Tanauan City

 

 

Comprehensive Land Use Plan of Tanauan City: 2016- 2025 

PART I  – SOCIO-ECONOMIC and PHYSICAL PROFILE

Chapter I HISTORICAL BACKGROUND Tanauan City is associated with several labels. There are a few which ring a bell to the ears of the local folks. Tanauan is known as the “Cradle of noble Heroes”, “City of Character” and the “City of Colors” . Unknown to many, Tanauan of today is not in its

original site. It is generally believed that Tanauan was originally founded in 1572 by the  Augustinian missionaries in the northern shore of Taal Lake (ancient Bonbon Lake) below the Tagaytay Ridge. This part of Tagaytay covers the present Talisay, Laurel and other parts of Barangay Montaña (formerly Barangay Ik-ik), Sulpok and Suplang, which constitute the first Tanauan. Tanauan’s original site was confirmed by Buzeta and Bravo’s 1850-1851 Geographic and Historic Dictionary of the Philippines, Dean C. Worchester’s 1912 National Geographic

map and the map of 1700’s (one is the famous Fr. Pedro Murillo Velarde map of 1734). Taal’s northwestern bay is called Tanauan Bay. Spanish map of 1800 ’ s marks it Seno de Tanauan.  Spanish records show that Tanauan was officially established in 1584. On May 5, 1584, the Augustinian accepted the house of Tanauan. It must be remembered that during Spanish regime, there

was a political union of the church and state. The

ecclesiastical organization was parallel and closely associated with the civil government. The missionaries played a significant role in the colonization of the Philippines, and in the town, the parish priest was the real power, representing the “power that be” of Spain.   In 1754, violent eruptions of Taal Volcano submerged the whole ancient town of Tanauan. (As 1857 map found in the Philippine National Archives shows Ruins de Tanauan along the northern shore of Taal Lake). Residents of said town moved to Sala, second site of Tanauan. It is the place which is presently called Bañadero. Today, ruins of the town of Tanauan exists in Bañadero. On a hill overlooking the lake is a wall of about 10 to 122 meters along and 2.5 meters high. In the same site, pre-1754 maps show the old Sala.   1-1

 

 

Comprehensive Land Use Plan of Tanauan City: 2016- 2025 

PART I  – SOCIO-ECONOMIC and PHYSICAL PROFILE

Figure 1. Map of Showing the Movements of Tanauan

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Comprehensive Land Use Plan of Tanauan City: 2016- 2025 

PART I  – SOCIO-ECONOMIC and PHYSICAL PROFILE

Figure 2. Old Church 1600`s 

Figure 3. St. John The Evangelist Parish Church 1-3

 

 

Comprehensive Land Use Plan of Tanauan City: 2016- 2025 

PART I  – SOCIO-ECONOMIC and PHYSICAL PROFILE

Figure 4. Map of Lake Bonbon (now Taal Lake)

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Comprehensive Land Use Plan of Tanauan City: 2016- 2025 

PART I  – SOCIO-ECONOMIC and PHYSICAL PROFILE

Figure 5. Taal Ruins

Due to continuous eruption of Taal volcano, the communities of Tanauan and Sala moved to safer locations, later that same year of 1754. It may be noted here that both the old Sala and Tanauan used to have a conflict regarding their geographical boundaries. In 1647, both Tanauan and Sala were vicariates of the church under the Augustinians. In 1668, Father Jose Duque, minister of both towns, settled their dispute.   In 1754, when both towns were relocated and fused into one town, each wanted its own name to be preserved. There was a disagreement between the two on whether to name the new town Tanauan or Sala. Finally, an agreement was settled in favor of Tanauan in line with the celebration of the feast of St. John the Evangelist, the patron saint of Tanauan, on December 27, 1754.  Subsequently, Sala became a barrio of Tanauan, and is located to where it is now. Tanauan on the other land, settled in its third and present site.  

