It is the epicenter of the Tanay Tagalog dialect, which has the deepest modern Tagalog words in the Tagalog language and is the only endangered Tagalog dialect.
History
Tanay was settled by early Austronesian people. Shortly after the conquest and subjugation of Manila by the Spaniards and the surrounding lake areas by Juan de Salcedo in 1570–1574, Franciscan missionaries arrived to Christianize the inhabitants of what is now the Morong-Pililla area. In 1583, both Morong and Pililla were created as separate towns with Tanay forming part of Pililla.
Tanay was founded as a separate pueblo (town) in 1606 under the name "Monte de Tan-ay". In 1620, administration was moved to San Antonio (now called Inalsan or Pantay) and Tandang Kutyo. In 1638, the town was burned during an uprising of Chinese living in the area, and the town was rebuilt in 1640 at the present day location.[6]
In 1747, the town of Tanay consisted of only eight barangays, namely Nuestra Senora del Rosario, Sa Josep, San Ildefonso de Tanay, San Francisco de Maytubig, San Pedro de Alcantara, San Lucas y San Antonio, San Apostol, and San Agustin de Balugbog.
In 1853, a new political subdivision was formed. The town of Tanay together with Morong, Baras, Pililla, Angono, Binangonan and Jalajala form the Province of La Laguna, with the capital at Morong. This district was later changed to Distrito Politico-Militar de Morong after four years.
Tanay members of the Katipunan fought valiantly during the Revolution against Spain. The town was the headquarters of the second military area of the Philippine Revolutionary Government under General Emilio Aguinaldo. And for a brief period between 1899 and 1900, Tanay served as the capital of the then Morong Province after Philippine–American War broke out and the American forces invaded the lake towns and captured Antipolo.[7]
In 1942–1945 the Mountains of Tanay served as the Guerrilla base for 'Marking's Fil-American Guerrillas, beginning the Liberation of Tanay in March 1945 a very decorated by the Filipino soldiers of the 4th and 42nd Division of the Philippine Commonwealth Army, 4th Constabulary Regiment of the Philippine Constabulary and the recognized guerrillas against the Japanese occupation forces during World War II. General Agustin Marking is buried in a private cemetery by the road overlooking his son's farm in Sampaloc.
On June 19, 1959, Republic Act No. 2336, also known as "An Act Establishing a Summer Resort in Sampaloc, Municipality of Tanay, Province of Rizal" was approved whereas there is hereby established a summer resort in Sampaloc. The Commission on Parks and Wildlife shall issue such rules and regulations for the establishment of such resort is taken place.
During the Typhoon Ketsana (Ondoy) on September 26, 2009, Tanay was one of the hardest hit towns due to the rising of Laguna Lake and the flooding of Tanay River.
In the 2020 census, the population of Tanay, Rizal, was 139,420 people,[4] with a density of 700 inhabitants per square kilometre or 1,800 inhabitants per square mile.
The majority of the population consists of Tagalogs who live near Laguna de Bay, though there is also a significant percentage of mountain-dwelling people living in the northern portions of the municipality. The town's major trades consist of fishing, agriculture and regional commerce.
The roots of the Sambalic languages can be traced back to Tanay, where the etymologically similar Sinuana or Remontado Dumagat is still spoken in villages in the Sierra Madre mountains between Sampaloc and General Nakar, Quezon.[18]
Economy
Tanay’s economy has been boosted by its natural resources and nature’s allure. There are various activities to try in Tanay, Rizal. There are adventure camps, glamping campsite, staycation sites, cafe and restaurants with beautiful sceneries, and aesthetic photography sites. To mention some of them, here are the Different Tourist Spots in Tanay:
Regina Rica – most Filipinos are Catholics, and this place is one of the best places to go if one want to appreciate the Mother Mary statue and different activities like candle-lighting and pilgrim sites. Most visitors find the place worth the visit and emotional.[19]
Mount Daraitan and Tinipak River – this tourist spot is for the adventurous ones who love to trek and hike. The place is also for the nature-wanderers because it features clean waters and majestic sceneries.[20]
Treasure Mountain – it is a spot to appreciate the Sierra Madre Mountain Range and with the right-timing the famous Sea of Clouds of Tanay. To top it all up, visitors don’t need to hike to go here. Tents may also be used here for overnight glamping.[21]
Ridges and Clouds Nature Camp – with the right-timing during sunrise, the ridges here can also be seen with a blanket of clouds. This is a perfect place to reflect and reconnect to nature but not for work-away-from-home because there is no mobile data or WIFI signal here.[22]
Calinawan Cave – this is a historical place in Tanay where Filipinos take refuge during colonization in the past. Tanay is most commonly known for its mountain ranges but this spot is different. Calinawan Cave is for the adventurous tourists who also want to enjoy the waters.[23]
The Municipal Council approved the P80+ million budget for the construction of the new municipal building of Tanay. The lending company will be the Landbank of the Philippines, Tanay Branch. Certain issues and debates from different sectors and influential names about the construction arose, and still now under public consultation and hearing.
Tanay Rodeo Festival
To promote and market the town's cattle and agri-eco tourism not only within the municipality but also in the Calabarzon region, the Municipal Government of Tanay holds Tanay Rodeo every third week of January each year. The festival is also in line with the celebration of Tanay Town Fiesta. It is participated by professionals and rodeo enthusiasts, and veterinary/animal science students from renowned universities in the country.[32]