CAVITE: Colonizers arriving in the late 16th century saw an unusual tongue of land thrust into Manila Bay and saw its value as the main staging ground from where they could launch their bulky galleons. Formed in the shape of a hook, which in Tagalog is called kawit, it became the most important port linking the colony to the outside world. Today, the province that bears the name is again a leading staging ground from where Philippine products are penetrating world markets.

Cavite is just south of Metro Manila. It is bounded on the east by Laguna, and by Batangas on the south. Manila Bay lies northwest of the province. The land is characteristically flat in the north, rising towards a low ridge towards the south that overlooks the enchanting Taal Volcano. Cavite has a pronounced dry season, which usually begins in November and ends in April, and a rainy season, which starts in May and ends in October.

Cavite is the leading industrial zone outside of Metro Manila and the provincial strategy for development focuses on maintaining economic development while ensuring that all Caviteños will enjoy a better quality of life. The province covers an expanse of 1427 square kilometers of generally flat or rolling terrain. The land is suitable for all types of agricultural production and yields fruits, vegetables, coffee, and rice. The coastal flats and offshore fishing grounds are a good source of fish, mussels and oysters. Limestone, clay, gravel and sand are present. The province has a population of 1.6 million people with an annual growth rate of nearly 7 percent. It has a labor force of 877,000 highly skilled and highly trained people who answer the growing workforce demands of the province's industries.

The province has built its industry largely on its accessibility from Metro Manila. It lies 47 kilometers from the heart of Manila via well paved roads. The Ninoy Aquino International Airport lies less than thirty minutes from Trece Martires City while the Manila International Container Port can be reached in an hour's time. The Manila Electric Company franchise distributes electricity to the province. The Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company handles the bulk of telephone service but other companies, have expanded their service coverage to the province. Water utilities are under the supervision of the DPWH, Maynilad Waterworks and the LWUA.

The Cavite Export Processing Zone located in Rosario is one of the biggest contributors to the country’s export receipts. There are more than 20 other industrial estates, which not only employ thousands of workers, but also drive the engine of the country's growth. With ready facilities available within these estates, there is a continuing opportunity to invest in light to heavy manufacturing, especially in electronics, garments manufacture, engineering services, automotive assembly, food processing and handicraft, toys and gifts production. At the same time, the province hopes to attract more investments in real estate, banking, utilities, trade and commerce to match industrial growth with a corresponding increase in living standards and conditions for Cavite's population.The mild climate of the Cavite highlands have been drawing an increasing number of tourists and vacationers to Tagaytay. Recreational facilities, such as world-class golf courses, resort hotels, restaurants, conference venues and sport complexes are being constructed to provide businessmen the ideal venue for relaxation.

Land area: 1,474 sq. kms.; Major dialects/languages: Tagalog; No. of Barangays: 828; City/ies: TRECE MARTIRES, Cavite, Tagaytay; Municipalities: (20) Alfonso, Amadeo, Bacoor, Carmona, Dasmarinas, Gen. E. Aguinaldo (Bailen), Gen, M. Alvares, Gen. Trias, Imus, Indang, Kawit, Magallanes, Maragondon, Mendez (Mendez-nunez), Naic, Noveleta, Rosario, Silang, Tanza, Ternate