Majayjay
Mayhay
Mayhay
Municipality of Majayjay
Clockwise from the top: Taytay Falls, Saint Gregory the Great Parish Church, Town Proper, Ancestral House, Chapel of Nuestra Señora de la Portería (Ermita).
Flag of Majayjay
Official seal of Majayjay
Nickname(s): 
Mahayhay, Majay, Mayhay
Map of Laguna with Majayjay highlighted
Map of Laguna with Majayjay highlighted
OpenStreetMap
Majayjay is located in Philippines
Majayjay
Majayjay
Location within the Philippines
Coordinates: 14°08′47″N 121°28′22″E / 14.1463°N 121.4729°E / 14.1463; 121.4729
CountryPhilippines
RegionCalabarzon
ProvinceLaguna
District 4th district
FoundedOctober 2, 1571
Barangays40 (see Barangays)
Government
[1]
  TypeSangguniang Bayan
  MayorRomeo P. Amorado
  Vice MayorJuan Ariel A. Argañosa Jr.
  RepresentativeMaria Jamina Katherine B. Agarao
  Municipal Council
Members
  Electorate20,280 voters (2022)
Area
  Total69.58 km2 (26.86 sq mi)
Elevation
500 m (1,600 ft)
Highest elevation
2,173 m (7,129 ft)
Lowest elevation
27 m (89 ft)
Population
 (2020 census)[3]
  Total27,893
  Density400/km2 (1,000/sq mi)
  Households
7,026
Economy
  Income class4th municipal income class
  Poverty incidence
3.12
% (2018)[4]
  Revenue118.3 million (2020)
  Assets218.1 million (2020)
  Expenditure96.3 million (2020)
  Liabilities54.54 million (2020)
Service provider
  ElectricityManila Electric Company (Meralco)
Time zoneUTC+8 (PST)
ZIP code
4005
PSGC
IDD:area code+63(0)49
Native languagesTagalog

Majayjay, officially known as the Municipality of Majayjay (Tagalog: Bayan ng Majayjay), is a 4th class municipality in the province of Laguna, Philippines. According to its 2020 census, it has a population of 27,893 people.[3]

It is located at the foot of Mount Banahaw and stands 1,000 feet (300 m) above sea level. Located 120 kilometers (75 mi) 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.

Etymology

The original name of Majayjay was Malay Barangay, but many residents assume that Spaniards found it difficult to pronounce this, which may have led to early colonizers shortening 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 supposedly sighed, “Hay!” after scaling a cliff, “Hay!” after ascending a hill, and “Hay!” after crossing a raging river.[5] Thus, guests referred to the place as “Mahayhay,” meaning many sighs, and the Spaniards then spelled this “Majayjay.”

History

The old Puente de Capricho, an unfinished bridge built in the 1850s

In 1571, The Spanish colonial government made Majayjay into a town,[6] which at the time 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 the new town grew instantly during the Spanish period, in part due to its location at the foot of the mountain, which gave it an abundant supply of fresh mountain spring water. Four rivers flowed through the town: Initian, Oobi, Olla, and Balanac (from the falls of Botocan) where all the rivers meet.

Botocan Falls and the town's scenery were uniquely famous, which led to many Europeans and wealthy natives from Manila frequently visiting the town. However, the road to Malay Barangay was considered to be 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 to be borne by natives in hammocks on the way up to Malay Barangay.

Immediately after the conversion of the natives of Malay Barangay, a makeshift church was built near the May-it River, but it was destroyed by a fire in 1578. Believers built a new church made of bamboo and cogon thatch, however, another fire again destroyed it. A stone church was then built, which also was burnt down. In spite of the repeated incidents of fire, the image of their Patron Saint, San Gregorio Papa Magno survived.

Through the efforts of Padre José de Puertollano, contributions enforced by parishioners, and forced labor of the natives, a new church was built in 1730, taking nineteen years.

Geography

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 popular vacation destination during summer in the Philippines. It was once branded as the 'Summer Capital of the Philippines' 300–400 years ago during the Spanish era, when most of the huge names in the Spanish colonial Philippines visited the area. Other sights along the streets include the remnants of the said era of Spanish-inspired houses that still stand at random key locations, mostly in the town square. Famous and affluent families still have their ancestral houses maintained.

Climate

Majayjay is classified as Am in the Köppen–Geiger climate classification, which refers to a tropical monsoon climate. There is significant rainfall in most months of the year, with the annual rainfall averaging 2571 mm, and the precipitation between the driest month and the wettest month differing by 332 mm. The short dry season has little effect on the overall climate. The temperature here averages 25.8 °C, and during the year, the average temperatures vary by 3.2 °C. The warmest month of the year is May, with an average temperature of 27.4 °C. January has the lowest average temperature of the year, which is 24.2 °C.

