REGION III

CENTRAL
LUZON
 LEARNING OBJECTIVES
At the end of this course, the students should be
able to :

1. Know the provinces and capitals of Region III

2. Discuss the history of the Central Luzon Region
3. Describe the different tourist destinations of the
Region III
4. Understand the SWOT analysis of the Central
Luzon Region
MAP OF CENTRAL LUZON
REGION
PROVINCES AND CAPITAL
Province Capital
1. Aurora Baler
2. Bataan Balanga
3. Bulacan Malolos
4. Nueva Ecija Palayan City
5. Pampanga San Fernando
6. Tarlac Tarlac City
7. Zambales Iba
SWOT ANALYSIS OF REGION III
STRENGTHS WEAKNESSESS OPPORTUNITIES THREATS
Proximity to There are very Government is Mt. Pinatubo
the NCR few areas planning to is still active
  developed for improve the and may
tourism infrastructure erupt again
  between Clark
The presence and Subic
of Diosdado
Macapagal
International
Airport
 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF REGION III
 The region of Central Luzon has a total land area of  Eighty percent of the population of Central
about 2.13 million hectares. Luzon is Roman Catholic. Other religions
 The region contains the largest plain in the country represented are Protestants (including
and produces most of the country's rice supply, Evangelicals), Islam, Iglesia Ni Cristo, and
earning itself the nickname "Rice Granary of the indigenous religions such as Anitism. There are
Philippines. also other denominations such as Jesus Is Lord,
 The current name of the region is in reference to its Pentecostal Missionary Church of Christ, Ang
position on Luzon island. The term was coined by Dating Daan, Jesus Miracle Crusade, United
American colonialists after the defeat of the First Methodist Church and others.
Philippine Republic. There have been proposals to
 Central Luzon comprises 7 provinces, 2 highly
rename the current Central Luzon region into the
Luzones region. The proposed name is in reference urbanized cities, 12
to the old name of Luzon island, Luções, which was  component cities, 116 municipalities, 3,102
later used to refer to the central area of the island. barangays.
The term Luções literally translates into Luzones.
 PROVINCES
OF
CENTRAL LUZON
REGION
 AURORA
AURORA
(Tagalog: Lalawigan ng Aurora; Ilokano: Probinsia ti Aurora)
Capital : Baler
• Aurora is a province in the Philippines located in the eastern
part of Central Luzon region, facing the Philippine Sea. Its
capital is Baler and borders, clockwise from the south, the
provinces of Quezon, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Nueva Vizcaya,
Quirino, and Isabela. Before 1979, Aurora was part of the
province of Quezon.
• Aurora was, in fact, named after Aurora Aragon, the wife of
Pres. Manuel L. Quezon, the president of the Philippine
Commonwealth, after whom the mother province was named.
 HISTORY
HISTORY
Spanish Era
• In 1572, the Spanish explorer Juan de Salcedo became the first European to
visit the region that would be known as Aurora while he was exploring the
northern coast of Luzon. Salcedo reportedly visited the towns of Casiguran,
Baler and Infanta.
• In the early days of the Spanish colonial period, Aurora was ecclesiastically
linked to Infanta, which today rests further south, in northern Quezon. The
earliest missionaries in the province were the Franciscans, who had
established missions in Baler and Casiguran in 1609.Due to lack of available
personnel, the region was given to the jurisdiction of the Augustinians and
Recollects in 1658, but was returned to the Friars Minor in 1703. Other early
missions included Dipaculao, established in 1719, and Casiguran, in 1753.
 HISTORY

Distri ct o f E l Pr inci pe

Th eear lyhi stor yo fAu rora is l inked to Qu ezo n pr ovin ce, o f which i t for med apart, and Nu evaE cija, un der wh ich the area was g overned as the District of E l P rín cipe. In 1902 , th ed ist rict was separated fro m
Nueva Ecija and tran sferr ed to th ep rovi nce ofTayabas (n ow Quezon) .
 INDEPENDENCE
Aurora became a sub-province of
Quezon in 1951 through Republic Act No.
648, and finally became an independent
province during the presidency of
Ferdinand E. Marcos, through Batas
Pambansa Blg. 7 enacted on August 13,
1979.
 ADMINISTRATIVE ASSIGNMENT
As original part of the province of Quezon,
Aurora was part of the Southern Tagalog Region
(Region IV). Upon the issuance of Executive
Order No. 103, dated May 17, 2002, by then-
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, the province
of Aurora was moved to Central Luzon (Region
III). The provinces south of Aurora formed as
CALABARZON and MIMAROPA.
 GEOGRAPHY
Aurora is a coastal province covering an area of
3,147.32 square kilometres 1,215.19 sq mi) in east-central
Luzon. To the north, it is bordered by the Northern Sierra
Madre Natural Park of Isabela, to the west by the central
range of the Sierra Madre which contains the Casecnan
Protected Landscape and Aurora Memorial National Park,
to the south by the Umiray River, and to the east by the
Philippine Sea which opens to the Philippine Sea. The San
Ildefonso Peninsula lies in the province's northern portion
between the Philippine Sea and the Casiguran Sound.
 TOURIST
ATTRACTIONS
OF
AURORA
 NAME AND LOCATION DESCRIPTION
Casiguran Sound in Casiguran, Aurora Almost like a lake, Casiguran
Sound is a bay nearly enclosed
by the Casiguran landmass and
the peninsula of San Ildelfonso.
Only a kilometre-wide inlet
connects it to the sea. It protects
the area from typhoons.

Cemento Beach and Reef in Brgy.Cemento, Baler White sand, seashells and crushed
corals could be found along the stretch
of Cemento Beach. The waters are
ideal for expert or professional surfing
as the waves are of the right-hand
break type. The area is likewise
suitable for body boarding.
 NAME AND LOCATION DESCRIPTION
Charlie’s Point in Baler Ideal for surfing, with medium
quality right-and-left break waves
on a sand-and-gravel bottom. The
waves are best in December and
January. The surf scenes from the
Apocalypse Now were filmed here.

Cobra Reef in Cemento in Baler The area produces excellent quality-

right break waves over sharp reefs. It is
one of the spots most frequented by
Australians, Europeans, and Japanese
surfers in Aurora.
 NAME AND LOCATION DESCRIPTION
Discalarin in San Luis A place of multiple attractions, this
natural cove boasts a kilometre-
long white beach. On the left side is
a steep imposing hill while on the
right is a peninsula and a cave. Each
attraction is ideal for various
recreational activities.

Dingalan White Beach in Brgy. Paltic This two-kilometre long beach has
numerous shells and corals scattered
along the entire length of its southern
half, which is approximately a
kilometre long. It is suitable for scuba
diving because of the rich diversity of
marine life living in its waters.
 NAME AND LOCATION DESCRIPTION
Ditumabo Falls in San Luis Approximately 140 feet high, the
falls are surrounded by huge cliffs
covered with tall hardwoods,
shrubbery, and vines while sprays
of cool water seem to remain
suspended in the air.

