History of Cavite

The province of Cavite abounds with historic sites and landmarks; museums, world class golf courses,
outstanding gardens and facilities for leisure. It is the birthplace of a number of Filipino heroes and it has
an interesting range of sites associated with the Philippine Revolution. Found in the province is the
residence of the first president of the Republic, Gen Emilio Aguinaldo, which was also the site of the
proclamation of independence from Spain on June 12, 1898.

Cavite teems with natural resources and unique landscapes. It is home to Tagaytay City, which is situated
2,500 feet above sea level and is a popular summer and holiday destination. The highway drive offers a
breathtaking sight of the world-famous Taal Volcano and Lake which is a crater within an island within a
lake. Vegetation dots the ridges of Tagaytay with a wide range of accommodation establishments and
restaurants for tourists to savor the pleasures of leisure and relaxation with a magnificent view of Taal
Lake and Volcano. With its interesting beauty, history and culture, Cavite take its part as chief participant
in the enhancement of tourism in the Philippines.

Cavite got its name from the Filipino word Kawit, which means hook, owing to the hook-shaped mass of
land recorded on the old Spanish maps. The land formerly known as Tangway was the site of a Spanish
colonial fort on which the city of Cavite rose. Archeological evidence in coastal areas shows prehistoric
settlements. According to historical records, the earliest settlers of Cavite came from Borneo. In the 1600s,
encomiendas or Spanish royal land grants were given in the towns of Cavite, Ternate and Maragondon.
Jesuit priests brought in settlers from Moluccas. These people known as Mardicas, settled in the above-
named sites.

Other settlements grew during the Spanish era and by the turn of century; Cavite’s progressive towns were
already trading with Manila and with one another. Traditional industries began to thrive as Manila’s
commerce grew.

In 1872, Filipinos launched their rebellion against Spain. Three Filipino secular priests, Jose Burgos,
Mariano Gomez and Jacinto Zamora, were implicated in the Cavite mutiny when 200 Filipinos struck the
Spanish garrisons. On August 25, 1896, when the spark of a revolution against Spain broke out, Cavite
became a bloody theater of the Philippine Revolution.

Led by Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo, Cavitenos made lighting raids on Spanish settlements and soon liberated
the entire province of Cavite. Aguinaldo commanded the Revolution to its successful end, which preraged
the proclamation of the first Republic in Asia, the Republic of the Philippines on June 12, 1898 in Kawit,
Cavite.
The provincial government of Cavite has a colorful history. During the greater part of the
Spanish regime the provincial administration was handled by the alcalde mayor who was the
representative of the governor and captain general in Manila. As alter ego of the Chief executive
of the country, the alcalde mayor exercised over all executive, judicial, and legislative functions
within his jurisdiction. He was in fact a petty captain general because he held under his orders
the armed forces of the province for purposes of defense and maintenance of peace and order.
By the Decree of June 25, 1847 the title of alcalde mayor in Cavite was changed to politico-
military governor. He was also tripped of judicial functions.
The last Spanish politico-military governor of Cavite, with headquarters in the cabecera of
Cavite (now Cavite City), was Col. Fernando Pargas whom Emilio Aguinaldo, as captain
municipal of Cavite el Viejo (now Kawit), saw on the morning of August 31, 1896 to ask for a
detachment of soldiers to protect his town from bandits. Aguinaldo’s plan was to ambush the
government troops on their way to Kawit and seize their arms which his Magdalo followers
needed urgently to start the armed uprising against Spain.
While waiting for his turn to talk to Pargas in his office, Aguinaldo learned that only one
company of soldiers was left in Cavite as all available infantry men had been sent to Manila
upon urgent summons from Governor and Captain General Ramon Blanco, who had placed
eight Luzon provinces (Manila, Bulacan, Pampanga, Tarlac, Nueva Ecija, Laguna, Batangas
and Cavite) under martial law following the discovery of the Katipunan secret society.
With this valuable information, Aguinaldo returned posthaste to Kawit and with the help of two
councilmen, Candido tria Tirona and Santiago Daño, led the assault and capture of the town’s
tribunal (municipal building). Earlier that day the towns of San Francisco de Malabon (now
General Trias) and Noveleta had risen in arms and taken over the control of the local
government. It was this cry of Cavite on August 31, 1896, that signaled the beginning of the
revolution. This soon spilled over to nearby provinces until it engulfed the entire country.
Spanish sovereignty in the Philippines was overthrown by revolutionists led by Aguinaldo.
Historical documents show that during the revolutionary regime, Cavite had three politico-
military governors: Mariano Trias, Emiliano Riego de Dios and Ladislao Diwa.
The revolutionary regime was succeeded by the American regime. Cavite had nine provincial
governors from the start of the American regime until the establishment of the Commonwealth
government in 1935. These governors were Mariano Trias (1901-1905; Louis J. Van Schaick
(1906-1907); Leonardo R. Osorio (1908-1909); Tomas Mascardo (1910-1912); Antero S.
Soriano (1912-1919); Luis O. Ferrer, Sr.; (1919-1921); Raymundo Jeciel 91922-1925); Fabian
Pugeda (1925-1931) and Pedro F. Espiritu (1931-1934).
The Commonwealth regime lasted from 1935 to 1946. It was interrupted by the Pacific war and
the subsequent Japanese occupation of the country. Three governors served during the first
phase: Ramon Samonte (1935-1939); Emilio P. Virata, acting governor (1939), and Luis Y.
Ferrer, Jr. (1940-1944). Ferrer was succeeded by Mariano N. Castañeda from May to
November 1944.
The Japanese-sponsored Second Republic under Dr. Jose P. Laurel was proclaimed in October
1943. Dominador M. Camerino was appointed governor from December 1944 to the early part
of February 1945. On February 13, Castañeda was recalled as governor by the commander of
the advancing Allied forces.

