CAVITE

Cavite, officially the Province of Cavite (Tagalog: Lalawigan ng Kabite; Chavacano:

Provincia de Cavite), is a province in the Philippines located in the Calabarzon
region in Luzon. Located on the southern shores of Manila Bay and southwest of
Manila, it is one of the most industrialized and fastest-growing provinces in the
Philippines.
Originally an agricultural province, its northern cities of Bacoor, Imus, and
Dasmariñas (with a combined population of 1,864,560 at the 2020 Census) are now
suburbs of Manila due to increasing urbanization in the late 1900s. This province
forms part of the Greater Manila Area.

The name "Cavite" comes from the Hispanicized form of kawit or it may be a
corruption of kalawit, Tagalog words for "hook", in reference to the small hook-
shaped peninsula jutting out to Manila Bay. The name originally applied to the
peninsula, Cavite La Punta (now Cavite City) and the adjacent lowland coastal area
of Cavite Viejo (now Kawit).
Another theory proposes that the name is a Hispanicized form of kabit, Tagalog for
"joined", "connected", or "attached", referring to the peninsula's topographical
relation to the mainland. Edmund Roberts, in his 1821 memoir, stated that the
"natives" called it Caveit due to the "crooked point of land extending into the sea".

CLIMATE

Cavite belongs to Type 1 climate based on the Climate Map of the Philippines by the
Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration
(PAGASA). Being a Type 1, Cavite has two pronounced seasons the dry season,
which usually begins in November and ends in April, and the rainy season, which
starts in May and ends in October.

Cavite province lies in the western monsoon forest zone. This location is very
beneficial for the formation of tropical rainforests, which are characteristically made
through natural vegetation. In 2007, the existing forest area within the province
totaled only to 8,625 hectares (21,310 acres).
The park lies at the border of Cavite and Batangas and encompasses three peaks,
Palay-Palay, Pico de Loro and Mataas na Gulod. The five unclassified forests are
found along Tagaytay Ridge, Maragondon, Magallanes, Ternate and Alfonso. The
other mountain peaks in the province are Mt. Buntis, Mt. Nagpatong, Mt. Hulog and
Mt. Gonzales (Mt. Sungay).

Mount Pico de Loro, also known as Mount

Palay-Palay, is a dormant volcano located on
the border of Cavite and Batangas, in the
island of Luzon, Philippines. It is the highest
mountain in the province of Cavite, with an
elevation of 2,257 ft (688 m) above sea level
and the highest peak of the Mounts Palay-
Palay–Mataas-na-Gulod Protected
Landscape.[1] The mountain is one of the
ancient volcanic features of Bataan Arc.

Pico de Loro (Parrot’s Beak) refers to the Centerpiece Rock Monolith summit, named
by Spaniards as they look out from their Galleons in Manila Bay. The form of a giant
Parrot, Pico de Loro is part of the Mt Palay-Palay Mountain Range and traverses 2
municipalities from different provinces south of Manila which is Ternate of Cavite and
Nasugbu of Batangas.
 Pico de Loro Waterfalls during Rainy Season.
 13 Coves of Hamilo Coast, in Nasugbu, Batangas.
 Kaybiang Tunnel, currently the longest tunnel in the Philippines with the
length of 300 meters connecting Ternate, Cavite and Nasugbu, Batangas.
 Experience sunrise and sunset viewing in the Summit.
 Scaling the Rock Monolith Pico de Loro.

Mt Palay Palay is at 664 MASL,

considered to be the Highest Peak in
the Province of Cavite.
 Mt Palay Palay is a small mountain
range.
 Pico de Loro (Parrot’s Beak) is the
name of the Rock Monolith.
 Trail is fairly easy with gradual
assault. Some parts of the trail can
be steep and or covered in Bamboo
foliage.
 One of the mountains that are
becoming increasingly popular because of its close proximity to Manila.
 Mount Marami, or Mataas na Gulod
Boulders, is a cliff at the southern portion of
Mount Mataas na Gulod in Cavite province
on the island of Luzon, Philippines. The
mountain rises to an elevation of 633 m
(2,077 ft) above mean sea level and is one of
the ancient volcanic features of Bataan Arc.