Climate data for Majayjay, Laguna
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Mean daily maximum °C (°F) 25
(77)
26
(79)
28
(82)
30
(86)
30
(86)
29
(84)
28
(82)
27
(81)
27
(81)
27
(81)
26
(79)
25
(77)
27
(81)
Mean daily minimum °C (°F) 19
(66)
19
(66)
19
(66)
20
(68)
22
(72)
23
(73)
22
(72)
22
(72)
22
(72)
21
(70)
21
(70)
20
(68)
21
(70)
Average precipitation mm (inches) 52
(2.0)
35
(1.4)
27
(1.1)
27
(1.1)
82
(3.2)
124
(4.9)
163
(6.4)
144
(5.7)
145
(5.7)
141
(5.6)
100
(3.9)
102
(4.0)
1,142
(45)
Average rainy days 12.0 8.1 8.8 9.7 17.9 22.6 26.2 24.5 24.6 22.0 16.7 14.9 208
Source: Meteoblue[7]

Barangays

Majayjay is politically subdivided into 40 barangays,[8] which is the smallest administrative division in the Philippines. Each barangay consists of puroks, or unofficial divisions within a barangay, and some barangays also have sitios, which are also another unofficial division in a barangay.

Barangay Name Barangay Chairman[9] Philippine Standard
Geographic Codes Code
Urban/Rural Population
(2020 Census)
Amonoy Onofre O. Barba 043416001 Rural 150
Bakia Carlos P. Evanoso Jr. 043416002 Rural 512
Balanac Digna R. Breganza 043416004 Rural 51
Balayong Ryan Emmanuel C. Conejos 043416005 Rural 73
Banilad Ricarte O. Solison 043416007 Rural 204
Banti Matias M. Palentinos 043416008 Rural 82
Bitaoy Federico R. Borines 043416010 Rural 196
Botocan Roman T. Bojabe 043416011 Rural 931
Bukal Nestor J. Cube 043416003 Rural 745
Burgos Genaro A. Villaraza 043416012 Rural 147
Burol Ariel M. Argañosa 043416013 Rural 43
Coralao Mauro V. Bravante 043416014 Rural 495
Gagalot Crisostomo U. Mercurio 043416015 Rural 923
Ibabang Banga Rosana C. Marquez 043416016 Rural 835
Ibabang Bayucain Orlando S. Patron 043416017 Rural 172
Ilayang Banga Suela Josephine A. Mauricio 043416018 Rural 1,187
Ilayang Bayucain Alan G. Expression 043416019 Rural 84
Isabang Mylyn R. Comendador 043416020 Rural 150
Malinao Beny P. Trovela 043416021 Rural 752
May-It Crispin F. Rivera 043416022 Rural 159
Munting Kawayan Nicanor T. Esteba 043416023 Rural 744
Olla Dindo B. Arasa 043416025 Rural 1,009
Oobi Leonida P. Gripo 043416024 Rural 730
Origuel (Poblacion) Quennie Grace N. Macam 043416026 Urban 1,446
Panalaban Francisca G. Mirano 043416027 Rural 67
Pangil Jeffrey E. Zornosa 043416029 Rural 817
Panglan Eladio J. Codera 043416028 Rural 441
Piit Marianito T. Rondilla 043416030 Rural 700
Pook Romeo G. Gripo 043416031 Rural 121
Rizal Juan V. Borines 043416032 Rural 301
San Francisco (Poblacion) Juliana E. Oates 043416033 Urban 2,899
San Isidro Joel S. Bomuel 043416034 Rural 613
San Miguel (Poblacion) Guillermo T. Valderrama 043416035 Urban 4,132
San Roque Ritche B. Garcia 043416036 Rural 110
Santa Catalina (Poblacion) Onofre G. Andaya 043416037 Urban 2,042
Suba Yolando U. Lagon 043416038 Rural 2,099
Talortor Arcadio A. Ernieta 043416041 Rural 1,105
Tanawan Celso R. Rubiales 043416039 Rural 85
Taytay Bonifacio R. Consebido 043416040 Rural 415
Villa Nogales Mario Arnildo M. Sobreviñas 043416042 Rural 126

Demographics

Population census of Majayjay
YearPop.±% p.a.
1903 5,800    
1918 6,410+0.67%
1939 7,543+0.78%
1948 7,753+0.31%
1960 9,906+2.06%
1970 12,316+2.20%
1975 13,182+1.37%
1980 13,699+0.77%
1990 15,875+1.49%
1995 18,989+3.41%
2000 22,159+3.36%
2007 23,681+0.92%
2010 26,547+4.25%
2015 27,792+0.88%
2020 27,893+0.07%
Source: Philippine Statistics Authority[10][11][12][13]
Poblacion with town hall on right, public market on left, and St. Gregory church in the background.

