TANAUAN CITY HISTORY

Tanauan, officially the City of Tanauan (Filipino: Lungsod ng Tanauan), is a 2nd class component

city in the province of Batangas, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of
193,936 people.
It is incorporated as a city under Republic Act No. 9005, signed on February 2, 2001, and ratified
on March 10, 2001.
With the continuous expansion of Metro Manila, the city is now part of Manila's conurbation which
reaches Lipa in its southernmost part. The city shares its borders with Calamba, Laguna, to the
north, Tagaytay City, Cavite, to the northwest, Talisay to the west, Santo Tomas City to the east,
and the towns of Balete and Malvar to the south. It borders on Taal Lake to the west. The town is
known for the Old Tanauan Church Ruins, the most important archaeological site in the
municipality where human remains from the colonial era have been unearthed.
Among those born in Tanauan are revolutionary former Prime Minister Apolinario Mabini and
former President José P. Laurel.

History
Tanauan (lookout point) was founded by the Augustinians in 1584 on the northwestern bay of Lake
Taal, called Tanauan Bay. Lookout towers were associated with 16th and 17th century churches to
forewarn of Moro raids. "Old Tanauan" (Lumang Tanauan) included such a watch tower and
associated sapao (built-up structures in the water). The 1754 eruption of Taal Volcano forced the
town inhabitants to move initially to Sala. Then both towns moved again later that year to
Tanauan's current location, in which Sala is now a barrio.
Tanaueños have displayed characteristics of personal independence and nationalism since early
history. The town is called the cradle of noble heroes due to its contribution to the revolutionary
movement of its sons Apolinario Mabini, the brains of Katipunan, and later by the statesman Jose
P. Laurel. Also, three Tanaueños served as governors of Batangas, namely: Jose P. Laurel V,
Modesto Castillo and Nicolas Gonzales.
Recent events include the assassination of its former mayor, Cesar V. Platon, by NPA rebels on May
7, 2001, as he was running for the governorship of Batangas. This happened a few days before the
election. On July 2, 2018, then-incumbent mayor Antonio Halili, noted for public
humiliation campaigns against criminals and drug pushers, was assassinated during the flag
raising ceremony at the city hall.
Cityhood
The Congress approved the then Batangas 3rd District Rep. Jose Macario Laurel IV's bill and a
Senate counterpart measure on December 19, 2000 the Republic Act No. 9005 known as "The
Charter of the City of Tanauan."
On February 2, 2001, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo signed it into law.
On March 10, 2001, on Saturday, the charter was approved by a referendum in Tanauan that drew
8,890 or 16% of the 55,453 registered voters. Two ballots were either spoiled or blank. The "yes"
had it over the "no" by a landslide, 7,026 to 1,961.
According to cityhood advocates, quoted in reports reaching Batangas on Sunday, the turnout,
despite being two times better than previous conversion-to-city exercises, was still only 16%.

Geography
It is situated 64 kilometres (40 mi) south of Manila and 41 kilometres (25 mi) north of Batangas
City.
Barangays
Tanauan City is politically subdivided into 48 barangays.

