BACOLOR

DISTRICT: 3rd District

FOUNDED: 1574
BARANGAYS: 21
MAYOR: Jose Maria O. Hizon
POPULATION: 31,508 (2010)
ZIP CODE: 2001
DIALING CODE: 45
INCOME CLASS: 3rd class
GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION
NORTH: Angeles City
SOUTH: Minalin
EAST: Porac, Santa Rita
WEST: San Fernando
BARANGAYS:
1. Balas
2. Cabalantian
3. Cabambangan (Pob.)
4. Cabetican
5. Calibutbut
6. Concepcion
7. Dolores
8. Duat
9. Macabacle
10. Magliman
11. Maliwalu
12. Mesalipit
13. Parulog
14. Potrero
15. San Antonio
16. San Isidro
17. San Vicente
18. Santa Barbara
19. Santa Ines
20. Talba
21. Tinajero
ETYMOLOGY
Originally called as BACULUD which
means high level ground.
BRIEF HISTORY
The first settlers of Bacolor were believed to
be Malayans that came from Atjeth Sumatra led by
Panday Pira. It is believed to have been founded by
Monmon, first cousin and sister-in-law of
Malangsic, a son of Prince Balagtas.
However, historians recorded the official
foundation of Bacolor to have occurred in 1574
through a landlord named Guillermo Manabat,
whose palatial house and resting place is now the

site of the San Guillermo Church, hence the

church's name.
The name Baculud was changed to Bacolor
when the Spaniards came to the place. It was
recorded to have been the first capital of
Pampanga for two centuries (1698-1904) before
San Fernando was declared the capital town of the
province in July 1904.
It was the seat of government from October
6, 1762 to May 30, 1764 and practically served as
the Capital of the Philippines. On November 9,
1765, Bacolor became "Villa de Bacolor", one of
the only three villas in the Philippines and was
granted a Special Coat of Arms.
A civil form of government was organized
and was inaugurated on February 13, 1901 by
Com. William H. Taft which took place in the old
"Escuela de Artes y Officios de Bacolor", (formerly
named Pampanga School of Arts and Trade) now
known as the Don Honorio Ventura College of Arts
and Trade.
INDUSTRY
Cabalantian, the largest barangay in
Bacolor, is said to be the home of the best tamales
in town. The kakanin industry started in the early
1800s. On Wednesdays, when the farmers would
prepare the fields for planting rice, snacks are
brought to them to stave off hunger as they take a
break from the toil. The need to serve the farmers
various snacks was the impetus for the
homeowners to create more merienda fare. Thus,
were born delicacies produced in Cabalantian. Only
in here can one buy the authentic tamales. Puto
Seco, which are white, round, and grainy, can also
be bought here. Another kakanin born here is the
Tahada. Brown sugar is caramelized till the
kiping stage. Lengian is another kakanin which
originated in the barrio. Strips of malauhog na buko
(young coconut meat) are mixed with caramelized
brown sugar.
TOURISM
San Guillermo Church , also known as the
Sunken Church. The said church is the very first
one to be constructed in Bacolor, Pampanga, in
1576. According to Cel Mariano, curator of the San
Guillermo Museum, the people decided to save the
church rather than construct a new one because
the said church represents their old culture and
heritage.
Archdiocesan Shrine of Our Lady of
Lourdes of Cabetican or The Sunken Shrine, is

another religious site in Bacolor that had been

buried by the devastating lahar of Pinatubo. Today,
it still remains as the center of Marian Concordia
Pilgrimages and Healing in Pampanga.
Don Honorio Ventura Technological
State University is the oldest vocational school in
far east Asia established since 1861.
Other notable landmarks in Bacolor include
Memorial Kilometer Posts of the Bataan Death
March along the MacArthur Highway; the oldest
trade school in Far East; the Simn de Anda y
Salazar monument at the town hall; monument to
the Kapampangan writer and revolutionary leader
Juan Crisostomo Soto (1867-1918); and Monument
to Felix Galura Y Napao.
FESTIVALS
LA NAVAL is being held every 3rd Sunday
of November. In 1786 the first "La Naval" de
Bacolor in honor of Nuestra Seora del Santissimo
Rosario was celebrated
MAKATAPAK FESTIVAL is an annual
festival in Bacolor, Pampanga every 17th of
November. The feast is the exodus of people back
then when the place became a Lahar town from
1991-1995 when devastated by the eruption of Mt.
Pinatubo. The people walked with uncovered feet
and carry the important things they needed to the
evacuation center. And thats why Makatapak
Festival comes to existence today.
BACOLORs FIESTA is celebrated every
10th day of February in honor of the towns
previous patron, San Guillermo. In November 1786,
the town's patron was changed to La Naval de
Bacolor

SAN FERNANDO
In 1754, Arandia promulgated an orden del
superior gobierno on August 16,1754 which is to
establish San Fernando from the towns of Bacolor
and Mexico

In 1755, San Fernando was born and

named after King Fernando VI, who was the King of
Spain during that time. The first families in town
were the Arrozal, Catacutan and David

In 1872, the first organized strike was led

by Gremio of Printers from government press
located in the town. That is why San Fernando is
considered to be the birthplace of the Labor
Movement

In 1892, The town of Minalin became part

of San Fernando and will later regain its political
independence in 1909 and in 1905, Santo Thomas
was consolidated with San Fernando by virtue of
Act 1208 but separated in 1952

In 2001, San Fernando became the 99th

City of the republic of the Philippines on February
4, 2001 by virtue of Republic Act 8990
District: 3rd District of Pampanga
Barangays: 35
Mayor: Edwin Santiago
Vice Mayor: Jimmy Lazatin
Congressman: Aurelio Gonzales Jr.
Land Area: 67.74 km
Population (2015): 306,659
PLACES

LA Bakeshop the home of original cheese

bread

The Pampanga Capitol is the seat of

government of the province of Pampanga in the
Philippines. The original building was constructed
shortly after the provincial capital of Pampanga was
transferred from Bacolor to San Fernando in 1904.
It is one of the most beautiful civil architectural
landmarks in the province.

