Bulakan, officially known as the Municipality of Bulakan (Tagalog: Bayan ng Bulakan), is

a first-class municipality located in the province of Bulacan, Philippines. Based on the 2020

census, its population is 81,232 people. It is situated 35 kilometers (22 miles) north of Manila.

Bulakan is among the oldest towns in the Philippines and was designated as the encomienda or

capital of the Provincia de la Pampanga. Later on, it became the initial capital of the Province of

Bulacan before being transferred to Malolos shortly after the American occupation.

The New Provincial Administrative Code of Bulacan (Ordinance no. C-004) of 2007

clarifies that the term "Bulakan" pertains to the municipality and its first capital, while "Bulacan"

refers to the province itself. It also specifies that either "c" or "k" may be used to denote the

municipality of Bulakan. The term "Bulakan" was derived from the Tagalog word "bulak" which

refers to cotton. Upon the arrival of the Spanish colonizers, they discovered that cotton, among

other crops, grew abundantly in several areas of Luzon, particularly in Bulakan. Before the

arrival of the Spanish, Bulakan and the other towns in Bulacan province were made up of small,

dispersed settlements of villages known as "barangays". This term is derived from the name of

the boats used by early Malay seafarers who sailed to various islands in the Philippines. These

ancestors of our forefathers settled in different parts of the archipelago, and their villages and

barangays were each governed by a petty chieftain who held the title "Gat", such as Gat-

Maytan, Gat-Salian, and "Gat-Dula", and "Lakan" as in Lakandula. These early settlers lived

near the seashore and rivers, and were referred to as "taga-ilog", which means people who

reside near rivers or other bodies of water. From this term "taga-ilog" came the word "Tagalog".

The early Tagalog people were peaceful, honest, diligent, and hardworking, and were involved

in agriculture, fishing, and crafts, particularly weaving.

The Augustinians founded most of the towns in the province of Bulacan, including the

town of Bulakan, which was established in 1572 and was one of the 385 towns founded by the
Augustinians throughout the Philippines. Another account of the founding of Bulakan town

credits Father Agustin de Alburquerque, O.S.A., as the first minister and founder of Bulakan. By

1591, the town of Bulacan had 1,000 tributes or 4,800 people; one Augustinian convent and one

"alcalde mayor" who had jurisdiction over the towns of Malolos (which became independent in

1673), Caluya-now Balagtas and formerly Bigaa (separated in 1596), Guiguinto (which became

a separate town in 1841), and Meycauayan. The parish priest was under the jurisdiction of the

diocese of Manila. As the first capital of the province, the town of Bulacan was the center of

economic activities, and its residents enjoyed excellent trade with Manila, primarily due to its

proximity to the city and accessibility through.

The Augustinians established Bulakan as one of the outstations of Convento de Tondo in

1575 under the supervision of Fray Alonzo Alvarado, OSA. In 1578, it was declared a town

Parish and Convent with Nuestra Señora de la Asunción as its patron, along with Caluya (now

Balagtas, became a town in 1599) and Guiguinto (became a town in 1641) as its substations. As

per local archives, Father Agustin del Alburqueque, OSA was the first Prior of the Town.

According to the census of June 1591, the Province of Bulacan had 1,200 tributes or 4,800

individuals, one Augustinian convent, one Gobernadorcillo and one alcalde mayor (present day

governor) who had jurisdiction over the towns of Bulakan (then capital) Malolos, Calumpit,

Guiguinto, Caluya, and Meycauayan. The centuries-old adobe church of Our Lady of the

Assumption (Nuestra Señora de la Asunción) stands in the heart of the town. In front of the

church is the municipal hall and a park named "Plaza del Pilar", which is dedicated to

Revolutionary General Gregorio del Pilar who hailed from Barangay San Jose, Bulakan. The

Parish Church of Our Lady of the Assumption is the second oldest Roman Catholic church in

the province and the longest and widest in terms of aisle length and span respectively. It has a
record of baptismal entry as early as 1578. The first page of the book lists the names of the

barrios of the town of Bulacan, Bagio, Bulacan (Camino Real), Daan Estacion, Matungao,

Cupang, Banban, Dapdap, Parian, Balubad, Pitpitan, Maysantor, Acsajo, Paniqui, San Nicolas,

Nagdasig, Calungusan, Taliktik, and Sta Ana.