48 Barangays of the City of Tanauan

Land Area Population (as of

Barangay District
(hectares) 2015)
Altura Bata 164.64 1,409 None

Altura Matanda 100.97 724 None

Altura South 102.18 690 None

La Playa de
Ambulong 218.38 6,723
Tanauan

La Playa de
Bañadero 189.28 4,538
Tanauan

Bagbag 569.67 3,210 None

Bagumbayan 239.00 6,460 None

Balele 620.43 7,587 None

Banjo East 145.92 3,310 None

Banjo Laurel (Banjo West) 308.45 2,624 None

Bilogbilog 406.44 4,911 None

La Playa de
Boot 385.43 6,005
Tanauan

Cale 366.04 3,658 None

Darasa 327.28 17,561 None

La Playa de
Gonzales 188.29 1,898
Tanauan

Hidalgo 97.31 1,070 None

Janopol Occidental 245.10 2,793 None

Janopol Oriental 289.91 3,049 None

Laurel 269.19 1,502 None

Luyos 183.23 1,631 None

Mabini 183.13 2,465 None

Malaking Pulo 543.60 4,146 None

La Playa de
Maria Paz 295.56 2,715
Tanauan

Maugat 222.69 2,107 None

Montaña (Ik-ik) 94.20 1,987 None

Natatas 374.79 6,105 None

Pagaspas 311.71 4,070 None

Pantay Matanda 257.56 4,797 None

Pantay Bata 310.66 2,464 None

Barangay 1 19.98 2,139 Poblacion

Barangay 2 17.04 1,414 Poblacion

Barangay 3 41.38 4,863 Poblacion

Barangay 4 32.87 4,822 Poblacion

Barangay 5 8.71 1,432 Poblacion

Barangay 6 20.36 3,998 Poblacion

Barangay 7 36.53 5,302 Poblacion

Sala 216.89 2,112 None

Sambat 88.82 3,621 None

San Jose 127.29 1,114 None

Santol (Doña Jacoba

104.03 536 None
Garcia)

Santor 318.85 4,686 None

Sulpoc 400.18 2,039 None

Suplang 229.57 1,438 None

Talaga 442.62 4,755 None

Tinurik 229.82 5,532 None

Trapiche 241.21 7,352 None

Ulango 290.00 2,445 None

La Playa de
Wawa 112.93 1,557
Tanauan

Religion
Tanauan Church
Roman Catholicism is the most dominant and visible religion in Tanauan. St. John the Evangelist is
its patron, and its main church is the St. John the Evangelist Parish. La Consolacion College
Tanauan (formerly Our Lady of Fatima Academy, 1948), run by the Augustinian Sisters of Our Lady
of Consolation, is the first Catholic school in the city. Other Catholic schools include Our Lady of
Assumption Montessori School and Daughters of Mary Immaculate School (lay-operated). First Asia
Institute is converting from a non-sectarian school to a Catholic (Christian) school.
Iglesia ni Cristo, Jehovah's Witnesses, Mormons (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints),
Islam and other religious groups are also present in the city.

Economy
Tanauan is known as an agricultural trading center of Calabarzon. Agri products from Calabarzon
and as far as the Mimaropa and Bicol regions are being sent here before it reaches Metro Manila
public markets. Aside from being an important agricultural center, Tanauan is also one of the
Philippines' major industrial centers nowadays hosting four industrial parks which is home to
various multinational companies and tourism facilities.

Economic Zones and Business Districts

Name Description
 A 450-hectare industrial park owned by Lopez Group and Sumitomo
Corporation located in Tanauan and Santo Tomas, Batangas. FPIP
Tanauan is the location of various multinational companies such as Nestlé,
First Philippine
Honda, Brother Printers, Canon Philippines, Shimano, B/E Aerospace,
Industrial Park
Philip Morris-Fortune Tobacco Corporation and many more.

Main article: First Philippine Industrial Park

Formerly PhilTown Technology Center located in Barangay Pagaspas which

First Industrial
is now owned by First Philippine Holdings of the Lopez Group of
Township
Companies. This is home to Uni-President Philippines, the manufacturer of
Incorporated
Homi instant noodles and Nooda Crunch.

Dolores Industrial An industrial park in the Tanauan-Malvar area. It is the location of Metro
Park Manila Turf Club.

Data Land An industrial park owned by Data Land Corporation. This hosts the precast
Industrial Park manufacturing facility of the said company.

A multi-sectoral development by the Torres Group of Companies located at

the center of the new Tanauan Central Business District. It is now the
Tanauan City location of the new Tanauan City Hall, which was inaugurated last July 23,
Zentrum 2017. In front of the new city hall is the new Tanauan People's Park. Aside
from government centers, TCZ will also hosts office towers, condominiums
and commercial centers by 2019.

