Cavite
Template:Infobox Philippine province
- This article is about the province of Cavite. For information about Cavite City, see Cavite City.
Cavite is a province of the Philippines located on the southern shores of Manila Bay in the Calabarzon region in Luzon, just 30 kilometers south of Manila. Its capital is the city of Trece Martires. Cavite is surrounded by the provinces of Laguna to the east and Batangas to the south. To the west lies the South China Sea.
People and culture
Population
Cavite has a total population of 2,856,765 within an area of 1,297.6 square kilometers. It has the largest population in the CALABARZON area and third largest in the country. The tremendous increase can be observed in the year 1990 when industrialization was introduced in the province. Investors established their businesses in different industrial estates that magnetized people to migrate to Cavite due to job opportunities the province offers. Another factor attributed to the increase of population is the mushrooming of housing subdivisions. Since Cavite is proximate to Metro Manila, people working in the metropolitan area choose to live in the province together with their families. Natural increase also contributes to the increase in population.
Among the cities and municipalities in Cavite, the municipality of Dasmariñas has the biggest population with 379,520 persons while the municipality of Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo has registered the smallest population with 14,343 persons.
Cavite is a highly urbanized growth center of the country. It is classified as predominantly urban having 90.69 percent or 1,871,245 of the population are concentrated in the urban areas, while 9.21 percent or 191,916 of the population reside in rural areas.
In year 2000, urban population increased which can be attributed to in-migration due to expansion of residential areas as well as influx of commercial establishments, services and facilities.
Languages
The main languages spoken are Tagalog, Chabacano and English. Chabacano, sometimes spelled as Chavacano, is the dialect mostly spoken by majority of the Caviteños that lived in Cavite City and Ternate, whose origin has begun during the arrival of the first Spaniards three centuries ago. Today very few Caviteños speak the Chabacano dialect and perhaps it will come to cease of its existence or completely disapppear in the near future.
Due to Cavite's proximity to Manila a large number of people have moved from farther provinces, resulting in a not insignificant usage of Bikol, Cebuano, and Ilokano.
Religion
In line with national statistics, the majority (80%) of the population are Roman Catholic while adherents of the Aglipayan Church account for 11% and the Iglesia ni Cristo account for 4% of the population. Other Christian sects and Muslims comprise the remainder.
Economy
Cavite is one of the fastest growing provinces in the country due to its close proximity to Metro Manila. Many companies, such as Intel, have established manufacturing plants in numerous industrial parks in the province.
It has indeed transformed into an industrial and commercial hub not only in CALABARZON but in the whole country as well. As of 2003, there are thirty-one (31) industrial estates in the province. A total of 973 investors have poured their investments in the 718 existing industrial establishments. Most of the investors have established partnership with their Filipino counterparts in varying levels of equity participation.
Since the 1990s when the provincial government launched the Second Revolution with industrialization as one of its priority thrusts, Cavite has become a preferred destination of both local and foreign investors. The provinces proximity to Metro Manila has also contributed to the advent of commercial establishments, taking advantage of the rapid urbanization happening provincewide. Agglomeration of such establishments has indeed transformed Cavite into an industrial and commercial hub not only in CALABARZON but in the whole country as well.
Four SM Supermalls and three Robinsons malls are located in Cavite. These are the SM City Bacoor, SM City Dasmariñas, SM Supercenter Molino, soon to rise SM Supercenter Tagaytay (2009), Robinsons Place Imus, Robinsons Place Dasmariñas & soon to rise Robinsons Place Tagaytay (2008).
Transportation
The total road network comprises roughly 1,973 kilometers. The 407.7 kilometers national roads are mostly paved with concrete or asphalt and are relatively in good condition although there are portions that need rehabilitation. The provincial roads stretched to an approximate total length of 335.1 kilometers. Most of these roads are concrete, some are paved with asphalt and the rest remain gravel roads. Majority of the municipal/city roads are paved with concrete, while barangay roads consist of 46.7% concrete and asphalt roads and 53.3% earth and gravel roads.
The existing road length, when computed in terms of road density with respect to population at the standard of 2.4 kilometers per 1,000 population, has a deficit of 3,532.71 kilometers. This indicates that construction of more roads is necessary. However, limitation of the available land area for road use especially in the urban municipalities and cities might impede construction of additional roads in the said areas.
The progress of Cavite in the last decade has been phenomenal. It is noticeable, however, that transport infrastructure has not kept paced with the mushrooming of industrial and commercial activities. The results: crazy quilts of urban sprawl, traffic congestion resulting to long hours wasted daily on the roads, and increasing road accidents.
The section of Aguinaldo Highway (at Bacoor, Imus and Dasmariñas) is now experiencing traffic volume of 20% in excess of its designed capacity. Without any drastic improvements in the road network of Cavite, this same section would be saddled with traffic volumes 5 times more than its capacity in 2005 and 11 times more in 2015.