Quezon’s Warehouse in Poblacion, Baler This rest house is a quaint blue

wooden cottage.
Sabang Beach in Baler Located on this long stretch of
gray-sand beach are several resorts.
The place provides a good beach front
for swimmers and an expert challenge
for windsurfers. Glassy right and left
waves can be caught in the morning.
 BATAAN
Capital : Balanga
• Bataan is a province on the Philippine island of Luzon. Shipwrecks and coral reefs dot
the waters of Subic Bay, off its northwest coast. Farther south, marine turtles are
hatched at the Pawikan Conservation Center. A towering memorial cross and a shrine
commemorating World War II’s Battle of Bataan crown Mount Samat in central Bataan.
On the east coast, birdlife thrives in the Balanga City Wetland and Nature Park.
• Bataan is a province situated in the Central Luzon region of the Philippines. Its capital is
the City of Balanga. Occupying the entire Bataan Peninsula on Luzon, Bataan is
bordered by the provinces of Zambales and Pampanga to the north. The peninsula
faces the South China Sea to the west and Subic Bay to the north-west, and encloses
Manila Bay to the east.
• The Battle of Bataan is famous in history as one of the last stands of American and
Filipino soldiers before they were overwhelmed by the Japanese forces in World War II.
The Bataan Death March was named after the province, where the infamous march
started.
 HISTORY
HISTORY
Classical Period
The first inhabitants of the Bataan peninsula are the Ayta
Magbeken people, who are one of the first Negrito ancestors of
present-day Filipinos. Later on, Tagalog communities from southern
Luzon migrated to parts of Bataan and the Ayta Magbeken migrated
towards the mountain areas of Bataan by the end of the 16th century.
Colonial Period
In 1647, Dutch naval forces landed in country in an attempt to seize
the islands from Spain. The Dutch massacred the people of Abucay in
Bataan.
 Historian Cornelio Bascara documents that the province of Bataan was established
on January 11, 1757 by Governor-General Pedro Manuel Arandia out of territories
belonging to Pampanga and the corregimiento of Mariveles which, at the time,
included Maragondon, Cavite across the Manila Bay.
World War II
• Bataan featured prominently during World War II. Prior to the 1941 Japanese invasion,
the US Army stored nearly 1,000,000 US gallons (3,800 m3) of gasoline there.
• Shortly after the Japanese Army invaded the country in December 1941, the
combined US and Filipino forces were being gradually overrun and General Douglas
MacArthur moved his troops to the Bataan Peninsula in an attempt to hold out until a
relief force could be sent from the US. Japanese forces started a siege of the
peninsula on January 7, 1942, and launched an all-out assault on April 3, a few months
after the Battle of the Points.
• The majority of the American and Filipino forces surrendered on April 9 and were
forced to march more than 100 kilometers (62 mi) from Bataan to Capas, Tarlac,
which became known as the Bataan Death March.
 GEOGRAPHY
HISTORY
The province has an area of 1,372.98 square kilometres
(530.11 sq mi) and covers the entire Bataan Peninsula, a
rocky extension of the Zambales Mountains jutting out into
the South China Sea, enclosing the Manila Bay. At the
northern portion of the peninsula is Mount Natib (elevation
1,253 meters (4,111 ft) and its surrounding mountains,
separated from Mount Samat and the Mariveles Mountains
in the south by a pass. A narrow coastline plain
characterizes the eastern portion of the province, while the
western coast features many ridges, cliffs and headlands.
Administrative divisions
Bataan is politically subdivided into 11
municipalities and one component city.
Demographics
The population of Bataan in the 2015 census was 760,650 people
with a density of 550 inhabitants per square kilometre or 1,400.
Ethnicity
The three most prominent ethnic groups in Bataan are the
Tagalogs, the Kapampangans and the Ayta Magbeken, though the
third group has a lower population despite being the province's first
inhabitants. The second group is mainly present at the northeast of the
province, as well as in the provincial capital to a lesser extent.
Religion
Various religious groups are subscribed to by the people but Roman
Catholicism is the predominant religion, comprising 85% of the Bataan
population. Aglipayan, several other Christian faiths, Muslims, Anitists,
animists, and atheists are the minority.
 TOURIST
ATTRACTIONS
OF
BATAAN
 NAME AND LOCATION DESCRIPTION
Balanga City Birdwatching in Balanga City The coastal areas of Balanga City has
become an ideal site for birdwatching
on the months of October-February
when thousands of migratory birds
can be seen in the area.

Dambana ng Kagitingan in Pilar Also called the Shrine of Valor, this

structure consists of a giant cross on top
of Mt. Samat, in an area now declared a
national park. It symbolizes the bravery
of the Fil-American soldiers who fought
against the Japanese forces during
World War II. There is an elevator that
leads to the upper section where a
window affords a view of the panoramic
landscape and mountains nearby.
 NAME AND LOCATION DESCRIPTION
Death March Marker in Brgy.Silahis, Orani

The statue commemorates the

resistant spirit of Bataan where the
historic Death March commenced.

Fall of Bataan Marker in Balanga

The marker commemorates the Fall of

Bataan, a very important event in the
country’s history. It was also built to
honor the Filipino soldiers, both living
and dead, who valiantly fought against
the Japanese invaders.
 NAME AND LOCATION DESCRIPTION
Lamao WW II Marker in Lamao, Limay The marker was erected in 1962,
exactly 20 years after Gen. Edward
King signed the papers surrendering
the whole nation to the Japanese. It
commemorates the courage and
bravery shown by the Filipinos during
World War II.

Mt. Malasimbo in Dinalupihan

This conical mountain is used as a

weather forecasting device. Dark clouds
covering its summit indicates a coming
typhoon.
NAME AND LOCATION DESCRIPTION
Mt. Natib in Brgy. Tala, Orani
An active volcano rising 8,000 feet
above sea level, Mt. Natib offers
mountaineers a good climb especially
with its abundant wildlife reserve.
Reaching the summit takes about
four hours.

