Pagsanjan (pronounced PAG-sang-han), officially the Municipality of Pagsanjan (Tagalog: Bayan ng Pagsanjan), is a municipality in the province of Laguna, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 44,327 people.[5]
It is known as the tourist capital of Laguna and is the home of the Bangkero Festival held every March. The bangkeros are tour guides who steer boats along the river to Pagsanjan Falls (also called Magdapio Falls), for which the town is well known but is actually in neighboring Cavinti.[6][7]
The municipality was the capital of the province of Laguna for 170 years (from 1688 to 1858) during which the town prospered as the commercial, cultural and learning center of the province.[8]
Etymology
Pagsanjan is located in the riparian delta formed by the confluence of the Balanac and Bumbungan rivers. Originally called Pinágsangahán ("branching" or "juncture"), this was shortened to "Pagsanjan" by early Spanish colonists because they found the name very difficult to pronounce.
National historical marker installed at the town arch in 1953
In 1668, eight Japanese and Chinese traders, who were highly impressed by the strategic location of the barrio at the juncture of Balanac and Bumbungan, rivers founded the town. They established a trading settlement and engaged in the betel nut industry. In time, the barrio became the flourishing trading center of eastern Laguna and attracted families from the surrounding communities of Cavinti and Pila. On December 12, 1668, then-Governor-GeneralJuan Manuel de la Peña Bonifaz issued a decree elevating its status to a town. In 1688, Pagsanjan replaced Bay as the capital of the province. It remained such until 1858, during which it bloomed as the cultural and commercial center of the province.[9]
List of mayors
Old Town Gate
Pagsanjan was originally a barrio of Lumban. *Juan L. Fabella[10]
Pagsanjan has a land area of 26.4 square kilometres. It is bounded on the east by the Balubad Mountain; on the west by the capital town of Santa Cruz; on the north by the San Isidro Hill and Laguna de Bay; on the north-east by the town of Lumban; on the southeast by the towns of Cavinti and Luisiana; on the south by Mount Banahaw; and on the south-west by the town of Magdalena.
Situated 4 kilometres (2.5mi) from Santa Cruz, 91 kilometres (57mi) southeast of Manila, and 52 kilometres (32mi) from Lucena, this town can reach via Manila East Road or SLEX.
Barangays
Pagsanjan is politically subdivided into 16 barangays, as indicated below and in the image herein.[19] Each barangay consists of puroks and some have sitios.
In the 2020 census, the population of Pagsanjan was 44,327 people,[26] with a density of 1,700 inhabitants per square kilometre or 4,400 inhabitants per square mile.
The official song of the town is the "Pagsanjan March". The anthem was composed by Rogel Taiño, a native of Pagsanjan.
Bangkero Festival
Also known as "Pagsanjan Bangkero Festival", celebrated in a five-day annual event held every April in honor of The Patron of the town and the skilled local boatmen called Bangkeros. The festival features colorful boat races, street dancing, float parades, trade fairs, concerts, and sports events. Taking place in Bumbungan or Balanac Rivers to the famous Pagsanjan Falls using Bangkeros skills.
Education
The Pagsanjan Schools District Office governs all educational institutions within the municipality. It oversees the management and operations of all private and public, from primary to secondary schools.[35]
Primary and elementary schools
Anibong Elementary School
Caesar Z. Lanuza Elementary School
Dingin Elementary School
Dr. Augusto E. Hocson Elementary School
Francisco Benitez Memorial School
Good Beginnings Foundation Learning Center
Jose A. Gallardo, Sr. Elementary School (Magdapio Elementary School)
Conrado Benitez - First Dean of the College of Liberal Arts at the University of the Philippines, educator and author, one of the drafters of the 1935 Constitution.
José Fabella - Filipino physician and a public health advocate, Father of Public Health and Social Welfare in the Philippines.
Vicente Fabella – first Filipino certified public accountant and founder of José Rizal University
Ernesto Maceda - former councilor of Manila, former senator, senate president, columnist and lawyer
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