The Archdiocesan Chancery is a heritage

house in the City of San Fernando, Pampanga. It
was the former residence of Luis Wenceslao Dison
and Felisa Hizon that was purchased by the Roman
Catholic Archdiocese of San Fernando. It is now
being used as the Archdiocesan Chancery

The Metropolitan Cathedral of San

Fernando formerly Cathedral of Our Lady of the
Assumption is a neo-classical church in the City of
San Fernando, in Pampanga Province of the
Philippines. It is the seat of the Archdiocese of San
Fernando.

Bale
Capampangan
offers
authentic
Kapampangan dishes in a modern setting. In its
open buffet, the delectable dishes are served in
uniquely crafted clay jars with modern burners
inside to keep them hot.
SCHOOLS

Pampanga High School is a high school in

the City of San Fernando, Pampanga, Philippines.
It was formerly known as Jose Abad Santos High
School or JASHS. Among its graduates is former
President Diosdado P. Macapagal.

The University of the Assumption (U.A.) is a

private Archdiocesan Catholic university located in
the City of San Fernando, Pampanga, Philippines.
It was founded on January 12, 1963. It was
originally named as Assumption Junior College and
in 1965, the government recognized it as
Assumption College of Pampanga. In March 29,
1980 it was named University of the Assumption.

The Mother of Good Counsel Minor

Seminary is the minor seminary of the Archdiocese
of San Fernando, the Pampanga province of the

Philippines. It currently houses sixty-two minor

seminarians

Bren Z. Guiao Sports Complex and

Convention Center is multi purpose complex with
imposing venues for concerts, convention,
basketball games, beauty pageants and other sport
activities. The 3,000 sears, air conditioned
convention center inside the complex is one of
Pampangas pride.
FESTIVALS

El Circulo Fernandino is one of the most

prestigious social events in Pampanga where, as in
the olden days, women would flaunt their best
jewelry, gowns and ternos, and men would
elegantly dress in their best pina barongs, and
dance the night away.

The main celebration of San Fernando is its

city festival which is celebrated every 30th of May
in honor of St. Ferdinand

Tugak Festival is celebrated every October.

They commemorate the frogs because when Mt.
Pinatubo erupted, the frogs survived as well. For
the Fernandinos, the frogs symbolize the people
because they can stay strong no matter what the
challenge is.

Sinukwan Festival is celebrated during

December in honor of the ancient mythical god
Aring Sinukwan. It as celebration from the food to
culture to dances of Kapmapangan.

The Giant Lantern Festival is celebrated on

a Saturday before Christmas Eve.
The winners of the 2015 Ligligan Parul are the
following:
Champion: Brgy. Dolores
1st Runner up: Barangay Del Pilar
2nd Runner up: Barangay Sindalan
3rd Runner up: Barangay Calulut

San Pedro Cutud Lenten Rites is simply

known as the Passion of Christ. It is practiced every
Good Friday, men recreate the Passion of Christ
from the scourging to the bearing of the cross and
the highlighted event, the crucifixion.
FAMOUS FERNANDINOS
1.
Amando G. Dayrit was born in San Jose,
San Fernando. He was the author of the renowned
Tribune column of Good Morning Judge. During
the Japanese occupation he contributed to the
underground Free Philippines
2.
Brillante Mendoza is a Filipino film director.
He was born and raised in San Fernando,
Pampanga. He took Advertising Arts of the then
College of Architecture and Fine Arts at the
University of Santo Tomas.
Awards: Cannes Best Director at the 62nd Cannes
Film Festival

3.
Jos Abad Santos y Basco (February 19,
1886 May 7, 1942) was the fifth Chief Justice of
the Supreme Court of the Philippines. He briefly
served as the Acting President of the
Commonwealth of the Philippines during World War
II, in behalf of President Quezon after the
government went in exile to the United States.
4.
Pedro Abad Santos founded the Partido
Sosyalista ng Pilipinas (PSP) or Philippine Socialist
Party in 1929. He ran for several local elections but
never won.
5.
Ruben Enaje was once a construction
worker in the Philippines, fell down from an
unfinished building, and unexpectedly survived.
After the incident, saying that it was to thank the
Lord for saving him, Ruben started participating in
crucifixions, of his own free will, in a ritual done on
Good Friday since 1985
6.
Vivencio B. Cuyugan was born in San
Fernando, Pampanga and later studied in the
United States where he supported himself through
professional boxing and became known as the "Big
Brown Filipino." He was appointed Municipal VicePresident of San Fernando in 1927, and later
elected to the same position in 1931. He was later
elected the first Municipal Mayor under the
Philippine Commonwealth, the first socialist mayor
of the Philippines.
PORAC
Porac 1st class municipality and a member of 2nd
district. Largest town of Pampanga in terms of land
area.
History - The Municipality of Porac derived its name
from the word purac, the name of a tree that grew
abundantly in the area encountered by its early
settlers. The municipality is believed to be the first
town established in Pampanga. In 1879, the then
Provincial Surveyor Don Ramon N. Orozco called
the river in this place, Porag River in his sketch of
the nearby town of Floridablanca.
Agriculture came to the place with the settling of
Pampangans, native of Malayan extraction,
accompanied by a small number of Spaniards.
Porac was a ranch in the slope of the mountain
known as Batiawan. Due to the scarcity of water in
the mountains the residents moved to the lower
grounds near "Poraq River" to sustain their water
needs.

