GITNANG LUZON (CENTRAL LUZON)

REGION III
Land Area 22,014.63 km2

Location Gitnang Luzon (Central Luzon)

Population 11,218,177

1. Aurora
Provinces 2. Bataan
3. Bulacan
4. Nueva Ecija
5. Pampanga
6. Tarlac
7. Zambales

1. Aurora (Baler)
Capitals of Provinces 2. Bataan (Balanga City)
3. Bulacan (Malolos City)
4. Nueva Ecija (Palayan City)
5. Pampanga (San Fernando City)
6. Tarlac (Tarlac City)
7. Zambales (Iba)

Religion Roman Catholic

1. Kapampangan 4. Ilocano
Dialect 2. Sambal 5. English
3. Tagalog 6. Pangasinense

Transportation and Accessibility Road, Sea, & Air

I. PROVINCE OF AURORA

Land Area 3,147 km²

Location Central Luzon
Population (as of year) 214,336
Province Aurora
Capital of province Baler
Religion Roman Catholic
Dialect Tagalog, Ilocano, Kapampangan,
Pangasinense, English
Transportation and Accessibility Road

VISITOR ARRIVALS
Aurora is a province in the Philippines located in the eastern part of Central Luzon
region, facing the Philippine Sea. Tourism is one of the main economic drivers of Aurora
province, which is located in a horseshoe-shaped coastal valley overlooking the Pacific Ocean in
northern Philippines. According to Michael Palispis, provincial tourism office chief that the 2018
target is 10 percent higher than last year’s 1.214 million tourist arrivals.
A. HISTORY
In 1572, the Spanish explorer Juan de Salcedo became the first European to visit the re-
gion that would be known as Aurora while he was exploring the northern coast of Luzon. Sal-
cedo reportedly visited the towns of Casiguran, Baler and Infanta. The province was named after
President Manuel L. Quezon's wife, Aurora. Quezon, the first president of the Philippine Com-
monwealth, was born in Baler. Aurora. In 1735, the township of Baler was wiped out by a tidal
wave known as the Tromba Marina, Leaving only 7 surviving families. The old settlement was
later transferred to its present location to avoid a similar catastrophe. The whole land area of the
province of Aurora was originally composed of the municipalities of Baler and Casiguran. On
May 23, 2003, President GMA issued executive Order No.103 that redefined the composition of
Central Luzon and Southern Tagalong Administrative region. The Province of Aurora was in-
cluded as the 7th province of Central Luzon while the rest of Southern Tagalog was divided into
two regions namely, the CALABARZON and the MIMAROPA regions.

B. PEOPLE
Agta, Casiguran Dumagat
They are commonly referred to as Negritos, Agtas do belong to the Negrito
ethnolinguistic group.The Casiguran Dumagat Agtas can be found on the eastern coast of Aurora
Province in Central Luzon Region. Agtas are characteristically short, dark-skinned, kinky-haired,
thick-lipped, and small-nosed. Their traditional clothing is tapis (skirt) for women and bahag
(breechcloth) for men. Breastfeeding mothers wear uban, a piece of fabric slung from the
shoulders. Most men scar their bodies, using various designs that have been passed down to them
by their ancestors. Today, most Agtas have abandoned their tribal attire for “civilized” clothes.

C. Places
Aurora is a province blessed with an abundance of tourist attractions. It has its share of
historical sights such as the home and resthouse of former Philippine President Manuel L.
Quezon. The province also has a beautiful Catholic church and several historical markers. Its
natural attractions include picturesque waterfalls, lush greenery on mountainsides, and
panoramic beaches. Surfing, snorkeling, scuba diving, mountain climbing and trekking are only
some of the activities a tourist can enjoy in Aurora.
1. Salang Beach- With its long stretch of
gray sand beach and fantastic waves,
it’s not surprising why Salang Beach is
considered the “birthplace of surfing in
the Philippines”. The beach’s waters are
relatively calm from March until June,
but they transform to large, powerful
waves that are perfect for surfing from
October to February.

Salang Beach is home to numer-

ous resorts like Bay’s Inn Resort, Baler Guesthouse and Restaurant and MIA Surf and
 Sports Resort. So, the only thing that you should do is to choose one that fits your prefer-
ences.

2. Baler Church-This is where the “Siege of Baler” took place

from 1888 to 1889. During the Siege, around 50 Spanish sol-
diers and officers who didn’t want to surrender to the Ameri-
can government (who had already bought the Philippines
from the Spaniards). Today, the church still stands and fea-
tures a simple yet attractive façade.

3. Digisuit Beach- This

white coral beach is more than a kilometer in
length and is a popular place for diving and
snorkelling. It also features several rock forma-
tions that are locally known as lukso-lukso and
can be fantastic backdrop for photo ops and self-
ies.

D. CULTURE
They are believed to have resulted from a fusion of Austronesian and Melaneisan
ancestries, and survive from fishing and hunting. Traditional Agta houses are built in clusters and
made from indigenous materials such as bamboo, wood, talahib (cogon), coconut leaves, and
abaca bark. Agtas as young as 14 marry the partner chosen by their parents. Hunting is their main
means of subsistence. They use pointed sticks called galud to kill birds, wild deer, monkeys, and
wild pigs. Agtas exchange part of the meat and some forest products for starchy food and other
goods with nearby farmers. Their other traditional means of livelihood are farming and fishing.
Today, however, many Agtas take on seasonal jobs, such as copra and charcoal making, and gold
panning.

E. TRIVIA
Did you know that? Baler is the capital of Aurora, a province fast becoming fast known
for its natural wonders, beautiful beaches, and surf-worthy waves, as well as its place
in Philippine history and world cinema. Aurora became a province in 1979, with Baler as its
capital. Before that, it was considered part of Kalilaya (now the province of Quezon), then
later, Nueva Ecija. Baler, then called El Prinsipe, played a major role during the Philippine
Revolution of 1898 as the brief location of a provincial revolutionary government.
F. TOURISM MARKETING CAMPAIGN
The Province of Aurora has gone a long way since its conception as a tourist destination. Since
then, arrivals continuously increased alongside with industry development. Accommodation,
 restaurants and other tourism-related services are very visible in tourism designated areas of
every municipality. Their mission is to be developed as a resource-based tourist destination that
caters to diverse markets and generates sustainable economy for the local population.