After a span of 400 years, modifications have been implemented to the former barrios

comprising the town. Bagio was assimilated into Bagumbayan in 1731, Tibig was established in

1735, Dapdap was rebranded as Sta. Ana in 1741, Nagdasig was incorporated into Tab-Ang in

1744 and is now known as San Francisco. Parian was renamed Sta. Inez in 1765, while

Bulakan (Camino Real), Daan Estacion, Paniqui, and Calungusan were merged into one barrio

and christened San Jose. Barrio Pitpitan took over Acsajo, Cupang was combined with

Maysantor, now known as Maysantol, Banban transformed into Bangbang, and is now

Bambang. Perez subsisted as an independent Barrio of Taliktik, now Taliptip, along with the

unaltered names of the Barrio's San Nicolas, Matungao, and Balubad.

The early inhabitants of Bulakan were occupied with agriculture, fishing, and handicrafts,

particularly weaving. As customary in other provinces of early Philippines like Cavite, Tayabas

(now Quezon Province), and Batangas, the town of Bulakan, being the first capital of the

province, gave its name to the province. It was the center of economic activities and its

residents enjoyed excellent trade with Manila due to its proximity and accessibility through its

wide and navigable river. Bulakan was also the site of a battle between the British, led by

Captain Slay, and the Spaniards, led by Simón de Anda y Salazar, during the short British

occupation of Manila. The British dispatched an expedition of 400 British, 300 Malabar Negroes,

and 2,000 Chinese allies. The Spaniards, together with the natives of Bulacan, fought valiantly

but were defeated. Captain Slay took over the town, but his control did not last long. A large

group of approximately 8,000 Filipino guerillas, led by Spanish Jose Pedro de Busto, engaged in
a nine-day battle in front of the church up to the footbridge against Captain Slay. They forced

Captain Slay to retreat to Manila. During this fight, Bulaqueños displayed extraordinary

martyrdom for the first time. The British attempt to conquer the rest of the country was

unsuccessful because of the remarkable fight put up by the Bulakeños. The Church of Nuestra

Señora de la Asuncion is the birthplace of Flores de Mayo, a feast for the Virgin Mary,

celebrated throughout the Philippines in May. It is also the birthplace of the traditional song

Dalit, a poetic chant for the patrons of a certain barrio or town. For centuries, the Church of Our

Lady of the Assumption served as the stronghold of the Catholic faith all over the province. It

was the central church, a cathedral-like structure serving as a primus inter pares among the

Poblacion churches of Bulakan. After the establishment of the Diocese of Malolos, its former

glory slowly faded as the focus shifted to the cathedral of the neighboring town Malolos, a

church built two years later in 1580.

Bulakan is politically subdivided into the following 14 barangays:

1. Bagumbayan

Bagumbayan is a barangay in the municipality of Bulakan, in the province of Bulacan. Its

population as determined by the 2020 Census was 4,297. This represented 5.29% of the total

population of Bulakan. In this place, there are so many places to visit and many people from

Bulacan would not expect that such a place exists at the farthest part of the area. You can find

many attractions there that are always crowded because the locals enjoy going to the park,

church, and even the local vendors. It's enjoyable to visit that place because it's peaceful, and I

also noticed that there are old houses standing in that area, which may have many stories and

history left behind.

2. Balubad
 Balubad is a barangay in the municipality of Bulakan, in the province of Bulacan. Its

population as determined by the 2020 Census was 3,738. This represented 4.60% of the total

population of Bulakan. This place is peaceful and clean. You will see many trees, making the

climate here cool and refreshing.

3. Bambang

Bambang is a barangay in the municipality of Bulakan, in the province of Bulacan. Its

population as determined by the 2020 Census was 14,257. This represented 17.55% of the total

population of Bulakan. There's not much difference compared to other places that you can see

there because you'll only find simple houses. However, what we noticed here is that there are

many mischievous individuals who park their vehicles anywhere, so clearing operations are

common in this area.

4. Matungao

Matungao is a barangay in the municipality of Bulakan, in the province of Bulacan. Its

population as determined by the 2020 Census was 12,950. This represented 15.94% of the total

population of Bulakan. We noticed that many of the houses there are old-fashioned, resembling

the houses from the ancient times in the movies we've watched about our nation's history. We

also observed that it is gradually undergoing changes as more businesses are starting to

emerge in the area.