In 1853, the settlements in Porac were composed

of six barangays namely Dolores, Manibaug, Mitla,
Pias y Pio, Pulung Santol and Salu with a total
population of 5,408. By early nineteenth century,
Porac was a stable agricultural town with its own
church, local government, and a Guardia Civil
detachment to protect the community from attacks
by the Balugas.
After the 1991 Mt. Pinatubo eruption, six (6)
lowland and three (3) upland barangays namely
Camias, Cangatba, Diaz, Inararo, Mancatian,
Manibaug Pasig, San Jose Mitla, Mitla Proper and
Poblacion were either partially or completely buried
under lahar. This forced residents to evacuate to
different temporary relocation sites in neighboring
provinces of Tarlac and Nueva Ecija.
In 1992, the National Government, through the Mt.
Pinatubo
Commission
and
the
Municipal
Government started building several relocation
sites within the municipality.
In 1995, the Pio Model Community was finished
and housed displaced residents from Cangatba,
Mancatian, Manibaug Pasig, Mitla Proper,
Poblacion and San Jose Mitla. This was followed
by the relocation of the Aetas from Barangay
Inararo to the Planas Tent City in 1997.
Geographic Profile

It has an area of 34,310 hectares , making it

the largest town in Pampanga.

Porac has a hilly to mountainous terrain in

the majority of its plains. Most rivers, if not all, are
heavily silted by mudflow due to the eruption of
Mount Pinatubo and succeeding lahar flows.

A portion of Mount Pinatubo is in the

municipality.

It is Politically subdivided into 29 barangays.

Climate
The town of Porac has two distinct climates, rainy
and dry. The rainy or wet season normally begins in
May and runs through October, while the rest of the
year is the dry season. The warmest period of the
year occurs between March and April, while the
coolest period is from December through February.

Economy

Porac is an important source of granite and

a tamping ground of minerals. The sand and quarry
industry generated a lot of jobs which includes
trucking and other delivery services. Being in
demand in construction of buildings, the sand in
Porac ultimately generated higher income for the
local natives as well as the local government due to
higher tax collection. Sand quarrying in the
provinces lahar areas is now Pampangas biggest
source of revenue.

Porac is also home to the Mekeni Food

Corporation, an "AAA" Meat Processing Plant
accredited with the National Meat Inspection
Service (NMIS). Being classified under the "AAA"
category, it is qualified to market its products, not
just in the local, but in the international market as
well.

Today, with the construction of the SubicClark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX), Porac is seen
as becoming the Industrial Hub of Central Luzon
with investments coming from companies like the
Ayala Land Inc. and the LLL Holdings because of
its proximity to Clark International Airport and the
Subic Bay Seaport.
Tourist Spots and Historical Sites

Poracay Resort
Set amidst lahar-devastated town of Porac,
Pampanga, Poracay Resort is fast becoming a
popular destination. Be it a family gathering, an
outing among friends or even a teambuilding
activity, Poracay offers a flexibility to cater to any
occasion. Its location is at Balik Barangay,
Manibaug Pasig,Porac, Pampanga, 2008.
o
Accommodation
Poracay
Resort
has
developed
various
accommodation facilities to suit your needs,
ranging from bungalow-type villas, 'sawali' cottages
and nipa huts. They are specifically designed to
have a feel of typical Filipino homes and at the
same time, make you appreciate the simple joys of
life.
o
The pools and the lakes
The pools are located at the heart of this
vacationer's haven. This area comprises of sections
that spell outstanding resort design. A heavy sheet
of water flows down from its waterfall going to an

adult pool, while two (2) kiddie pools spill excess

water into a man-made lake. This man-made lake
features amenities similar to other developments in
the US and Europe. It is connected to a boating
and fishing sanctuary which appeals to nature and
sports lovers alike.
o
The Club House
Prominently located beside the pools, the
Clubhouse is a spacious function hall ideal for any
type of occasion. Celebrate family gatherings such
as reunions, weddings, baptisms birthdays and
debuts as well as corporate functions like
teambuilding,
product
launchings,
trainings,
seminars and company parties right here in
Poracay Resort. Equipped with audio-visual
facilities, it can be set-up in any way to meet the
event's requirements.
o
Landscapes, sceneries and workways
It features a 6-meter wide road, sidewalk,
landscapes and a boulder centerpiece that
welcomes guests into the resort. A ticket booth
manned by warm and friendly staff is strategically
situated here to give information regarding their
stay and their designated accommodation facility.
Guests need not step out of their vehicles when
checking in and out. An administrative office and a
huge parking space are planned additions in this
facility for easy access and convenience of guests.
o
Amenities and Activities
POOLS FOR ALL AGES. Clear and always clean
water in a huge pool, experience water & fun here
at Poracay Resort.
KAYAK AND FISHING. This man-made lake
features amenities similar to other developments in
the US and Europe. It is connected to a boating
and fishing sanctuary which appeals to nature and
sports lovers alike.
OVERNIGHT STAY, DAY AND NIGHT TOURS. Be
captivated with the vivid gift of nature in the most
relaxing atmosphere, Experience the beauty of a
hidden paradise.
HOLIDAYS AND SPECIAL OCCASSIONS. Special
Occasion holidays and short breaks. We would like
to be a part of it, so Plan your next holiday or
special occasion with us, you, your friends and your
family will surely have an unforgettable experience.

PICNIC. A picnic is one of the greatest ways to

enjoy a day under a warm sun. And of course, it's
also a superb means of strengthening the bond of
family or friends. Poracay Resort has the facilities
to enjoy your day under the warm sun.
CONQUER OUR 500M ZIPLINE RIDE. Zipping
through our entire facilities over looking at the
resort at a high speed makes our zip-line an actionpacked activity you should experience.

Sandbox
SandBox at Alviera is a unique getaway for families
that redefines outdoor adventure and fun. It
features a full stretch of exciting attractions that will
surely make everyone appreciate the outdoors.
Everyone in the family has something to do here
from playground for the toddlers to Mini Golf for the
grandparents! With a mountain range along the
horizon and the surrounding wide plains, SandBox
is definitely the place for family outdoor fun. It is
located at Porac, Pampanga via SCTEX, and a
joint venture of AyalaLand and LeonioLand.
ATTRACTIONS

Giant Swing , the countrys tallest swing.