II. PROVINCE OF BATAAN

Land Area 1,372.98 km²

Location Central Luzon
Population (as of year) 687, 482 (2010)
Province Bataan
Capital of province Balanga City
Religion Roman Catholic
Dialect Tagalog, Kapampangan, Eng-
lish
TOURIST Transportation and Road ARRIVALS
Bataan Accessibility has generated
about 1.2 million
excursionists and tourist arrivals in 2017. According to Provincial Tourism Operations Officer
Danica Tigas “Our target is that by 2020, Bataan will hit the one million mark of excursionist
and tourist arrivals but just this 2017, we have reached about 1.2 million arrivals.
A. HISTORY
Bataan is best known for the Battle of Bataan in 1942. That year, American and Filipino
forces surrendered on April 9 (a date that is now celebrated annually as Araw ng Kagitingan),
and were forced to march 100 kilometers from Mariveles, Bataan, to Capas, Tarlac, in what was
the Bataan Death March, where thousands of men. Bataan was among the first provinces to rise
in revolt against Spanish tyranny. Two of her sons, Pablo Tecson and Tomas del Rosario, figured
prominently in the Malolos Convention in 1898, and were instrumental in ensuring that the
Filipinos enjoyed religious freedom. Cayetano Arellano of Orion became the Secretary of
Foreign Affairs of the Revolutionary Government, and later on became the first Chief Justice of
the Supreme Court.
When the Pacific War broke out in 1941, the selection of the peninsula as the locale of the
last defensive stand by the USAFFE against the invading Japanese forces brought fame and
infamy to Bataan. The loss of life and property cannot be estimated. Bataan then became the
symbol of valor and tenacity in its hopeless stand against the much superior invading Japanese
Imperial Forces. Today, a national landmark called the Shrine of Valor (Dambana ng Kagitingan)
stands majestically on top of the Mt. Samat in Pilar as testimony to the gallantry and sacrifices of
the men and women who with their blood, tears, and sweat made the grounds of Bataan hallow.
B. PEOPLE
Most of the 424,000 people living in Bataan are Tagalogs. Kapampangans comprise a
significant minority of less than 10% and are concentrated in the municipalities adjoining the
province of Pampanga. Recent rapid industrialization has lured thousands of people from other
provinces to settle within Bataan. There are 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.

C. PLACES
Bataan is rich in natural wonders such as stunning beaches, majestic mountains, and grandiose
waterfalls. The local tourism and government offices’ effort to preserve the natural ecosystem of
Bataan has made it into a rising eco-tourism destination.
Bataan Death March Marker (Orani)
Historical markers and monuments in Bataan mostly found along
the MacArthur Highway from the towns of Mariveles and Bagac
to the boundary of Pampanga become more significant today as
reminders of World War 2 and the Death March as the country
celebrates the Araw ng Kagitingan on Sunday.

Mount Samat
A mountain in the town of
Pilar,Bataan, Philippines. Located
near its summit is the Mount Samat National Shrine, a national
shrine dedicated to the fallen Filipino and American fallen
during World War II.

Las Casas Filipinas de

Acuzar is the Philippines’
first-ever heritage resort located in Bagac, Bataan.
This 400-hectare picturesque resort showcases over 30
heritage homes from different parts of the Philippines fully-
restored brick-by-brick to their glory days.
 D. CULTURE
The province of Bataan has always been linked closely to the culture and economy of
Manila. Much of what the province produces is exported to Manila. The primary traditional
industry of Bataan is fishing. It is the home of thousands of fishermen whose industry has
spawned a unique craft of net and fishtrap making. Nets produced in Bataan take on various
forms and shapes like the panli, kalukutok, pambonot, pansiliw, panitig, mananacag hipon,
panglusong, hila-hila, kitang, pangapak, bintol, salambaw, dala, bating, pangalabaw and the
gulgureta. Each net type responds to various needs and uses. There are also various fishtraps like
the saluhin, paclang, aguila, panghipon and pangalalo.
E. TRIVIA
Did you know that? Democracy Marker situated at the provincial boundary between Pampanga
and Bataan which depicts the role of Bataan in the fight for freedom for the preservation of
democracy.
Bagak Town

Zero Kilometer Marker The start of the infamous Death March that also marks the beginning of
Japanese control over the nation.

F. TOURISM MARKETING CAMPAIGN

Although Bataan is more known for its crucial role during the World War 2 in the Pacific is
increasingly a shining new eco-tourism destination which offers notable bird-watching sites,
turtle sanctuaries, springs, waterfalls and of course countless, and thoughtful shrines to the
courage of humanity over the horrors of a not-so distant war.

III. PROVINCE OF BULACAN

Land Area 2,775 km²
Location Central Luzon
Population (as of year) 76,565
Provinces Bulacan
Capitals of Provinces Malolos City
Religion Roman Catholic
Dialect English, Filipino, Kapampangan
Transportation and Accesibil- Rail, Road, Air
ity
A. HISTORY
The history of Bulacan began when settlement of fishermen lived along the coast of
Manila bay before the Spaniards came. These settlers became farmers because they discover that
the land is the interior part and they also settle now to our known as Bulacan province.

Bulacan got its name from the word "bulak" meaning cotton, which was its former princi-
pal product and also known for world class jewelry. There were two seasons in Bulacan a dry pe-
riod from November to April and a wet period the rest of the year.

Bulacan was one of the first eight provinces to rise against Spanish rule .Biak na Bato in
1897 is also a history of Bulacan, but the crowning glory among the series of historical events in
Bulacan was the establishment of the Capital of the First Philippine Republic in Malolos. Malo-
los Church and Barasoain Church are became headquarters of President Aguinaldo. Malolos is
the famous and historical document happen in the Province of Bulacan. Also the Malolos Consti-
tution was drafted and ratified. Bulacan is also home to many of the country's greatest artists,
with a good number elevated as National Artists. Bulacan is popularly known as the “Gateway to
the Northern Philippines.”

B. PEOPLE
Agriculture is the main source of livelihood in the province of Bulacan. Micro, Small and
Medium Enterprises also provide livelihood and income to local residents and contribute to the
economy of the province. The Sierra Madre is more than just the largest rainforest in the Philip-
pines.

This mountain chain has been the home of the last surviving hunter-gatherer groups
called the Agta and also commonly referred to as the Negritos. Agtas are scattered extensively
and settled in the areas of Aurora, Cagayan, Isabela, Quezon, and Quirino.

Bulacan National heroes are Francisco Baltazar (Balagtas), "The Prince of Filipino Po-
ets", Marcelo H. Del Pilar, "The Great Propagandist," and Gregorio del Pilar, "The Hero of Tirad
Pass." The musicians Nicanor Abelardo, Francisco Santiago, Francisco Buencamino, Col. Anto-
nio Buenaventura (National Artist in Music, 1988),, Ernani Cuenco (National Artist in Music,
2000) and Alfredo Buenaventura; Queen of Zarsuela, Atang dela Rama, Guillermo Tolentino
(National Artist in Sculpture, 1976); the foremost exponent of Philippine Folk Dance, Francisca
Aquino and movie actor Danilo Montes and many others.

C. PLACES
HISTORICAL ATTRACTIONS

Balagtas Monument (Balagtas, Bulacan)

 Built in honor of Francisco "Balagtas" Baltazar, Father of Tagalog Poetry, whose master-
piece "Florante at Laura" is very popular.
Biak-na-Bato Cave (San Miguel, Bulacan)
 Located in the suburbs of San Miguel de Mayumo on the northern tip of Bulacan, Biak-na-
Bato became the refuge of the revolutionary army that fled Cavite and Batangas.

Bulacan Old Train Station (Guiguinto, Bulacan)

 Built in 1661, the Estacion de Guiguinto (Guiguinto Train Station) is the town's most ac-
claimed historical landmark and heritage site.

Calumpit Bridge (Calumpit, Bulacan)

 Site of the first battle between Filipino and American soldiers during the retreat of
Aguinaldo to the Ilocos Region.

Casa Real Shrine (Malolos City, Bulacan)

 It is a museum and library under the administration of the National Historical Institute. It
was restored in 1852.

NATURAL ATTRACTIONS

Aguinaldo Cave (San Miguel, Bulacan)

 Three prominent caves exist along the banks of the Balaong River that circumscribe the
historic barangay of Biak-na-Bato, namely Bahay Paniki Cave, Aguinaldo Cave and Bukal
Cave.