Tagaytay
Highlands Tourism a proposed expansion of Tagaytay Highlands Estate by Belle Corporation.
Economic Zone

Transportation
Public transport
Jeepneys serve the city and the nearby municipalities and barangays. Tricycles provide
transportation on the barangays. Buses connect the city with Manila and Batangas City.
Roads
The Southern Tagalog Arterial Road passes at the central part of the city. The expressway connects
the city with the rest of Batangas. Jose P. Laurel Highway connects the city to Calamba and Santo
Tomas on the north and with Malvar, Lipa, and Batangas City to the south. Another highway links
Tanauan with Talisay and Tagaytay. A 7.8 kilometres (4.8 mi) service road on both sides of STAR
Tollway will connect the northeastern barangays of Tanauan to the southeastern barangays of the
city [26]
Aside from the STAR Tollway, national roads like the Jose P. Laurel Highway (Route 4) and Tanauan
– Talisay Road (Route 421) serves also the city. The city also maintains roads that connects the
rural barangays of the city.

Education
Tanauan Campus of Our Lady of Assumption College
Among the tertiary educational establishments in Tanauan is the First Asia Institute of Technology
and Humanities, La Consolacion College, Christian College of Tanauan, Nova Schola, the STI
Academic Center, the DMMC Institute of Health Sciences, and the Tanauan Institute. The Tanauan
Institute is the oldest private education institution in the city having been established in 1924. The
Sapphire International Aviation Academy which caters to aspiring aircraft pilots is also located
within the city at the Barradas Airstrip.
There are 9 private and 16 public high schools, and 27 private and 44 public elementary schools.

Government
The current seat of government of the city is the New Tanauan City Hall located at Laurel Hill,
Barangay Natatas, Tanauan City.

A Brief History of our City

HISTORY AND CULTURE 

HOW TANAUAN GOT ITS NAME

There are two versions of the probable origin of the name of Tanauan.  One version suggests that
Tanauan derived its name from the Tagalog term “tanaw” meaning “to look through (perhaps a
window)”. It is believed that the name came from a fortress with a watchtower built by the
Augustinian friars and natives. The watchtower allowed them to monitor incoming “champans” or
boats of traders or pirates entering through the Pansipit River, Taal Lake.  From this tower, one had
a clear view (tanaw) of the lake and of the vast plains and rolling hills.

On the other hand, the National Historical Commission suggests that the town was named after a
shrub called “tanawa” which grew abundantly in the area and on the shores of “Lake Bonbon” (Taal
Lake) during the town’s early history.

HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT

The town of Tanauan was established on its present location in 1754, having been transferred from
the fringe of Taal Lake where it originally stood. It is believed that Tanauan, together with Sala, was
originally founded in 1572 by the Augustinian missionaries who built a mission at the shore of a
lake known then as Bonbon (now Taal). The town, however, was totally destroyed during the most
impressive and catastrophic historically-recorded eruption of Taal Volcano in 1754. Together with
the community of Sala, the residents of Tanauan were relocated to safer places. Tanauan moved to
Bañadero, and then to its present location. Sala, on the other hand, transferred from its original
site to where it is now located. Sala subsequently became a barangay of Tanauan.

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 leaders 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.

The present location of the seat of the City Government of Tanauan was established in March,
1960. Prior to this, the municipal offices occupied a concrete building in the eastern end of Mabini
Avenue at the Poblacion, in front of the present Catholic Church and the Modesto Castillo Cultural
Center. The old municipal building that was destroyed during World War II was reconstructed and
now houses the city library, social hall, and city museum.
In 1996, Tanauan became a first-class municipality and five years after, it became a city by virtue of
Republic Act 9005, otherwise known as “An Act Converting the Municipality of Tanauan, Province of
Batangas into a Component City to be known as the City of Tanauan” into law by President Gloria
Macapagal-Arroyo last February 2, 2001.  This was conferred through a plebiscite on March 10,
2001, which duly ratified and approved the cityhood of Tanauan.

TANAUAN AS A CITY

Tanauan, one of the oldest town in the province of Batangas became a 1st class municipality in
1996 and eventually became a city by virtue of Republic Ac 9005, otherwise known as “An Act
converting the Municipality of Tanauan into a Component City to be known as the City of Tanauan,
enaceted on February 2, 2001. It was signed into law by then President Gloria Macapal Arroyo, was
duly ratified and approved through a plebascite held on March 10, 2001.