Mt. Samat in Pilar

Mt. Samat was the scene of the most

heroic defensive battle during World
War I, in which Fil-American forces were
defeated by the Japanese. This is also
where the Dambana ng Kagitingan
was built.
 NAME AND LOCATION DESCRIPTION
Zero Kilometer Marker in Bagac

The marker commemorates the start

of the infamous Death March that
also marks the beginning of the
Japanese control over the country.
 BULACAN
Capital : Malolos
• Bulacan is a province in the Philippines, located in the Central Luzon Region in
the island of Luzon, 11 kilometres north of Manila, and part of the Metro Luzon
Urban Beltway Super Region. Bulacan was established on August 15, 1578. It
has 569 barangays from 21 municipalities and three component cities (Malolos
the provincial capital, Meycauayan, and San Jose del Monte). Bulacan is located
immediately north of Metro Manila. Bordering Bulacan are the provinces of
Pampanga to the west, Nueva Ecija to the north, Aurora and Quezon to the
east, and Metro Manila and Rizal to the south. Bulacan also lies on the north-
eastern shore of Manila Bay.
• In the 2015 census, Bulacan had a population of 3,292,071 people, the most
populous in Central Luzon and the third most populous in the Philippines, after
Cebu and Cavite. Bulacan's most populated city is San Jose del Monte, the most
populated municipality is Santa Maria while the least populated is Doña
Remedios Trinidad.
 HISTORY
HISTORY
Spanish Colonization
The Conquest of Bulacan traces to the first years of the Spanish in the
Philippines. Upon the defeat of the Macabebe and Hagonoy natives led
by Bambalito in the Battle of Bangkusay on June 3, 1571 that caused
Martin de Goiti to move up north first to Lubao in September 1571. Two
months later, on November 14, 1571 Martin de Goiti reached Malolos and
Calumpit respectively and it was reported to Adelantado Miguel Lopez de
Legaspi, the first Governor General of the Philippines. Adelantado
established Calumpit and Malolos as an Encomienda entrusted to
Sargento Juan Moron (Morones in other documents) and Don Marcos de
Herrera. These two conquistador was one of the first group of conquerors
accompanied by Legaspi who have arrived in the Islands in 1565.
 On April 5, 1572, the Encomiendas of Calumpit and Malolos
were unified co-administered by Moron and Herrera. Also on that
year Alcaldia de Calumpit was formed which the areas of
Macabebe, Candaba, Apalit in Pampanga and the settlements of
Meyto, Panducot, Meysulao and Malolos. And on December 28,
1575 Governor – General Francisco Sande order to include
Hagonoy in Calumpit. (NHCP Journal February 2015).
In 1575, Bulakan was established as a visita of Tondo and it is
not part of Calumpit as the boundary between Tondo and
Calumpit were marked in Mambog River and placed the statue of
Our Lady of Visitacion (partroness of Calumpit) was erected. It
was gone and recreated in 1997 upon the re-establishment of the
Roman Catholic Parish of Our Lady of Presentacion in Malolos.
 GEOGRAPHY
HISTORY
Bulacan covers a total area of 2,796.10 square kilometres (1,079.58
sq mi) occupying the southeastern section of the Central Luzon region.
The province is bounded by Nueva Ecija on the north, Aurora
(Dingalan) on the northeast, Quezon (General Nakar) on the east, Rizal
(Rodriguez) on the southeast, Metro Manila (Valenzuela City, Malabon
City, Navotas City, Caloocan City and Quezon City) on the south,
Manila Bay on the southwest, and Pampanga on the west. Several
rivers irrigate the province of Bulacan; the largest one is that of Angat.
Angat River passes through the towns of Norzagaray, Angat, Bustos,
San Rafael, Baliuag, Plaridel, Pulilan, and Calumpit. It flow thence into
the Pampanga River, goes out again, washes Hagonoy and loses itself
in the mangroves. The banks of these rivers are very fertile and are
covered with trees.
ADMINISTRATIVE
HISTORY DIVISIONS
Bulacan is subdivided into 21 municipalities and 3 cities.
As the population is concentrated in the southern half of
the province, so are the legislative districts.
 DEMOGRAPHICS
HISTORY
The population of Bulacan in the 2015 census was
3,292,071 people, making it the second most populous
province in the country, only behind from Cavite, which is
also located in Luzon. It had a density of 1,200 inhabitants
per square kilometer or 3,100 inhabitants per square mile,
the country's 4th highest for a province.
On 1 May 2010, the province had 2,924,433 inhabitants
with an annual population growth rate of 2.73 from the year
2000 to 2010, there were 588,693 households in the
province with an average size of 4.8 persons. Bulacan had a
median age of 23 years in 2007.
 LANGUAGE & ETHNICITY
HISTORY
As it is part of the Tagalog cultural sphere
(Katagalugan), Tagalog is the predominant language of
Bulacan. Some inhabitants also speak Kapampangan,
especially in areas close to the border of Pampanga. Three
municipalities (San Miguel, Remedios Trinidad, and
Norzagaray) and one city (San Jose del Monte) are the
homelands of the Alta Kabulowan, the first inhabitants of
Bulacan whose language is also called Alta Kabulowan.
Their language is currently endangered due to an influx of
Tagalog speakers.
 RELIGION
HISTORY
Roman Catholic is the predominant religion with
88% adherence in the province. Other Christian
groups include the Aglipayans, Born-again
Christians, Church of God (Ang Dating Daan),
Baptists, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Iglesia Ni Cristo
(INC), Methodists, Presbyterians, Mormons,
Seventh-day Adventist and other small Charismatic
Christian groups. Muslims, Anitists and other small
number of non-Christian groups are also present.
 NUEVA ECIJA
(Tagalog: Lalawigan ng Nueva Ecija; Ilokano: Probinsiati Nueva Ecija;
Kapampangan: Lalawigan ning Nueva Ecija; Pangasinan: Luyag na Nueva Ecija)
(Tagalog pronunciation: [nuˈwɛbɐ ɛsiˈha]
Capital : Palayan City
It is a landlocked province in the Philippines located in
the Central Luzon region. Its capital is the city of
Palayan. Nueva Ecija borders, from the south clockwise,
Bulacan, Pampanga, Tarlac, Pangasinan, Nueva Vizcaya
and Aurora. The province is nationally known as the Rice
Granary of the Philippines, producing the largest rice
yield in the country.
 ETYMOLOGY
HISTORY
Nueva Ecija was named by the Spanish colonizers
after the city of Ecija, Spain. Its indigenous names,
such as Pinagpanaan, meaning the place where the
arrow hit - defining the precolonial artistry in archery in
the area, were abolished and changed by the
government during the post-colonial period after
World War II, sparking outrage from scholars and
indigenous communities. Nevertheless, the name-
change of some municipalities into colonial names
during the post-colonial period was continued by the
