It is also known as "The Investment Capital of South Luzon" since 1994. The city lies 38 kilometers south of Manila via the South Luzon Expressway, making it a suburban residential community of Metro Manila. This quiet town of Laguna started its progress initially from the establishment of Filsyn, CIGI and couple of other small multinational companies there when the government BOI provided for incentives to companies located at not less than 40 kilometers away from Manila. According to the latest census, City of Santa Rosa has a population of 266,943 inhabitants in 43,625 households, but in 2005, it surpassed San Pablo City in terms of population, making it the fourth largest town or city in Laguna after Calamba City, San Pedro and Biñan.

 

Until a few years ago, Santa Rosa was mainly known for the Coca-Cola and Toyota manufacturing plants in its industrial estates. More recently it has also become famous for being the site of Enchanted Kingdom, a local theme park, as well as several housing developments. Santa Rosa is also the exit travellers take along the South Luzon Expressway to go to Tagaytay and Taal Volcano. This city contains the 3rd largest complex in Laguna, Paseo de Santa Rosa.

 

Ford Motor Company has a plant here, assembling the Ford Lynx, Ford Focus, Mazda 3, Ford Escape, and Mazda Tribute and also selling Ford Ranger, Ford Everest & Mazda6. Other automobile manufacturers that have plants in Santa Rosa City include Nissan Motors Co., Ltd., Toyota Motor Corporation, Honda Motor Co., Ltd., Isuzu Motors Ltd. (now in Biñan), and Mitsubishi. Food giant, Monde Nissin Corporation, which manufactures industry leader Lucky Me Noodles and Monde biscuits, has a plant here in its sprawling 14-hectare manufacturing facility.