The Commonwealth government was reestablished towards the end of February 1945 with
Rafael F. Trias as the governor. He served for only a few months after he was succeeded by
Francisco T. Arca.
The Third republic was established on July 4, 1946 by virtue of the Tydings-McDuffie Act.
Manuel Roxas, the last elected president of the commonwealth, continued as president of the
Third Republic. During that time, Dominador Camerino was appointed governor. During the end
of his term, Mariano B. Villanueva and Horacio Rodriguez took turn of Camerino’s position.
Camerino was elected governor in 1952, but again toward the latter part of his term, he was
replaced by Dominador Mangubat who acted as governor from 1954 to 1955. Mangubat was
followed by Delfin Montano who was elected governor for four consecutive terms (1956 to
1971). Lino D. Bocalan succeeded him in 1952. He was replaced by Dominador M. Camerino
who served as acting governor from October 1, 1972 until his death on July 24, 1979.
It was Juanito R. Remulla who was appointed as acting governor on September 25, 1979.
Under the Third Republic, he was reelected governor on January 30, 1980. President Marcos
proclaimed the Fourth Republic in 1981 and still, Remulla was in his service as governor until
February 19, 1986. Fernando C. Campos succeeded him in 1986 to 1987. Remulla was still
reelected for a long term (1987-1995). He was succeeded by Epimaco A. Velasco from 1995 to
January 1998 and when he was given a position at the National Bureau of Investigation, Ramon
“Bong” Revilla, Jr. was appointed in place of him. Bong Revilla served from February 2, 1998 to
2001. He was then replaced by Ayong S. Maliksi in 2001.
At present Governor Erineo “Ayong” S. Maliksi is considered the Father of Cavite who is holding
a very important position in the province. For his years in service, he has continued serving the
Caviteños towards advancement and great progress in various sectors. (Source: Saulo and de
Ocampo (1985). History of Cavite. Provincial Government of Cavite, Trece Martires City)
Elected officials of Cavite for the term of 2019-2022
• Provincial Governor of Cavite: Juanito Victor Catigbayan Remulla Jr. (NP) 825,485
• Provincial Vice-Governor of Cavite: Jose Lorenzo Hernandez Bautista III (Ramon "Jolo"
Revilla III) (NPC) 1,038,554
House Representative of Cavite
• 1st District
1. ABAYA, BOYBLUE (LP) 117,031
• 2nd District
1. REVILLA, STRIKE (NUP) 141,465
• 3rd District
1. Alex Advincula (PDPLBN) 118,716
• 4th District
1. BARZAGA, PIDI (NUP) 198,591
• 5th District
1. LOYOLA, DAHLIA (NPC) 161,772
• 6th District

1. FERRER, LUIS IV (NUP) 84,282

• 7th District
1. REMULLA, BOYING (NP) 128,674
• 8th District
1. TOLENTINO, BAMBOL (PDPLBN) 143,367
Board Members of Cavite