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Comprehensive Land Use Plan of Tanauan City: 2016- 2025 

PART I  – SOCIO-ECONOMIC and PHYSICAL PROFILE

Today, Tanauan is situated on the northeastern part of Batangas. With a total land area of 10,987.43 hectares covering 48 barangays, it is bounded on the east by the Municipality of Sto. Tomas, on the southwest by the shores s hores of Taal Lak Lake, e, on the north by the Municipality of Calamba, Laguna and on the northwest by the Municipality of Malvar.  

Figure 6. Map of Batangas Province

Tanauan of today must be in many ways like the Tanauan of the ancient day. It is highly probable that the ancient town of Tanauan enjoyed a   relatively productive  culture.   According to Dr. Jose Rizal in his “The Indolence of the Filipinos”, even before the Europeans came to the Philippine shore, the Malayan Filipino carried on an active trade with all its neighboring countries, aside from among themselves.   There was much wealth, food and different products abound. A Chinese manuscript of the 13th century, translated by Dr.Hith and mentioned by Dr. Jose Rizal, speaks of China’s  1-6

 

 

Comprehensive Land Use Plan of Tanauan City: 2016- 2025 

PART I  – SOCIO-ECONOMIC and PHYSICAL PROFILE

trade relation with the natives of Luzon. Fr. Juan De Medina also wrote of Tanauan’s extensive trade with the Chinese. He also mentioned that old Tanauan was   a very fine town, rich and densely populated. As for the education of the natives, early Spanish x`writers like Morga and Chirino (whom Rizal believed to be reliable) testified that almost all of them knew how to read and write. As for the language of the natives, which is Tagalog, Chirino even went to the extent of crediting it as having the qualities of the world’s four greatest languages: Hebrew, Greek, Latin and Spanish. 

Old Tanauan also gives traces of infrastructures which undoubtedly contributed to the progress of the place. Just a few years ago, Thomas Hargrove, a scientist of the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), discovered rows of wall-like stone structures 1 to 2 meters high and 20 cm. in diameter under Taal Lake. Some walls were vertical, some were crumbled, but joined together, could extend up to about 40 kilometers . 

Figure 7. Artist`s Rendition of the” Sapao S apao”  ”  called  called the “fort” near where maps show Old Tanauan.  

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Comprehensive Land Use Plan of Tanauan City: 2016- 2025 

PART I  – SOCIO-ECONOMIC and PHYSICAL PROFILE

It is believed to be a dike or wall built to protect the town from inundation when the water by the shore rises, and at the same time, served as a road through which the natives traveled around the lake. Much had been said about the origin of the name of Tanauan. One version is that the town was named after a shrub called “tanawa” which grew

abundantly in the area and on the shore of Lake Bonbon (Taal Lake) during the town`s early history.   Another version, according to Fr. Juan de Medina, Spanish priest of Tanauan in the 1600`s, is that Tanauan came from the word “Tanawan” which literally means, a vantage

point, a place from which to see (tan-awan). Augustinian priests and natives of Tanauan built a fortress with a watchtower which served as a lookout to warn the place against marauding outsiders or pirates from the southwest.    According to available record, Tanauan had its first church built before 1690 near Bonbon Lake. It was made of wood. In 1767, the town had its first stone church. In 1872, Father Jose Martin built the convent. In 1881, as the town grew bigger, Father Jose Diaz started the construction of a bigger church made of masonry and purportedly “one of the biggest

in the province”. Both the church and convent, however, were totally destroyed in 1944 during World War II. The church was rebuilt in 1948 under the supervision of Monsignor Marino and the direction of Architect Jose L. Zaragoza. The present site of the church and the La Consolacion College (formerly Our Lady of Fatima Academy) used to be a public cemetery.  In 1898, the Spanish-American war broke out. After a brief war, Spain cede the Philippines to the United States for $20,000,000.00 in accordance accor dance with the Treaty of Paris, December 10, 1898.  The incumbent American President McKinley declared a military government, decreed the separation of the Church and the State, and organized the municipal and provincial governments. Since then, Thirty-Three (33) mayors have served Tanauan. It was, however, during the term of General Mayor Antonio Dimayuga (1928-1937) (19 28-1937) when the old municipal building was constructed at the extreme eastern part of Calle Real (now A. Mabini Avenue).  1-8

 

 

Comprehensive Land Use Plan of Tanauan City: 2016- 2025 

PART I  – SOCIO-ECONOMIC and PHYSICAL PROFILE

When World War II broke out in 1941, the Japanese troops occupied Tanauan. With the  joint effort of the Mayor Alfredo C. Magpantay ((who who served from 1937-1942 1937-1942)) and Mayor Nicolas L. Gonzales II (1942-1943) the second floor of the municipal building was converted into a hospital. However, the” hospital” was later transferred to the Laurel ancestral home because the Americans incessantly bombed the municipal building causing it to be almost totally destroyed.