Ambush Cave (Biak-na-bato National Park, San Miguel, Bulacan)

 Its flora such as G. Melina, teak, buho, tibig and vines are found outside the cave and a few
stalactites and stalagmites, and stone formations are found inside the cave, with columns
and pool.

Aroma Beach (Hagonoy, Bulacan)

 A sandy beach with aromatic plants, it is frequented by local picnickers during summer
months.

Hilltop (Norzagaray, Bulacan)

 Also known as the Baguio City of Bulacan, this place mesmerizes tourists with a scenic
view of the Sierra Madre Range. It is host to the Angat River Hydroelectric Plant of the
National Power Corporation.

LOCAL WONDERS

Apo Iru Gatbuca (Calumpit, Bulacan)

 Known as "Pottery Country", Apo Iru Gatbuca is the biggest producer of pots in the whole
of Bulacan. The pot-making industry that most residents make their living out of pottery.

Bagbag Bridge (Calumpit, Bulacan)

  The bridge still standing serves as a reminder of the valor displayed by the Filipinos who
triumphed against the American forces.

Bustos Dam (Bustos, Bulacan)

 The dam is one of the longest sector-gates in the world and serves as the huge reservoir of
the Angat Hydroelectric plant at Barrio Hilltop.

Grotto Central Cement (San Ildefonso, Bulacan)

 This place is memorable because of the grotto and statue of the Virgin Mary, the beautiful
landscape, and the natural scenery.

Hanging Bridge (Marilao, Bulacan)

 A wooden bridge connecting Brgy. Lambakin and Brgy. Sta. Rosa. This place offers a
scenic view of the surrounding area.

D. CULTURE
The Tagalog families are close-knit tagalog prefers to stay with their family in his coun-
try even if all friends leave for greener pastures. It also customary for the married children to live
with their parents and other married brothers and sisters.

Singkaban Festival - The main focus though, is on the singkaban, a Bulakenyo art of creating an
entrance arch and other decorative materials mainly from bamboo.

Calumpit Libad Festival (June 23-24) - A fluvial procession of well-decorated pagodas is held
on the river every 23rd of June right before the annual town fiesta in honor of St. John the Bap-
tist. Town folks gaily sing, dance and frenzily douse water to "baptize" passers-by - prepare to
get wet.

Obando Fertility Dance (May 17-19) - Couples who are childless can take this occasion to ap-
peal for heavenly intercession and dance to please the Virgin of Salambao.

GASTRONOMY
Chicken Kinulob, Kinulob na Itik/Manok
"native chicken slow-cooked in the traditional palayok with pork stomach, vegetables and aro-
matics; it comes with rich liver and calamansi sauce;”

Hamon Bulakenya
local take on the liempo ham; originally called Inasnan

Chicharon Buchi
Assorted chitterlings in San Jose del Monte
Soreche
a traditional Christmas dessert similar to maja blanca that is made from carabao’s milk, corn
starch and sugar

Pastillas de leche (soft), Pastillas

carabao milk soft candies made with carabao’s milk with sugar coating

Puto lansong
Purple puto; or simply the usual puto with coconut milk/meat

Inipit
In Malolos or Guiginto, a 'pressed' sandwich pastry or sponge cake

Sinigang with Usbong

sinigang using young tamarind leaves

Paksiw sa Tuba
in Marilao, meat (frog or small crabs) in distilled nipa toddy

Pancit Marilao
"looks like pansit palabok but dry; topped with crumbled day-old ukoy"

Pancit alanganin, Pancit bakla

a Bocaue cross-breed between pancit guisado and mami

Hamonadong Sugpo
a special-occasion appetizer; a heritage dish in the house of the Bautista clan ofMalolos

Leche flan de mangga

leche flan with mango using carabao milk and dayap; served during special occasions; a heritage
dish in the house of the Bautista clan of Malolos

Biscocho de sebo, Corbata de sebo

a bowtie-shaped biscocho of Malolos that has lard and does not taste too sweet

E. TRIVIA
 Bulacan make a lot of cotton and it is also their main product
 Bulacan have 24 towns
 Bulacan is the First Constitution Philippine Revolutionary Congree
 Bulacan is the home of heroes

F. TOURISM MARKETING CAMPAIGN

 The Youth called to promote new tourism in Bulacan. Mr. Sy Alvarado exhorted the
young people of Bulacan to learn about the historical significance of the province where they
live and promote the beautiful tourism destination. They also want to promote their delicacies
and “tatak bulakenyo” like pastillas minasa, ensaymadang Malolos, inipit, chicharon, sukang
Bulacan, longganisang Calumpit, Buntal products, gowns, barong, jewelry, and furniture.
IV. PROVINCE OF NUEVA ECIJA

Land Area 5,751 km²

Location Central Luzon
Population (as of year) 2,151,461
Provinces Nueva Ejica
Capitals of Provinces Palayan City
Religion Roman Catholic
Dialect Tagalog
Transportation and Acces- Road
sibility
A. HISTORY
Nueva Ecija is the largest province and the biggest rice producer of Central Luzon, thus,
often referred to as the “Rice Bowl of the Philippines”.Nueva Ecija was created as a military
commandancia by Governor General Narciso Claveria. Nueva Ecija was formerly part of the
province of Pampanga and the land area grew to cover almost the entire island of Luzon. Poverty
was only the reason why Nueva Ecija was not given recognition as a separate country from the
Philippines by the king of Spain. The province was named after the old city of Ecija in Seville,
Spain. Nueva Ecija became one of the first provinces to revolt against Spanish rule, and one of
the provinces which declared its independence in 1898. The province served as a melting pot of
different cultures that molded the way of life of Novo Ecijanos.

B. PEOPLE
Agriculture is one of the main sources of livelihood of Nueva Ecija ather crops include
corn, onion, monggo and vegetables. Nueva Ecija have a tribe called “Ilongot or Ibilao” they are
known as headhunters. Ilongot tend to inhabit areas to the rivers and they also know how to
speak Ilocano Language. Ilongot’s wear plain or dark blue or black loincloths with a colored
band around the hips. A long red or black band is tied around the hands and no shoes are worn.
Their handmade guitars are made with human hair for strings. The famouse personalities that
came from Nueva Ecija Nestor de Villa ( Famous actor and dancer), Paolo Ballesteros (Actor
and TV host),Willie Revillame ( Famous TV host, actor, and singer), Yen Santos (Actress and
dancer), Francisco M. Fronda ( National Scientist), Manuel Tinio ( Revolutionary Leader), and
Felipe Padilla de Leon (1997 National Artist for music) and others.

C. PLACES
Historical Destinations

Gapan City
 The first Augustinian mission in lowland Nueva Ecija was founded in Gapan City in 1595.
It is home to a Roman Catholic church of Byzantine architecture built from 1856 to 1872.
Trial House
 Owned by revolutionary leader and Novo Ecijano General Manuel Tinio. Built during the
early Commonwealth period, it features ornately designed turn-of-the-century furniture and
a life-size figure of esteemed Nove Ecijano Don Kapitan Berong in stained glass.
Camp Pangatian (Cabanatuan City)
 Began as a military training camp for twenty years until converted into a concentration
camp for allied prisoners of war during the Japanese occupation.
Sedeco of San Isidro
 It was here that General Frederick Funston planned the capture of Aguinaldo, first Presi-
dent of the Philippine republic, during the Philippine-American war

Ecotourism Destinations
Gabaldon Falls
 The waterfalls are surrounded by green foliage and huge rocks. The bursting sound of its
cool and refreshing water breaks the serenity of its environs.
Binbin Falls
 The site has three waterfalls that are surrounded by virgin vegetation
Pantabangan, Nueva Ecija
 The dam's clear water with an average yearly in the sanctuary of tropical marine life and an
inviting site for jet skiing and fishing.
Mt. Olivete (Bongabon)
 A hundred-step stair leads to the church built by the Adarnista spiritual community on the
mountaintop.