In the 2020 census, the population of Majayjay was 27,893 people,[3] with a density of 400 inhabitants per square kilometer or 1,000 inhabitants per square mile.

Economy

The town boasts a line of shanties of budding small enterprises mostly selling indigenous farm crops along its main road.

Tourism

St Gregory the Great Parish Church
1. Saint Gregory the Great Parish Church
Majayjay is home to one of the oldest Roman Catholic churches in the Philippines, the Saint Gregory the Great Parish Church. It was built in 1575 through forced labour by the town folks. Inside the church are antique statues of saints brought by the Spaniards in the early era of propagating Christianity. It is somehow true to every church built in the country experienced arson (1576, 1606, and 1660) but later underwent reconstructions and rehabilitation works. Atop the roof of the church is seen the scenic view of Laguna de Bay.
Taytay Falls
2. Taytay Falls
Majayjay is also home to the Taytay Falls. Others call it the Majayjay Falls or even Imelda Falls because ex-First Lady Imelda Marcos financed the promotion of tourism in this place. It is a two-story high fall located in remote scenery where forestry is abundant. To reach Taytay Falls, one has to go down the stone steps leading to a kilometre-long trail, constructed in 2008. Recently, the World Bank has sponsored the promotion of tourism in Taytay Falls.
3. Dalitiwan Resort
Dalitiwan Resort is well known for being a running water-typed resort showcasing icy cold water flowing from Mount Banahaw Springs. It is located in barangay Ilayang Banga. To get there, you'll have to ride a jeep or a trike for 3 minutes or so from the town proper going far down the area before ascending to the zigzag road.
4. Costales Nature Farm
Costales Nature Farm is well known for its unique way of cultivating agricultural and farm products. Organic farming which was first introduced in Majayjay, became a boom and a success. Many people who are after doing the same technique usually visit the farm located in Barangay Gagalot.
5. Coconut Arrack
Commonly called Lambanog. This lambanog is a liquor produced from the extracted Tuba, a sap that is gotten from the coconut tree. However, as you pass along the National Highways, you can probably see Mangangarit skillfully climbing the tree and gliding all the way from one tree to another with the use of two bamboo logs horizontally knotted. There are several stores selling this type of wine, for you to experience its taste just visit the town.
6. Puente de Capriccio
In Rizal's El Filibusterismo, he spoke of an old Spanish bridge made of stone in the year 1851. It was a one-arch bridge since it was not finished, early natives put a bamboo footbridge to connect the opposite sides to make it accessible. Puente de Capriccio was initiated by Spanish Franciscan priest Victoriano del Moral. But the priest was cruel and autocratic, anyone who did not labour in the construction would be later punished by whipping the buttocks. The workers were reportedly not paid a single centavo. Because of his cruelty, the workers campaigned against him, thus, the bridge's construction never resumed since 1851. The bridge is still standing firm today crossing the Olla River. It is called Tulay ng Pige (Bridge of Buttocks) by modern Majayjayenos. The bridge now symbolizes the defiance of Filipino workers against the oppressive Spanish colonialists during the colonial period.
7. Mount Banahaw
Majayjay is located at the foot of this majestic mountain. In the early Spanish era, Mount Banahaw was called Monte de Majayjay, because it was the town the only way to travel to the mountain. Many European elites visited the town because of its fresh air and the scenic view of Mount Banahaw.
8. Carayan Resort
A resort right at the heart of Majayjay, Laguna, foothills near Mt. Banahaw situated in Barangay Panglan, Majayjay, Laguna - Philippines.
9. Scenic View Resort and Restaurant
Located in Brgy. Ilayang Banga.
10. APA Farms
11. Hillarion's Heritage Farm
12. Bukal Falls
Popular to most tourists as the Enchanted Falls
13. Botocan Hydroelectric Power Plant and Dam
It is the first hydroelectric power plant ever constructed in the Philippines in the 20th century (1930). It is now owned by the CBK Power Company Limited.
14. Ermita Church
Then, a tribunal. This holy place houses the image of Nuestra Señora de la Portería.
15. Our Lady of the Gate Grotto
Situated along the Olla riverbank is a sacred place where masses at times are being held. It is a small tourist destination for religious excursionists.

Culture

Festivals

Majayjay Day is celebrated every year on October 2 as part of the celebration of the founding anniversary of the town. It brags off-farm and agricultural products produced primarily from the 40 barangays composing it. This day has been given a new life and breathing in its new brand name AniLinang Festival. The 1st AniLinang Festival was held on October 2, 2016, as an initiative of the local government to promote the town's laid-back, and peaceful way of life seen in its agricultural produce as well as in its indigenous cuisines.

SaGreMa Festival (San Gregorio Magno Majayjay), is a parochial festivity celebrated on September 3 and March 12, the dates when Saint Gregory, the town's patron saint became a pope and the day he died, respectively. In this time of the year, the Majayjayenos honor the saint for the bountiful year it has been for the town.