With the province's fast pace of developments, entrance and exit routes to and from Cavite are no longer sufficient to decongest traffic along major thoroughfares. The lack of transportation facilities, traffic control systems and insufficient road signages, and substandard road structures in some areas further aggravate the situation. Likewise, observed mixed traffic (pedestrian, public transport modes – jeepneys, tricycles, cars) along streets/roads, especially in the business districts adds up to the traffic problem. These have tremendous repercussions on the economy in the area – longer travel time incur costs to people thereby contributing to losses in industrial and commercial businesses, and even to entrepreneurial activities.
LRT Line 1 South Extension Project
The LRT Line 1 South Extension Project, through southern Metro Manila to the Province of Cavite has been identified as an integral link of the Rail Transit Network by Metro Manila Urban Transportation Integration Study (MMUTIS). It is one of the priority projects of the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) and LRTA. It is also a flagship project of the Office of the President.
The project aims to expand the existing LRT Line 1 service southward to the cities of Parañaque and Las Piñas and the adjoining municipalities of Bacoor, Imus and Dasmariñas, in the Cavite Province. The 27-km route of the light railway system was planned to carry a capacity of 40,000 passengers per direction per hour. The extension will have 48 air-conditioned coaches, 12-four car trains, 10 passenger stations and a satellite depot in Cavite. The first phase of the project will serve approximately 1.9 million commuters based in Pasay, Paranaque, Las Pinas and Bacoor. The second phase of the project will include an 11-kilometer extension to commuters based in Imus and Dasmariñas.
Tourism
Cavite is a historic, picturesque and scenic province providing a place conducive to both business and leisure. Tagaytay City serves as the main tourist center. Historical attraction and sites are Fort San Felipe and Sangley Point, both in Cavite City; Corregidor Island; General Trias; Calero Bridge, Noveleta; Battle of Alapan Marker and Flag in Imus; Zapote Bridge in Bacoor; Battle of Binakayan Monument in Kawit; Tejeros Convention Site in Rosario; and Aguinaldo Shrine, the site of the declaration of Philippine Independence in Kawit. Several old churches stand as glorious reminders of how the Catholic faith has blossomed in the Province of Cavite. Existing museums include Geronimo de los Reyes Museum, General Trias; Museo De La Salle, Dasmariñas; Philippine Navy Museum, Cavite City; Baldomero Aguinaldo Museum, Kawit; and Cavite City Library Museum, Cavite City. There are eight (8) world-class golf courses in the province. Natural wonders are mostly found in the upland areas such as Tagaytay Ridge, Macabag Cave in Maragondon, Balite Falls in Amadeo, Malibiclibic Falls in General Aguinaldo-Magallanes Boarder, Mts. Palay-Palay and Mataas na Gulod National Park in Ternate and Maragondon, Sitio Buhay Unclassified Forest in Magallanes and flowers, vegetables and coffee farms.
The Aguinaldo Shrine and Museum in Kawit is where the independence of the Philippines was proclaimed on June 12, 1898 by General Aguinaldo, the Philippines’ first president.
The Andres Bonifacio House in General Trias is the former home of the country's revolutionary leader The site of his court martial in Maragondon is also preserved. Other historical sites include the Battle of Alapan and Battle of Julian Bridge Markers, the House of Tirona, and Fort San Felipe.
The main churches of the province are the Imus Cathedral, Silang, General Trias and Maragondon Catholic Churches. The Shrines of Our Lady of La Salette in Silang, and St. Anne, Tagaytay, also attract pilgrims.
Other natural attractions include Balite and Malibedibic Falls as well as the Cabag Caves.
Corregidor is an island fortress where Filipino-American forces fought against the Japanese invaders in 1942. It has become a tourist attraction with tunnels, cannons and other war structures still well-preserved. The famous line of General Douglas McArthur said is associated with Corregidor: “I shall return!”
There are first class hotels, inns and lodging houses to accommodate both foreign and local tourists. Conference facilities can be found in several convention centers, hotels and resorts in the province. Restaurants and specialty dining places offer mushroom dishes, native delicacies and exotic cuisines. Seafoods, fruits, coffee, organic vegetables, tinapa, handicrafts, ornamental plants also abound in the province.
There are twenty-two (22) accredited tourism establishments and three (3) accredited tour guides. There are also tour packages being arranged with the Department of Tourism. Centuries old traditions and the very rich culture of Cavite have been the source of great pride to Caviteños.
Geography
Cavite is strategically located at the intermediate zone of the metropolitan Manila area. The urban influence of the metropolis together with easy accessibility, adequate infrastructure and fresh natural setting makes the picturesque province an ideal refuge.
Political Divisions
Cavite is subdivided into 20 municipalities and 3 cities.
Physical
Land. Cavite is the smallest province in the CALABARZON region, having an area of 1,297.6 km². It lies on the southern shores of Manila Bay and includes most of the islands in the bay such as Corregidor. Other islands include Caballo Island, Carabao Island, and El Praile Island.
