MAJAYJAY, LAGUNA, CALABARZON, PHILIPPINES

Majayjay, officially the Municipality of Majayjay, is a 4th class municipality in the

province of Laguna, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 27,893
people. It is located at the foot of Mount Banahaw, and stands 1,000 feet above sea level. One
hundred twenty kilometers south of Manila, it is bounded by the municipality of Magdalena on the
north-west, by Lucban in Quezon province on the southeast, by Luisiana on the north-east, and by
Liliw on the west. Majayjay has the Taytay Falls, also called the Majayjay Falls or Imelda Falls,
because ex-First Lady Imelda Marcos financed the promotion of tourism in this place. It is a two-
storey high falls located in a remote scenery where the forestry is abundant. To reach Taytay Falls,
one has to go down the stone steps leading to a kilometer-long trail. Constructed in 2008, during
the past, reaching Taytay Falls is a very hard task, as there were no marked trails during that time.
Recently, the World Bank has sponsored the promotion of tourism in Taytay Falls.

It is called Majayjay because it is a mountain place. And, the people is saying hay hay. And
it become Majayjay Indigenous residents use to call it Malay Barangay. The Spanish colonial
government made it a town in 1571.

During this period, Malay Barangay was one of the most populated settlements in the newly
founded province. It competed with Bay and Pagsanjan during the selection of the province's
capital.

The popularity of this new town grew instantly during the Spanish period. Its location at
the foot of the mountain gave it an abundant supply of fresh mountain spring water. Four rivers
flowed through the town. They were Initian, Oobi and Ula, from the towering mountain, and
Balanac from the falls of Botocan where all the three rivers meet.

Botocan Falls and the town's scenery were uniquely famous. Europeans and wealthy
natives from Manila frequently visited the town. However, the road to Malay Barangay was tough.
Guests have to be ferried from Manila through the Pasig River to Laguna de Bay. Land travel
began by mounting on horses through a path in the forest, and then borne by natives in hammocks
on the way up to Malay Barangay.

As to how Malay Barangay got its name Majayjay, residents assume that Spaniards found
it difficult to pronounce Malay Barangay. Early colonizers may have shortened it to Malay-ay,
until it became Majayjay. Legends, however say that it was the difficult journey to Majayjay, which
gave the town its name. Tired travelers sighed, “Hay!” after scaling a cliff, “Hay!” after ascending
a hill, and “Hay!” after crossing a raging river. Thus, guests referred to the place “Mahayhay,”
meaning, many sighs. Spaniards spelled it “Majayjay.”

Immediately after the conversion of the natives of Malay Barangay, a makeshift church
was built near May-it River. Fire destroyed it in 1578. Believers built a new church made of
bamboo and cogon thatch to refurbish the former. However, fire again razed it to the ground. This
time, the faithful built a stone church, but it again smoldered to ashes. The residents wondered. In
spite of the repeated incidents of fire, the image of their Patron Saint, San Gregorio Papa Magno
remained miraculously unscathed.
Through the efforts of Padre José de Puertollano, contributions enforced from parishioners,
and forced labor of the natives, a new elegant church rose in Majayjay. It took nineteen years,
incalculable donations and countless lash marks that scarred the backs of languid natives to finish
the church. The church's completion in 1730 put it in the list of the most elegant churches in the
province.

SITE LOCATION & PHOTOS

GEOGRAPHY
The municipal center of Majayjay is situated at approximately 14° 9' North, 121° 28' East,
in the island of Luzon. Elevation at these coordinates is estimated at 288.6 meters or 946.5 feet
above mean sea level.

Based on the great-circle distance (the shortest distance between two points over the
surface of the Earth), the cities closest to Majayjay are San Pablo, Laguna, Tayabas,
Quezon, Lucena, Calamba, Laguna, Tanauan, Batangas, and Santo Tomas, Batangas. The nearest
municipalities are Liliw, Laguna, Luisiana, Laguna, Nagcarlan, Laguna, Magdalena,
Laguna, Rizal, Laguna, and Lucban, Quezon. Its distance from the national capital is
72.44 kilometers (45.02 miles). The following list delineates such distance measurements.
TOPOGRAPHY
Majayjay is geographically a landlocked area
situated in the southernmost part of the province of
Laguna. It nestles at the foot of the mystical Mt.
Banahaw, and due to its higher altitude at some 2,700+
ft above sea level, the town makes for a good vacation
destination during summer season in the Philippines. It
was once branded as the Summer Capital of the
Philippines 300–400 years ago during Spanish era
where most of the huge names in the Spanish colonial
Philippines visited this humble place. Other sights
along the streets are the remnants of the said era for
Spanish-inspired houses still stand at random key
locations mostly in the town square. Famous and
affluent families then still have their ancestral houses
maintained.
Name: Majayjay topographic map, elevation, terrain.
Location: Majayjay, Laguna, Calabarzon, Philippines (14.06786 121.43648 14.19532
121.51789)
Average elevation: 488 m
Minimum elevation: 43 m
Maximum elevation: 2,136 m

DEMOGRAPHICS
Households
 The household population of Majayjay in the
2015 Census was 27,716 broken down into 6,624
households or an average of 4.18 members per
household.