Each swing can accommodate three guests at a
time and creates the back and forth movement at
10-meter above the ground. Age: 7 to 11 yrs old
must be supervised by an adult. Weight: Maximum
of 180kg or 396lbs

Aerial Walk Challenge , a high rope

adventure course of nets and rope walkways. The
Aerial walk is a series of activities that will test each
users agility, balance and flexibility. An active guest
can make his way through this course in about 30
minutes. Age: 7 to 11 yrs old must be accompanied
by a climbing adult | 12 to 15 yrs old must be
supervised by adult from the ground. Weight:
Maximum of 110kg or 242lbs

Avatar One , the Philippines' first roller

coaster zipline. One doesnt just zip down the 180meter (length) course but zigzags along starting
from 12 meters high. Age: Kids below 7 years old
are not permitted to take the course. Weight:
Minimum of 36kg or 79lbs and maximum of 110kg
or 242lbs

Adventure Tower , a 5-storey structure that

consists of various activities such as rappelling,
wall climbing, jump off for the free fall, jump off for
the roller coaster zip line and the view deck.


ATV and UTV rides , have a thrilling ATV or
UTV ride that passes through the Pasig-Potrero
river to give you that exhilarating outdoor
experience.

Outdoor Archery , a fun activity with the bow

and arrow in an outdoor range perfect for newbie
archers for kids and adults alike.

Miyamit Falls (Fresh air, lush scenery,

adventure)
If trekking is what you are looking for, then Porac
Peak offers a breathtaking view of the spectacular
Miyamit Falls.
The Porac Trail is an alternate trail leading to the
Pinatubo Crater Lake and meanders around the
mountain for a 28-kilometer non-stop scenery of
unspoiled beauty, lush forests, and natural
wonders.
Miyamit Falls have strong and powerful currents
that fill a basin of clear and cool water perfect for
swimming. Miyamit falls continues to inspire awe
from adventure seekers who happen to stumble
upon this largely undiscovered charm at the heart
of Porac.

Dara Falls

Its name was originally Darabulbul Falls because

of the bubbling of water. It is located at Brgy.
Jalung, Porac, Pampanga

Puning Hotspring and Restaurant

Adventure and relaxation rolled into one. Thats the

Puning tour experience. Begin with the 4x4 off road
fun and be amazed with the wonderful scenery. Dip
in the hot springs wit 13 pools to choose from. Bury
yourself under hot sand and cool down with a mud
pack. Puning hotspring and restaurant is a unique
destination usually included in the tour packages
offered in Clark Freeport zone and Porac town in
Pampanga. Everything begins at Base camp or
what they call station 1. It is located in Barangay
Inararo,Porac, Pampanga. Station 1 is like a
beautiful garden. From station one, youll have an
option to go to the sand spa and mud pack or
directly go straight to the hot spring. Going to
station 3 is a 4x4 ride. Its mor fun to stand holding
metal barrels because the view is totally amazing.
Its as if youre going inside a mountain and passing

thorugh it to reveal a world of gigantic sand

sculptures. The rate is between Php1,800-3000 per
head depending on available promo (minimum of 5
persons).

Saint Catherine of Alexandria Parish Church

The Santa Catalina de Alejandria parish church,
also known as the Porac church, is a 19th-century
Baroque church located at Barangay Poblacion,
Porac, Pampanga, Philippines.
The church measures 52 meters long, 12 meters
wide and 9 meters high. The main focal point of the
faade is the rose window bearing an image of
Saint Catherine of Alexandria rendered on stained
glass.Attached to the left of the church is a slender,
4-storey, octagonal bell tower.
Its original structure, built in 1872, is largely intact
but slight revisions have been made to the inside. It
underwent restoration in the 1980s. The church is
52 metres (171 ft) long, 12 metres (39 ft) wide and
9 metres (30 ft) high.

St Vincent Ferrer Chapel

The 1861 Pio Chapel is a circular chapel built by
Don Felino Gil, founder of the Escuela de Artes y
Oficios (now the Don Hororio Ventura Technical
State University). Built in 1862, the chapel is
believed to be the first circular chapel of its kind in
the Philippines. The chapel is a rare gem for
Philippine church architecture since it is recognized
as one of the oldest and best-reserved chapels in
the country despite the fact that in Pampanga
alone, several Spanish-era chapels still stand to
this day.
The chapel features a two-level faade, with
Tuscan columns flanking a semicircular arch main
portal on the first level and a semicircular arch
window on the second level. The faade is topped
by a triangular pediment bearing the inscription
1861, the year the chapel was completed. The
roofing of the first level moves toward the center of
the structure, where a smaller polygonal dome caps
the entire chapel.

Our Lady of Sorrows Chapel

Another vintage chapel is located at Barangay
Dolores, north of the Porac town proper. The Our
Lady of Sorrows Chapel was said to be built by the
Dolores family within the old Hacienda Dolores in
1856. The chapel, like the Pio chapel, is currently
utilized as a community chapel. The chapel boasts

of a slender octagonal belfry and Doric columns

adorning the two-level faade. Notable features of
the chapel are finials found on both levels of the
faade

Shrunken Shrine
Being one of the places affected by the Eruption of
Mt Pinatubo, this old, abandoned and shrunken
shrine showed evidences of the effects of the
catastrophe. The said eruption took countless lives
and destructed a great number of properties and
livelihood from many inhabitants near it. But despite
the devastation and adversities, Porac became one
of the towns that reaped the benefits through the
sand and gravel, that serves as its main source of
income today.

Municipal Hall and the seat of government

is located at Barangay Poblacion.
Strengths

Porac has a mountainous terrains in the

majority of its plains

Good supplier of poutry and hogs because

this is one of the main llivelihoods in Porac, since it
has a wide land suitable for this kind of livelihood.