5. Maysantol

Maysantol is a barangay in the municipality of Bulakan, in the province of Bulacan. Its

population as determined by the 2020 Census was 2,955. This represented 3.64% of the total

population of Bulakan. In this area, we can say that it is developing because there are

establishments that have been built there, which we can clearly see are not common compared
to other barangays in the area. There are sizzling places that have been established and even

large grocery stores like Alphamart.

6. Perez

Perez is a barangay in the municipality of Bulakan, in the province of Bulacan. Its

population as determined by the 2020 Census was 2,047. This represented 2.52% of the total

population of Bulakan. The way of life here is simple. Most people earn a living through fishing

since they have fish ponds where the residents primarily engage in fishing activities.

7. Pitpitan

Pitpitan is a barangay in the municipality of Bulakan, in the province of Bulacan. Its

population as determined by the 2020 Census was 5,077. This represented 6.25% of the total

population of Bulakan. This barangay is also progressing, but one can notice that there are still

many plots of land being sold at affordable prices because it is still relatively remote.

8. San Francisco

San Francisco is a barangay in the municipality of Bulakan, in the province of Bulacan.

Its population as determined by the 2020 Census was 7,486. This represented 9.22% of the

total population of Bulakan. People frequently visit this location since it has dining places. Since

there is a nearby resort, swimming is a preferred pastime if not for dining.

9. San Jose (formerly Poblacion)

San Jose, formerly Poblacion, is a barangay in the municipality of Bulakan, in the

province of Bulacan. Its population as determined by the 2020 Census was 3,570. This

represented 4.39% of the total population of Bulakan. This place has gained notoriety because
when you pass through here, it feels like a neglected area. You can sense that the management

has not been proper, or it could also be because of the people who have neglected this place.

10. San Nicolas

San Nicolas is a barangay in the municipality of Bulakan, in the province of Bulacan. Its

population as determined by the 2020 Census was 6,279. This represented 7.73% of the total

population of Bulakan.This place is peaceful and clean, attracting visitors because of the

presence of a memorial park. The memorial park there is beautiful because it has been

allocated with a generous budget for its development.

11. Santa Ana

Santa Ana is a barangay in the municipality of Bulakan, in the province of Bulacan. Its

population as determined by the 2020 Census was 7,998. This represented 9.85% of the total

population of BulakanThe main source of livelihood for the people here is selling fruits and other

items along the roadside. However, this area is also often visited by officials because there are

vendors who are causing disruptions in the traffic flow. Aside from the vendors, there are also

establishments that have been built here, such as shoe stores and mini fast food places like a

noodle shop.

12. Santa Ines

Santa Ines is a barangay in the municipality of Bulakan, in the province of Bulacan. Its

population as determined by the 2020 Census was 2,399. This represented 2.95% of the total

population of Bulakan. This place is named after Saint Ines. Saint Ines was a beautiful woman

who wholeheartedly embraced Christianity at a young age. During the feast of Saint Ines, they

hold a procession wherein she is adorned in elegant garments similar to Reyna Elena.

13. Taliptip
 Taliptip is a barangay in the municipality of Bulakan, in the province of Bulacan. Its

population as determined by the 2020 Census was 5,005. This represented 6.16% of the total

population of Bulakan. This place is abundant in fish, and the primary livelihood of the people

here is farming and fishing.

14. Tibig

Tibig is a barangay in the municipality of Bulakan, in the province of Bulacan. Its

population as determined by the 2020 Census was 3,174. This represented 3.91% of the total

population of Bulakan. This place is often visited by people because of its tourist attractions.

You can visit various resorts here as there are many affordable resorts that anyone can go to.

The parish and first church were founded in 1575 by Father

Augustine and others as the bishopric of Tondo. In 1578 the city

of Bulacan was declared a separate parish from Tondo.

According to historical records, Bulacan Church was destroyed in a fire during the British

invasion in 1762. Construction of the current church and convent was started in 1812 by Father

Gaspar Folger OSA. The church has been damaged by various natural disasters.

Earthquake of June 3, 1863. October 1, 1869. The 1880 Luzon earthquake caused

serious damage not only to Bulacan City but also to most of Luzon Island. The church has since

been restored after damage.

