The hidden third choice

Alibijaban Island in San Andres, Quezon, is just one of the numerous beaches you can visit in the Calabarzon Region.

Do you prefer town or country living?

Every budding homeowner grapples with this choice at some point. Living in the “town” often provides more job opportunities and excitement, while residing in the “country” usually offers a more natural and peaceful environment. Did you know that you can actually have the best of both worlds?

Nowadays, the Calabarzon Region gives people an opportunity to experience both city and rural living. Where else can you find industrial parks just a stone throw’s away from farming land? The provinces of Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon give people a chance to tread between two lifestyles. It’s no wonder why these places are now in-demand when it comes to new properties.

If you can’t decide between town and country living, don’t fret. Instead, consider heading to the Calabarzon Region and discover the awesome third choice in your dilemma.

City flair

While the region is still considered provincial in nature, recent developments have made it function as an extension of Metro Manila.

New infrastructure such as the Laguna Lake Highway, Tagaytay Bypass Road and the East West Expressway have made it easier to travel between Calabarzon and the metro. To exemplify, you can actually reach Makati City in under 40 minutes from Santa Rosa, Laguna. This setup makes Calabarzon a convenient alternative home site for those working in Metro Manila.

The region itself, however, provides a lot of job opportunities within its territory. Industrial parks such as the Laguna Technopark, Cavite Light Industrial Park, and the Batangas Light Industry and Science Park host local and international companies. Numerous business process outsourcing (BPO) companies have also established themselves in the area. These providers give residents in the area the chance to grow their careers just a few minutes away from their homes.

The house of former President Emilio Aguinaldo is a must-visit spot in Kawit, Cavite.

Schools in the region can also rival their Metro Manila counterparts. The University of the Philippines-Los Baños Campus, Batangas State University, De La Salle Lipa, University of Rizal System, and San Sebastian College-Recoletos de Cavite are just some of the institutions in the area offering premier education. International schools such as Brent International, Saint Benilde International School Calamba, and Stonyhurst Southville International School even provide kids an opportunity to develop global life skills at a young age.

Country charm

Despite its rising reputation as a new metropolis, Calabarzon continues to have a large agricultural sector.

Cavite, for one, has vast farmlands for rice, pineapple and coffee, among other produce. Laguna is known for its fishing ponds in San Pablo and areas around Laguna de Bay. Batangas also grows pineapples, which allow it to pursue another industry–Barong Tagalog production. Rizal is known for its piggery estates, while Quezon province is the country’s largest producer of coconut products.

The Hinulugang Taktak waterfalls in Antipolo City, Rizal, provides a refreshing escape just minutes away from Metro Manila.

Besides hosting numerous farms and livestock industries, the region caters to research centers that aim to develop the country’s agricultural sector. The International Rice Research Center in Laguna, in particular, helps develop sustainable practices in rice farming.

The takeaway

If you’re looking to grow both your career and your family, Calabarzon can be the ideal place for you. While it has become a hotspot for budding opportunities in the industrial sector, it continues to take care of its agricultural base. This characteristic makes the region the perfect balance between country and city living, offering both farmlands and manufacturing plants in just one area.

When it comes to your lifestyle, you don’t have to choose between two extremes. Go for the hidden third option and pursue all your passions in just one place. Calabarzon might just hold the key to your success–no air travel required.

Sources:

www.technoparks.com.ph, www.irri.org, Ian Wayne V. Dehayco, Crespo-Azorin, and Ramon FVelasquez via Wikimedia Commons