Cultural Destinations

VIRGEN DIVINA PASTORA NATIONAL SHRINE

 The miraculous image of Divina Pastora believed to be the protector of the people of
Gapan City. Unending stories of miracles of the Virgen Divina Pastora trethened the faith
of the people.
D. CULTURE
Novoecijanos are descendants of these settlers and many still hold on to folk traditions
that trace their ancestry to other provinces and 77 % of the people speak Tagalog as their first
language. Novo Ecijanos celebrate the feast of the patron of farmers, San Isidro. In the town
of Aliaga there is a unique practice among the devotees of Saint John the Baptist. They cover
their bodies with mud and dry leaves and vines to denote the humble origins of the Saint. Known
as the taong-putik or the mud people.

 The festival dramatized the spread of Christianity in the country and the war between
Christians and Muslims. Araquio Festival is traditionally held in the month of May in the
town of Peñaranda
Baybayanting Festival
 It’s a cultural presentation that features the war between Muslims and Christians. It is a
unique cultural presentation of the people of Lupao every 25th of July to honor their patron
Señor Santiago. or Saint James.
Taong Putik Festival
 The “Taong Putik Festival” is one of the most popular festivals in the province. Festival is
presented every June 24, which marks the calendar for the Feast of Saint John the Baptist.
Sibuyasan Festival
 Sibuyasan Festival is a festival similar to the “Tanduyong Festival” of San Jose City pre-
sented annually during the month of April in the town of Bongabon. They celebrated annu-
ally on the 1st to 2nd week of April.
 E. TRIVIA
 Nueva Ecija also boasts numerous historical sites and landmarks due to its significance
during the Spanish, American, and Japanese colonization periods
 Nueva Ecija represents one of the eight rays of the sun in the Philippine flag.
 Nueva Ecija is also one of the largest supply of rice grains product

F. TOURISM MARKETING CAMPAIGN

Department of Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez Jr.'s declaration of 2015 as Visit

Philippines Year... Nueva Ecija Tourism has come up with a Branding Program with its new
official tag line, the "NEVER ENDING" slogan as a Global Tourism Campaign for the Province
of Nueva Ecija. “We aim to provide information of the wealth of attractions, traveling escapades
and business opportunities that Nueva Ecija has to offer”.
The province which has come to be known as the "Rice Granary of the Philippines" and
voted as the "Agri-Tourism Destination of Luzon" is proudly one of the newest developing
tourism and investment destinations of North Luzon, offering a never ending feast of the senses
that will definitely leave a lasting impression as you travel through.

V. THE PROVINCE OF PAMPANGA

Land Area 2,181 km²
Location Central Luzon
Population 2,198,110 (as of 2015)
Capital San Fernando City
Religion Roman Catholic
Dialect Kapampangan
Transportation and Road & Air
Accessibility
A. HISTORY
It has been widely believed and theorized by many that Kapampangans are linguistically dis-
tinct from the Tagalogs who surround them. Many said that they are descendants from migrants
from the Malang Region in Central Java in the past. However, thriving settlements and commu-
nities already existed along the marshy banks of the coast and rivers even before Spanish con-
quistadors arrived in 1571 making their descent a moot point to some. The province’s name was
from the fact that many of its inhabitants lived in river banks. La Pampanga, initially the name
assigned to the area by the Spanish conquerors, translated to a river bank. The province’s cre-

ation dating back to 1571 makes it the first Spanish province in the Philippines. Before the Span-
ish conquistadors arrived, Pampanga had a caste system consisting of the datu or chiefs, the
timawa or freeborn and the salves. Several datu existed in a community, but only the powerful
were allowed to rule exercising executive, judicial and military control. The position was at-
tained mainly through birth and is hereditary, but a datu can be easily replaced when their control
over their titles weakened.
 It was not until in 1571 and upon the defeat of Raja Soliman in Tondo that the Spanish colo-
nizers began their conquest of the province. Hispanization, albeit met with resistance from the
Muslim communities in Betis and Lubao, occurred rapidly insomuch that by 1574, Kapampan-
gan soldiers were already fighting for the Spaniards to deter the Chinese pirate Limahong. Chris-
tianity and Catholicism became so widespread that by the 17th century, almost all of the natives
were already under the influence of the Catholic Church.

B. PEOPLE

Farming and fishing are the two main industries. Major products include rice, corn, sugar-
cane, and tilapia. Pampanga is the tilapia capital of the country because of its high production
reaching 214,210.12 metric tons in 2015. In addition to farming and fishing, the province sup-
ports thriving cottage industries that specialize in wood carving, furniture making, guitars and
handicrafts. Every Christmas season, the province of Pampanga, especially in the capital city
of San Fernando becomes the center of a thriving industry centered on handcrafted lighted
lanterns called parols that display a kaleidoscope of light and color. Other industries include its
casket industry and the manufacturing of all-purpose vehicles in the municipality of Santo
Tomas.

The Aetas, being one of the biggest, in terms of number, member of ethnolinguistic group in
the Philippines, are indigenous people living in different mountainous places in Luzon. They can
be found in the provinces of Pampanga, Zambales, and Tarlac, to name a few. In Pampanga
alone, Aetas are scattered in the municipalities of Floridablanca, Porac, Guagua and Angeles.

List of Famous Personalities or National Heroes:

 Diosdado Pangan Macapagal – 9th president of the Republic of the Philippines and a
native of Lubao, Pampanga.
 Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo – 14th president of the Republic of the Philippines. She is
the daughter of the 9th president of the Republic Diosdado Macapagal.

 José Abad Santos – born in San Fernando, Pampanga, the 5th chief justice of
the Supreme Court of the Philippines.

 Michelle Dee – crowned Miss World Philippines 2019.

 Efren "Bata" Reyes – is a Filipino professional pool player from Angeles City. A
winner of over 7 international titles.

C. PLACES
List of Attractions in Pampanga:
 Mount Pinatubo
 One of the most popular Pampanga Tourist Attractions is the Mount Pinatubo. For the
adventurous souls, trekking to Mount Pinatubo is a must- experience adventure.
 Nayong Pilipino

This 45- hectare tourist attraction has replicas of the Philippine’s most well-known sights,
a miniature version of Magellan’s Cross and Chocolate Hills, and the statues of our national
heroes and political figures.
 Dinosaurs Island
 Dinosaurs Island is an animatronic theme park and museum that is designed to offer
visitors a unique interactive learning experience of the dinosaurs ere with life size creatures.
 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.

