The province of Cavite is widely known for its celebrated role in Philippine history. It was here in 1898 that the Philippines declared its independence from almost 400 years of Spanish rule. Located in the Calabarzon region in Luzon, Cavite offers a sense of awe and wonder with its numerous historical sites and natural sceneries.

Cavite is composed of four cities and 19 municipalities, and is located only 30 kilometers south of Metro Manila, sitting across the southwest portion of Manila Bay. For this reason, the province has achieved steady economic growth and development. In a survey done in 2003, there were already 31 industrial estates throughout the province. Its vast tracts of land produce native products such as coffee, kaong vinegar, processed seafood, fruits, and milk. It is also a popular producer of bamboo products molded into furniture and ceramics.

The freedom Filipino people know today can be traced to Cavite. The Philippine revolution and eventual independence was conceived in the province. Fittingly, its etymology didn’t come from a colonial word, but rather a local one. The Tagalog word “kawit” or hook was named after the hook-shaped island on an Old Spanish map.

The province has a lot of cultural and historical information and is rich with stories and facts about the Philippines’ struggle against the iron grip of the Spaniards. The Cavite mutiny displayed the incredible heart and martyrdom of priests Padre Burgos, Gomez, and Zamora, who were unjustly executed in 1872. This marked the beginning of the Philippine Revolution until June 12, 1898 when, in town of Kawit, Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo first raised the Philippine flag signifying independence from Spanish rule. This makes the Philippines the first constitutional republic in Asia and third established in the world. 

Since it is the Historical Capital, a lot of its culture and local attractions are deeply rooted to their historical backgrounds. For one, the Aguinaldo Shrine and Museum aims to revisit the moment when Philippine independence was born. The house of Emilio Aguinaldo serves as a place to see where the Republic was first introduced to the Filipinos and to the world.