national government.
 HISTORY
HISTORY
The sprawling and varied geological features of the land now
known as Nueva Ecija, includes plains, mountains and rivers, all the
requisites for the birth and sustenance of life itself. The land's very
first settlers came upon three mountain ranges to the East, North
and West and vast southern plains. All these were sustained by a
great flowing river, one whose earliest name was spoken in a now
lost tongue, and which was called the Rio Grande de Pampanga by
the Spanish people later on. The Great Pampanga River nourished
wild, fruit-bearing trees, served as home to an abundance of fish
and made possible lush, teeming woodlands that sheltered animals.
All these combined must have been paradise in whatever language
for the land's earliest settlers, who were able to not only survive but
thrive in the surrounding abundance, all within easy reach.
 PRE – COLONIAL
HISTORY ERA
These first settlers included tribes of Ilongots (Egungot) or Italons, Abaca and
Buquids. Settlements were built along the banks following the river's undulations.
The Ilongots, meaning people of the forest, were the fierce headhunters and
animist tribes who occupied Carranglan and the mountainous terrain of Sierra
Madre and Caraballo.The head hunting communities were nestled along the
riverbanks of Rio Grande's tributaries in the north. Abaca and Italon were subgroups
of Ilongots meaning river settlers. Ilongots survived mainly by fishing and hunting.
Food production was a secondary occupation. The agriculture-based community of
Caraclans and Buquids were settled in Bongabon and Pantabangan along the
riverbanks of Rio Grande's tributaries in the northeast.
When the waves of Malay migrations took place between 300-200 B.C., intrepid
travelers and traders set up settlements along Luzon’s western coast. These early
settlements formed the nucleus of the Pampango Empire that was consolidated by
Balagtas. The flatlands of the southern portion of Upper Pampanga was a
hospitable place for these new Malay settlers. The indigenous tribes were forced to
take to the hills in the face of the Malays' superior technology.
 PRE – COLONIAL
HISTORY ERA
Barter trade flourished among communities that settled along the
great river. The constant riverside trading resulted in both a
commercial and cultural exchange between the settlements in vast
plains upstream of the Rio Grande de Pampanga. Settlements in
Carranglan, Pantabangan, Bongabon and Puncan prospered and grew
into more stable communities.
The Kingdom of Tondo, headed from what is now central Manila,
invaded the area and took hold of the southern portions of Nueva
Ecija. Eventually, more areas in northern Nueva Ecija were absorbed
by the Kingdom of Tondo, to a point where even present-day Nueva
Viscaya was conquered by Tondo. Even the northwest areas of Nueva
Ecija, which was ruled by the Kaboloan of Pangasinan, was captured
by Tondo.
 SPANISH ATTACKS
HISTORY
When the Spanish arrived in Manila and destroyed the
territorial powers of the Tondo monarchy, much of Nueva Ecija
became a de facto free land. At the time, the Pampango crown
has waned and had little resistance from Spanish invasion.
When the Pampango Empire fell into the hands of Spanish
forces under the command of Martin de Goiti in 1572, the
conquistadores began their long upward trek towards Cagayan
Valley and Mountain Province. Their forces passed through the
settlement areas of the Upper Pampanga River. They also
attacked the Kaboloan of Pangasinan, effectively capturing
more territories from local kingdoms.
 SPANISH ATTACKS
HISTORY
Because of growing territorial domain and evangelical
missions, a command outpost or Commandancia in the Upper
Pampanga River area was established. Then Governor-General
Fausto Cruzat y Góngora (July 25, 1690 to December 8, 1701) had
most likely spent much of his time in the northern outpost in
Carranglan and Pantabangan and, baking in the fiercely hot climate,
probably waxed nostalgic about his hometown in Ecija, Andalusia in
Spain. Ecija, Andalusia was also known as la sarten or the frying pan
because of its intensely hot summers. Thus the Governor-General hit
upon the notion to name the outpost Nueva Ecija. Both the New and
Old Ecija were washed by navigable rivers- the former, by Rio Grande
de Pampanga and the latter, by the river Genil.
 CONVERSIONHISTORY
TO CHRISTIANITY
Consistent with the history of Hispanization in the rest of Philippine archipelago,
Nueva Ecija was established by Augustinian missionaries. The first mission was
established in Gapan in 1595. The Augustinians abandoned their missionary work in
1636, maintaining only the mission in Bongabon.
At the turn of the 18th century, the missionaries resumed their evangelical work
and redirected their efforts to the northeast, towards rough, mountainous terrain
inhabited by Ilongots.
On September 1, 1759, King Carlos III of Spain issued a Royal Decree that ended
the founding missions of Augustinians and transferred all Augustinian responsibilities
in the settlements of Nueva Ecija to Franciscan friars. Through tribute collections and
polo y servicio or rendering of force labor, the Franciscans constructed churches,
convents, parochial schools and tribunals. They also constructed roads and bridges to
connect other settlements. In 1781, a simple irrigation system was constructed in
Pantabangan. This new farming technology contributed to the promotion of
agriculture in the province.
 GEOGRAPHY
HISTORY
The province is the largest in Central Luzon, covering a total area of 5,751.33
square kilometres (2,220.60 sq mi). Its terrain begins with the southwestern
marshes near the Pampanga border. It levels off and then gradually increases in
elevation to rolling hills as it approaches the mountains of Sierra Madre in the
east, and the Caraballo and Cordillera Central ranges in the north.
Nueva Ecija is bordered on the northeast by Nueva Vizcaya, east by Aurora,
south by Bulacan, southwest by Pampanga, west by Tarlac, and northwest by
Pangasinan. The province has four distinct districts. The first district (northwest)
has a mixture of Ilokano, Pangasinense, and Tagalog cultures. The second district
(northeast) is the most complex as it has at least 10 different ethnic groups. The
third district (central) has a metropolitan culture, coming from a majority of
Tagalog culture, as Cabanatuan City is within it. And the fourth district
(southwest) has a mixture of Kapampangan and Tagalog cultures.
 ADMINISTRATIVE
HISTORY DIVISIONS
The province is divided into four congressional
districts comprising 27 municipalities and 5 cities.
The province has the most number of cities in the
Central Luzon region.
 ECONOMY
HISTORY

