Pagsanjan
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 2024 census, it has a population of 45,602 people. 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. 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.
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Pagsanjan
Pinagsangahan | |
|---|---|
| Municipality of Pagsanjan | |
Pagsanjan Arch Pagsanjan Municipal Building Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish Church Pagsanjan Town Proper Balanac River | |
 Flag  Seal | |
Nicknames:
| |
| Motto: I ❤️ PagsanJAN! | |
 Map of Laguna with Pagsanjan highlighted | |
 Interactive map of Pagsanjan | |
.svg)  Pagsanjan Location within the Philippines | |
| Coordinates: 14°16′N 121°27′E / 14.27°N 121.45°E | |
| Country | Philippines |
| Region | Calabarzon |
| Province | Laguna |
| District | 4th district |
| Founded | December 12, 1668 |
| Barangays | 16 (see Barangays) |
| Government | |
| • Type | Sangguniang Bayan |
| • Mayor | Januario Ferry G. Garcia |
| • Vice Mayor | Rod H. Fernandez |
| • Representative | Benjamin Cueto "Benjie" Agarao Jr. |
| • Municipal Council | Members |
| • Electorate | 33,055 voters |
| Area | |
• Total | 26.36 km2 (10.18 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 149 m (489 ft) |
| Highest elevation | 492 m (1,614 ft) |
| Lowest elevation | 1 m (3.3 ft) |
| Population (2024 census)[3] | |
• Total | 45,602 |
| • Density | 1,730/km2 (4,481/sq mi) |
| • Households | 11,404 |
| Economy | |
| • Income class | 3rd municipal income class |
| • Poverty incidence | 8.5 |
| • Revenue | ₱ 230.2 million (2022) |
| • Assets | ₱ 290.7 million (2022) |
| • Expenditure | ₱ 205.3 million (2022) |
| • Liabilities | ₱ 87.96 million (2022) |
| Service provider | |
| • Electricity | First Laguna Electric Cooperative (FLECO) |
| Time zone | UTC+8 (PST) |
| ZIP code | 4008 |
| PSGC | |
| IDD : area code | +63 (0)49 |
| Native languages | Tagalog |
| Website | www.pagsanjan.gov.ph |
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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 2024 census, it has a population of 45,602 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
[edit]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.
History
[edit] |
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-General Juan 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.[9] The 1818 Spanish census recorded the area having 1,785 native families and 7 Spanish-Filipino families (freshly immigrated from Spain).[10]: 507
List of mayors
[edit]
- Juan L. Fabella[11]
- Fidelino C. Agawin (1959–1963)[12]
- Quintin Cabrera (1963–1971)[13][14]
- Gregorio F. Zaide (1971–1975)
- Adelina Becina Gabatan
- Hernando Zaide (1986–1987)[15]
- Augusto Kamatoy (1988–1998)[16][17]
- Abner L. Afuang (1998–2001)[18]
- Girlie Yulatic Javier-Ejercito (2010-2019)
- Peter Casius Trinidad (2019–2022)[19]
- Cesar V. Areza (2022–2025)
- E. R. Ejercito (2001–2010 and 2025)
Geography
[edit]
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 (2.5 mi) from Santa Cruz, 91 kilometres (57 mi) southeast of Manila, and 52 kilometres (32 mi) from Lucena, this town is reached via Manila East Road or SLEX.
Barangays
[edit]Pagsanjan is politically subdivided into 16 barangays, as indicated below and in the image herein. [20] Each barangay consists of puroks and some have sitios.