D. CULTURE
Kapampangans are well known for their passion for food. But Pampanga also has
colorful festivities that reflect its rich culture and unique native traditions. Kapampangans are
proud of who they are and these festivals are proof of their happy home living. Each province
has their own distinct festival. Having a house and lot in Pampanga gets you closer to these one-
of-a-kind celebrations.
 Fiestang Tugak (Frog Festival)

Every October, the city of San Fernando celebrates its old past time of catching frogs.
Back in the day, the town’s vast rice fields were full of frogs. Before, when farmers would plant
during the start of the rainy season, their children will run off the fields to catch frogs. They
would lure the frogs out of hiding by using a piece of cloth that looks like flies. When the frogs
would leap, they were caught by a container or sack with ash to remove the frog’s slime. This
technique of catching frogs is called pamamaduas tugak.

 Makatapak Festival

This festival, celebrated in November, is a reminder of the strength and unity of the
people of Bacolor.

When Mt. Pinatubo erupted in the year 1991, Bacolor was deep in Lahar for four years.
People believed that Apu Malyari, a god of the Aetas, got angry because of the townsfolk’s
misconduct towards Mother Nature.

Makatapak means “going barefoot.” People had to remove their slippers and step firmly
on the soft, hot mud. Walking over lahar is similar to walking through quicksand. The experience
was humbling as people from different social classes walked hand in hand to reach safety.

 Duman Festival
Duman comes from beaten husks of malagkit rice (lakatan malutu) and toasted in a clay
oven. This pinipig look alike is only available in December after the harvest of the previous
month. Hence, the festival falls on the last week of November or the first Saturday of December.

The people of Sta. Rita prepares the best duman. The preparation is a rigorous process.
First, the magdurumans – the families who produce duman – have to beat the young green rice
kernels to separate the husk. The rice pellets are then soaked in water and cooked for thirty
minutes. The rice receives another round of pounding to help release the oils and nutty flavor.
Families pass this method of preparing duman from generation to generation. The method
became a celebrated tradition.

The seasonal delicacy can be eaten plain. Some people like to add sugar or place it on
fresh carabao’s milk, tsokolate batirol or as toppings on ice cream. Others make duman kalamay.

 Sinukwan Festival
The first week of December showcases Kapampangan pride. Sinukwan Festival
honors Aring Sinukwan, the god of the ancient Kapampangans. Thus, it is a cultural festival
celebrated by the whole province. It aims to save and empower Pampanga’s culture and
language.
The spirit of celebration begins with a grand street performance in San Fernando City.
Towns compete for the best costume and performance award while dancing to the beat of the
local folk song “Atin Cu Pung Singsing.”
Various schools prepare dance numbers to showcase their talent and creativity. The
festival also includes a cultural pageant called Lakan, Lakambini and Prinsensita ning
Sinukwan. Awards are given for the use of Kapampangan language, the uniqueness of cultural
and festival costumes, and the promotion of the local music and arts through a showcase of
talent. The pageant also seeks to retain the context of indigenous traditions and make the people
understand their culture’s history and authenticity.
 Dukit Festival
The Dukit Festival gives praise to the craftsmanship and woodcarving skills of the people
in Betis District. The festival in Guagua concedes with the celebration of Apung Tiago which is
from the 28th to 30th of December. The festivities include dancers wearing costumes with

woodcarving motifs as well as competitions between woodcarvers.

The festival showcases the woodcarving industry that contributes to the town’s economy.
It also encourages more people to enter the craft and maybe one day be a woodcarver
themselves. The Dukit Festival hopes to inspire more people through the beauty of the art.

 Ligligan Parul (Giant Lantern Festival)

The lanterns or parol are traditional Filipino decorations which symbolize hope and light
during Christmas time. Ligligan Parul, a parade showcasing the huge lanterns, is on the Saturday
before Christmas Eve.
Ligligan Parul means “lantern showdown.” It is a parol-making competition held
annually at San Fernando. Each town or municipality of the province must work together to build
a giant lantern. The lanterns presented for this festival are usually almost 20ft. in diameter and
made of lights turned on and off by an operator. Besides the lamps, the lanterns use colorful
plastics that reflect light. The row of lights forms a magnificent sight when seen from a distance.

Pampanga Delicacies
Pampanga being a province that is almost land-locked (if not for its coastline areas facing
Manila Bay), the province cannot brag much on nature-given wonders other than the province’s
most famous terrain Mt. Arayat. While there are not so many sights to see in the province, it’s
undeniable that Pampanga has a rich culture and heritage that every Kapampangan is proud of.
One biggest credits of this pride comes from the Kapampangan’s way of cooking which made
the province the “Culinary Capital of the Philippines”.
 1. Sisig - The dish consists of different
pig parts (mostly coming from the
head) mixed with chicken or pork liver.
3. Buro - is basically fermented rice
(mixed with shrimp or fish) which is a
popular condiment in Pampanga.
5. Murcon - . Murcon is a savory meat
dish which is much like an embutido or
meat loaf.
7. Tibuk- tibuk - This is Pampanga’s ver-
sion of Maja Blanca that is traditionally
made with carabao’s milk, with a hint
of dayap zest (local lemon) with latik
on top.
9. San Nicolas Cookies - The taste of the
Panecillos de San Nicolas is very
milky, deliciously crunchy, and not too
sweet. The cookies are best paired with
a hot cup of Chocolate de Batirol or
coffee.
2. Betute and Camaru - Categorized as
exotic or bizzare, the betute (stuffed
frog) and camaru (crickets) are a fa-
vorite to locals.
4. Bulanglang Kapampangan (Guava
Sour Soup) - Sinigang takes its sour-
ness from the tamarind used for the
broth, while bulanglang takes its sweet
and sour flavor from the native guava.
6. Tocino - tocino is a processed pork
meat that is sweet and salty when
cooked, perfect for rice and sunny side
up egg on the side.
8. Halo- Halo - Razon’s version of the
halo-halo has only three ingredients
which are sun-ripened saging na saba
(sweetened local banana), macapuno,
and leche flan with dayap rind topped
with finely shaved ice.
10. Turrones de Casuy - It like a nougat-
like treat made of chopped cashew nuts
cooked peanut brittle style that are
shaped in long sticks wrapped in an ed-
ible paper-thin wafer.

E. TRIVIA
List of trivial facts:
 Pampanga is known as the “The Culinary of the Philippines”.
 Angeles City is classified as a first-class, highly-urbanized city. Although the place is within
Pampanga, the place has own government.
 Pampanga has two Philippine Air Force air bases: Basa Air Base located in Florida Blanca,
and the other one is the former U.S. Clark Air Base found in Angeles City.
 Pampanga is the first province created by Spaniards.
  Pampanga was once the capital of the Philippines.

F. TOURISM MARKETING CAMPAIGN

Pampanga, a new province in the Central Luzon region of the Philippines launches a
new tourism campaign ‘Visita Iglesia’ to push faith tourism.
Pampanga—Teeming is combined with the old churches and religious traditions and
practices. This province in Central Luzon is encouraging devotees to come and experience
the Capampangan way of reflecting the Passion of Christ this Holy Week through the “Visita
Iglesia Pampanga” (VIP) campaign, an initiative led by former president and current Second
District Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo aimed at rekindling the Roman Catholic faith of
tourists, both local and international.
Visit Pampanga Year through Visita Iglesia Pampanga in support of Mrs. Arroyo’s
drive to make 2018 the new year with tourism boom.Pampanga has a long and strong
history of being the seat of faith, especially during Semana Santa (Holy Week), with various
churches proclaimed as historical landmarks built since the 1500s during the Spanish era.
While Visita Iglesia (Church Visits) is a once-a-year practice in the Philippines, the
lead organizer noted that VIP is an open call to take a spiritual journey and walk the way of
the cross, not just during the Lent, but all year-round.
As part of the promotional activities for VIP, various media organizations and tour
operators in Metro Manila and other parts of the country were invited during the VIP kickoff
to tour the province and visit seven of its many centuries-old churches.
These include Saint Augustine Parish in Lubao; Santa Lucia Parish, Sasmuan;
Immaculate Concepcion, Guagua; Santa Rita de Cascia, Santa Rita; Saint James Parish,
Betis; San Guillermo Parish, Bacolor; and San Fernando Cathedral, San Fernando.