Nueva Ecija is considered the main rice

growing province of the Philippines and
the leading producer of onions in the
Municipality of Bongabon in South East
Asia. It is currently the 9th richest province
in the country.
 ETHNICITY
HISTORY
According to the Atlas Filipinas published by the National
Commission for Culture and the Arts of the Philippines, 11
local ethnic languages with living ethnic speakers are present
in Nueva Ecija, namely, Tagalog (in the entire province),
Abellan (in a small part in the centre), Kapampangan (in the
southwest-most section), Kankanaey (in the east central),
Ilokano (northern areas and a small section in the centre),
Alta (in the east central), Ayta Mag-antsi (in the centre and
the north-central), Bugkalut (in Carranglan), Ibaloy (in
Carranglan), Kalanguya (in Carranglan), and Isinay (in
Carranglan).
 RELIGION
HISTORY
The province is predominantly Roman Catholic
(about 80%) while Aglipayan is a significant
minority. Other Christian groups are represented
by Born-again Christians, Iglesia Ni Cristo,
Methodists, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter
Day Saints, Jehovah's Witnesses and Seventh-day
Adventist. Muslims, Anitists, and animists are also
represented in the province. Atheism is also
present in the province.
 EDUCATION
HISTORY
The level of literacy in the province is very high. The top four
universities in the province, collectively known as the 'Four Knowledge
Eagle Universities of Nueva Ecija' or 4-KEUN, are Central Luzon State
University at Science City of Muñoz, Wesleyan University Philippines at
Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology main
campus located at Sumacab Cabanatuan City, and PHINMA Araullo
University at Cabanatuan City. The universities offer a diverse range of
specializations. Every municipality also has local colleges. Central Luzon
State University, a national cultural property, has also been accredited as
being the twenty first to the sixth most academically excellent in the
entire country. The university has also been cited as one of the 100 most
significant educational institutions in Asia, overwhelming most schools in
Metro Manila and other metropolitan areas in the country.
 FESTIVALS
OF
NUEVA ECIJA
 BANATU FESTIVAL
HISTORY
Banatu Festival in Cabanatuan City aims to showcase the
"history, culture, talent, beauty and craftsmanship of
Cabanatueños“. It is celebrated every January 29 –
February 4, a lot of activities are usually lined up. The
“Banatu Festival,” takes its name from “banatu” which
means “vine.” Vergara said the word binds Cabanatueños
like a sturdy vine in their pursuit to progress and prosperity.
 TAONG PUTIK
HISTORY FESTIVAL
At the crack of dawn, scores of mud-covered, barely dressed
devotees make their appearance, asking for alms and candles
form the wide awake town folks. This practice mimics a biblical
myth about St. John the Baptist, who was said to have done
the same thing in his lifetime. A special mass culminates the
occasion, reinforcing its spiritual nature to the people of Aliaga.
 LANTERN FESTIVAL
HISTORY
Formerly know as Lantern Parade inspired from UP Lantern Parade
which is being celebrated annually as early as 60's to celebrate the years
success and to served as Christmas Program in the University. It was only in
2013 when the Student Council introduced the term Lantern Festival which
become a month long celebration which commence during the lighting of
the CLSU Main Gate until the Lantern Parade proper which is being
witnessed by many people coming from different places in the region.
 RAGRAGSAK TI GUIMBA
HISTORY
Guimba's official festival which begins at February and ends
at March. Preparations for the festival normally starts at
January. The two-month long festival commemorates the
farming intangible traditions of the town along with its official
naming as the Mushroom Capital of Nueva Ecija and as the
Organic Capital of Nueva Ecija.
 KARITON FESTIVAL
HISTORY
Kariton, which means rig-cart drawn by carabao, is celebrated during the annual
celebration of the founding anniversary of Licab town on March 28. Kariton plays a
significant part in the history of Licab. Don Dalmacio Esguerra, the town's founding
father, used kariton when he left San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte until he finally settled
and found this town in Licab. In fitting recognition of the significance of this very
important farm equipment, the LGU of Licab adopted "Kariton Festival“ as the
town's official festival. The event features a parade of colorfully dressed kariton
floats, Search of Outstanding Licabenos, Agri-aqua trade fair and beauty pageant.
 BAYBAYANTING
HISTORY FESTIVAL
Baybayanting is a one-of-a-kind cultural tradition of Lupao, Nueva Ecija. It is a
unique cultural presentation of the people of Lupao every 25 July to honor their
patron – Señor Santiago. or Saint James. It’s a cultural presentation that features the
war between Muslims and Christians. This peculiar cultural tradition is presented
every year by selected and well-trained members of Iglesia Filipina Independiente, a
Christian sect founded by a Filipino priest. Baybayanting is a choreograph fighting
which is usually performed by 9 pairs of fighting Filipino warriors and Spanish
conquistadores. Performers use real bladed weapons unlike the 'Zarzuelas' that uses
wooden swords.
 ARAQUIO FESTIVAL
HISTORY
Araquio Festival is a unique festivity in form and artistry. This festival is Nueva
Ecija's very own theatrical-cum-religious presentation similar to "zarzuelas" during the
Spanish regime in the country. The Araquio Festival is traditionally held in the month
of May in the town of Peñaranda. The festival dramatized the spread of Christianity in
the country and the war between Christians and Muslims. Festival performers, 16
performers in each Araquio group, sing, act and dance while a brass band plays. The
choice of songs and choreography varies, but the script has remained the same since
the tradition started. This festival is listed as a Philippine Intangible Cultural Heritage
by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (Philippines); the only national
intangible property that is solely from Nueva Ecija.
 PAGIBANG DAMARA
HISTORY
Hundreds of years ago, here in Central Luzon, landlords in the haciendas made the farmers
build the "damara", just before planting time of palay. A "damara" is a makeshift shelter made
from kawayan (bamboo) and nipa, built at the center of rice fields as a protection from the
sun's heat or from rain. Over the years, it has been tradition that after all the harvests were
safely brought home, the "damaras" are demolished ("ginigiba"). People then start celebrating
together for the bountiful harvest. In 2008, with rice as its primary produce, San Jose City
conducted its First Rice Festival, adopting the centuries–old festive tradition. However, unlike
in older days, wherein people celebrate separately in their barangays, San Jose City now
celebrates as one big family. The after-harvest celebration has become a multi-sectoral effort,
collectively prepared, funded out of contributions (from the public and private sector), and
participated in by all sections of the city.
 PANDAWAN FESTIVAL
HISTORY
This festival is held every last week of April in Pantabangan, Nueva Ecija.
Pantabangan boasts of one of the biggest fish-producing towns in Asia. The
word “Pandaw” means assurance of an abundant fresh-water catch each
time the festival is celebrated. Festival features street dancing, trade fair and
local art and craft competition. The Pandawan Festival made its debut in
April 2008, showcasing many local talents as well as other entertainments
including Indigenouism art activities like art workshop and rural development
thru art awareness programs. Tourists like to visit especially the water sport
enthusiasts for jetskiing, boat riding and even bass fishing.
 SIBUYAS FESTIVAL
HISTORY
Sibuyas Festival is celebrated as a form of thanksgiving and a
way to show that Bongabon is one of the largest producers of
onion in Asia. Celebrate on April. Patron Sta. Catalina.
Thousands of pilgrims visit the shrine/image every year because
it is believed to be miraculous.
 TSINELAS FESTIVAL
HISTORY
Slippers or Tsinelas made in the city of Gapan, Nueva Ecija find
their way all over the country, lending credence to the city's claim
to be the Tsinelas Capital of the Philippines. Gapan commemorates
their major industry with the Tsinelas Festival on the anniversary of
their cityhood. The major attraction of this festival, however, are
the pairs of gigantic slippers displayed in a parade of Floats.
 PAISTIMA FESTIVAL
HISTORY
Paistima Festival celebrates annually start in February 5–11 to commemorate
the founding anniversary of the town. The first day of celebration begins in
parade of delegates and local government officials. The other day kabyawenyos
competition in some talents like cooking, dancing, new product endorcing and
many more. Also the representative of their barangay is competing in street
dancing and mass demonstration particularly every school. The top and high
score of their performance shall win and claimed the prices.
 KABYAWAN FESTIVAL
HISTORY
Thanks giving to the feast of patron's town proper Saint John
Nepomocene every 8-16 of May. Highlights of the festival are
May flower parade, dart competition, bike-athon, fun-run,
street dancing with grand parade, Mutya ng Cabiao and "Gabi
ng parangal sa natatanging anak ng Cabiao".
 KALAMAY FESTIVAL
HISTORY

Every year, they celebrate with white sticky rice

mix, clear sweetened sauce and brown toppings.
 PAPAYA FESTIVAL
HISTORY

Holy Mass and religious activities are celebrated to honor

the town’s patron saint, San Isidro de Labrador. It is highlighted
by parades of numerous brass bands around the town.
 TOURIST
ATTRACTIONS
OF
NUEVA ECIJA
NAME AND LOCATION DESCRIPTION
Araquio of Penaranda The Araquio,held every first week
of May, is a traditional reenactment of
the search of Queen Helena and King
Constantine for the cross where Christ
was crucified. Similarly, the komedya
or moro-moro carries on in the barrio
of Kita-Kita, San Jose City and in
Sta.Rosa.