In 1877, a major restoration of the earthquake-damaged bell tower was carried out by

OSA's Fr. A commemorative plaque can be seen) on the facade of the tower); and in 1884,

OSA's Father Francisco Valdes rebuilt the church after the 1880 earthquake. The current style

of the church is due to his restoration. Finally, Father Patricio Martin of OSA completed the
restoration of the church in 1885, and Father Domingo de la Prieta completed the restoration of

the bell tower in 1889. Plaque commemorating the rebuilding of the bell tower in 1877.

At the church, Filipino general Gregorio del Pilar secretly distributed pamphlets for his

uncle Marcelo H. del Pilar, a prominent member of the propaganda movement of the late 19th

century.

The following list summarizes the priests who managed the parish and made significant

changes to the church structure during the Spanish occupation of the Philippines:

Fr. Gaspar Folgar - He rebuilt the church and convent in 1812.

Fr. Marcos Hernandez - During his term the construction of a new bell tower started in 1877.

The previous tower tilted after the earthquake of 1869. The new tower was designed by Ramon

Hermosa and constructed by Jose Maria Fuentes, both from the Civil Engineers Corps (Cuerpo

de ingenieros civiles).

Fr. Francisco Valdes - He rebuilt the church in a Neo-Byzantine Romanesque style starting in

1884 after it was damaged by the earthquake of 1880.

Fr. Patricio Martin - He finished the restoration work in 1885.

Fr. Domingo de la Prieta - The bell tower was completed in 1889 during his term.
LANDMARKS
Bulakan, Bulacan is a historic town in the Philippines with several landmarks that reflect
its rich cultural heritage. Here are some of the notable landmarks in Bulakan:

1. St. Augustine Parish Church - Also known as the Bulakan Church, it was built in 1853
and is considered as one of the oldest churches in the Philippines. It features a
Baroque-style facade and houses several notable religious artifacts.

2. Marcelo H. del Pilar Shrine - This monument honors the life and legacy of Marcelo H.
del Pilar, a prominent figure during the Philippine Revolution against Spain. It
features a bronze statue of del Pilar and a museum that showcases his personal
belongings and works. He was born in Bulakan on August 30, 1850.
3. Casa Real Shrine - This historic building served as the town hall and seat of
government during the Spanish colonial period. It was later converted into a museum
that displays various artifacts and memorabilia related to the town's history.
4. Gat Blas F. Ople Monument - This monument honors the life and legacy of Gat Blas
F. Ople, a Bulakenyo who was a senator and a former Secretary of Labor and
Employment. It features a bronze statue of Ople and a plaque that details his
achievements.
5. Bulakan Municipal Hall - This building serves as the current seat of government of
the town. It features a neoclassical-style facade and houses several government
offices.

6. Bulakan River - This river is an important natural landmark in the town as it played a
significant role in the town's early development. It was used as a transportation route
for goods and people during the Spanish colonial period.
7. Barasoain Church: Also known as the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish Church,
Barasoain Church is one of the most significant landmarks in Bulacan. It is situated in
the neighboring town of Malolos, just a short distance from Bulakan. The church
played a crucial role in Philippine history as it was the site of the Malolos Congress in
1898, where the First Philippine Republic was established.
8. Mariano Ponce House: The Mariano Ponce House is a historical site located in
Barangay Taal, Bulakan. Mariano Ponce was a renowned Filipino propagandist and a
close friend of national hero Dr. Jose Rizal. The house serves as a museum and
offers a glimpse into the life and works of Mariano Ponce.

9. St. John the Baptist Parish Church: Located in the town proper of Bulakan, the St.
John the Baptist Parish Church is the main church in the municipality. It is an old
Spanish-era church that showcases beautiful architecture and serves as a spiritual
center for the community.
10. Biak-na-Bato National Park - This national park is located in the neighboring
town of San Miguel but is accessible from Bulakan. It is the site of the Biak-na-Bato
Republic, the first republic declared in Asia by Filipino revolutionary forces.

11. Meyto Shrine - This shrine is located in Barangay Meyto and is dedicated to the
town's patron saint, Saint Lawrence. The shrine is a popular destination for devotees
during the town's annual fiesta celebration.
IMPORTANT HISTORICAL EVENTS
These events have shaped the history and identity of Bulakan, contributing to its cultural
significance within the province of Bulacan and the Philippines as a whole.

