volcano.  Tagaytay’s cool, refreshing climate has made it a favorite vacation spot of residents from Metro Manila and nearby provinces. Previously an agri-based economy, much the land in Cavite has been converted into industrial estates and housing projects.   Fishing continues to be a major economic activity along the coastal towns.  Cavite is also a major supplier of fruits and vegetables to Metro Manila. 

Located at the middle part of the region is the province of Laguna, which is fast becoming an economic model with an effective combination of cutting-edge manufacturing, highly productive agriculture and fast growing small to medium scale enterprises.  The province is emerging as the “Garden Province” with its abundant water resources flowing at 300 gallons per day that sufficiently sustains the province’s agricultural productivity. In fact, the province showcases the famous rapids of Pagsanjan falls, as well as the hot sulfur spring waters of Mt. Makiling that is believed to have therapeutic abilities.  It hosts one of the campuses of our country's premiere state university, the University of the Philippines (UP). 

Batangas, famous for its “kapeng barako”, was once known as the world’s coffee capital.  The development of Batangas City into an international port induced multinational firms to invest in the area.  It is becoming a suite of several large scale manufacturing industries, petroleum refineries, sugar centrals, food and beverage companies, to name a few.  Batangas has magnificent beaches and there are dive resorts sprinkled throughout the province.

The closest province to Metro Manila among the CALABARZON, Rizal stands at the receiving end of the greatest pressure to industrialize.  It has the distinctive physical features of gently rolling hills, low-lying mountains and large valleys.  It is adjacent to the northeastern portion of Metro manila.  Its eastern boundaries lie alongside the foothills of the Sierra Madre Mountains.  Most of its land has been converted to residential subdivisions and industrial sites, particularly in Antipolo, Cainta and Taytay. Rizal has the sacred shrine for the Miraculous Image of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage and plays host to a number of visitors seeking blessings before making long voyages. 

The Sierra Madre range runs the entire length of the province of Quezon, with Mt. Banahaw as its highest point.  Quezon is famous for its Pahiyas Festival celebrated in the towns of Lucban and Sariaya in May every year, as a thanksgiving for a bountiful harvest to the patron saint of farmers, San Isidro Labrador. The province is also thickly forested and its mountainous areas provide the materials for logging industry.  Its industry includes forest products and desiccated coconut.

MIMAROPA

The provinces of Occidental and Oriental MIndoro, MArinduque, ROmblon and PAlawan composed the MIMAROPA region.  The region blooms with its rich natural resources and its untouched beautiful sceneries perfect for tourism development.  It also makes continuous food production not just for the region but for the CALABARZON and Metro Manila areas as well. 

Successive mountain ranges, valleys and plateaus with rolling grazing lands along the coast characterize the province of Occidental Mindoro.  It is situated at the western portion of the island of Mindoro.  Verde Island Passage bound the province on the north, Mindoro Strait on the south and west and Oriental Mindoro on the east.  Occidental Mindoro is gifted by nature with a highly fertile soil that it is a source of various crops like palay, coconut, fruits, root crops and vegetables.  It is also noted for its rich fishing grounds.  Its virgin jungle and inaccessible wild mountain terrain has protected its wildlife, among them, the world famous Tamaraw. 

The province of Oriental Mindoro is a tourist haven because of the astounding white beaches, coconut plantations and delightful scenery of Puerto Galera.  Oriental Mindoro is also known for its hog and livestock industries, which is one of the major sources of meat in Metro Manila.  Mining of high-grade marble and cottage industries provide additional income for the province.  The original settlers of Oriental Mindoro belong to a minority group called the “Mangyans”.  They now reside at a reservation set aside for them by the government. 

Marinduque is an island province lying between the Bondoc Peninsula at the southeastern part of Luzon and the island of Mindoro.  It is encircled by four bodies of water, Tayabas Bay on the north, Mompog Pass on the northeast, Tablas Strait and Sibuyan Sea on the south.  Major economic activities in Marinduque include mining, fishing, farming, trading, cottage industries and services. 

Noted for its marble industry due to its layered marble deposits, the province of Romblon is one of the major contributors in the mining industry of the region.  It is said that an estimated 120 mineral varieties can be found in the province. Romblon is also an agricultural province.  Fishing is also common and is done year-round in the province.

Palawan is the largest province in the MIMAROPA Region.  The province is known as the “last frontier” due to its vast natural resources consisting of virgin forests, mineral deposits, extensive fishing grounds and world-class scenic spots.  It is rich in mangroves, which are utilized for the manufacturing of synthetic fibers for textiles.  Palawan’s industries also include fishing, forest products and mining.

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