• 1st District
1. CHUA, DAVEY (NP) 90,046
2. ENRIQUEZ, ROMEL (NP) 75,856
• 2nd District
1. GAWARAN, ABA (NPC) 90,566
2. MALVAR, EDWIN (LP) 87,115
• 3rd District
1. ASISTIO, JEFFREY (PDPLBN) 90,676
2. LACSON, DENNIS (LP) 84,387
• 4th District
1. ENCABO, VALE (NUP) 163,481
2. DELA CUESTA, JUN (NUP) 136,107
• 5th District
1. REYES, IVEE JAYNE (NP) 98,394
2. ANARNA, ALSTON KEVIN (IND) 89,848
• 6th District
1. SALAZAR, KERBY (NUP) 65,832
2. GREPO, JANGO (NUP) 60,870
• 7th District
1. REMULLA, PING (NP) 111,380
2. LANGIT, ANGELITO (NP) 84,058
• 8th District
1. AMBION, RAINIER (PDPLBN) 104,742
2. VARIAS, VIRGILIO (PDPLBN) 71,929

• Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo Shrine

Kawit: It was in this Aguinaldo ancestral home where Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo proclaimed
Philippine Independence from Spain on June 12,1898. It was also here where the Philippine
Flag made by Marcella Agoncillo in Hongkong was officially hoisted for the first time, and the
Philippine National Anthem composed by Julian Felipe was played by Banda Malabon.
Measuring 1,324 sq. m. with a five-storey tower, this building is actually a mansion renaissance
architecture, combining Baroque, Romanesque, and Malayan influences. It stands on a
sprawling ground of 4,864 sq.m. Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo himself donated the mansion and the lot
to the Philippine Government on June 12,1963, "to perpetuate the spirit of the Philippine
Revolution of 1896 that put an end to Spanish colonization of the country". And by virtue of
Republic Act No. 4039 dated June 18,1964 issued by then President Diosdado Macapagal, the
Aguinaldo Mansion was declared national shrine.
• Battle of Binakayan Monument
Kawit: The site of a fiercer fighting between the Spaniards and the Filipino soldiers that
happened on November 9-11, 1896 depicting one of the shining moments of the Philippine
struggle for independence.
• Gen. Baldomero Aguinaldo Shrine
Binakayan, Kawit: This is the residence of Gen. Baldomero Aguinaldo, Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo's
first cousin and right hand. He was the president of the Magdalo Council which was established
in Imus, & the first President of the Associacion de los Veteranos de la Revolucion Filipina. He
died on February 14,1915.
• Gen. Candido Tirona Monument
Poblacion, Kawit: Built in honor of Gen. Candido Tria Tirona, the first revolutionary Captain
Municipal in the Philippines. He is one of the "Heroes of Binakayan Battle" that took place on
November 9-11, 1896 in which the Spanish forces under the over-all command of Governor and
Capt. General Ramon Blanco were decisively defeated.
• Belfry of Recoletos Church
Cavite City: There were eight churches in the walled city. But because of the vagaries of time
and war not one remains today. Only the belfry of the Recoletos stands as mute witness to the
piety of the early Caviteños.
• Cañacao Bay
Cavite City: Best viewed from Paseo de Barangay at the back of the City Hall, the Bay was port
to both the Spanish galleons and the Pan Am Clipper seaplanes. The Skyline of Manila is visible
when looking at the mouth of the bay.
• Cavite City Millenium Capsule Marker
Cavite City: Significant events, great personalities, trivia, etc. happened, transpired and
emerged in Cavite City which influenced in small or great measure the history and
transformation of not only Cavite City but the whole country as well. These legacies are
preserved and immortalized for all times in a capsule in order for the future generation to know.
• Cavite City Hall
Cavite City: Located in pre- World War ll site of Dreamland Cabaret and the "Pantalan de
Yangco," this imposing building sits on one end of the City Park. Paseo de Barangay is located
at the back of City Hall.
• Corregidor Island
Cavite City: The largest of five islands guarding the entrance of Manila Bay. A tadpole-shaped,
Corregidor was once a mere fishing village with a lighthouse and signal station for all ships
entering and leaving Manila Bay. American colonizers built full-scale fortifications on the island,
complete with long-range tractor guns, anti-aircraft guns, tunnels an underground command
center and a hospital for wounded soldiers. In the last Pacific War, Corregidor became a vital
combat zone between the Japanese Imperial Army and the allied forces. It was the last
stronghold to fall in the hands of the enemy. Today, memorials to peace and to those who died
stand alongside the silent cannons and rusting artillery. The island is now a favorite tour
destination with a first class hotel and resort facilities.
• Don Ladislao Diwa Shrine