TANAUAN CITY OFFICIAL SEAL

CULTURAL HERITAGE SITES

JOSE P. LAUREL ANCESTRAL HOUSE

Born of notable but humble parents, Pres. Jose P. Laurel was born in Tanauan on March 9, 1891.
No other Filipino leader has had the honor of serving with distinction in all branches of the
government. The late president’s ancestral house was built in 1880 and was restored in 1964. It
takes in valued works, furnitures and personal effects which serve as ancestral bequest of the great
statesman and political leader. And because of his influence and love for education, he was able to
establish a reputable educational institution. At present, the ancestral house stands proud
reminding everyone, tourists and visitors alike, that there stood a man who defend his countrymen
during the Japanese period.

GOV. MODESTO Q. CASTILLO MEMORIAL CULTURAL CENTER

Our noble hero and greatest Tanaueño, Apolinario Mabini, used to walk several kilometers from
their home in Talaga to attend classes at Escola Pia which is the present site of Gov. Modesto
Castillo Memorial and Cultural Center. It was constructed in the 1970’s and was named in his
memory as the 2nd Tanaueño governor of Batangas who served for three terms. It underwent
several renovations, but on 2010 it underwent total reconstruction and upgrading of facilities where
seminars, meetings and some social activities are now being held.
ST. JOHN THE EVANGELIST PARISH CHURCH

It was first built in 1881, the design was heavily influenced by Romanesque and Renaissance
architecture. During World War II, it was extensively damaged and was renovated in 1948 through
the efforts of Monsignor Mariño and has been restored to its former glory. Today, it continuously
serves the religious needs of Tanaueños by uplifting their spiritual individuality. It is also a
pilgrimage site where the faithful can come and enrich their spiritual relation to God. During Lenten
Season, the church is frequented by people from various parts of the country who were joining the
Visita Iglesia.
OLD MUNICIPAL BUILDING AND TANAUAN CITY MUSEUM

It was constructed during the term of Mayor Antonio Jose L. Dimayuga (1928-1937). During World
War II it was converted to a hospital that later on was transferred to the Laurel Ancestral House
because of the incessant bombing. During the term of Mayor Jose Corona in 1946, it was named
Puericulture Center. Then during the term of Mayor Pedro Gonzales (1951-1957), it accommodated
various offices such as the Municipal Library, Treasury, Police Department, NSO, Post Office and
the Registry of Deeds. In 1960, the municipal government offices were transferred to its present site.
In 1996, under the term of Mayor Cesar Platon, it underwent total reconstruction, where he
insinuated that the central portion be the Tanauan City Museum to house a collection of priceless
memorabilia of Tanaueños to uphold Tanauan’s history and culture as well as the legacies of its
people. The museum is one of the most visited landmarks in the city as it continuously inspires and
educates visitors on the rich heritage of Tanauan.

MUSEO NI APOLINARIO MABINI

In 1939, the people of Talaga Tanauan donated to the Municipal Council a piece of land to be used
for the Mabini Historical Marker. The donation and acceptance ceremony was solemnized on the
commemoration of Mabini’s birthday on July 23, 1953. The site is also where his remains are
interred after being transferred from Manila in 1957. A replica of the house of Mabini was
reconstructed and was built on the very spot where the hero was born. Since then, the shrine
remains an inspiration and symbol of greatness for every Filipino. Last July 23, 2014, marked
another milestone in the history of the city, the commemoration of Mabini’s 150th Birth
Anniversary was graced by the His Excellency Benigno Simeon Aquino III, at the same time, the new
and interactive museum dedicated to the life of our hero was inaugurated.