Population by age group

According to the 2015 Census, the age group with
the highest population in Majayjay is 15 to 19, with 2,873
individuals. Conversely, the age group with the lowest
population is 80 and over, with 291 individuals.

Historical population
The population of Majayjay grew from
5,800 in 1903 to 27,893 in 2020, an increase of
22,093 people over the course of 117 years. The
latest census figures in 2020 denote a positive
growth rate of 0.08%, or an increase of 101 people,
from the previous population of 27,792 in 2015.

Majayjay Climate Summary

Located at an elevation of None
meters (0 feet) above sea level, Majayjay has
a Tropical monsoon climate (Classification:
Am). The district’s yearly temperature is
27.39ºC (81.3ºF) and it is 0.17% higher than
Philippines’s averages. Majayjay typically
receives about 156.58 millimeters (6.16
inches) of precipitation and has 226.21 rainy
days (61.98% of the time) annually.
CDRA FOR MAJAYJAY, LAGUNA
The UP Resilience Institute (UPRI) and the UP NOAH Center assisted the Municipality
of Majayjay, Laguna in developing their Climate and Disaster Risk Assessment (CDRA) and
formulating their People’s Survival Fund (PSF) proposal. With the goal of minimizing the adverse
impacts of climate change and helping the municipality plan better, the UPRI and the UP NOAH
Center conducted CDRA with the use of science-based probabilistic hazard maps. The results of
the CDRA were highly valuable input to the formulation of the PSF proposal of the municipality
that aims to reduce exposure, lessen sensitivities, and increase adaptive capacities of the
locality. The outputs of this partnership will greatly assist the LGUs identify areas that require
priority response, formulate well-informed decisions, anticipate future scenarios brought about by
climate change, and transform the Municipality of Majayjay from a climate-vulnerable to a
climate-smart municipality.

The Municipality of Majayjay in the Province of Laguna lies about 120 kilometers
southeast ofManila. It is situated at the foot of Mount Banahaw and has an average elevation of
1,000 meters above sea level (masl). The town is bounded by the Municipality of Magdalena on
the north, Liliw on the west, Lucban, Quezon on the east, and Mount Banahaw on the south. Its
total land area is measured at 7,342.9 hectares, which is distributed among 40 barangays
Currently, 4,061.45 hectares is dedicated for agricultural and agro-industrial uses. This is
approximately fifty-five percent (55%) of Majayjay’s total land area. Out of this, 975.97 hectares
(13.29%) is planted with rice, while 2,086.27 hectares (28.41%) is for coconut, which is
considered as the major crop of Majayjay. (Municipality of Majayjay, 2018). Majayjay envisions
to offer a safe and ecologically balanced environment to its empowered citizens and become a
premiere center for organic agriculture and eco-cultural tourism in Laguna, which is progressive,
investor friendly, globally competitive and responsibly administered by a transparent government
(Municipality of Majayjay, 2018).

Consistent with its vision, the municipality acknowledges the need to address the
adverse impacts of climate change and disaster risks and manage other relevant hazards to achieve
its goals and attain development that is sustainable and resilient. To help in addressing the impacts
of climate change and disaster risk, the municipality intends to tap the People’s Survival Fund
(PSF), a special fund in the National Treasury for the financing of adaptation programs and
projects based on the National Strategic Framework. The PSF can be used for adaptation activities,
improvement of the monitoring of vector-borne diseases triggered by climate change, forecasting
and early warning systems, strengthening or establishment of regional centers and information
networks to support climate change, and other adaptation programs (RA 10174, 2012). Accessing
the PSF requires the proponents to have data on climate-related stimuli, hazards, and impacts;
climate baseline information and observations; projects and corresponding risk and vulnerability
of the locality; and exposed population, sectors, and areas. In line with this, UPRI in collaboration
with the Municipality of Majayjay, conducted a climate and disaster risk assessment (CDRA)
workshop attended by LGU representatives from different offices. The CDRA is composed of a
climate change vulnerability assessment (CCVA) and a disaster risk assessment (DRA).
 During the workshop, Majayjay reviewed its seasonal climate projections, and observed
that its temperatures and volume of rainfall will increase in the coming decades. Based on this,
the productivity of its agricultural sector will be impacted as its water supply and soil conditions
will change, thereby affecting the overall land suitability. These climate stimuli (increase in
temperature and rainfall) were further analyzed by the various municipal stakeholders using an
impact chain diagram (ICD), and identified the potential effects that these could cause. The ICD
provides an overview of both direct and indirect potential impacts of climate hazards and its
implications to the physical, economic, social, and environmental aspects of a community. It
exemplifies the cause-effect relations that characterizes the potential impacts of climate change
and hazards on different sectors of concern. Results of the ICD reflect that the increase in rainfall
may translate to higher flooding incidences, while the increase in temperature could result in
drought.