Cavite City: Don Ladislao Diwa is well remembered as the co-founder of the KKK
(Kataastaasang, Kagalanggalangan, Katipunan). The National Historical Institute(NHI) declared
his ancestral home as a national shrine. On November 30, l996, his mortal remains were
transferred to the Ladislao Diwa Mausoleum on the grounds of the Shrine.
• Fort San Felipe
Cavite City: Located at the compound of the Phil. Navy, this 16th century fort is dedicated to
San Felipe Neri. The place where the Cavite Mutiny 1872 occurred when Filipino workers were
implicated in the armed uprising against the Spaniards. This is also the place where the thirteen
Martyrs of Cavite were executed. Located at the top of this wall is the Phil. Navy Museum where
miniature of Phil. Naval vessels and other memorabilia are placed.
• Julian Felipe Monument
Cavite City: A monument stands proud for a great son of a Caviteño, the composer of the
Philippine National Anthem - Professor Julian Felipe. At present, the Filipino lyrics of the stirring
composition of Don Julian Felipe was supplied by Jose Palma. January 28, the birth anniversary
of Professor Felipe was declared Special Public Holiday in the City of Cavite by virtue of
Republic Act 7805 approved on July 26, 1993.
• Muralla
Cavite City: This well lighted bay front offers promenade cool breeze during balmy nights. The
view of Bacoor Bay shows the tower of the Aguinaldo Mansion as well as the many oyster beds
that dot the bay. This area was once called the isthmus of Rosario and at one time featured a
drawbridge.
• Old Spanish Slipway
Cavite City: Built in 1874, this is where galleons were built. The old steam boiler and other
equipment are still operational.
• Sangley Point
Cavite City: This was used by the Chinese pirate Limahong in 1574 as his refuge when he ran
away after a failed attempt to take Manila. Sangley point was also used as a military base by the
American and Japanese troops. It is now occupied by the Philippine Navy for ship repair and dry
docking.
• Sunset View
Cavite City: By the checkpoint of Cavite City, the view offers the mountain of Bataan, the island
of Corregidor, the outline of Mt. Buntis and, of course at the end of the day, the world famous
Manila Bay Sunset.
• Thirteen (Xlll) Martyrs Centennial Plaza
Cavite City: Built in 1906 to honor Cavite's revered martyrs. The remains of six of the martyrs
are still inferred in the monument. Through the assistance of the Department of Tourism the
former monument was transformed into a Centennial Plaza after the celebration of its 100th
year anniversary. It is designed to present the picture of their struggle, trial and execution.
• Zapote Bridge
Binakayan, Kawit: The site where the bloody battle between the revolucionarios under Gen.
Emilio Aguinaldo and Spaniards took place on February 27, 1897.
• The Cuenca Residence "Bahay na Tisa"
Bacoor: The seat of the Revolutionary Government under Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo.
• Calero Bridge

Noveleta: It was here where one of the fierce and bloody fights between Filipino and Spanish
forces took place.
• Noveleta Tribunal or Townhall
Noveleta: The place where Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo wrestled with two guardia civils on duty on
August 31, 1896.
• Battle of Alapan Marker and Flag
Imus: The battle site is within the compound of Alapan Elementary School in Imus. Highlighted
by a 90-foot tall flag pole, the marker features the statue of a woman called "Inang Bayan"
standing on three large rocks and holding up the Philippine Flag proudly waving. The monument
commemorates the event when the Philippine Flag was first unfurled by Filipino revolutionaries
after the victorious battle in Alapan.
• Imus Cathedral (Originally part of Cavite El Viejo)
Imus: Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo's revolutionary army laid siege on the Imus Church (now
Cathedral) to capture the friars but found to have fled to the recollect Estate House after the
capture of the Tribunal of Kawit on August 31, 1896.
• Isabel Bridge
Palico, Imus: A concrete arch bridge with marker, it signifies the battle that took place during the
Philippine - Spanish war.
• Julian Bridge
Boundary of Bayan Luma & Bucandala, Imus: A concrete structures with an old battered cannon
and bullets where the bloodiest battle against the Spanish conquerors took place in 1899.
• Pasong Santol Marker
Barangay Anabu II, Imus: The marker was constructed to commemorate the battle against
Spanish forces in 1897.
• Dasmariñas Catholic Church
Dasmariñas: Inside this church, now renovated, hundreds of Filipino families were killed by
Spaniards during the Lachambre offensive to recover lost territory in late August, 1897.
• Santa Cruz de Malabon Church
Tanza: This is where, before a huge crucifix, Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo took his oath of office as the
elected president of the revolutionary government.
• Andres Bonifacio House
Gen. Trias: This antique house was once the residence of Andres Bonifacio, founder of the
secret revolutionary society called "Katipunan" and one of the architects of the Philippine
Revolution. Although renovated several times, the original design of this Spanish-style house
with its façade of red brick and adobe has been retained.
• Gen. Trias Municipal Town and Old Church
Poblacion, Gen. Trias: The site of one of the uprisings in Cavite. It was in its old church where
the senior band members rehearsed the national anthem, Marcha Filipina before it was played
during the declaration of the Philippine Independence on June 12, 1898.
• Tejeros Convention Site
Bgy. Tejero, Rosario: This was the place where the Filipino Revolutionaries held their 115th
convention on March 22, 1897 and approved the establishment of a Revolutionary Government
headed by Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo.
• Bonifacio Shrine in Limbon