Production land-use
Majority of production land-use is for agriculture. Considering that 50.33% of the total
provincial land area is engaged in agriculture, it can be generalized that in spite of
rapid urbanization in the province, Cavite remains to have an agricultural economy
that makes food security attainable. Some of the major crops being produced in the
province are rice, corn, coffee, coconuts, cut flowers and vegetables.
Included in the agricultural land use are livestock farms that range from piggery,
poultry, goat and cattle farms. The climatic suitability of Cavite makes the province
ideal for integrated farming, having crops and livestock raising in one farm.

Fishery is also another major component of the agricultural sector. Having rich
marine resources and long coastlines, the province is home to numerous fishery
activities providing livelihood to many Caviteños. In some lowland and even upland
areas, fishery, in the form of fish ponds are also producing a large amount of fish
products. Some areas in Cavite are also engaged in fish processing and production
of fish products like fish sauce.

Mining is the third component of production land-use in the province. As of 2009,

there are 15 mining and quarrying areas operating in Cavite. Extraction includes
filling materials, gravel, and sand.

CULTURE

The province of Cavite celebrates festivals as forms of thanksgiving for a bountiful

harvest. Some of these festivals are also observed in honor of the historical legacies
passed from one generation to another generation. In fact, the province fetes the
renowned Kalayaan Festival which is given a great social importance in
commemoration of the heroism of its people. The annual Fiesta de la Reina del
Provincia de Cavite is a grandiose fiesta celebration in honor of the patroness of the
province, the Nuestra Señora de la Soledad de Porta Vaga. The image is enshrined
at San Roque Church in Cavite City. Her feastday is celebrated every 2nd and 3rd
Sunday of November.
Our Lady of the Porta Vaga (Spanish: Nuestra Señora de la Soledad de Porta
Vaga, Filipino: Birhen ng Porta Vaga) is a Roman Catholic Marian title of the Blessed
Virgin Mary associated with a venerated Marian painting.
The oldest dated Marian painting in the Philippines and the Patroness of Cavite is
permanently enshrined at the Diocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Solitude of Porta
Vaga, Parish of San Roque.

Traditions and fiesta celebrations include Mardicas, a war dance held in Ternate
town. Fluvial parades carrying the image of Sto. Niño are held and continue in the
streets of the municipality and ends in the churchyard.
Karakol and street dancing in beautiful and colorful costumes with marching band
music are held.

SPECIAL EVENTS
 Foundation Day
Cavite Province celebrates its foundation every March 10
 Birthday of Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo
This is celebrated every March 22 in commemoration of the birth of the First
President of the Republic.
 Independence Day
This is celebrated every June 12 in Kawit as a re-enactment of the historic
proclamation of Philippine independence at the mansion of Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo.
“Araw ng Kagitingan” is a national holiday every April 9 through Proclamation No.
655, 2013. This remembers the formal surrender of the Filipino and American forces
to the Imperial Japanese Forces in Bataan on April 9, 1942 – known as the fall of
Bataan.
Cavite is located in southern Luzon and has become a residential hub given its
proximity to Metro Manila. Dubbed as the “Land of the Brave” and the “History
Capital of the Philippines,” Cavite is the birthplace of several heroes and became a
significant province that prompted the Philippine Revolution against Spanish rule.
Please get to know the brave Filipino breed that continues to exude inspiration for us
to fight modern-day battles.

Emilio Aguinaldo
Born in Kawit, Cavite on March 22, 1869, Aguinaldo joined the Philippine
revolutionary society, Kataastaasan, Kagalanggalangang Katipunan ng mga Anak ng
Bayan (KKK), in 1895. He scored many wins in Cavite Province when the revolution
against the Spaniards began. He was exiled to Hong Kong but continued to support
his troops by supplying weapons. His struggle to free the country from Spain became
successful. On June 12, 1898, Aguinaldo waved the national flag in Kawit, Cavite, to
mark the independence. His sacrifices made him one of the significant reasons
Cavite was regarded as the “History Capital of the Philippines.”