Transportation

Visiting the town is very accessible and convenient at all its four (4) entry points: Magdalena-Majayajay Road to the north, Liliw-Majayjay Road to the west, Luisiana-Majayjay Road to the east, Lucban-Majayjay road to the south. Public utility vehicles are dispersed such as the local jeepneys and tricycles based in the town centre.

Infrastructure

Communication

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

Education

Secondary schools:

  1. Liceo de Majayjay (High School)
  2. Sta Catalina National High School (Barangay San Miguel, Main Campus and Barangay Bakia, ext.)
  3. Suba National High School (Barangay San Isidro, Main Campus and Barangay Gagalot, ext.)

Elementary schools:

  1. Liceo de Majayjay (Elementary)
  2. Majayjay Elementary School
  3. Sta Catalina Elementary School
  4. Bakia-Botocan Elementary School
  5. Paaralang Elementarya ng Gagalot - Taytay
  6. Suba Elementary School
  7. Bucal Elementary School
  8. Munting Kawayan Elementary School

Government

Majayjay Municipal Hall

Elected officials

The current municipal council of Majayjay (2022-2025)

First Amorado Cabinet (2022-2025)
Name Position Party
Mayor
Romy Amorado Mayor NP
Vice Mayor
Ariel Argañosa Vice Mayor Aksyon
Councilor's
Gab Mentilla 1st Councilor Aksyon
Angel Sotto 2nd Councilor PDP-Laban
Kulot Amorado 3rd Councilor NP
Felix Arnuco 4th Councilor Independent
Jhun Andaya 5th Councilor NP
Tacio Hernandez 6th Councilor PDP-Laban
Maria Fe Cabonce 7th Councilor PDP-Laban
Pia Ceria 8th Councilor PDP-Laban


Notable people

  • Gustavo Tobler (1834-1875), merchant and coffee planter from Switzerland

References

  1. Municipality of Majayjay | (DILG)
  2. "2015 Census of Population, Report No. 3 – Population, Land Area, and Population Density" (PDF). Philippine Statistics Authority. Quezon City, Philippines. August 2016. ISSN 0117-1453. Archived (PDF) from the original on May 25, 2021. Retrieved July 16, 2021.
  3. 1 2 3 Census of Population (2020). "Region IV-A (Calabarzon)". Total Population by Province, City, Municipality and Barangay. Philippine Statistics Authority. Retrieved 8 July 2021.
  4. "PSA Releases the 2018 Municipal and City Level Poverty Estimates". Philippine Statistics Authority. 15 December 2021. Retrieved 22 January 2022.
  5. "majayjay executive summary 2014" (PDF).
  6. Ahlborn, Richard (1960). "The Spanish Churches of Central Luzon (I)". Philippine Studies. 8 (4): 802–813. ISSN 0031-7837.
  7. "Majayjay: Average Temperatures and Rainfall". Meteoblue. Retrieved 11 May 2020.
  8. "Philippine Standard Geographic Code (PSGC) | Philippine Statistics Authority".
  9. "Official COMELEC Website :: Commission on Elections".
  10. Census of Population (2015). "Region IV-A (Calabarzon)". Total Population by Province, City, Municipality and Barangay. Philippine Statistics Authority. Retrieved 20 June 2016.
  11. Census of Population and Housing (2010). "Region IV-A (Calabarzon)" (PDF). Total Population by Province, City, Municipality and Barangay. National Statistics Office. Retrieved 29 June 2016.
  12. Censuses of Population (1903–2007). "Region IV-A (Calabarzon)". Table 1. Population Enumerated in Various Censuses by Province/Highly Urbanized City: 1903 to 2007. National Statistics Office.{{cite encyclopedia}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  13. "Province of Laguna". Municipality Population Data. Local Water Utilities Administration Research Division. Retrieved 17 December 2016.
  14. "Poverty incidence (PI):". Philippine Statistics Authority. Retrieved December 28, 2020.
  15. "Estimation of Local Poverty in the Philippines" (PDF). Philippine Statistics Authority. 29 November 2005.
  16. "2003 City and Municipal Level Poverty Estimates" (PDF). Philippine Statistics Authority. 23 March 2009.
  17. "City and Municipal Level Poverty Estimates; 2006 and 2009" (PDF). Philippine Statistics Authority. 3 August 2012.
  18. "2012 Municipal and City Level Poverty Estimates" (PDF). Philippine Statistics Authority. 31 May 2016.
  19. "Municipal and City Level Small Area Poverty Estimates; 2009, 2012 and 2015". Philippine Statistics Authority. 10 July 2019.
  20. "PSA Releases the 2018 Municipal and City Level Poverty Estimates". Philippine Statistics Authority. 15 December 2021. Retrieved 22 January 2022.
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.