Bgy. Limbon, Indang: It was on this site, in the small barrio of Limbon, Indang where Ciriaco
Bonifacio was killed and Andres Bonifacio was captured and wounded.
• Gat Andres Bonifacio Marker in Indang
Poblacion, Indang: A marker was erected, near the municipal town hall of Indang, at the site
where Bonifacio was jailed prior to his execution in Maragondon.
• Bonifacio Trial House
Poblacion, Maragondon: The house where Bonifacio and his brother was court martialed and
were sentenced to die by musketry.
• Gat Andres Bonifacio Memorial Shrine
Mt. Nagpatong, Maragondon: Site of the execution of Andres & Procopio Bonifacio on May 10,
1897.
• Riego de Dios Ancestral House
Maragondon: Old structure reminiscent of the houses during Spanish Period, this house
belongs to the illustrious Riego de Dios clan of Maragondon.
• Don Vicente Somoza House
Maragondon: A wealthy Chine Mestizo who also assisted the Revolutionary Government of
Pres. Emilio Aguinaldo. He is better known as "One of the founders of the Filipino Chamber of
Commerce and Representative of Mati (Davao) in Malolos Congress.
• Recollect Estate House in Naic
Poblacion, Naic: Located near the the Catholic Church, this is where Bonifacio and his followers
entered into the Naik Military Agreement in which they form an army corps headed by Gen. Pio
del Pilar, one of the bravest generals in the Battle of Binakayan.
• The Battle of Naik Site
Poblacion, Naic: The place where Aguinaldo's Forces decided to defend and make their last
stand in Naik Church and made their compact. Signs of Spanish cannonballs may still be found
on the façade and sides of the church.
• 41st Division USAFFE Marker
Kaybagal South, Tagaytay City: Tagaytay was a strategic site during World War II. Filipino
soldiers found refuge in its vast forests and ridges. It was used as landing site and sanctuary for
paratroopers on their way to the Liberation of Manila.
• 11th Airborn Division Marker
Tagaytay City: A marker at the Silang-Tagaytay Crossing commemorates events on February 3,
1945, when the 11th Airborne Division of Lt. Gen. William Krueger of the U.S. Army air-dropped
military supplies and personnel on Tagaytay Ridge.

Festivals, Fiestas and Traditions of Cavite, Philippines

In the Philippines a fiesta is usually celebrated in barrios or barangays. It is the official holiday of
the LGU, the barangay. Filipinos love fiestas. It is a time for joy and celebration. A fiesta is of
Spanish origin and is usually commemorated in association with a christian patron saint. Most
barangays whose population have been clustered by Muslims(Moros) and their population is
more than that of the Christians, the celebration of the fiesta have been cancelled and replaced
with the Hari Raya or Eid al-Fitr.
The cities or municipalities usually have yearly festivals where all the barangays participate. The
cities or municipalities hold contests for the best floats in parades.

Cavite has 17 Municipalities, 6 Cities, and 829 barangays.

Cavite
Location Zip Code
Alfonso 4123
Amadeo 4119
Bacoor 4102
Carmona 4116
Cavite City 4100
Corregidor Island 4125
Dasmariñas 4114
Dasmariñas Resettlement Area 4115
General Emilion Aguinaldo (Bailen) 4124
General Mariano Alvarez 4117
General Trias 4107
Imus 4103
Indang 4122
Kawit 4104
Magallanes 4113
Maragondon 4112
Mendez (Mendez-Nunez) 4121
Naic 4110
Noveleta 4105
Rosario 4106
Sangley Point Naval Base 4101
Silang 4118
Tagaytay City 4120
Tanza 4108
Ternate 4111
Trece Martirez City 4109