Gabaldon Falls in Gabaldon Gabaldon Falls is the lure of Gabaldon,

Nueva Ecija. It is located at the 200-
hectare Sabani Estate Agricultural
College.The 10-foot waterfall with its
ice-cold water is surrounded by huge
rock formations.
 NAME AND LOCATION DESCRIPTION
Gapan Church in Gapan This old Roman Catholic church with
its Byzantine architecture was built in
a span of 16 years (1856-1872)by
Augustinian missionaries, who first
came to Gapan in 1595. It stands
beside the old municipal hall, which
was also built during that period.

Minalungao National Park in Gapan This park features a breathtaking view

of the narrow but deep Penaranda
River, as well as a cave with a yawning
pit, antechambers with flowing
stalactite draperies, and a magnificent
hall adorned with natural chandeliers.
 NAME AND LOCATION DESCRIPTION
Pantabangan Dam in Pantabangan This dam, the country’s first
multipurpose infrastructure, is truly a
feat of Filipino engineering. Cutting
across the rich valley floor,it tames the
waters of the Pampanga River for
irrigation and the generation of
hydroelectric power.

Tanduyong Festival in San Jose City Every April 4, the people of San Jose
dance through the main street in a
colorful, enchanting celebration of the
harvest.
 NAME AND LOCATION DESCRIPTION
Taong Putik Festival in Biblicat, Aliaga

This ritual is celebrated every June 24,

the feast of St. John the Baptist,patron
saint of the residents of Brgy.Bibiclat.
Men and women smear their faces and
cover their bodies with mud to conceal
their identities.
 PAMPANGA
(Kapampangan: Lalauígan ning Pampángga; Filipino: Lalawigan ng Pampanga)
Capital: San Fernando

• Pampanga is a province in the Central Luzon region

of the Philippines. Lying on the northern shore of
Manila Bay, Pampanga is bordered by Tarlac to the
north, Nueva Ecija to the northeast, Bulacan to the
east, the Manila Bay to the central-south, Bataan to
the southwest and Zambales to the west. Its capital
is the City of San Fernando. Angeles City, while
geographically within Pampanga, is classified as a
first-class, highly urbanized city and is governed
independently of the province.
• The name La Pampanga was given by the Spaniards,
who encountered natives living along the banks
(pampáng) of the Pampanga River. Its creation in 1571
makes it the first Spanish province on Luzon Island
(Cebu in Visayas is older as it was founded by the
Spaniards in 1565). The town of Villa de Bacolor in the
province briefly served as the Spanish colonial capital
when Great Britain invaded Manila as part of the Seven
Years' War. At the eve of the Philippine Revolution of
1896, Pampanga was one of eight provinces placed
under martial law for rebellion against the Spanish
Empire; it is thus represented on the Philippine
national flag as one of the eight rays of the sun.
 HISTORY
• Ancient Pampanga's Territorial area included portions of the modern
provinces of Tarlac, Bataan, Zambales, Nueva Ecija and Bulacan. Pampanga
was re-organized as a province by the Spaniards on December 11, 1571. For
better administration and taxation purposes, the Spanish authorities
subdivided Pampanga into pueblos, which were further subdivided into
districts (barrios) and in some cases into royal and private estates
(encomiendas). Due to excessive abuses committed by some
encomenderos, King Philip II of Spain in 1574 prohibited the further
awarding of private estates, but this decree was not fully enforced until
1620. In a report of Philippine encomiendas on June 20, 1591, Governor-
General Gómez Pérez Dasmariñas reported to the Crown that La
Pampanga's encomiendas were Bataan, Betis y Lubao, Macabebe,
Candaba, Apalit, Calumpit, Malolos, Binto, Guiguinto, Caluya, Bulacan and
Mecabayan. The encomiendas of La Pampanga at that time had eighteen
thousand six hundred and eighty whole tributes.
 HISTORY
• Pampanga, which is about 850 square miles (2,200 km2)
in area and inhabited by more than 1.5 million people,
had its present borders drawn in 1873. During the
Spanish regime it was one of the richest Philippine
provinces. Manila and its surrounding region were then
primarily dependent on Kapampangan agricultural,
fishery and forestry products as well as on the supply of
skilled workers. As other Luzon provinces were created
due to increases in population, some well-established
Pampanga towns were lost to new emerging provinces
in Central Luzon.
 GEOGRAPHY
• Pampanga covers a total area of 2,002.20 square kilometres (773.05
sq mi) occupying the south-central section of the Central Luzon
region. When Angeles City is included for geographical purposes, the
province's area is 2,062.47 square kilometres (796.32 sq mi). The
province is bordered by Tarlac to the north, Nueva Ecija to the
northeast, Bulacan to the east, the Manila Bay to the central-south,
Bataan to the southwest, and Zambales to the northwest. Its terrain
is relatively flat with one distinct mountain, Mount Arayat and the
notable Pampanga River. Among its municipalities, Porac has the
largest area with 314 square kilometres (121 sq mi); Candaba comes
in second with 176 square kilometres (68 sq mi); followed by
Floridablanca with 175 square kilometres (68 sq mi). Santo Tomas,
with an area of only 21 square kilometres (8.1 sq mi), is the smallest.
 ADMINISTRATIVE DIVISIONS
• Pampanga comprises 19 municipalities and three
cities (one highly urbanized and two component.
 POPULATION
• The population of Pampanga in the 2015 census
was 2,198,110 people,with a density of 1,100
inhabitants per square kilometre or 2,800
inhabitants per square mile. If Angeles City is
included for geographical purposes, the population
is 2,609,744, with a density of 1,265/km2 (3,277/sq
mi). The native inhabitants of Pampanga are
generally referred to as the Kapampangans
(alternatively Pampangos or Pampaguenos).
 TOURIST
ATTRACTIONS
OF
PAMPANGA
NAME AND LOCATION DESCRIPTION
Apurung Iru Festival in Apalit “Apurung Iru” is a life-size ivory image
of St.Peter. During the feast of St.Paul
and St.Peter (June28-30) the
Pampanguenos take part in a fluvial
parade. Aboard decorated bancas and
motorboats they float down the
Pampanga River to bring Apung Iru
back to his shrine Capalanagan.