Jeepneys and tricycle are available in the

destination at all times. Also, the construction of
SCTEX, greatly ease the transportation from Porac
to Manila or vice versa

There are several natural resources that

can be used for business and other recreational
activities.

Supplier of fresh fruits and vegetables of the

nearby towns even in cities. Most people in Porac
plants vegetabes and fruits for their livelihood
because the have a wide land
STO. TOMAS
Region: Region III (Central Luzon)
Province: Pampanga
Municipal: Santo Tomas
Barangay: 7
Region Code: 03
Province Code: 54
Municipal Code: 21
Municipal Profile:
Vision Mission

Santo Tomas is a fourth class municipality in the

province of Pampanga, Philippines. According to
the 2010 census, it has a population of 38,062
people.
It is a mainly agricultural and fishing community;
industry includes casket manufacture, ceramics,
and carpentry.
Sto. Tomas, which used to be a portion of
San Fernando, had its Catholic Church erected in
1767. It is known for its pottery industry, its beautiful
women, the delicious food they prepare, and for
their joyful "Sabado de Gloria" celebration.
ETYMOLOGY
The town's name is derived from Baliwag ("tardy" in
Spanish) a reference to local habit of arriving late
for Mass. Baliwag, whose original name was Santo
Tomas, had its Patron, St. Thomas the Apostle. He
is also called Doubting Thomas or Didymus
(meaning "twin,") and was one of the Twelve
Apostles of Jesus. The Patronal Feast is celebrated
yearly on the 21st of December from the town's
original founding date of 1792.
HISTORY
On September 15, 1792, Santo Tomas was
severed from its parent Minalin, Pampanga. On
May 4, 1899, the town was under the U.S. Force's
administration.
On January 2, 1905, it was ceded to San Fernando,
Pampanga until 1905.
On October 12, 1951, Executive Order No. 476
(issued by Elpidio Quirino) created Santo Tomas
and its five barrios of San Matias, San Vicente, San
Bartolome, Sto. Rosario and Poblacion with the
seat of government at barrio San Vicente.
On January 11,1952, the municipality of Sto. Tomas
was re-inaugurated. The first municipal hall was
temporarily at the house of late Mayor Patricio
Gomez, the first municipal mayor.
In 1955, RA 1250, the San Matias seat was
transferred to Poblacion. Presidential Decree No.
1441 was issued by President Ferdinand E. Marcos
on June 11, 1978, transferring the seat of municipal
government from Poblacion to Barangay San
Vicente.
The town became the site of the bloody encounter
between Filipino and American forces during
Philippine Revolution known as the Battle of Santo
Tomas.

GEOGRAPHY
The municipality of Santo Tomas, the smallest and
youngest town in Pampanga, is at the heart of the
province Santo Tomas has a total land area of
1,467 hectares. The capital city of San Fernando
bounds it on the north-west the municipality of San
Simon on the north-east, the municipality of Minalin
on the south-east and Bacolor on the west
BARANGAYS
Santo Tomas is politically subdivided into seven
barangays

Moras De La Paz

Poblacion

San Bartolome

San Matias

San Vicente

Santo Rosario (Pau)

Sapa (Santo Nio)

In the records of Department of Trade and Industry
(Philippines), the town holds the title casket capital
of Central Luzon. It is home to 300 family-owned
casket businesses that each produce about 80
caskets monthly or a total production of 24,000 a
month. Casket capital of the Philippines, Oct. 22,
2012.
TOURISM
Santo Tomas' main attractions and events are:

The yearly Easter Sunday Flower Scattering

Festival or Sabuaga Festival (from sabuag and
sampaga which means scatter flowers) originated
from Easter Sunday Salubong (April 8, 2012)
where estabats scatter flowers.

First Evacuation Center and Multi-Purpose

Hall at Poblacion, Sto. Tomas, July 5, 2010.

The Northville 12 ECCD Center and Health

Center, July 15, 2010.

Municipal Hall Annex, Donato B. Pangilinan,

Sr. building, also the New Public Market and Police
Station, inaugurated on the 60th snniversary of
Santo Tomas founding, October 12, 2011
St. Thomas the Apostle Parish Church
The 1929 St. Thomas the Apostle Parish Church
(Poblacion Santo Tomas, Pampanga) belongs to
the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of San Fernando.
The feast is July 3 and its previous parish priest
was Rev. Dino Albert N. Pineda of the Vicariate of
Christ the King, under Vicar Forane, Rev. Reynaldo
D. dela Cruz.It has a population of 9,202, with

Catholics, 8,833. The current parish priest is Fr.

Renato Sabile.
On February 14, 2004, the Parish Pastoral Center
and Convent were blessed and inaugurated by
Bishop Paciano Aniceto. On October 16, 2004, the
columbarium, mortuary and museum were blessed.
San Matias Parish Church
The 1962 San Matias Parish Church belongs to the
Roman Catholic Archdiocese of San Fernando. Its
incumbent parish priest is Rev. Bong Feliciano. It
has a population of 16,672 with Catholics, 16,005.
TOURISM
Santo Tomas' main attractions and events are:

The yearly Easter Sunday Flower Scattering

Festival or Sabuaga Festival (from sabuag and
sampaga which means scatter flowers) originated
from Easter Sunday Salubong (April 8, 2012)
where estabats scatter flowers.

First Evacuation Center and Multi-Purpose

Hall at Poblacion, Sto. Tomas, July 5, 2010.

The Northville 12 ECCD Center and Health

Center, July 15, 2010.

