Mataasnakahoy

Located in the central region of Batangas Province, Mataasnakahoy is a charming town that sits on the southern edge of the scenic Batangas Plateau. Blessed with a temperate climate and abundant rainfall, this idyllic location fosters the perfect conditions for thriving agriculture. Despite its modest size, Mataasnakahoy proudly holds the top spot in coffee and lanzones production within the province, with only San Juan surpassing it in coconut production.

This tranquil and progressive agricultural community, much like its neighboring towns, is rich in historical and cultural heritage. Covering an area of approximately 2,376 hectares, Mataasnakahoy was carved out from the northwestern region of the former Municipality of Lipa. The town’s geographical shape resembles that of a triangle, with one side hugging the picturesque shoreline of Taal Lake. Throughout the region, rolling hills dominate the landscape, adding to its scenic allure. Among the hilly terrain, there is one corner that stands out as flat, serving as the vibrant hub of the town known as the poblacion.

Mataasnakahoy invites visitors to explore its serene beauty, experience its agricultural traditions, and immerse themselves in its vibrant local culture. The town’s picturesque landscapes, coupled with its warm and welcoming community, make it a delightful destination for those seeking a peaceful getaway or a glimpse into rural life in Batangas.

History and Heritage

In 1862, the leader of Lipa town summoned leaders from different settlements to a meeting with an important objective in mind. The purpose was to designate these inhabited villages as barrios and assign names to them, following the tradition of Lipa town, which got its name from a specific tree.

During the meeting, the leader turned to the head of the village now known as Mataasnakahoy and asked for a suitable name. The village head recalled the presence of a tall tree in their village and proposed the name Mataasnakahoy, which translates to “high tree” in English. This suggestion resonated with the attendees, and Mataasnakahoy became the official name of this location.

The bill to establish the township of Mataasnakahoy was approved by Vice-Governor Butte on March 30, 1931. Subsequently, on January 2, 1932, the township was officially inaugurated and recognized as a municipality. The realization of Mataasnakahoy as a separate municipality was made possible by the efforts of dedicated individuals who believed in the community’s growth. Mr. Antonio Mandigma, Mr. Victor Templo, Mr. Agapito Templo, Mr. Casiano Silva, and Mr. Candido Recinto were among those who generously contributed their personal finances, time, and hard work to bring the township of Mataasnakahoy into existence.

The name “Mataasnakahoy” had already been officially recognized as a barrio of the Municipality of Lipa in 1878. As per the Executive Order, the newly established municipality would encompass all the territories of the two barrios, Calingatan and Mataasnakahoy. This marked an important milestone in the history of Mataasnakahoy, solidifying its identity as a distinct and independent municipality within the province of Batangas.

Throughout the years, Mataasnakahoy has continued to grow and develop, preserving its rich history and cultural heritage. The name Mataasnakahoy serves as a reminder of the village’s origins, rooted in the presence of a majestic tree that stood tall and proud, symbolizing the strength and resilience of its people.

Climate

The rainy season starts in June and ends in November. When December comes, the people experienced a very cool dawn. The summer season on the month of March to the end of May.