Candaba Swamp in Candaba

This large wetland is one of the major

stopover points for the migratory birds
using the Asian flyway.
 NAME AND LOCATION DESCRIPTION
Furniture and Woodcarving Industry in Lubao Woodcarving is one of the oldest
enterprises in the town of Lubao and
the people have become highly skilled
in this art of woodcarving.

Giant Lantern Festival in San Fernando

The festival is a showcase of giant
lanterns made of colored crepe paper
and Japanese paper, with frames of
intricate tinwires containing electrical
mechanisms and thousands of light
bulbs.The lanterns dance, blink and
twinkle in kaleidoscopic patterns. The
main event is held every 4th week of
December.
 NAME AND LOCATION DESCRIPTION
Kamikaze East Airfield in Mabalacat It is from this airfield that the first
Kamikaze pilots took off in October
1944 for their last mission as official
human bombs.
Mt. Arayat National Park in Arayat ang Magalang
The 3,564 foot high Mount Arayat is a
favorite destination among domestic
tourists and picnickers. A cool breeze
blows there even on a hot summer’s
day, and from a hundred springs flow
clear and cool water that run down from
the mountainside to a public resort
facility located at the foot of the
mountain.
 NAME AND LOCATION DESCRIPTION
St. Peter’s Shrine in Apalit

The permanent residence of a

life-size ivory image of St. Peter
called “ Apung Iru” by the
townspeople.
 TARLAC
(Kapampangan: Lalauígan ning Tarlac; Pangasinan: Luyag na Tarlac; Ilocano:
Probinsia ti Tarlac; Tagalog: Lalawigan ng Tarlac)
Capital : Tarlac City

• It is a landlocked province in the Philippines located in the

Central Luzon region. Its capital is the city of Tarlac. It is
bounded on the north by the province of Pangasinan, Nueva
Ecija on the east, Zambales on the west and Pampanga in the
south. The province comprises three congressional districts and
is subdivided into 17 municipalities and one city, Tarlac City,
which is the provincial capital. The province is situated in the
heartland of Luzon, in what is known as the Central Plain also
spanning the neighboring provinces of Pampanga, Pangasinan,
Nueva Ecija and Bulacan. Tarlac covers a total land area of
3,053.45 km2 (305,345 ha).
 TARLAC
• Early in history, what came to be known as Valenzuela
Ranch today was once a thickly-forested area, peopled
by roving tribes of nomadic Aetas who are said to be the
aboriginal settlers of the Philippines, and for a lengthy
period, it was the remaining hinterland of Luzon's Central
Plains. Today, Tarlac is the most multi-cultural of the
provinces in the region for having a mixture of four
distinct ethnic groups: the Kapampangans, the
Pangasinans, the Ilocanos and the Tagalogs. It is also
known for its fine food and vast sugar and rice
plantations in Central Luzon.
 HISTORY
• Tarlac's name is a Hispanized derivation from a talahib weed
called Malatarlak. Tarlac was originally divided into two parts:
the southern division belonging to Pampanga and the northern
division belonging to Pangasinan. It was the last province in
Central Luzon to be organized under the Spanish colonial
administration in 1874. During the Philippine Revolution of
1896, Tarlac was among the first eight provinces to rise against
Spain, alongside neighboring Pampanga. It became the new
seat of the first Philippine Republic in March 1899 when General
Emilio Aguinaldo abandoned the former capital, Malolos,
Bulacan. This lasted only for a month before the seat was
moved to Nueva Ecija in Aguinaldo's attempt to elude the
pursuing Americans.
 GEOGRAPHY
• The landlocked province is situated at the center of the central plains
of Luzon, landlocked by four provinces: Pampanga on the south,
Nueva Ecija on the east, Pangasinan on the north, and Zambales on
the west. The province covers a total area of 3,053.60 square
kilometres (1,179.00 sq mi)Approximately 75% of the province is
plains while the rest is hilly to slightly mountainous. Eastern Tarlac is
a plain, while Western Tarlac is hilly to slightly mountainous. Because
of this, the province includes a large portion of mountains like Mt.
Telakawa (Straw Hat Mountain), located at Capas, Tarlac. Mt. Bueno,
Mt. Mor-Asia and Mt. Canouman are located also in Capas as well as
Mt. Dalin. The other mountains are Mt. Dueg and Mt. Maasin, found
in the municipality of San Clemente. Also noted are Mt. Damas of
Camiling. A portion of Mount Pinatubo (whose summit crater rests in
neighbouring Zambales) also rests in Bamban and Capas.
 GEOGRAPHY
• The whole of Mayantoc and San Jose are
mountainous so it is suitable for the highest natural
resources and forest products in the province such
as coal, iron, copper, temperate-climate fruits and
vegetables, fire logs, sand, rocks and forest animals
such as wild boar and deer. The main water sources
for agriculture include the Tarlac River at Tarlac City,
the Lucong and Parua rivers in Concepcion,
Sacobia-Bamban River in Bamban and the Rio Chico
in La Paz.
 DEMOGRAPHICS
• The population of Tarlac in the 2015 census was
1,366,027 people, with a density of 450 inhabitants
per square kilometre or 1,200 inhabitants per
square mile. There are two predominant ethnic
groups in the province: the Kapampangans that
mainly predominate the province's southern
portion and the Pangasinans that mainly
predominate the province’s northern portion. Both
ethno-linguistic groups intermingle together in the
provincial capital. The Tagalogs and Ilocanos
constitute the rest of the provincial populace.
 TOURIST
ATTRACTIONS
OF
TARLAC
 NAME AND LOCATION DESCRIPTION
Camiling Church in Camiling The catholic convent of Camiling is the
site of the execution of General Pedro
Pedroche and his men (who were
charged with rebellion) in the hands of
Francisco Makabulos and his
revolutionary troops.

Camp General Servillano Aquino in Tarlac

Formerly called Camp Ord after Lt.Col.
James B.Ord who died in an airplane
crash in 1938, this camp is now the
home of the 5th Infantry Division of the
Philippine Army. Adding to the
historical significance of the place is
the Eisenhower tree, which was
planted on July 4,1939
 NAME AND LOCATION DESCRIPTION
Camp O’Donnell in Capas O’Donnell is a former concentration
camp that now serves as a burial
ground for thousands of Filipino
soldiers who perished during World
War II.

Capas Death March Monument in Capas

This monument is a historical marker

of the infamous concentration camp
where nearly 30,000 Filipino and
American soldiers who participated in
the Death March perished in 1942.
 NAME AND LOCATION DESCRIPTION
Carlos P. Romulo Memorial Library in Tarlac City Established in May 9,1952 during the
administration of Governor Antonio E.
Lopez, this institution was originally
named after the late President Manuel
A. Roxas, and was later renamed in
1990 after the prominent statesman.

