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.  

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Figure 1. Map of Showing the Movements of Tanauan

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Figure 2. Old Church 1600`s 

Figure 3. St. John The Evangelist Parish Church

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

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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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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 

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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  called the “fort” near where maps show Old Tanauan.  
S apao” 
”  called

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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). 

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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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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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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.  
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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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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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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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Figure 13 Cadastral Map of Tanauan

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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

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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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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.

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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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Figure 16 Aerial View of Poblacion Areas

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

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