RUINS OF OLD TANAUAN

As depicted in the 1857 map found in the Philippine National Archives shows Ruinas de Tanauan,
the first site of Tanauan is believed to be the present location of Talisay until 1754, then the violent
eruptions submerged the whole ancient town of Tanauan. Residents of the said town moved to Sala
(Bañadero). Then it settled on its present site naming it Tanauan in line with the celebration of the
feast day of St. John the Evangelist, Sala then became a barrio of Tanauan. On a hill overlooking
the lake, one can see ruins of a wall about 10-12 meters high that is believed to be the first stone
church in Tanauan.

SJE CEMETERY IN TRAPICHE

It is said to be the oldest burial ground for priests that was established during the Japanese
occupation.
ILUHAN NG TUBO / OLD TOWER IN CALE

The peasants of Tanauan were believed to be one of the most hardworking in the Province of
Batangas and produced good crops. The sugarcane tower was used by the locals and was built
during the Spanish period. It is
made of adobe blocks and approximately 20 ft. high.
NATURAL SITES

NAPAYONG ISLAND

Napayong Island offers a beautiful and serene vista from the lakeshore barangays and it is
considered as the tourism centerpiece of the city. Tracing its colorful past, during World War II, it
served as “payong” or shelter for Tanaueños to escape the vicious treatment of Japanese troops.
Today, with its rich ecotourism value, it is an ideal place for island hopping, bird watching,
trekking, camping and rappelling.

SABANG RIVER ECOPARK IN BRGY.GONZALES

Sabang River has twenty one (21) springs located at Brgy. Balele, Brgy. Janopol Occidental, Brgy.
Wawa and Brgy Gonzales which flow directly to Taal Lake separating the lakefront of barangays
Wawa and Gonzales. The river is a precious source which was primarily used by the locals as part
of their everyday living – for drinking, cleaning, washing and household water use.

TAAL LAKE and VIEW OF TAAL VOLCANO (6 LAKESHORE BARANGAYS)

The majestic Taal Lake and Volcano can be closely enjoyed in our six (6) barangays namely:
Ambulong, Bañadero, Gonzales, Wawa, Boot and Maria Paz.
FOOD AND DELICACIES

 Sumang Yakap – Glutinous rice with lihiya (lye water) is one of the famous snack and
pampasalubong of Tanauenos. Uniquely named based on how it was prepared – two rice
cakes tied together appearing as if they are embracing / hugging (magkayakap) each other.
 Nilupak Ice Cream – Cassava flavored sweetened frozen dessert
 Bulalo Ice Cream – sweetened frozen dessert with a special flavor of beef shank and bone
marrow soup