VI. THE PROVINCE OF ZAMBALES

Land Area 3,645.83 km2
Location Central Luzon
Population 590,848 (as of 2015)
Capital Iba
Religion Roman Catholic
Dialect Sambal, Tagalog, Ilocano
Transportation and Accessibility Road & Water
A. HIS- TORY

The name of the province is derived from its earliest inhabitants, the Zambals. They
worship spirits called "anitos", thus they were reffered to as "Sambali" from the Malay word
samba, meaning "to worship". The term was later Hispanicized to "Zambal".
Zambales was one of the earliest provinces created during the Spanish rule. As founded
in the 16 th century. it comprised an area extending from Cape Bolinao in the north to Subic Bay
in the south. Due to their inaccessibilty from the capital, seven towns in the northern portion of
Zambales, from Bolinao to Infanta and including Alaminos, were later ceded to Pangasinan,
forming its western part.
Zambales is the home province of the seventh president of the Republic, Ramon Magsaysay,
who hailed form Castillejos.
During the Spanish period, a 1774 map was made, which clearly named Scarborough
Shoals as Panacot Shoal, a feature under complete sovereignty of Spanish Philippines, specifi-
cally of Zambales. The shoal's current name was chosen by Captain Philip D'Auvergne,
whose East India Company East Indiaman Scarborough briefly grounded on one of the rocks on
12 September 1784, before sailing on to China. When the Philippines was granted independence
in the 19th century and 20th century, Scarborough Shoal was passed by the colonial governments
to the sovereign Republic of the Philippines.
Masinloc became the province's first capital. However, the capital was moved among the
last three towns above during its history before finally settling in Iba, due to its strategic location.
Seven of the province's original northern towns, which included Bolinao, Infanta and Alaminos
were later transferred under the jurisdiction of Pangasinan because of their distance from the
capital.The first civil governor of Zambales during the colonial American era was Potenciano
Lesaca from 1901-1903. During the dictatorship of Ferdinand Marcos, Zambales was one of the
most militarized areas in the Philippines as majority of the people were against martial rule.
Many opposition Sambals were detained, tortured, killed, electrocuted at the genitalia, or were
listed as 'missing'. The province was one of the main supporters of the People Power
Revolution in Manila, which topped the 21-year dictatorship and installed Corazon Aquino as
president, bringing back democracy to the country. The province was heavily affected by
the 1991 eruption of Mount Pinatubo. Due to this, the economy of the province weakened for
some time, but regained vitality a few years after the government ordered the revitalization of the
province and established growth in its southern towns, which later became a significant
economic zone in the country by 1995.

B. PEOPLE

Zambales is basically an agriculture province. The chief products are rice, corn,
vegetables and rootcrops. Major industries include farming, fishing and mining. The province's
mineral resources include gold, copper and chromite. Olongapo, once the site of the biggest US
naval base in Asia, is fast developing into an industrial and tourism zone under the Subic Bay
Metropolitan Authority.
 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 Zam-
bales. The inhabitants are composed of three principal ethnic groups: the Ilocanos, Tagalogs and
Sambals. The Tagalogs came from the east and settled at the southern end, while the Ilocanos oc-
cupied the areas between. These newcomers drove the aborigines to the hinterlands.

List of Famous Personalities or National Heroes:

 Ramon Magsaysay - was a Filipino statesman who served as the seventh Presi-
dent of the Philippines

 Luisa Pimentel-Ejercito - is a Filipino politician and psychiatrist who served as

a Senator of the Philippines from 2001 to 2007. She is the wife of former Philip-
pine President Joseph Ejercito Estrada.

 Ferdinand Pascual Aguilar - is a folk musician from the Philippines. He is best

known for his rendition of "Bayan Ko", which became the anthem of the opposition
against the Marcos regime during the 1986 People Power Revolution, and for his
song "Anak", the best-selling Philippine music record of all time.

C. PLACES

Cultural

 Botolan Resettlement Sites

Botolan, Zambales
A model resettlement village located in Brgys. Baquilan, Loob-bunga and Taugtug. Baquilan
offers a hilltop view of the volcano's crater. It is populated by hundreds of Aeta families who
were displaced from their native habitat during the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo in 1991. An
optional visit for tourists who would rather engage in social and cultural exchange with the
natives.

Historical

 Camara Ancestral House

Iba, Zambales

Vicente Camara was the first Filipino Governor of Zambales, appointed by Gen. Aguinaldo in
1898. His term ended upon his surrender to the Americans in 1901. The Camara house is one of
a kind built from the strongest local hardwoods, such as molave, yakal and narra. Camara
himself together with Ginzaburo Hanaki designed the house with materials personally chosen
by the former in 1912. Design was based on the need for ventilation, steep roof made of nipa for
coolness. Floor-to-ceiling windows added more ventilation to the house. The main staircase and
jambs are made of single, unjoined molave hardwood. During the war, it was used as
headquarters by the Japanese. Gen. Yamashita visited the house during the war years. In its
yard, the first Caimito, Java Mango, and Mangosteen trees in Zambales were planted.

 Capones Island Lighthouse

San Antonio, Zambales

The Faro (Lighthouse) de Punta Capones on the Island of Grand Capon is a significant
lighthouse of the first order. Its light guides ships entering and leaving the port of Manila and
Subic Bay. The lighthouse also warns navigators of the rocky shores surrounding the Island of
Capones. As a warning beacon, it serves together with the lights situated in the islets of Los
Frailes, and Los Jabones as a series of warnings due to the dangers of the surrounding seas as
well as the islands close proximity to shore, thereby making the seas very treacherous to
unseasoned navigators. As a navigation guide, this lighthouse serves the main artery for ships
heading towards China, which therefore makes it a very busy and important shipping route.

Responding to the need for better navigation guides throughout the Philippines, the Spanish
colonial government initiated a substantial building program of lighthouses and light stations
throughout the Philippine archipelago. One of the initial projects to be approved in this
significant undertaking was the lighthouse on the Island of Grand Capon or Faro de Punta
Capones.

Museums

 Magsaysay Ancestral House and Museum

Castillejos, Zambales
This is the same house where the late President Ramon Magsaysay, popularly known as "The
Guy", grew up. At present, it is a a museum that contains his memorabilla. Born in 1907, Iba,
Zambales, Magsaysay was the third president of the third Philippine Republic (December 31,
1953 - March 17, 1957). As secretary of national defense in 1950, he was instrumental in
breaking the backbone of the Hukbalahap movement in Central Luzon. He died in a plane crash
on March 17, 1957 at Mt. Manunggal in the province of Cebu after presiding over three
graduation exercises as guest speaker the day before.

Natural.