Municipal Hall Annex, Donato B. Pangilinan,

Sr. building, also the New Public Market and Police
Station, inaugurated on the 60th anniversary of
Santo Tomas founding, October 12, 2011
Fiestas and Special Occasions
Municipal Town Fiesta - July 3 (Executive Order)
Foundation Day - October 12
Name of Barangay Date
Poblacion
Easter Sunday
San Bartolome
August 24
San Vicente April 5
Sto Nio
every 3rd Sunday of January
San Matias
February 24
May 14
Moras Dela Paz
May 7
Sto. Rosario (Pau)
April 27
October 7
Barangay San Matias, San Vicente, and Sto. Nino
Sapa has become centers for "XLT" or automotive
body building, casket fabrication, and earthenware.
With the coordinated efforts of the local
government, the Department of Trade and Industry
and the local association of industry players, the
municipalitys Terra Cota industry was able to

improve the level of competitiveness of their

products in the export market. Thus, it has earned a
direct share in the export market thereby cutting off
one layer in the old ceramics market system. The
Terra Cota industry is the oldest industry in the
Philippines.
Making a living in Coffin Town
Many of the townsfolk in San Vicente earn a living
by making caskets for dead men, with about 40% of
the local population depending on the multi-million
peso coffin-making industry.
San Vicente produces an estimated 25,000 coffins
every month. It may seem like a lot of dead people,
but there are actually times when coffins are in
short supply. And these are during times of tragedy.
(READ: The cost of dying in the Philippines)
In 2012, Sto. Tomas donated 500 caskets for the
victims of Typhoon Pablo in southern Mindanao.
Likewise, they donated 500 coffins to the victims of
Typhoon Sendong in Cagayan de Oro in 2011.
According to the Department of Trade and Industry,
San Vicente supplies about 70% of the countrys
caskets.
CERAMICS-MAKING
OR
TERRA
COTTA
INDUSTRY
Aside from coffins though, Sto. Tomas is also
known for the pottery-making industry largely
concentrated in Barangay Sto. Nino, also known as
Sapa.
The process in making a terra cotta pot starts with
the grinding of clay mixed with fine sand. Before,
the mixing was done manually. But due to hard
labor, a grinding machine is now used to produce a
good amalgam of sand and clay. The fine mixture
will then be brought to the thrower (mangulyutan)
for the production of the pot. It is a combination of
talent and expertise by the mangulyutan that
produces identical pot even for a hundred pieces.
After forming the shapes, these will be left to dry
inside the camalig which has a cool room
temperature. Exposing them under the sun will
cause them to crack because the clay has its own
natural and organic process of drying.
FAMOUS PEOPLE

Dr. Gregorio Singian- the "Father of

Philippine Surgery".

Donato Pangilinan Jr- of Rockwell

Corporation

Marciano Pineda- a former Congressman

and National Housing Authority manager

Dante B. Canlas, former Secretary of

Economic Planning and NEDA director-general

Mon David, an accomplished jazz musician

and grand winner of the 2006 London International
Jazz Festival

Sen. Kiko Pangilinan Senator (San

Matias)

Arwin Santos Basketball Player (Moras

Dela Paz)
Report Summary
Sto. Tomas was traditionally named Baliwag which
means tardy in Spanish and it was christened
after St. Thomas the Apostle or also known as the
Doubting Thomas/ Didymus. Sto. Tomas was
formerly part of the town of Minalin but on
September 15, 1792, it was declared as a new
town separate from Minalin. The town is a fouth
class municipality and the youngest town in the
province of Pampanga which contains only seven
baranggays namely: Moras De La Paz, Poblacion,
San Bartolome, San Matias, San Vicente, Santo
Rosario (Pau), Sapa (Santo Nio). The City of San
Fernando is on the northwest, the municipality of
San Simon is on the northeast, the municipality of
Minalin is on the southeast and Bacolor is on the
west of Sto. Tomas. In the 2010 census by the
National Statistics Office or NSO, Sto. Tomas has a
total population of 38, 062 and with respect to its
baranggays, San Matias has the biggest population
with 13, 028 households and Sto. Rosario has the
smallest population with only 2, 067 households.
According to the Department of Trade and Industry,
the town of Sto. Tomas holds the title Casket
Capital of Central Luzon. The town is the home to
300 family-owned casket businesses that each
produces about 80 caskets monthly or a total
production of 24,000 a month. In October 22, 2012,
Sto. Tomas was declared as the Casket Capital of
the Philippines. Aside from coffins, Sto. Tomas is
also known for the pottery-making industry, which is
the oldest industry in the municipality, largely
concentrated in Barangay Sto. Nino, also known as
Sapa. Barangay San Matias, San Vicente, and
Sto. Nino have also become centers for XLT or
automotive body building.

One of the popular festivals of Sto. Tomas is the

Sabuaga Festival or the Flower Showering Festival
which is celebrated every Easter Sunday. The term
Sabuaga
came from
a play of
two
Kampampangan words, sabuag which means to
scatter and sampaga which means flowers. It is a
festival deeply rooted in the religious and spiritual
tradition of the locals. Some famous people from
the town include Sen. Kiko Pangilinan, Arwin
Santos and Mon David.
Different places to visit in Sto. Tomas are: First, the
churches in Sto Tomas which include, the St.
Thomas the Apostle Parish Church which was
established in 1929 and has a feast day of July 3.
Its current parish priest is Rev. Father. Renato G.
Sabile and also the San Matias Church which was
named after St. Matthias who was chosen as the
apostle in replace of Judas Iscariot who betrayed
Jesus and committed suicide. Its feast day is
celebrated every May 14 and its current parish
priest is Rev. Father Bong Feliciano. There are also
other churches per baranggay. Second are the
resorts namely Villa Lyka located at San Matias and
Lumanog Farmville located in San Vicente. Lastly,
the restaurants in the town namely Funnside
Ningnangan, San Matias Ihaw ihaw, Manukan at
Julie, Hi-B Restaurant.

