From Bacolor, Pampanga came the leaders and first settlers who cleared the land, fertile

the soil, and started a settlement in the area now known as Tarlac City. It was formally
founded in 1788. The little community grew rapidly as settlers from Zambales, Pampanga,
Bataan and elsewhere flocked the town. The Pampanga dialect became the native language
of the town as it was part of Pampanga province in those days. Decades after, roads were
built and barrios were established without monetary expenditure but only through the
common efforts of everyone.

It is said, “the past is a prologue to the future”.  This brief account of the town’s colorful
history is by no means complete.  Since 1788, the town has progressed significantly,
leading to its becoming the nucleus of Tarlac province.  It has encountered countless
hardships in the course of its existence, including those precipitated by earthquakes,
cholera and other epidemics, great fires, devastating floods and similar calamities.  Through
the years, Tarlac’s ability to survive wars, economic difficulties and political turmoil among
others, has been proven by its consistent re-emergence as a stronger and better town,
eager to meet the challenges of tomorrow.

he 318,332 population (2010 census) of Tarlac City is consists of 73% are Christians. The
majority of these Christians are members of Iglesia Ni Cristo and Roman Catholic with
minorities of Protestants. The remaining 27% is non Christian such as Muslims and others.

Tarlac City, with a total land area of 274.66 km2 (106.05 sq mi), is located 125 kilometers
north of Manila. It is bounded on the north by the municipality of Gerona, on the east by the
towns of Victoria and La Paz, on the south by the towns of Conception and Capas, and on
the west by San Jose town. The city is accessible through the McArthur Highway (National
Highway) and now connected with Clark and Subic Freeport through the new SCT
Expressway. Terrain is defined by lowland where the city center is located and which form
part of the great central plain of Luzon Island. On the western part, however, are found hills
and mountains. Tarlac River traverse the western part of the city center.

Products and Services

 

Agriculture is the main source of income for the city. Sugar, rice, root crops, vegetables,
livestock and poultry are the chief farm products of the city. Large manufacturing
enterprises are concentrated at the Luisita Industrial Park where rubber tires, electronics,
and automotive wiring sets are produced. Due to the rapid urbanization, several residential
subdivisions mushroomed along the sides of the National Highway.