Bulakan, Bulacan has a rich history with several important events. Here are some
significant events that took place in the municipality:

1. Battle of Quingua (April 23, 1899) - The Battle of Quingua, also known as the
Battle of Plaridel, occurred during the Philippine-American War. It took place in the
vicinity of Quingua (now Plaridel) and Bulakan. Filipino forces, led by General Gregorio
del Pilar, fought against American forces. Although the Filipinos were eventually
outnumbered and forced to retreat, the battle showcased the bravery and resistance of
the Filipino revolutionaries.

2. Inauguration of the First Philippine Republic (1899) - Bulakan played a significant

role in Philippine history when the Malolos Congress convened in the nearby town of
Malolos. It was in the neighboring Barasoain Church where the First Philippine
Republic, also known as the Malolos Republic, was inaugurated on January 23, 1899.
This event marked the establishment of the first constitutional democracy in Asia.
3. World War II (1941-1945) - During World War II, Bulakan, like many other parts
of the Philippines, endured the hardships of Japanese occupation. The local population
experienced repression, forced labor, and other atrocities committed by the occupying
forces. The town also became a battleground during the liberation of the Philippines by
American and Filipino troops.
4. Conversion into a Municipality (1946) - On January 1, 1946, Bulakan was
officially converted into a municipality. Prior to this, it had been a pueblo or town under
the Spanish colonial government and the American civil administration.

5. Local Government Development Projects - Over the years, Bulakan has

witnessed various development projects initiated by the local government to enhance
the town's infrastructure and promote economic growth. These include the construction
of public buildings, roads, bridges, and the improvement of public services such as
health centers and educational institutions.

6. Cultural Festivals and Celebrations - Bulakan takes pride in its vibrant culture
and heritage, which is celebrated through various festivals and events. The town's
fiesta, held in honor of its patron saint, Saint Lawrence, is a colorful and lively
celebration featuring street processions, parades, cultural performances, and culinary
delights.
7. Birth of Marcelo H. del Pilar (August 30, 1850) - Marcelo H. del Pilar, a prominent
figure in the Philippine Revolution against Spanish rule, was born in Bulakan. He played
a significant role in advocating for reform and promoting Filipino nationalism through his
writings.

8. Biak-na-Bato Republic (1897-1898) - Although not exclusively located in

Bulakan, the nearby Biak-na-Bato in San Miguel played a significant role in Philippine
history. It was the site where Filipino revolutionaries established the Biak-na-Bato
Republic. The republic served as a provisional government and the headquarters of
Emilio Aguinaldo, the leader of the revolutionaries.

9. Balagtasan Literary Movement - Bulakan was the birthplace of the Balagtasan, a

form of debate in verse that became popular during the early 20th century. Francisco
Balagtas, a renowned Filipino poet, was from Bulakan. The Balagtasan literary
movement was known for its use of poetic discourse to discuss social and political
issues.

10. Bulakan Revolt (August 28, 1841) - The Bulakan Revolt was an uprising against
Spanish colonial rule in the town of Bulakan. Led by Diego Silang, it was one of the
earliest rebellions against Spanish authority in the Philippines.

11. Founding of the Town - Bulakan was founded in 1578 by the Augustinian friars,
making it one of the oldest towns in the Philippines. The town was named after the
Bulakan River, which played a significant role in its early development.

12. Japanese Occupation - Bulakan was occupied by Japanese forces during World
War II. The town was liberated by American and Filipino forces on January 26, 1945, in
the Battle of Bulacan.

13. Establishment of the First Printing Press - The first printing press in the
Philippines was established in Bulakan in 1610 by the Dominicans. The press was used
to print religious materials and was later used to print secular materials such as
newspapers and books.
14. Election of Blas Ople - Blas Ople, a former senator and labor secretary, was
elected as a municipal councilor in Bulakan in 1951. This marked the beginning of his
political career, which would later lead to his appointment as a senator and various
other government positions.
15. Town Fiesta - The town of Bulakan celebrates its annual fiesta every August 28
in honor of its patron saint, St. Augustine. The fiesta is a celebration of the town's
culture and traditions and features various activities such as parades, street dances,
and religious processions.

These events showcase the town's historical significance and its role in the struggle for
Philippine independence and cultural development.