Batangas History
A number of settlers of Batangas were recognized at the area of Taal Lake. During this time Batangas was known to be Bonbon. Named after the supernatural and captivating Taal Lake.
Before the Spaniards disembarked, there are a number of inhabitants' presences in the region. Taal, Balayan and Nasugbu are the most common settlements during the time.
American archaeologist Robert C. Fox disclosed that the province has been trading with the Chinese since the Yuan Dynasty until the early part of the Ming Dynasty. The people had relations with China but also with merchants from Japan and India, during the 13th - 15th century.
Towards the end of the 14th century, Datu Puti of Borneo together with his companions settled along the edge of Taal Lake. The first Malay village was shaped and structured with their families in the mouth of Taal River.
Balayan was the first capital of Batangas from 1597 to 1732. But due to the progressiveness of Taal, the capital was then transferred to Taal.
Two Spanish Generals, Martin de Goiti and Juan Salcedo discovered the shore of Batangas in 1570. The two Generals met the Malay settlers at the mouth of Taal River, and ultimately settled in the place and founded the town of Taal in 1572. The towns of Batangas, Balayan and Lipa were discovered afterwards.
Taal Volcano had a numerous destructive eruptions and Taal was covered up with the eruption of the volcano. The capital in due course was transferred to Batangas in 1754, and up to the moment the capital of the province of Batangas, which is called Batangas City today.
Originally, Batangas was made up of the present provinces of Batangas, Mindoro, Marinduque, southeast of Laguna and Camarines, and was discovered in 1581.
The name "Batangas" was obtained from the word "batang," which is a term of the natives for the abundant logs in Calumpang River. The body of water that goes through the northeastern section of the municipality and simulate the figure of a tuning fork.
Batangas was one of the areas placed in martial law by Spanish Governor General Ramon Blanco, and among one of the eight Philippine provinces to rise up in opposition to the Spanish rule.
Many Batagueños made honour in our history during the Spanish-American War. Apolinario Mabini is one batagueño known as the sublime paralytic and “Brains of the Revolution”. General Miguel Malvar the last Filipino general to relinquish to the Americans. Marcela Agoncillo who custom-made the current Philippine flag. Thus Batangas was known as the "cradle of heroes and nationalists."
