"The Lion City of the South"

                Through the years, Santa Rosa City has visibly developed and became modernized. Since 1792 until 2012, Santa Rosa has always tried to grow and prosper as a city. Economy-wise it has flourished quite steadily. Then and now, we can see some similarities and differences in the city’s economy.

                One similarity is that from 1792 until 2012, the city has proved itself to be “The Lion City of the South” due to its fast economic growth.  From being a 4^th class economy, the city grew to be a first class economy within a span of six years. In 1792, the city has already been prosperous with regards to its economy. In 2012, the city is continuing to be one of the fastest growing cities in the south.

                One difference is Santa Rosa’s sources of local economy in 1792 and in 2012. In 1792, the economy largely depended on agriculture, fishing, livestock and backyard industries. Today, the city’s economy is dependent on automobile manufacturing companies, food manufacturing industries, banking, commerce, and shopping centers.

                Even through these similarities and differences in the city’s economy, we couldn’t deny that Santa Rosa City is indeed a very fast-growing “Lion City” in the south of Laguna.

Defining Modernization

What is Modernization?

            According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, modernization is the state of being modernized; having characteristics of the present or most recent period of development. It is a revolutionary transition from an old-fashioned society to one that is considered ‘modern’. The teleology of modernization is described in social evolution theories followed by the societies which are now known as ‘modernized’.

            Historians and sociologist may link modernization to the processes of urbanization, rationalization and industrialization. As sociologist say, “When modernization increases within a society, the individual becomes that much more important, eventually replacing the family or community as the fundamental unit of society.”

             Modernization has been used widely by today’s rapidly developing societies and communities to aid in their development. In countries like China, modernization is said to be the most useful framework in their history.

            Traditional beliefs and old-fashioned cultural traits become less important in societies undergoing the process of modernization. Instead of being cooped up in conventional practices, modernized societies tend to arrive at governance dictated by abstract principles and greater appreciation of innovations.

            Some believe that science, technology and education are the best ways to make a society modernized, some believe in the importance of a “special path” or standing out, and some has tried isolation.

            It has also been said that democracy follows modernization. As Seymour Martin Lipset said, “All the various aspects of economic development--industrialization, urbanization, wealth, and education--are so closely interrelated as to form one major factor which has the political correlate of democracy.”

            Each society can transcend from traditionalism to modernization and those who do usually follow more or less similar paths. More modernized societies are wealthier, more powerful, has a visibly higher standard of living and the citizens experience more freedom and privileges brought about by modernization.