 Anawangin Cove

San Antonio, Zambales

An undeveloped paradise tucked into the Zambales mountains, some five kms away from
Capones Island in San Antonio, Anawangin beach is a popular camping site among outdoor and
mountaineering groups. The unusual presence of pine trees on the beach instead of the expected
palm trees makes the place a photographer’s choice. Its cascading yet refreshing crystal clear
stream outlined by tall pine trees provides a respite to the intrepid traveler. Its near white sand
courtesy of Mt. Pinatubo is a setting for a wonderful playground for beach lovers.

 Calanga Reef

Iba, Zambales

It is a peanutshell-shaped shoal approximately less than one (1) nautical mile off Brgy. San
Agustin and has an area covering 40 hectares. The first station is located at the core area of a
shoal. The reef flat has a depth of 30 ft. gradually descending to 50 ft. of sandy substratum. The
reef flat is barren and composed of massive types of dead corals with algae covering, fungiids
(fungia and herpolita sp). New growth of branching corals (Acropora sp) was also recorded. The
estimated average live coral cover of this station is 48.99 percent.

D. CULTURE

List of traditions, festivals and gastronomy in Zambales:

 Feast Day of Ina Poon Bato (Botolan) — January 24. The Ina Poón Bató is a purportedly
miraculous, syncretised image of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Legend has it that before the ar-
rival of the Spanish in the area sometime in the 17th century, local Aeta peoples had discov-
ered a carved wooden statue on a large rock that they called Apo Apang ("Little Queen") and
 began worshipping the image. On the arrival of Recollect missionaries in 1607, the natives
associated the statue with the Roman Catholic depictions of the Virgin Mary, and the image
was subsequently Christianised as Ina Poón Bato ("Mother of the Lord Rock").
 Singkamas Festival and Town Fiesta (San Marcelino) — 3rd Week of February
 Pundakit Festival of the Arts (San Antonio) — February-July
 The Dinamulag Festival "Zambales Mango Festival" (Iba) — 3rd Tuesday of April The
Dinamulag Festival also known as the Zambales Mango Festival is an annual festival held in
the province of Zambales in the Philippines to celebrate or encourage bountiful harvest of the
province's mangoes. The festival was first held in 1999
 Paynawen Festival (Iba) — 3rd Week of April Paynauen ‘Duyan’ Festival is held every
April 25 – May 1 in Iba, Zambales. It commemorates the provincial capital’s founding an-
niversary (founded in 1611) traces its origin from a Zambal word which means rest or pahin-
gahan – the ancient name of Iba before the Spanish conquistadores founded the village on the
shore of the Bancal River in 1611. The festival features photo competition and exhibit, sand
sculpture competition, skate boarding, 2-cock derby, carabao race, beauty pageant, kite fly-
ing, banca race, boxing tournament, street dancing / Duyan Parade, among other activities.
 Marunggay Festival and Town Fiesta (San Antonio) — Last Week of April
 Binabayani Festival and Town Fiesta (Masinloc) — November 30 The Binabayani Festival
occurs every November in the city of Masinloc in Zambales. . A dance/play depicting the
clash between the Spanish and the Natives of Masinloc or the triumph of Christianity over
Paganism. The war dance starts with a procession in the afternoon of November 29 and
opens in a mass on November 30. This annual religious festival is celebrated with day long
activities in honor of San Andres, the patron saint of Masinloc. Binabayani is a war dance
that portrays the battle between the Christian and the Aetas in the town of Masinloc. It is a
word that means “bravery”. It is usually featured at the town plaza on the 30th day of No-
vember for the public to witness.

Zambales delicacies
Consistent with the rest of the Philippines, the Province of Zambales thrives on the more
basic satisfiers of the good life --- FOOD! Accompanying the province’s glorious attractions and
destinations is a range of homegrown delicacies whipped up by the changes and transformation
experienced by the culture of the people in the province.
1. San Felipe – Bagnet 2. Pastillas
3. Zambales Mangoes 4. Botolan – Linga

E. TOURISM MARKETING CAMPAIGN

 The new tourism campaign was conceptualized in line with Governor Hermogenes E. Ebdane
Jr.’s vision for the revitalization of tourism and trade in Zambales
•An invitation for all tourists seeking to maximize their Experience;
•Inspired by the Zambales Mango, the most iconic agricultural product of Zambales;
•Represents the sweetness of Zambaleňos and the dynamic tourism industry of the Province.

VII. THE PROVINCE OF TARLAC

Land Area 3,053.8360 km2
Location Central Luzon
Population 1,366,027 (as of 2015)
Capital Tarlac City
Religion Roman Catholic
Dialect Pangasinense, Kapampangan,
Tagalog, Ilocano
Transportation and Accessibility Road
A. 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 orga-
nized 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 neighbouring Pampanga. It became the new seat of the first Philip-
pine Republic in March 1899 when General Emilio Aguinaldo abandoned the former capi-
tal, 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.
On October 23, 1899, Gregorio Aglipay, military vicar general of the revolutionary
forces, called the Filipino clergy to a conference in Paniqui. There, they drafted the constitution
of the Philippine Independent Church. They called for the Filipinization of the clergy, which
eventually led to a separation from the Roman Catholic Church in the Philippines.
Tarlac was captured by American forces on November 1899. A civil government was es-
tablished in the province in 1901.
During World War II, Camp O'Donnell in Capas became the terminal point of the infa-
mous Bataan Death March of Filipino and American soldiers who surrendered at Bataan on April
9, 1942. Many prisoners died of hunger, disease and/or execution. The general headquarters of
the Philippine Commonwealth Army was established from January 03, 1942 to June 30, 1946
and the 3rd Constabulary Regiment of the Philippine Constabulary was founding again from Oc-
tober 28, 1944 to June 30, 1946 and military stationed in the province of Tarlac and some parts
in Central Luzon due to Japanese Occupation. Local troops of the Philippine Commonwealth
Army units has sending the clearing military operations in the province of Tarlac and Central Lu-
zon from 1942 to 1945 and aided them by the recognized guerrilla groups including Hukbala-
hap Communist fighters and attacking Japanese Imperial forces. But in the aftermath, some local
guerrilla resistance fighters and Hukbahalap groups are became retreating Imperial Japanese
troops around the province and before the liberation from the Allied forces.
In early 1945, combined American and Filipino military forces with the recognized
Aringay Command guerillas liberated Camp O'Donnell. The raid in Capas resulted in the rescue
of American, Filipino and other allied Prisoners of War.
From January 20, 1945 to August 15, 1945, Tarlac was recaptured by combined Filipino
and American troops together with the recognized guerrilla fighters against the Japanese Imperial
forces during the liberation and beginning for the Battle of Tarlac under the Luzon Campaign.