Figure 8. (Ruins of The Old Municipal Building After World War II)

 

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Comprehensive Land Use Plan of Tanauan City: 2016- 2025 

PART I  – SOCIO-ECONOMIC and PHYSICAL PROFILE

Figure 9. Old Municipal Building (Museo Ng Tanauan)

During the term of Mayor Jose Corona (1945-1946), the Municipal Building was reconstructed. During the incumbency of Mayor Pedro Gonzales, the building was renovated and in 1957, housed the Municipal Library, Treasury Office, Police Department, Telegram Office, National Statistics Office, Health Office, Register of Deeds, DECS Division Office, Agrarian Reform Office, Department of Agriculture, Post Office and Daughters of Isabela Nursery School. Finally, in 1960, the Municipal Government Office transferred to a new building of the Mountain View Subdivision, leaving only the Municipal Building Library and the National Statistics Office in the old building. 

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Comprehensive Land Use Plan of Tanauan City: 2016- 2025 

PART I  – SOCIO-ECONOMIC and PHYSICAL PROFILE

Figure 10. (Tanauan City Hall Executive Building)

Figure 11. Dr Salvador H Laurel Memorial Building (Legislative Building)

In 1996, under Mayor Cesar V. Platon, the old Municipal building underwent total reconstruction with the left and right wings converted into the Social Hall and Library, respectively. The central portion was reserved as assembly area for meetings, conferences, reunions and special or commemorative programs.   1 - 11

 

 

Comprehensive Land Use Plan of Tanauan City: 2016- 2025 

PART I  – SOCIO-ECONOMIC and PHYSICAL PROFILE

The second floor of the building was named Mayor Cesar V. Platon Memorial Hall on June 23, 2003 through Resolution no.01116 of the Sangguniang Panlungsod.  The central portion of the building was remodeled into a city museum and was inaugurated through Res. #P005 dated January 19, 2004.  In 1996, Tanauan became a first class municipality. Later on, Tanauan became the City of Tanauan by virtue of Republic Repub lic Act 9005, an Act Converting the Municipality of Tanauan into a Component City. This was signed into law by President Gloria Macapagal- Arroyo on February 2, 2001. 2001 . Through a plebiscite on March 10, 2001, the proposed prop osed cityhood was duly ratified and approved. On September 29, 2003, Tanauan was made a “City of Character” through Resolution 0-

195, and on October 14, 2003, the City of Tanauan became a member of International  Association of Character Cities together with 1 180 80 other cities a and nd countries around the world.  Throughout history, Tanaueños have displayed characteristics of personal independence and nationalism. The town is considered the cradle of noble heroes because of the contributions to the revolutionary movement of its sons —the most notable is Apolinario Mabini, the “Brains of the Revolution”. The City also produced political lea ders like the

great statesman Former Pres. Jose P. Laurel and Jose P. Laurel V, Modesto Castillo and Nicolas Gonzales who served as governors of Batangas.  Greatness is not a monopoly of anyone ’s  race. Tanauan, called the “cradle of noble heroes”, can take pride in its prominent sons and heroes who have distinguished

themselves in their respective fields and found a place in the pages of history.  