The founder of ArtiSta. Rita was Andy Alviz

who also wrote and directed Juan and Nena
Nepomusical

ArtiSta. Rita started Duman Festival in 2002

Popular foods of Santa Rita

Turones de casuy (Ocampo-Lansang

delicacies)

Aurings Special Chicharon

Mommamees Hopia

Duman (Duman Festival celebrated every

first Saturday of December)
Sta. Rita de Cascia Parish Chruch

1839 - Built by Father Francisco Royo

1868 completed by Father Juan Merino

The site where the Holy Relic of St. Rita of

Cascia is enshrined

The first class relic was obtained through

the help of Most Rev. Riccardo Fontana of SpoletoNorcia

The relic was forwarded to Sta. Rita on

August 17, 2008
Attractions

Sta. Rita Ecopark (stress free zone)

Jeds Farm Resort

Villa Epifania (Ancestral House)

Dominican Convent (Convento de la

Sagrada Familia)

SANTA RITA

MAGALANG

Patron Saint: St. Rita de Cascia (Sta. Rita

has the first class relic of the saint)

Feast day: May 22

4th class municipality

38,762 population (2010 census)

Belongs to the 2nd district of Pampanga

It has 10 baranggays

Mayor: Ferdinand Dagi Lansang Salalila

Meaning of Sta. Rita

S Farmer harvesting duman rice crops
T vendor selling vegetables
A Farmer planting duman
R fisherman catching fishes
I Filipino wearing barong tagalog
T farmer carrying sugar canes
A couple sharing a box of turones de casuy
ArtiSta. Rita

towns iconic cultural group.

Magalang is one of the most ancient towns

of Pampanga

Established by the Augustinians in 1605

Its original site was a place called Macapsa

only one of 15 towns in the province to have

an Augustinian Church

There was also the great flood caused by

the Parua River

Patron-San Bartolome

Magalang was the site of Battle of Camansi

Prosperous sugar and rice town

Known for its pastillas de leche

Population(as of 2010 census)-103,600

Magalang is politically subdivided into 27

barangays
San Francisco

formerly called Batiauan

one of the largest barrios

San Agustin

poularly known as Dapa, meaning to lay

down flat on the ground, which was the order of the
lietunant of the revolutionary forces to his soldiers.
San Agustin Church

one of the men of Antero Dizon carved an

image of San Agustin in the trunk of a tree which
the Negritoes found and brought to the barrio

Devoted Catholic donated a piece of land,

had a chapel built
San Nicolas

It has always been named San Nicolas

No sitios
Santa Cruz

Formerly named as Alasas

(due to the alasas leaves that covered both sides of
a small stream)
San Pablo

3 sitios

named San Pablo in honor of Capitan Pablo

Luciano

EDGARDO OCAMPO
-Star Athlete
-son of Fernando Ocampo and Lourdes Luciano
-was a member of Natl Basketball Team that
played in 4 Olympics

Places
Pabalan Delicacies and Carreons Sweet and
Pastries
Pampanga State Agricultural University (PSAU)
-formerly known as Pampanga Agricultural
College(PAC)
Banal a Bunduk
-14 Stations
-after the 7th station is the DENR Checkpoint
Abes Farm
The most important thing to remember are the
three Ds

Destination

Determination

Deliberation
-Wilkie Twycross

San Pedro

called San Pablo ever since the day began

Festivals and traditions

Feast Day of San Bartolome-August 24

Days before the fiesta houses are cleaned

with pakiling leaves
Kamaru Festival
-its first kamaru festival was last August 21, 2012
Kamaru-delicacy in the province
PROMINENT PEOPLE
JOSE M. NAVARRO
-writer
-became a Chief Police
-two term Mayor of the town
AMANCIO A: TAPNIO
-one of the best poets in Magalang

MINALIN
Country
Region:
Province:
District:
Founded:
Barangays:
Government:
Population:
ZIP code:
Dialing code:
Income class:

Philippines
Central Luzon (Region III)
Pampanga
4th District
August 27, 1614
15
Mayor Edgardo Galope Flores
As of 2010 - 44,001
2019
2019
4th class

GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION
North
South
East
West

Sto. Tomas
Macabebe
San Luis, San Simon, Apalit
Guagua, Bacolor

BARANGAYS - 15
ETYMOLOGY

LIVELIHOOD

The town of Minalin found on the right bank of the

creek which drains from Sto. Tomas and the
northeast mountains, derives its names from the
word minalis which means to move to. One
legend claims that its name was derived from a
combination of the words Mina, which means mine,
supposedly inscribed on a rock left at the place in
1700 by a Spaniard named Jose Espeleta, and Lin,
the name of the founder of the town.
While another undocumented legend playing on
Mina Linda de las Mujeres, meaning a mine of
beautiful women. A gobernadorcillo by the name of
Diego Tolentino wrote Minalin instead of Minalis in
one of the expedientes and that is how it has been
spelled since. In the Calendario Manual y Guia de
Forasteros, for the years 1839 to 1841, Minalin was
misspelled as Minalim.

HISTORY
Geographical accounts dating to as early as 1860
mentions that Minalin was producing rice, corn,
sugar cane, cacao, indigo (ail), and fruits. When
the rivers dried up, residents dug up wells to
generate water for their animals as well as for
irrigation. They also engaged themselves in fishing
in water canals and swamps, while others go into
trade, usually dealing in major commodities such as
sugar including its production of dye, nipa wine and
vinegar. They also weave some local fabrics for
domestic use and mats (patates).
Most accounts trace the foundation of this town as
early as 1614 when it was designated as visita of
Macabebe. It was in May 17, 1614 that the
capitulars agreed to segregate this town from its
former matrix, Macabebe and recommended that
the provincial appoint a minister to reside there. Its
notice of separation from Macabebe was repeated
in the next Chapter on April 29, 1617. It took about
a year later though before a minister in the person
of Fr. Miguel de Sadaa was assigned.