Climate
[edit]| Climate data for Pagsanjan, Laguna | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Mean daily maximum °C (°F) | 26 (79) |
27 (81) |
29 (84) |
31 (88) |
31 (88) |
30 (86) |
29 (84) |
29 (84) |
29 (84) |
29 (84) |
28 (82) |
26 (79) |
29 (84) |
| Mean daily minimum °C (°F) | 22 (72) |
22 (72) |
22 (72) |
23 (73) |
24 (75) |
25 (77) |
24 (75) |
24 (75) |
24 (75) |
24 (75) |
24 (75) |
23 (73) |
23 (74) |
| Average precipitation mm (inches) | 58 (2.3) |
41 (1.6) |
32 (1.3) |
29 (1.1) |
91 (3.6) |
143 (5.6) |
181 (7.1) |
162 (6.4) |
172 (6.8) |
164 (6.5) |
113 (4.4) |
121 (4.8) |
1,307 (51.5) |
| Average rainy days | 13.4 | 9.3 | 9.1 | 9.8 | 19.1 | 22.9 | 26.6 | 24.9 | 25.0 | 21.4 | 16.5 | 16.5 | 214.5 |
| Source: Meteoblue[21] | |||||||||||||
Demographics
[edit]| Year | Pop. | ±% p.a. |
|---|---|---|
| 1903 | 6,361 | — |
| 1918 | 7,538 | +1.14% |
| 1939 | 8,865 | +0.78% |
| 1948 | 9,282 | +0.51% |
| 1960 | 10,691 | +1.18% |
| 1970 | 14,556 | +3.13% |
| 1975 | 16,188 | +2.15% |
| 1980 | 19,489 | +3.78% |
| 1990 | 25,024 | +2.53% |
| 1995 | 28,999 | +2.80% |
| 2000 | 32,622 | +2.56% |
| 2007 | 35,944 | +1.35% |
| 2010 | 39,313 | +3.31% |
| 2015 | 42,164 | +1.34% |
| 2020 | 44,327 | +1.06% |
| 2024 | 45,602 | +0.68% |
| Source: Philippine Statistics Authority[22][23][24][25][26] | ||
In the 2024 census, the population of Pagsanjan was 45,602 people,[27] with a density of 1,700 inhabitants per square kilometre or 4,400 inhabitants per square mile.
Government
[edit]| Position | Name | Party | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mayor | Januario Ferry G. Garcia | AKAY | |
| Vice Mayor | Rod H. Fernandez | PFP | |
| Councilors | |||
| John Paul J. Ejercito | Independent | ||
| Allan Q. Arroyo | Independent | ||
| Dennis Dale V. Gonzales | PFP | ||
| Noel L. Cabella | PFP | ||
| Nathanael C. Bernales II | KANP | ||
| Ronie S. Leron | PFP | ||
| Melvin B. Madriaga | Independent | ||
| vacant | |||
Economy
[edit]Poverty incidence of Pagsanjan
14.32
14.56
2.80
2.83
7.21
4.91
2.34
8.50
Source: Philippine Statistics Authority[28][29][30][31][32][33][34][35]
Culture
[edit]Pagsanjan March
[edit]The official song of the town is the "Pagsanjan March". The anthem was composed by Rogel Taiño, a native of Pagsanjan.
Bangkero Festival
[edit]Also known as the “Pagsanjan Bangkero Festival,” this five-day annual celebration is held every April in honor of the town’s patron saint and its skilled local boatmen, known as bangkeros. The festival features a range of activities, including colorful boat races, street dancing, float parades, trade fairs, concerts, and sporting events. A highlight of the celebration is the boat race along the Bumbungan (Balanac) River leading to the famous Pagsanjan Falls, showcasing the expertise and navigation skills of the bangkeros.
Education
[edit]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.[36]
Primary and elementary schools
[edit]- 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)
- M. Z. Lanuza Elementary School
- Maulawin Elementary School
- Pagsanjan Academy
- Pinagsanjan Elementary School
- Sampaloc Elementary School
- San Isidro Elementary School
- Unson Elementary School
Secondary school
[edit]- Liceo de Pagsanjan
- Pagsanjan National High School
- Stand Alone Senior High School No. 3
- Unson National High School
Higher educational institutions
[edit]- Angelita V. Del Mundo Foundation
- AVM Foundation (Sampaloc)
- Paete Science and Business College
Notable personalities
[edit]- Benjo Agarao – politician
- Jam Agarao – women nursing, politician
- Pedro Pelaez – educator and priest, considered the "Father of Filipinization of the Church" and "The Godfather of the Philippine Revolution"
- Gelia Tagumpay Castillo – National Scientist of the Philippines for Rural Sociology[37]
- Gregorio F. Zaide – historian and author, "Dean of Filipino Historiographers"
- Leandro H. Fernandez – educator, author and historian
- 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 – physician and public health advocate, Father of Public Health and Social Welfare in the Philippines.