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Comprehensive Land Use Plan of Tanauan City: 2016- 2025 

PART I  – SOCIO-ECONOMIC and PHYSICAL PROFILE

Gat Apolinario Mabini

Pres. Jose P. Laurel Sr. Figure 12. Noble Heroes

Culture can be a curious thing. To the outsider, a locality`s unique features and characteristics may seem obvious, but such an outsider would be clueless about the complex interplay of values, beliefs, traditions-all shaped by that area`s topography, climate, natural resources, seasonal cycles, economic activities, political structures and its particular history- that as a whole make up the gestalt of the daily lives of local residents. Then again, Tanauan`s residents themselves might have taken for granted, busy as they are with routine, domestic struggles and challenges, that same complex whole that continues to shape their lives and will continue to do so for generations to come.  Hence, this portion on Tanauan Culture and History, which seeks to give the outsider a glimpse of Tanaueño culture in general, and some of the history that shaped that same culture as it exists and evolves in the present. As for our Tanaueño readers, may these words and images allow them to look at old, everyday things with new eyes, giving them

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Comprehensive Land Use Plan of Tanauan City: 2016- 2025 

PART I  – SOCIO-ECONOMIC and PHYSICAL PROFILE

a fresher perspective on what was previously taken for granted and begin to take pride in and treasure their unique cultural and historical heritage.  Historical Changes in Land Use Trends 

The Cadastral Survey of Tanauan was executed and approved in 1920 to 1923 by the Bureau of Land during the Commonwealth Government. It was the first massive documentation of land in the Municipality of Tanauan. Approval of the survey plan was very relevant in the implementation of Commonwealth Act 141, otherwise known as Public Land Act providing compulsory or cadastral registration of land that was released from Forest or Timber Land Classification into Alienable and Disposable Land by the Government, respecting land titles that were issued by Spanish government.  As indicated in the approved Cadastral Plan, almost all lands in the Municipality of Tanauan have been released from Forest too Agricultural though Land Classification Plan of Tanauan is missing. The issue of 18 % slope which is the physical dividing line, between the agricultural and forestry, in some rolling and hilly were surpassed and settled by the approval of the plan. The Issuance of Decree and registration of land to the rightful owner that as per record, commence right after the approval of the Cadastral Survey further strengthen that almost all Land in Tanauan were classified as Agricultural and subject to alienation and disposition.  Also, as reflected in the Cadas Cadastral tral Plan of Tanauan Tanauan,, there are only 19 cada cadastral stral project and as a rule in cadastral survey manual, there are only 19 Barangays during that time. There were 18 rural Barangays and only one urban Barangay, the Poblacion area.

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Comprehensive Land Use Plan of Tanauan City: 2016- 2025 

PART I  – SOCIO-ECONOMIC and PHYSICAL PROFILE

Figure 13 Cadastral Map of Tanauan

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Comprehensive Land Use Plan of Tanauan City: 2016- 2025 

PART I  – SOCIO-ECONOMIC and PHYSICAL PROFILE

Figure 14 Portion of Cadastral Map

The approved Cadastral Plan and Land Registration showed that Social Stratification Pyramid, existed since time immemorial in the Municipality of Tanauan. Large land holdings belong to few rich and powerful personalities; the middle class owns parcels of land that are sufficient for their needs while the masses are the tenants of the large holdings. Historically, land use is basically agricultural. After the World War II, when residents experienced hunger and famine, residents focused on crop production. Rice and corn as basic staple food became the dominant crops. It is the custom cu stom that the families’ needs for the whole year were were stored and only the excess were sold into the market. Lifestyle changes, with farming practices. Promotion of integrated agriculture and livestock 1 - 16

 

 

Comprehensive Land Use Plan of Tanauan City: 2016- 2025 

PART I  – SOCIO-ECONOMIC and PHYSICAL PROFILE

became popular in the municipality. Sugarcane, coconut, coffee, citrus, fruits and vegetable became the dominant crops in Tanauan, thus, the city become one of the significant food supplier of Metro Manila .