Dolores Springs in Tarlac

Although there are as yet no tourist

facilities in the area, people of all ages
flock to Dolores Springs to bathe in its
waters, which are said to be medicinal.
 NAME AND LOCATION DESCRIPTION
Luisita Industrial Park in Hacienda Luisita, San Miguel Phase I of Luisita Industrial Park is 120
hectares of prime land mapped out for
a variety of light, labor intensive,
nonpolluting manufacturing, and
service industries. The park will be
serviced by an efficiently designed
road network.

Mayantoc in Mayantoc

The summer capital of Tarlac

province, properly known for its
panoramic views. The center of
attraction is the town hall..
 NAME AND LOCATION DESCRIPTION
Paradise Island in Hacienda Tinang, Concepcion It is all of half a hectare in the middle
of a five-hectare man-made lake. The
lake is teeming with fauna and
abundant flora live in the island.

Santo Domingo Death March Marker

1.5 kms in North of Capas
The site where about 60,000 Filipino
soldiers cramped like sardines in
closed boxcars were unloaded to start
the second phase of the tragic Death
March.
 ZAMBALES
(Tagalog: Lalawigan ng Zambales; Ilocano: Probinsia ti Zambales; Sambal:
Probinsya nin Zambales; Kapampangan: Lalawigan ning Zambales; Pangasinan:
Luyag na Zambales)
Capital : Iba

• It is a province in the Philippines located in the Central Luzon

region. Its capital is Iba, which is located in the middle of the
province. Zambales borders Pangasinan to the north and
northeast, Tarlac to the east, Pampanga to the southeast,
Bataan to the south and the West Philippine Sea to the west.
With a total land area of 3,830.83 square kilometres (1,479.09 sq
mi) (including the independent city of Olongapo), Zambales is
the second largest among the seven provinces of Central Luzon
after Nueva Ecija. The province is noted for its mangoes, which
are abundant from January to April.
 ZAMBALES
• Zambales does not have a functional airport - the
closest functional airport is the Clark International
Airport in the neighbouring province of Pampanga.
Subic Bay International Airport, which is located in
Cubi Point (geographically located inside Morong,
Bataan) in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone is no longer
functional for domestic and international flights.
• The Freeport Zone (SBFZ) is host to many tourist
attractions which include casinos, parks, malls,
beach-side huts, cottages and resorts, as well as
historical sites.
 HISTORY
• Prior to colonization, the Aeta people became the
first human population who inhabited what is now
Zambales. Due to Malay migration waves, the
Tagalog people displaced the Sambal people in
southern Luzon, which led to the arrival of the
Sambal people into present-day Zambales. The
Spanish first explored the area in 1572, led by Juan
de Salcedo. Among the earliest towns founded
were Subic (1572), Botolan (1572), Masinloc (1607),
Iba (1611), and Santa Cruz (1612).
 GEOGRAPHY
• Zambales lies on the western shores of Luzon island along the West
Philippine Sea. Its shoreline is rugged and features many coves and inlets.
The Zambales Mountains in the eastern length of the province occupies
about 60% of the total land area of Zambales. Subic Bay, at the southern
end of the province, provides a natural harbor, and was the location of the
U.S. Naval Base Subic Bay until its closure in 1992. The summit and crater
lake of Mount Pinatubo lies within Botolan municipality in Zambales, near
the tripoint of Zambales, Pampanga and Tarlac provinces. This volcano,
once considered dormant, erupted violently in June 1991. The former
summit of the volcano was obliterated by the massive eruption and
replaced by a 2.5 km (1.6 mi) wide caldera, within which Lake Pinatubo is
situated. With an average depth of 800 m (2,600 ft), Lake Pinatubo is the
deepest lake in the Philippines. The highest point of the caldera rim is 1,485
m (4,872 ft) above sea level, some 260 m (850 ft) lower than the pre-
eruption summit. A vast portion of the Zambales province acquired desert-
like features in 1991,after being buried by more than 20 feet (6.1 m) of lahar.
 ADMINISTRATIVE DIVISIONS

• Zambales comprises 13 municipalities

and 1 highly urbanized city, which are
divided into two legislative districts.
Olongapo City is a highly urbanized
city and administers itself
autonomously from the province.
Panatag Shoal (Scarborough Shoal) a
Philippine-claimed territory, is a
designated part of the province.
 TOURIST
ATTRACTIONS
OF
ZAMBALES
NAME AND LOCATION DESCRIPTION
Agnaen Bay in Zambales The place is ideal for fishing,
snorkeling and other beach activities.
It is best to go there in the late
afternoon, when one can have a better
view of the South China Sea.

Balon Falls in Subic

These falls have clean, clear water and

is surrounded by boulders as big as
houses. Situated in an area of lush
greeneries, the falls provides a cool,
tranquil retreat for nature lovers.
NAME AND LOCATION DESCRIPTION
Binabayani in Masinloc This festival, held in the honor of San
Andres, the town’s patron saint is
celebrated every 30th of November. The
province’s version of Ati-atihan, it is mainly
celebrated through dance and
commemorates the war between the
Christians and the Aetas. It is believed to
help bring about a bountiful harvest.

Capones Island in San Antonio

The whole island is surrounded by

white-sand coral beaches. There also
beaches inside caves that can only be
explored by experienced divers.
 NAME AND LOCATION DESCRIPTION
Iba Beach in Iba More than 20 resorts are lined up
along this 8-kilometerstretch of
whitish-sand beach with crystal-clear
from the South China Sea. During the
summer, the whole stretch is flocked
by both domestic and foreign
tourists.

Ina Poon Bato in Barrio Poon Bato, Loob

Bunga Resettlement, Botolan Enshrined in the church is the
miraculous image of Ina Poon Bato.
The image was transferred here in
1992, after the original barangay
where it was once located was
submerged in lahar. The image is
flocked by a lot of devotees during its
feast day.
NAME AND LOCATION DESCRIPTION
Mt. Pinatubo in Botolan This mountain was made famous by its
eruption in June 1991. It has since
become an important tourist
destination in the province. Hikers
often climb up to the two-mile-wide
crater which still emits sulfur dioxide
tourists.

San Salvador Island in Masinloc

The place has been awarded the 1996
Galing Pook Award for its marine
conservation project. It is endowed
with powdery white-sand beaches and
crystal-clear waters.
 NAME AND LOCATION DESCRIPTION
Subic Bay Freeport in Olongapo
City This huge complex first served as
a Spanish Naval Station before
being ceded to the US in 1898. It
then became home to the US
Seventh Fleet. It was also
occupied by the Japanese from
1942 to 1945, then was
eventually turned over to the
Philippines during the presidency
of Corazon C. Aquino.