- Ernesto Maceda – former councilor of Manila, former senator, Senate president, columnist and lawyer
- Mario Montenegro – actor
- Louie Ignacio – TV director
- Dan Fernandez – Actor, Mayor of Santa Rosa, Laguna, Board Member, 9th Vice Governor of Laguna and Member of the House of Representatives from Laguna's 1st District
- E.R. Ejercito – Actor, 17th Governor of Laguna and Mayor of Pagsanjan
- Maita Sanchez – Actress, Mayor and Vice Mayor of Pagsanjan[38]
- John Amores – basketball player[39]
See also
[edit]- Pagsanjan Falls
- Pagsanjan Arch
- Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish Church (Pagsanjan)
- Pagsanjan Municipal Hall
- Bumbungan River
- Battle of Pagsanjan
References
[edit]- ^ Municipality of Pagsanjan | (DILG)
- ^ "2015 Census of Population, Report No. 3 – Population, Land Area, and Population Density" (PDF). Philippine Statistics Authority. Quezon City, Philippines. August 2016. ISSN 0117-1453. Archived (PDF) from the original on May 25, 2021. Retrieved July 16, 2021.
- ^ "2024 Census of Population (POPCEN) Population Counts Declared Official by the President". Philippine Statistics Authority. 17 July 2025. Retrieved 18 July 2025.
- ^ "PSA Releases the 2021 City and Municipal Level Poverty Estimates". Philippine Statistics Authority. 2 April 2024. Retrieved 28 April 2024.
- ^ "2024 Census of Population (POPCEN) Population Counts Declared Official by the President". Philippine Statistics Authority. 17 July 2025. Retrieved 18 July 2025.
- ^ "Pagsanjan, Laguna – The Tourist Capital of Laguna". Retrieved 2020-01-17.
- ^ "The Philippine Star". Retrieved 2020-01-17.
- ^ Pagsanjan Official Site Archived 2011-07-27 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ "Pagsanjan, Laguna – The Tourist Capital of Laguna". Retrieved January 17, 2020.
- ^ Buzeta, Manuel; Bravo, Felipe (1850). Diccionario Geográfico, Estadístico, Histórico, de las Islas Filipinas (in Spanish). Madrid: Imp. de D. José C. de la Peña. Retrieved March 18, 2026 – via University of Santo Tomas Digital Library and Archives.(507)
- ^ Landingin, Roel (2017). Public Choice: The Life of Armand V. Fabella in Government and Education. Mandaluyong, Philippines: Anvil Publishing, Inc. ISBN 9786214201457.
- ^ Report of the Commission on Elections to the President of the Philippines and the Congress on the Manner the Election was Held on November 10, 1959. Commission on Elections. 1960. p. 380. Retrieved April 26, 2024.
- ^ Urera, Vivencio, ed. (1966). "Municipal Officials". Philippine Government Elective Officials: Semi-pictorial Directory. Manila, Philippines: Urema Publishing Co., Ltd. p. 183. Retrieved April 26, 2024.
- ^ Commission on Elections (1969). "List of municipal and municipal district officials elected...". Report of the Commission on Elections to the President of the Philippines and the Congress. Manila, Philippines: Bureau of Printing. p. 370. Retrieved November 12, 2023.
- ^ "Rebels kidnap 2 more bets". Manila Standard. Standard Publications, Inc. December 18, 1987. p. 8. Retrieved April 26, 2024.
- ^ Juvida, Sol (March 11, 1988). "Pagsanjan: Happy, angry, sad". Manila Standard. Standard Publications, Inc. p. 8. Retrieved April 26, 2024.