Figure 15 Sugar Cane and Corn Field

The eruption of Taal Volcano in 1965 affected the agricultural production of the municipality. Many looked for greener pasture and migrated in different places. Some transferred to places like Mindoro, Bicol and as far as Davao to continue their practices

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Comprehensive Land Use Plan of Tanauan City: 2016- 2025 

PART I  – SOCIO-ECONOMIC and PHYSICAL PROFILE

in agriculture. Other migrated to Metro Manila and tries to seek job opportunities. For couple of years, most of the agricultural land in Tanauan became less productive.  After a decade, soil fertility was revived and agriculture became productive again. Subsequently, the National Government implemented the Masagana 99 program where the lead person was former Department of Agriculture Secretary Domingo Panganiban, who is from Tanauan. New farming technologies were introduced to the farmers with subsidies and assistance on farm inputs resulting to better crop production. However, the government overlooked the marketing aspect and the reality of the law of supply and demand. Higher crop production did not ma make ke a significant iimpact mpact on economic status of the farmers. During the Martial Law, in 1972, Agrarian Reform Program was also implemented. There was land distribution for the landless and emancipating the farmers from the bondage of soil. Record showed that Certificate of Land Ownership of Award (CLOA) and Emancipation Patent (EP) were granted by the Department of Agrarian Reform to qualified beneficiaries. An Agrarian Reform Community was even organized in Sitio Dayapan, Barangay Bilogbilog. However, there still are large landholdings that were covered by the Certificate of Coverage but were not distributed to the intended beneficiaries. Partially, agrarian reform program succeeded in the Tanauan assuring security of tenure to the beneficiaries.  Aside from security of tenure, transfer of technology and government assistance, necessary infrastructure and utility services such as provision of electric and water supply were identified as essential components needed to safeguard agricultural sustainability. The National and local government initiated the provision of electricity to rural barangays together with the provision of water supply system connected to every household. The provision of electric and water supply in the rural Barangays was a milestone in rural development that changed the lifestyle and way of life of its people. It also provided wide range of livelihood opportunities as source of income other than farming.  Accessibility and availability of basic services, opening of new livelihood opportunities tend Tanaueños to return back to their place of origin. Others even migrated to Tanauan. Tanau an. 1 - 18

 

 

Comprehensive Land Use Plan of Tanauan City: 2016- 2025 

PART I  – SOCIO-ECONOMIC and PHYSICAL PROFILE

In the later part of 1980’s, the pattern for migration was further strengthened by the

program of the national government to decongest Metro Manila. Land Planning of the Poblacion area started in early 1960, even prior to the enactment of PD 1957 and BP 220 otherwise known as Subdivision and Condominium Buyers Protective Decree, there are Plan Unit Subdivisions that has been developed mostly in Poblacion area. Among these are Mt. View Subdivision in Poblacion 3, Maligaya Compound and Josefa Village in Barangay Sambat, Tapia Subdivision and Gloria Compound in Poblacion 6, Yatco Compound Compound and Laros Subdivision in Poblacion 7. The said Plan Unit Development leads to the expansion of the original Poblacion which originally as reflected iin n the C Cadastral adastral Plan comprise of B Barangay arangay 1 and 2 only. During the term of Mayor Paquito Lirio, Poblacion was subdivided into seven Barangays .

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Comprehensive Land Use Plan of Tanauan City: 2016- 2025 

PART I  – SOCIO-ECONOMIC and PHYSICAL PROFILE

Figure 16 Aerial View of Poblacion Areas

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Comprehensive Land Use Plan of Tanauan City: 2016- 2025 

PART I  – SOCIO-ECONOMIC and PHYSICAL PROFILE

Figure 17 Road Network of Rural Barangays 

Enactment of Republic Act 7160 otherwise known as the Local Government Code of the Philippines mandated the local government units to prepare Comprehensive Land Use Plan and Zoning Ordinance. Crafting and approval of the CLUP and Zoning Ordinance devolved and decentralized land use regulation to the municipality/city government. The first CLUP and Zoning Ordinance covers the period 1995-2005 while the second covers the period of 2004-2014. In the preparation of the said land use, the national, regional and provincial plan was considered to realize its translation.