UPRI also provided the municipality high-resolution, probabilistic baseline and

climate change-adjusted hydro-meteorological hazard maps that were produced by running
hazard simulations which would be used for the CCVA and DRA. The hazard simulations were
done based on Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s (IPCC) Representative
Concentration Pathways (RCPs), which were downscaled by the Philippine Atmospheric
Geophysical and Administrative Services (PAGASA) for years 2020-2049 and 2050-2079 using
RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5. The selected RCPs were based on the country’s capability to sustain climate
change adaptation strategies. According to PAGASA, RCP 4.5 (medium-range scenario) and RCP
8.5 (high-range scenario) are the most appropriate scenarios to be used as basis for climate change
projections in the case of the Philippines.

Additionally, the rainfall data was also used as the primary input in the simulations of
climate change-adjusted hydro-meteorological hazard maps (i.e. floods and rain-induced
landslides). Based on the CDRA and ICD, Majayjay together with UP RI, determined the decision
areas and drafted risk-sensitive policy interventions that would enable the municipality to adapt to
the adverse impacts of the hazards induced by the changing climate, such as drought, floods and
landslides. This includes the strengthening of the municipality’s agricultural livelihood through
the establishment of a Resilient Water Management System (RWMS) and the Climate Field School
(CFS). The CFS will develop climate-smart agricultural techniques, while RWMS addresses the
excess or deficiency of water supply.

Majayjay and UPRI drafted a PSF proposal to access the fund that will allow the
municipality to attain and sustain risk-sensitive environmental management and climate-smart
socio-economic development. The projects in the proposal, RWMS and CFS, seek to enhance
Majayjay’s capacity to address and adapt to the effects of climate change, while also boosting the
productivity of its agricultural sector through scientific research and through the adoption of
reliable and appropriate climate-smart and socially-just agriculture technologies and techniques.

A large part of Majayjay’s economy is dependent on the agricultural sector. As they say, “it
is considered to be the driving force of overall economic growth because the increase in
agricultural productivity results to an increase in the income of farmers and farm workers, and an
enhanced purchasing power among consumers” (CALABARZON Regional Development Plan
2017-2022). The local government of Majayjay will promote agriculture, not only to its
constituents but also to the Province of Laguna and to the whole of CALABARZON region. The
promotion will start through intensive information, education, and communication (IEC)
campaigns which will focus on highlighting the significant role of agriculture in the economic
development of the municipality and identifying how to minimize and/or adapt to the impacts of
climate change to agriculture through inculcating best practices that will help maximize the returns
of agricultural activities among farmers, and other stakeholders.

In order to sustain the gains from the proposed projects, the Municipality of Majayjay
will partner with the UPRI, University of the Philippines – Los Baños (UPLB), Laguna State
Polytechnic University (LSPU), and the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) Region IV-A.
UP RI, UPLB and LSPU will help in developing the capacity of the relevant stakeholders, provide
technical assistance in integrating CCA and DRR in the local development plans, assist in the
design of the CFS and its curriculum, and conduct joint research on best agricultural practices and
technologies. Additionally, NIA Region IV-A could aid Majayjay in its irrigation expansion.

References:
Municipality of Majayjay. (2018). Comprehensive Land Use Plan 2018-2027. Majayjay:
Municipality of Majayjay.

RA 10174. (2012, August 16). An act establishing the People’s Survival Fund to provide
long-term finance streams to enable the government to effectively address the problem of climate
change, amending for the purpose Republic Act No. 9729, otherwise known as the “Climate
Change Act of 2009”, and for other purposes.