- ^ "Newly built pathway". Manila Standard. Kamahalan Publishing Corp. September 18, 1997. p. 18. Retrieved April 26, 2024.
- ^ Esplanada, Jerry; Nocum, Armand N. (October 27, 2000). "Pagsanjan Palace: Who paid the bill?". Philippine Daily Inquirer. The Philippine Daily Inquirer, Inc. p. A18. Retrieved April 26, 2024.
- ^ Nazario, Dhel; Damicog, Jeffrey G.; Panaligan, Rey G. (May 14, 2019). "Ejercito-Estrada clan takes a beating in the polls". Manila Bulletin. Manila Bulletin Publishing Corporation. Retrieved April 26, 2024.
- ^ "Province:". PSGC Interactive. Quezon City, Philippines: Philippine Statistics Authority. Retrieved 25 August 2025.
- ^ "Pagsanjan: Average Temperatures and Rainfall". Meteoblue. Retrieved May 11, 2020.
- ^ "2024 Census of Population (POPCEN) Population Counts Declared Official by the President". Philippine Statistics Authority. 17 July 2025. Retrieved 18 July 2025.
- ^ Census of Population (2015). "Region IV-A (Calabarzon)". Total Population by Province, City, Municipality and Barangay. Philippine Statistics Authority. Retrieved 20 June 2016.
- ^ Census of Population and Housing (2010). "Region IV-A (Calabarzon)" (PDF). Total Population by Province, City, Municipality and Barangay. National Statistics Office. Retrieved 29 June 2016.
- ^ Censuses of Population (1903–2007). "Region IV-A (Calabarzon)". Table 1. Population Enumerated in Various Censuses by Province/Highly Urbanized City: 1903 to 2007. National Statistics Office.
- ^ "Province of". Municipality Population Data. Local Water Utilities Administration Research Division. Retrieved 17 December 2016.
- ^ "2024 Census of Population (POPCEN) Population Counts Declared Official by the President". Philippine Statistics Authority. 17 July 2025. Retrieved 18 July 2025.
- ^ "Poverty incidence (PI):". Philippine Statistics Authority. Retrieved December 28, 2020.
- ^ "Estimation of Local Poverty in the Philippines" (PDF). Philippine Statistics Authority. 29 November 2005.
- ^ "2003 City and Municipal Level Poverty Estimates" (PDF). Philippine Statistics Authority. 23 March 2009.
- ^ "City and Municipal Level Poverty Estimates; 2006 and 2009" (PDF). Philippine Statistics Authority. 3 August 2012.
- ^ "2012 Municipal and City Level Poverty Estimates" (PDF). Philippine Statistics Authority. 31 May 2016.
- ^ "Municipal and City Level Small Area Poverty Estimates; 2009, 2012 and 2015". Philippine Statistics Authority. 10 July 2019.
- ^ "PSA Releases the 2018 Municipal and City Level Poverty Estimates". Philippine Statistics Authority. 15 December 2021. Retrieved 22 January 2022.
- ^ "PSA Releases the 2021 City and Municipal Level Poverty Estimates". Philippine Statistics Authority. 2 April 2024. Retrieved 28 April 2024.
- ^ "Masterlist of Schools" (PDF). Department of Education. January 15, 2021. Retrieved October 9, 2025.
- ^ "Philippine Institute for Development Studies". PIDS. Retrieved 2020-04-20.
- ^ Llanes, Rommel R. "Former sexy star Maita Sanchez and now Pagsanjan Mayor Girlie Ejercito open for showbiz comeback". PEP.ph.
- ^ Estacio, Danny (27 September 2024). "PBA cager John Amores, brother free after posting bail". Manila Bulletin. Retrieved 21 October 2024.
External links
[edit]
- www.pagsanjan.com.ph
- Philippine Standard Geographic Code
- Philippine Census Information
- Local Governance Performance Management System Archived 2012-05-23 at the Wayback Machine
Places adjacent to Pagsanjan | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ||||||||||||||||
 Province of Laguna | |
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| Municipalities | |
| Component cities | |
| Barangays | |
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| National | |
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