B. PEOPLE

The economy of Tarlac is predominantly agricultural. It is among the biggest producers

of rice and sugarcane (the principal crops) in Central Luzon. Other major crops are corn and co-
conuts, fruits (bananas, calamansi and mangoes) and vegetables (eggplants, garlic and onions).
Because the province is landlocked, its fish production is limited to fishpens, but it has
vast river systems and irrigation. On the Zambales boundary to its west, forest land provides tim-
ber for the logging industry. Mineral reserves such as manganese and iron can also be found
along the western section.
Tarlac has its own rice and corn mills, sawmills and logging outfits. It has three sugar-re-
fining centrals and hosts many sugar products in Central Luzon, especially the Muscovado sugar
of the municipality of Victoria. Other firms service agricultural needs such as fertilizers. Among
its cottage industries, ceramics has become available because of the abundant supply of clay.
Some of the major industries here involve making are chicharon (pork skin chips) and iniruban
in the municipality of Camiling and Ilang-Ilang products of Anao. Tilapia production is also im-
proving in Tarlac, with an aim to make the province the second "Tilapia Capital of Central Lu-
zon" after its mother province, Pampanga.
 The Abelling Tribe are indigenous peoples living in the province of Tarlac, Philippines.
They reside on the foot of the province’s mountain range. During every Anito Festival, they
transfer the Anito, or “Spirit”, from the ageing host to a younger host. Dances, feasts and animal
sacrifices are held by the Abelling in a week-long ritual where everyone in the village is in-
volved.

List of Famous Personalities or National Heroes:

 General Francisco Makabulos - Leader of the revolt in Tarlac. Born in La Paz, Tar-
lac, on September 17, 1871. He was the first patriot in Tarlac, who joined the
Katipunan. General Aguinaldo appointed him as one of the brigadier generals of the
Central Luzon area. He established the Central Executive Committee, which had a
constitution called the Constitution of Makabulos. Died in La Paz, Tarlac, on April
30, 1922.
 Maria Corazon Cojuangco Aquino - was a Filipino politician who served as
the 11th President of the Philippines, becoming the first woman to hold that office.
Corazon Aquino was the most prominent figure of the 1986 People Power Revolu-
tion, which ended the 20-year rule of President Ferdinand Marcos. She was
named Time magazine's Woman of the Year in 1986. Prior to this, she had not held
any elective office.
 Benigno Simeon "Ninoy" Aquino Jr. - was a Filipino politician who served as
a Senator of the Philippines (1967–1972) and governor of the province of Tarlac. He
was the husband of former Philippine President Corazon Aquino and father of former
Philippine President Benigno Aquino III. Aquino, together with Gerardo
Roxas and Jovito Salonga, formed the leadership of the opposition towards then Pres-
ident Ferdinand Marcos.
C. PLACES

List of attractions in Tarlac:

 Monasterio de Tarlac

is a popular tourist destination in the province of Tarlac in the Philippines. It is a

monastery on top of Mount Resurrection, part of the Zambales Mountain Range in San Jose, one
of the municipalities in Tarlac. In the monastery can be found a relic of the True Cross. Monaste-
rio de Tarlac is located at the Mount Resurrection Eco Park in the barangay of Lubigan.

 Capas National Shrine

was built by the Philippine government as a memorial to Allied soldiers who died
at Camp O'Donnell at the end of the Bataan Death March during the Second World War.

 Immaculate Conception Parish Church

 is a late 19th-century, Baroque church located at Brgy. San Nicolas, Concepcion, Tarlac,
Philippines. The parish church, under the aegis of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, is
under the jurisdiction of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Tarlac.

 San Sebastian Cathedral

also referred to as the Tarlac Cathedral, is a post-war, Neo-Gothic church located in

Brgy. Mabini, Tarlac City, Philippines. The cathedral, which was dedicated to Saint Sebastian in
1686, is the seat of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Tarlac.

D. CULTURE

List of traditions, festivals and gastronomy in Tarlac:

 Belenismo sa Tarlac
Belenismo sa Tarlac was launched by Isabel Cojuangco-Suntay, sister of former Ambas-
sador Eduardo Cojuangco Jr., to transform the province into the Belen Capital of the Philippines.
The Belen Festival began in September 2007, with the first Belen-making workshop conducted
on December 16, 2007. Organizers have intended the festival to become an annual event in the
province. Senator Loren Legarda led the awarding of the first Belen-making competition where
Tarlac PNP Office Belen, built by at least 24 policemen, won the first prize.
Belenismo in Spanish means the art of making Belen, a representation of the Nativity scene in
which the Holy Family (Joseph, Mary and the infant Jesus) is visited by the three wise men who
came to the manger through the guidance of a star.
 Melting Pot Festival
The Malatarlak Festival, celebrated every January in Tarlac City, is one of the most re-
markable festivals in the province. In 2011, the City Mayor then changed the name of the festival
to Melting Pot Festival, but it is still remembered by its former name. The festival is a commem-
oration to the first people who built civilization in the province, the Aetas.
  Chicharon Iniruban Festival
It is a festivity that is yearly celebrated in the town of Camiling during the last week of
October. It is intended as a preparation for All Saints' Day and a Thanksgiving Celebration for
the good harvest and for the good quality of meat products especially the chicharon or Bagnet. It
also features the exotic and delicious rice cake Iniruban, as called by Ilocanos. The festival's
highlights are the street dancing competition, Miss Iniruban beauty pageant, and the municipal-
ity's agri-trade. It is the oldest cultural celebration in the province introduced in 2000.

Tarlac delicacies
Tarlac culture being a melding of four cultures, its cuisine is of course a mix of four regional
cuisines as well: Ilocano, Pampango, Tagalog, and Pangasinense.
 Meats
1. Adobong Tarlac - adobo in which the meat is marinated in pineapple juice and the whole
thing is topped with pineapple slices
2. Pinaryaang manok - "native chicken stewed with ampalaya (bitter melon) leaves"
3. Inutuken - "chopped pig’s head and brain cooked in garlic, vinegar, and crushed pepper-
corn"
4. Pinatolang Baka sa Buho - a Tarlac beef soup dish cooked? inside a bamboo tube
5. Dalem - a version of igado
6. Chicharon Camiling - chicharon with meat included
7. Bagis kambing - dry version of papaitan
8. Kinulob - pochero-like mixed-meat dish
9. Pastel de pollo
10. Kaldereta - a tamer version
11. Inampalayang manok
 Seafood/Fish
1. Birabid - in Camiling, a dish of fresh water shellfish, shelled and salted
2. Fried catfish
3. Crispy ukoy
4. Mudfish with balaw-balaw
5. Guinataang aguro - cone-shaped shells
6. Sardines in chili sauce
 Vegetables
1. Pampango pakbet - with squash
2. Stewed malunggay pod
3. Papaet leaves
4. Lumpiang buko
5. Salad of tomatoes, onions, mangoes, hair-like seaweed and shrimp paste
 Bread and Cheese
1. Kesong puti
 Rice cakes/Sweets
1. Capit roll - a ground glutinous rice roll filled with latik (brown coconut reduction)
2. Kinalti nga kamoteng kahoy
3. Inuruban, Nilubyan - a rice cake in Camiling made of freshly harvested rice, burnt on
site, then pounded and cooked with coconut cream
 4. Candied singkamas
5. Binuburan
6. Boboto (tamales)

E. TOURISM MARKETING CAMPAIGN

Tarlac is a fusion of modern lifestyle and laid back living. It’s progressive culture amid its
agricultural backdrop has always been its appeal for many. Aside from this, its strategic location
in the heart of Central Luzon has managed to draw in local and international tourists.
Sa Tarlac, Tourist Kita

To further boost local tourism, Tarlac’s City Tourism Council – under the leadership of Dr.
Maribel Dizon – launched the City Tourism logo, TOURIST KITA.

TOURIST KITA is also a play on words.

TOURIST KITA or “My Tourist” reminds many locals that tourists who visit the city should be
welcomed with open arms and warm hearts. On the other hand, TOURIST KITA is also
indicative of tourism’s economic contribution to the City.