Most of the province is flat and gradually rises in altitude going southwards towards the Tagaytay Ridge, which overlooks the Taal Lake in Batangas. Tagaytay City is located on this ridge and provides one of the best views of Taal Volcano. The ridge is also the province's highest point at 640 meters above sea level. To the southwest of the province rises the Maragondon Mountains.
The shores of Cavite are relatively straight. Cavite City lies on a peninsula jutting into Manila Bay. Towards the southwest, the shoreline features numerous bays and cliffs especially in the municipalities of Ternate and Maragondon.
The province is cut by five major rivers: Maragondon, Labac, Cañas, Ilang-Ilang and Imus, all emptying into Manila Bay.
Climate. Cavite has two pronounced seasons—the dry season, which begins in November and ends in April, and the rainy season, which starts in May and ends in October. The coolest months are January and February while the hottest months are April and May.
History
Cavite is named as the "Historical Capital of the Philippines." It is the cradle of Philippine Revolution, and the birthplace of Philippine Independence.
Cavite got its name from a Tagalog word "Kawit" (which means "Hook.") owing to the hook-shaped land on the Old Spanish map. The land was formerly known as "Tangway" where Spanish authorities contructed a fort from which the city of Cavite rose. Archeological evidence in coastal areas shows prehistorical settlements. According to local folklore, the earliest settlers of Cavite came from Borneo. In the 1600s, encomiendas or Spanish Royal land grants were given in Cavite and Marsgondon. Jesuit priests brought in settlers from Mollucas. These settlers, known as "Mardicas," settled in Ternate and Maragondon.
Other settlements grew and by the turn of the century, Cavite towns were already trading with one another. Traditional industries began to thrive as Manila's commerce grew. In 1872, Filipinos launched its revolt against Spain. Three Filipino priests--Jose Burgos, Mariano Gomez,and Jacinto Zamora--were implicated in the Cavite mutiny when 200 Filipinos staged a rebellion within Spanish garrisons. In 28 August 1896, when the revolution against Spain broke out, Cavite became a bloody theater of war. Led by Emilio Aguinaldo, Caviteños made lightning raids on Spanish headquarters, and soon liberated the entire province. Aguinaldo commanded the Revolution to its successful end:the proclamation of the first Republic in Asia, the Republic of the Philippines, on 12 June 1898 in Kawit.
Cavite proudly stands as a place with a glorious past. Its warm and friendly people, whose ancestors came down with a noble cause, manifest industry and patience in various skills and professions, openly receptive to the entry and exchange of culture and technology that are of value to the province.
Current Officials (2007-2010)
- Governor: Erineo "Ayong" Maliksi
- Vice Governor: Dencito "Osboy" Campaña
Elected Representatives as of July 1st, 2007
1st District: Joseph Emilio Abaya
2nd District: Elpidio Barzaga Jr.
3rd district: Jesus Crispin Remulla
Board Members
1st District: Cesario Del Rosario Jr., Luis Pagtakhan & Dr. Restituto Enriquez
2nd District: Alex Advincula, Arleen Arayata, Recto Cantimbuhan & Raymundo Del Rosario
3rd District: Eileen Beratio, Virgilio Ambion & Lope Tepora
1st District Mayors
Cavite City: Bernardo Paredes
Bacoor: Edwin Revilla
Kawit: Reynaldo Aguinaldo
Noveleta: Enrico Alvarez
Rosario: Jose Ricafrente Jr.
2nd District Mayors
Trece Martirez City: Melencio de Sagun Jr.
Carmona: Roy Loyola
Dasmarinas: Jennifer Barzaga
General Mariano Alvarez: Walter Echevarria Jr.
General Trias: Luis Ferrer IV
Imus: Emmanuel Maliksi
Tanza: Marcus Ashley Arayata
3rd District Mayors
Tagaytay City: Abraham Tolentino
Alfonso: Virgilio Varias
Amadeo: Albert Ambagan Jr.
General Emilio Aguinaldo: Danilo Bencito
Indang: Bienvenido Dimero
Magallanes: Edwin Sisante
Maragondon: Monte Andaman
Mendez: Manuel Romera
Naic: Efren Nazareno
Silang: Claritto Poblete
Ternate: Conrado Lindo
Notable People from Cavite
- Kaye Abad
- Emilio Aguinaldo
- Christian Bautista
- Vito Belarmino
- Felipe Calderón y Roca
- Paulo Campos
- Ladislao Diwa
- Wilma Doesn't
- Mart Escudero
- Julian Felipe
- Roxanne Guinoo
- Panfilo Lacson
- Lani Misalucha
- Justiniano S. Montano
- Luz Oliveros-Belardo
- Mars Ravelo
- Gilbert Remulla
- Ramon Revilla
- Bong Revilla Jr.
- Marian Rivera
- Soxy Topacio
- Jasmine Trias
- Epimaco Velasco
- Cesar Virata
Colleges and Universities
Economic Zones and Industrial Estates
External links
 Province of Cavite | |
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