LAND USE MAP OF MAJAYJAY, LAGUNA AND WATERSHED BOUNDARIES OF

LUCBAN AND MAJAYJAY RIVERS TRAVERSING THE TOWN.
EARTHQUAKE INDUCED LANDSLIDE HAZARD MAP
TRANSPORTATION
Visiting the town is very accessible and convenient in all its four (4) entry points:
Magdalena-Majayajay road to the north, Liliw-Majayjay road to the west, Luisiana-Majayjay road
to the east, and Lucban-Majayjay road to the south. Public utility vehicles are dispersed such as
the local jeepneys and tricycles based in the town center.

COMMUNICATION
The town of Majayjay possesses different communication lines including PLDT, and
cellular communications such as Globe, and Smart. Any travelers would find this place very
convenient in accessing the online, digital world during their vacation trip.

GROUND WATER RESOURCES

Laguna Water obtains 100% of its raw water from ground water sources. 92% percent of
the company’s water supply comes from deep wells dug at 180 meters to reach the aquifer of
excellent quality. The remaining 8 percent comes from Matang Tubig Spring situated at Barangay
Casile in Cabuyao City.
Deep Wells
Currently, Laguna Water manages 115 deep wells in Laguna,
including those located in Laguna Technopark, Inc.

Matang Tubig Spring

Laguna Water also obtains water from a spring water source in
Cabuyao, Matang Tubig Spring {MTS). According to the Department of
Environment and Natural Resources, water from MTS is considered AA
quality.

Laguna Well Field

Laguna Well Field, situated at the Laguna Technopark Inc. Annex in

Biñan, is one of the largest ground water facilities in the Philippines. It has
total area of 10,000 square meters and has a supply capacity of 100 million liters of water
per day.

SEWERAGE SYSTEM

Sewered systems are best offered to industrial parks, central business districts and high-
end gated communities as laying of sewer pipes is more feasible. Through sewer networks, the
wastewater directly flows to the Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) where it undergoes a cleaning
process.

Currently, Laguna Water is managing the sewerage system of Laguna Technopark, Inc.
(LTI), where it treats an average of 4.2 million liters of wastewater per day. The domestic
wastewater of industrial plants which mostly produce electronic parts, semiconductors, motor
components and metal products is conveyed through sewer pipelines to the treatment facility. A
biological treatment technology that utilizes aerobic bacteria to degrade the organics in the
wastewater is applied in the STP prior being discharged to the Sta. Rosa River.

POWER SUPPLY

TELECOMMUNICATION FACILITY
 Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co.
Telecommunication
San Vicente San Vicente St. Laguna
Tel: (049)847-7196
 PILIPINO TELEPHONE CORPORATION
TELECOMMUNICATION
HEMEDEZ CPD.- BRGY. NIUGAN Cabuyao Laguna
Tel: (049) 511-2052
 PHILIPPINE LONG DISTANCE TELEPHONE COMPANY
Telecommunication
C. COLAGO AVENUE, BRGY. I-A San Pablo Laguna
 Ke-Ai Telecom
Telecommunication
Nueva 16 Garcia St. Laguna
Tel: (049)869-0382/520-0865
 BP Tolentino Telecom Center
Telecommunication
Nueva Smile Building, National Highway Laguna
Tel: (049)520-4902
 DIGITAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS PHILS., INC.
TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES
J.P. RIZAL BLVD., LABAS Santa Rosa Laguna
 DIGITEL MOBILE PHILS., INC. (THE SUNSHOP EXPRESS)
TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES
J.P. RIZAL BLVD., LABAS Santa Rosa Laguna
 GLOBE TELECOM, INC.
TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES
2/F, SM CITY SANTA ROSA, TAGAPO Santa Rosa Laguna
 J-COMM TELECOMMUNICATION CENTER
Telecommunication
COLUMBUS ST. MANHATTAN VILL. BRGY. SAN FRANCISCO, San Pablo Laguna
 Pilipino Cable Corporation
Telecommunication
San Vicente Unit 6 Building 2 Centro Pacita, Pacita Complex 1 Laguna
Tel: (049)808-2253
REFERENCES:

Microso Bing Travel - Majayjay

Telecommunica on in Laguna - Philippine Business Directory Results - Page (philippinecompanies.com)

REGION IV - A - FLECO - Energy Regulatory Commission (erc.gov.ph)

h ps://www.erc.gov.ph/ContentPage/262

https://www.philatlas.com/luzon/r04a/laguna/majayjay.html
https://tcktcktck.org/philippines/laguna/majayjay/april-2020
Majayjay, Laguna – UP Resilience Ins tute

Land use map of Majayjay, Laguna and watershed boundaries of Lucban and... | Download Scien fic
Diagram (researchgate.net)