Calabarzon

Calabarzon, officially Region IV-A of the Philippines, is an administrative region in Luzon comprising five provinces: Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon. The region’s name is formed from the initials of its component provinces. It is one of the 17 regions of the country and lies to the southeast of Metro Manila, forming part of the southern portion of the Greater Manila Area.

Geography within Calabarzon is diverse, featuring coastal areas along the South China Sea, lowland plains, and mountainous interiors. The region includes popular natural and cultural sites such as Taal Volcano in Batangas and the Laguna Lake basin, with various municipalities and cities that contribute to its economic and social activity.

Economically, Calabarzon is a major growth center with a diversified economy that includes manufacturing, services, agriculture, and logistics. It hosts numerous industrial parks and export-processing zones, supported by transportation networks that link the region to Metro Manila and the rest of southern Luzon. The area benefits from its proximity to the national capital region, contributing to its role in trade, employment, and urban development.

Demographics and governance in Calabarzon reflect its status as a highly urbanized region. It contains several sizable cities and numerous municipalities across its five provinces. Local government follows the Philippine local government code, with provincial, city, and municipal units coordinating on developmental planning, infrastructure, education, and public services through regional and local channels.