San Pablo City

San Pablo City is one of the oldest cities of the Philippines, located in the province of Laguna. San Pablo, usually referred to as the City of Seven Lakes, was once part of the municipality of Bay. In 1756 it was placed under jurisdiction of Batangas Province but was returned in 1883 to Laguna. In 1940, through Approval of Commonwealth Act 520, it became one of the chartered cities of the Philippines.

The City of San Pablo's earliest historical record dates back to pre-Spanish times when four big barrios bounded by Mt. Makiling composed "Sampalok". In 1521, the first Spanish troops under Captain Juan de Salcedo arrived in the upland village of Sampaloc, which became a parish in 1586, and then a municipality in 1647, and was renamed "San Pablo de Los Montes", in honor of St. Paul, the First Hermit. In 1899, a municipal government was established, with Inocente Martinez as Municipal President Marcos Paulino was elected Municipal President in 1902 when the civil government was set up. From 1926 to 1940, the people of San Pablo worked for its independence from the province of Laguna. On May 7, 1940, the Charter Bill sponsored by Congressman Tomas Dizon was approved. The bill became known as the City Charter of San Pablo or Commonwealth Act No. 520. The city was inaugurated on March 30, 1941, with Dr. Potenciano Malvar as the appointed City Mayor.

Also known as the "City of Seven Lakes" the most prominent being "Sampaloc Lake" which is located behind the City Hall. The lake has for many generations provided food and livelihood, leisure and respite for the citizens of the city. A bustling city of trade and commerce, it is also a center of education and learning with schools, colleges and training institutions.

However, at the end of the 20th century and the start of the 21st century, economic development seemed to have left San Pablo. While San Pedro, Biñan, Santa Rosa, Cabuyao, Calamba, Los Baños and Santa Cruz experienced rapid economic development brought about by investments from local and foreign businessmen, San Pablo was left behind and remained as a semi-developed residential community. Due to lack of economic opportunities available, many residents of San Pablo migrated to Metro Manila or to other towns and cities of Laguna, particularly Calamba City, Santa Rosa City and San Pedro in search. Despite the fact that the city was virtually not touched by economic development, San Pablo City boasts itself as a potential eco-tourism destination in the province.

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