TANAUAN HISTORY
 Ang lungsod ng Tanauan ay matatagpuan sa lalawigan ng Batangas, isang lalawigan sa rehiyon ng
Timog Katagalugan sa bansang Pilipinas at kabilang sa Rehiyon IV – A CALABARZON. Ang Tanauan City ay
tinaguriang “Duyan ng mga Bayani” sapagkat maraming personalidad na nanirahan sa Tanauan ang
nagkaroon ng malaking ambag sa kasaysayan. Isa sa mga ito ay sina Apolinario Mabini, na itinuturing na “Utak
ng Himagsikan”, si Jose P. Laurel naman ay nanungkulan bilang Pangulo ng Kataas – taasang Hukuman nang
sumiklab ang Ikalawang Digmaang Pandaigdig. Pinili rin siya ng mga Hapon upang magsilbing pangulo ng
Ikalawang Republika ng Pilipinas. Tatlong personalidad rin na nagmula sa Tanauan ang nanilbihan bilang mga
gobernador ng Batangas. Ito ay sina: Jose P. Laurel, Modesto Castillo at Nicolas Gonzales.
Ang Tanauan ay may lawak na 107.16 kilometrong parisukat at may populasyon na 193,936 sa may
46,680 na kabahayan ayon sa senso ng 2020. Si Nelson “Sonny” Perez Collantes ang kasalukuyang alkalde
(mayor) at si Herminigildo G. Trinidad, Jr. naman ang bise-alkalde. Nahahati ang lungsod sa apatnaput-walong
barangay. Sinasabi na ang Barangay Darasa ay ang pinakamalaking barangay kung ang pagbabasehan ay
laki ng populasyon na binubuo ng 17,561 katao at ang barangay Santol naman ang may pinakamaliit na bilang
ng populasyon na binubuo ng 536 na katao. Ang Barangay Balele naman ang itinuturing na may
pinakamalawak na sakop na may kabuuang sukat na 620.43 kilometro kwadrado. Samantala, ang Poblacion 5
naman ang itinuturing na may pinakamaliit na barangay sa Lungsod ng Tanauan na may kabuuang sukat na
kilometro kwadrado.
Ayon sa kasaysayan, ang pangalan ng “Tanauan” ay sinasabing nagmula sa dalawang salitang “tanaw”
na ang ibig sabihin ay “tumingin o sumilip sa labas ng bintana”. Ang pangalang ito ay ibinase sa “watchtower”
na itinayo sa bayan upang mabantayan ito mula sa mga mananakop. Sinasabi pa rin na maaaring nagmula rin
ito sa salitang “tanaua” na isang halaman na tumutubo sa tabi ng lawa ng Taal. Ang bayan ng Tanauan ay
pinaniniwalaang natagpuan ng mga paring Agustino kasama ang mga katutubo. Ang Tanauan kasama ang
bayan ng Sala ay natagpuan noong 1572. Tatlong beses nailipat ang bayan ng Tanauan. Ang unang lokasyon
nito ay sa tabi ng lawa ng Taal. Lumipat ito sa Banadero at sa kasalukuyang lokasyon nito sanhi ng pagsabog
ng bulkang Taal noong 1754 na tinatayang pinakamalakas na pagsabog nito.
Ang Tanauan ay pormal na naging isang lungsod noong ika-10 ng Marso, 2001 sa bisa ng Batas
Republika Bilang (Republic Act no.) 9005 na pinirmahan ni Pangulong Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. Ang batas na
ito ay naisulong sa tulong ni Congressman Jose Macario Laurel IV.
Ang isang maunlad na bayan ay sigurado ring may maunlad na kasaysayan. Ang lungsod ng Tanauan
ay maraming maipagmamalaki sa iba’t ibang larangan. Ito man ay maging sa pagkain, mga pasyalan o
turismo, mga pagdiriwang at maging sa mga kaugalian ng mga naninirahan dito.
Ang ilan sa mga makasaysayang lugar na matatagpuan sa Tanauan ay ang Apolinario Mabini Shrine sa
Talaga na itinayo bilang pagpupugay kay Gat Apolinario Mabini. Sa museo na ito ay makikita ang lahat ng
kagamitan ni Mabini simula nang siya ay isilang hanggang sa kanyang pagkamatay. Isa pa rito ay ang
Tanauan Heritage Museum na siyang opisyal na museo ng Tanauan City. Ang bahay ni Jose P. Laurel ay
matatagpuan sa sentro ng Tanauan malapit sa simbahan ng St. John Evangelist Parish. Si Laurel ay ang
naging pangatlong pangulo ng Republika ng Pilipinas na tinagurian ding “puppet republic”.

Mga Barangay
Ang Lungsod ng Tanauan ay nahahati sa 48 na mga barangay.
 Altura Bata  Hidalgo  Poblacion 4
 Altura Matanda  Janopol  Poblacion 5
 Altura-South  Janopol Oriental  Poblacion 6
 Ambulong  Laurel  Poblacion 7
 Banadero  Luyos  Sala
 Bagbag  Mabini  Sambat
 Bagumbayan  Malaking Pulo  San Jose
 Balele  Maria Paz  Santol (Doña Jacoba
 Banjo East (Bungkalot)  Maugat Garcia)
 Banjo West (Banjo  Montaña (Ik-ik)  Santor
Laurel)  Natatas  Sulpoc
 Bilog-bilog  Pantay Matanda  Suplang
 Boot  Pantay Bata  Talaga
 Cale  Poblacion 1  Tinurik
 Darasa  Poblacion 2  Trapiche
 Pagaspas (Balokbalok)  Poblacion 3  Ulango
 Gonzales  Wawa