The 13 Martyrs
Thirteen brave patriots have significantly contributed to the 1896 Philippine
Revolution. They worked with the Katipunan to revolt against the Spaniards. They
are heroes from different walks of life: some are from wealthy families, some are
business owners, and some are professionals. Ten of the martyrs who affected the
burst of the revolution were Freemasons. They were:

 Alfonso de Ocampo
  Eugenio Cabezas
 Jose Lallana
 Feliciano Cabuso
 Hugo Perez
 Maximo Inocencio
 Luis Aguado
 Severino Lapidario
 Victoriano Luciano, and
 Maximo Gregorio
Non-masons, meanwhile, were:
 Antonio de San Agustin
 Agapito Conchu, and
 Francisco Osorio

SEVERAL HISTORICAL SITES IN CAVITE

Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo Shrine

This shrine shines with success after the
struggle. The Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo
Shrine, the Cavite-born hero’s ancestral
home, witnessed the Philippine
Independence from Spain declaration on
June 12, 1898. The Philippine Flag was
hoisted for the first time. The Philippine
National Anthem was played in this
historical site of independence.

Bonifacio Trial House

After rejecting the revolutionary
government, Andres Bonifacio was
arrested by Emilio Aguinaldo. Bonifacio
Trial House was Teodorico Reyes’
ancestral home. It witnessed Bonifacio’s
trial over treason and sedition and,
eventually, the sentencing of his death.
You can visit this historical site at Col. C.
Riel, Maragodon, Cavite.

Tejeros Convention Site

 The earnest desire of the Filipinos to gain
independence was witnessed in this
location. Filipino Revolutionaries gathered
for their 115th convention, also called the
Tejeros Assembly and Tejeros Congress,
on March 22, 1897. The Katipunan
Magdalo and Magdiwang factions met
here, leading to forming a Revolutionary
Government headed by Gen. Emilio
Aguinaldo.

Julian Felipe Monument

It might be hard to express nationalism
through words. Thanks to the Philippine
National Anthem, the “Lupang Hinirang,”
formerly known as the “Marcha Nacional
Filipina,” for summarizing our sincere love
for the country. Of course, we pay tribute
to its composer, Don Julian Felipe. Felipe
was born in Cavite and was a teacher and
composer. The nation remembers him
through a monument you can visit in Santa
Cruz, Cavite City.

Corregidor Island
This fortress island witnessed several
battles and is now being visited for the war-
caused marks. The ruins tell the extreme
conflict during World War II on Corregidor
Island. Here, you can find the torn buildings,
tunnels, and signs that the island housed
the soldiers during the war, with the
swimming pool, shops, and movie theaters
present. At the island’s highest point stands
the lighthouse, which dates to 1853. It is
considered the oldest landmark on Corregidor Island.
Gen. Trias Municipal Town And Old Church
This historical structure holds some of the
uprising stories in Cavite. Suppose you are
amused by how a Caviteño came up with
the national anthem’s lyrics. In that case,
you might as well recognize the band
members who first sang the “Marcha
Nacional Filipina.” This church in Gen. Trias
witnessed the rehearsal by its senior band
members before the Philippine
Independence declaration. The next time
you line up for the flag-raising ceremony, may you also remember the history-rich
Gen. Trias, Cavite.
References:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cavite
http://www.pala-lagaw.com/2014/09/mountain-mt-palay-palay-mt-pico-de-loro.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Our_Lady_of_Porta_Vaga
https://bluedreamer27.com/cavite-city-celebrates-feast-day-lady-solitude-porta-vaga-
canonical-coronation-declaration-national-cultural-treasure/
https://cavite.gov.ph/home/events/mardicas-festival/
https://www.pinoyadventurista.com/2012/10/dancing-karakol-with-nana-pilar.html
https://www.camella.com.ph/a-walk-into-the-past-of-cavite-the-land-of-the-brave/