Poultry
Plasdan/Fishpond

Minalin is considered as one of the fastest growing

economy in Pampanga because of its area that is
very rich every year. Fishponds and poultry industry
are the usual source of living of the people of
Minalin. The town is known as the "Egg Basket of
Pampanga" because of its large scale production of
eggs and chickens. According to the municipal
government, Minalin earns P30 million per month or
P1 million per day from the sales of eggs. There
are 22 poultry raisers who own around 280,000
chickens. These chickens produce 479,100 eggs
per day which are packed in 1,331 cases where
each case contains 12 trays. Each tray contains 30
eggs. Barangay San Pedro has the most number of
poultry raisers at 16, followed by San Isidro and
Sto. Rosario with two each, and Sta. Rita and Sta.
Maria with one each (ugnayan.com). Tilapia,
shrimp, crabs are also major products of the town.
FESTIVALS
1.
Aguman Sanduk
It is is celebrated on the first day of the New Year.
The festival started way back the month of
December of the year 1931 when draught swept
across the land. In order to alleviate hunger and
pain, fellow Minalin landlords decided to pool their
food resources so to welcome the next year with
smile in their hearts with filled-stomachs. As women
were cooking, men were challenge to cook. The
men, accepting the challenge, dared to cooked like
women and added it with kalokohan, wore womens
clothes and that is where the festival started
wherein the ugliest were crowned with balanga and
lakal and given a scepter of a ladle.
Aguman Sanduk has managed to survive because
it is very significant for the Minalenyos because
they view the festival as Minalins secret weapon of
survival through thick and thin. It is the miracle of
sharing: pamisaupan king oras ning kasakitan,
pamiganaoan king oras ning kakulangan,

oamaniman king oras ning kalungkutan at

pamidamayan imbes na patayan. It is the way of
peace and compassion. It is Minalins way of
welcoming New Year in the spirit of sharing and
laughter, both of which are very good morale
boosters and healthy psychological help for a
community to move on through the year ahead of
them.
2.
Feast Day of St. Monica
Another festival that is important to the people of
Minalin is the feast day of St. Monica (Apung
Monica) which is celebrated every second Sunday
of May. It symbolizes the faith of Minalenyos to their
patron saint
3.
Apung Monica Fluvial Procession
While the Apung Monica Fluvial Procession is
celebrated on August 27. According to Rev. Fr.
Greg Vega, Anyang Agosto 27, 2002, meganap ing
mumunang LIBAD NANG STA MONICA AT
FIESTANG ILUG KING MINALIN. Miparangalan ya
ing Dios kareng ilug ning Minalin. Pasalamatan ya
ing Dios karing kalam ning ilug. Ilug a meging dalan
ning kasalpantayanan, pamisanmetung, kabiayan
at paganaka king danum ning Binyang nang San
Agustin a tinggap na kapamilatan ding panalanging
nang indu na y Sta. Monica.

Spanish era, was declared a National Cultural

Treasure by the National Commission for Culture
and the Arts and the National Museum of the
Philippines on August 27, 2011, one of 37 churches
in the country bestowed that honor. Inside the
church of Minalin, one can find that its altar is
different from the usual altar of other churches. It is
called as Retablo Mayor which depicts one article
of our faith: the belief in the COMMUNION OF
SAINTS. The Retablo is supported by pillars with
BATIBAT design. This design is based on
animalistic belief that trees are possessed by spirit.
That spirit has been tied up and guarded by an
angel so it will rest in peace.

4.
Egg Festival
Since it has been said that Minalin is known for its
poultry industry, on June 4, 2008, Minalin
celebrated its fame for producing over a million
chicken eggs per day by holding the country's first
"First Egg Festival." An exhibit of Minalin's egg
produce was put up, and a taste test of 10,000
boiled eggs was held. Also, 70 poultry raisers
donated 100,000 eggs to Typhoon Cosme's victims
in the nearby provinces of Pangasinan and
Zambales. Mayor Edgar Flores and President
Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo graced the exhibit of their
egg produce, and a taste test of 10,000 boiled
eggs. Also, 70 poultry raisers donated 80,000 eggs
to Pangasinan's "Cosme" typhoon victims, and
20,000 shall go to Zambales.

Flanking the church are two octagonal bell towers

spiral staircase five feet in diameter. From the
choirs loft, steps are counted three steps down,
crossover step, then 30 steps to the top. According
to Mike Pangilinan, the bell tower of Sta. Monica
Parish Church has 8 sides like the PADMAPANI
(LOTUS SEAR), as well as 8 PILONS similar to
those found in Hindu-Buddhist Temples pointing to
the 8 sacred directions of life in Hinduism and
Buddhism. In the bell tower, two big bells can be
found dated 1777; and two rotary bells dating back
to 1965. Roofing of the bell towers are made of redfired bricks, called tiba in Kapampangan. These
bells are considered as the oldest church bells in
Pampanga.

TOURISM
In the poblacion are of Barangay San Nicolas of
Minalin, the 400-year old Santa Monica Parish
Church can be found. The church, built during the

Also in Sta. Monica Church, four capilla posas can

be found. The four capilla posas are concrete
arched structures used as oratory stations for the
Blessed Sacrament during Christ the King, Corpus
Christi and other events. The capilla posas
distinguishes Santa Monica Church as the only
church in the Philippine that have these features
fully preserved today. During the Hispanization of
Minalin, these altars were used by Filipinos (termed
by the Spaniards as Indios) as the church interior
was reserved for peninsulares (full-blooded
Filipino-Spaniards).

The 1619 Mural Painting of Minalin can also be

found inside the Sta. Monica Parish Church. This
mural painting depicts the life of Minalenyos at that
time which is centered in church, the Minalin River
as a means of communication and transportation

and the river which is instrumental for the coming of

the Augustinian Missionaries, farming as a means
of livelihood at that time, and the richness of the
FAUNA (palapat, sasa) and FLORA of Minalin

(dumara, crocodile, cows, talangka, ema, tilapia,

bangus, poultry).