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Comprehensive Land Use Plan of Tanauan City: 2016- 2025 

PART I  – SOCIO-ECONOMIC and PHYSICAL PROFILE

Figure 18. (Tanauan Public Market & Commercial Building)

Government   in its goal to The City Government of Tanauan is one with the National Government improve the quality of life of its people, empower the poor and marginalized and enhance enha nce social cohesion within the region and with the neighboring towns and cities. The city government believes that this can be achieved through adopting a framework of inclusive growth which is defined as high growth that is sustained, generates mass employment, and reduce poverty. The framework of plans for this strategic development focuses on improved transparency and accountability in governance, facilitating infrastructure, boosting the competitiveness of the industries, particularly in agricultural produce. The development Plan 2011-2016 for the CALABARZON Region specifically identified centers, corridors and wedges areas in the province of Batangas as per the spatial development strategy. The overall spatial development strategy employs the Center/Cluster-Corridor-Wedge (CCW) planning approach seeking to direct and stimulate development and growth from west too east and strengthens north-south development and access corridors. The cities of Antipolo in Rizal, Calamba in Laguna, Dasmariñas in Cavite, Batangas City in Batangas and Lucena in Quezon, as characterized by high population densities connected by congregated built infrastructures and multimodal transportation system, were identified as centers or the nucleus nucleu s of economic activities.

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Comprehensive Land Use Plan of Tanauan City: 2016- 2025 

PART I  – SOCIO-ECONOMIC and PHYSICAL PROFILE

The role of Tanauan City, on the other hand, together with San Jose, Bauan, Lipa City, Sto.Tomas and Malvar, from among the cities and municipalities of Batangas were as corridor areas which will primarily serve as transportation arteries linking centers to centers. These are accessible and connected areas which may serve as transit stations, interchange, established neighborhood or general corridor areas. These areas qualify to be the appropriate locations for the significant new growth. In addition, Tanauan City, as among the identified growth centers, is expected to ease the decongestion of Metro Manila and address impacts of urban expansion. In the Provincial Development and Physical Framework Plan of the Province of Batangas, the 3 cities and 31 municipalities of the province, were clustered in order to properly address the challenges of developments in a more specific and significant manner. Metro Lipa Urban Growth Cluster composed of municipalities of Sto. Tomas, Tanauan City, Malvar and Lipa City shall be developed and specialized as a service, institutional and commercial center. Population will increase in almost all municipalities and cities of the province and the demand for housing and other services, facilities and amenities will also increase particularly in those regions with high population growth for 2007-2013, Tanauan City is one identified area. Classification of province’s settlements into various levels indicates the functional role of cities and municipalities based in the services they provide and the extent of areas they serve: Tanauan City – will be elevated from small city to medium med ium city being near to Metro Manila which will catch the spillover of industries and other commercial activities. Due to its strategic location, Tanauan City also serves as the Central Trading Post for  Agriculture in the region. Some of the traders are from Mindoro, Q Quezon, uezon, Pangasinan, and other provinces from CALABARZON area. Various agricultural commodities such as fruits and leafy vegetables flow in and out of the city. The City’s auction market being ranked second to Padre Garcia in terms of livestock being

brought and sold is one of the preferred choices of auctioneers to trade and sell livestock. The City has “AA” slaughterhouse producing safe meat that caters to the needs of meat 1 - 23

 

 

Comprehensive Land Use Plan of Tanauan City: 2016- 2025 

PART I  – SOCIO-ECONOMIC and PHYSICAL PROFILE

suppliers to local and domestic consumers.  At present, the construction construction of the “AAA”  slaughter house is underway. In CALABARZON area, the City is the first and only LGU which owns and operates a Packaging and Service Center that off offers ers labeling and packaging facility.

It was was

established to make Tanauan Products worldwide competitive through appropriate packaging. Continuous improvement is being applied on the products with the assistance from DOST-Calabarzon. Moreover, Tanauan City turns out to be a preferred choice for investments of different local and foreign investors as well, due to its accessibility and suitability. At present, the City has a total number of 1,982 registered business establishments taking also into consideration the two major industrial parks in the city, the Phil. Town Industrial Estate with three existing locators and the First Philippine Industrial Park with large scale manufacturing companies.

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Comprehensive Land Use Plan of Tanauan City: 2016- 2025 

PART I  – SOCIO-ECONOMIC and PHYSICAL PROFILE

Figure 19 Startoll Road Section Connecting Tanauan to other Cities and Provinces  

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