Norzagaray: A Truly Blessed Town

Norzagaray is one of the twenty four (24) towns of Bulacan and is located within the third
district of the province. Having an annual income of approximately P290,092,000, it is classified
as a first class municipality. Norzagaray has a total population of 105,470. Holding the highest
elective position, the Town Mayor discharges executive functions as defined by the Local
Government Code. The Vice Mayor, eight Councilors and two ex officio members comprise the
Sangguniang Bayan or Municipal Council. Such arrangement is part of the checks and balances
ideal in an autonomous government such as that of Norzagaray.
Located at the eastern side of Bulacan and at the foot of the famed Sierra Madre Mountain
Range, Norzagaray is the province's third largest municipality with a land area of 28,852
hectares. Dona Remedios Trinidad, a neighboring town, used to be a part of Norzagaray. Angat
Dam, which provides electricity to most parts of Central Luzon, and Ipo Dam, which channels
drinking water to Metro Manila residents, are both found in Norzagaray.
Norzagaray has three giant cement manufacturing firms, namely, Holcim Phil, Inc. (HiCement),
LaFarge(Republic) and LaFarge (Continental). This explains why Norzagaray is a first class
municipality and tells also why it is considered as rich in natural resources. Agriculture too is a
major industry with vast tracts of land intended for farming and animal raising. Pyrotechnics
making is a profitable business too.
There are seven gasoline stations in Norzagaray, namely, Petron, Petron Bulilit, Shell, Phoenix,
Smart, Petron Bigte and Z-Energy. Telecommunication tower sites have been set up in various
districts by Globe, Smart and Sun. There is a Mercury Drug Store at the Rotunda. Near it is a
Banco de Oro branch. A few meters away is a first class resto-bar called Tia Rima's. In Brgy.
Bigte, there is a 7-11 store. The town has several resorts, two of which are Falcon Crest Resort
and Adventure Resort
History
Pre-Spanish records revealed that, once, the town of Norzagaray was a remote wilderness. It was
then called "Casay" a mere barrio of the town Angat.
During the Spanish occupation, the people of barrio Casay worked for reforms-politically,
socially and economically in order to be separated from Angat. They succeeded in their attempts
so that the Spanish Government, Through Governor-General Fernando de Norzagaray y
Escudero (1857-1860), issued a proclamation declaring barrio Casay as a distinct town separated
from Angat. Political boundaries were established and barrio Casay was called "Norzagaray".
The name of the town was derived from the name of the Governor-General who declared the
separation of the said barrio from the political unit of Angat.
Today, the town of Norzagaray is a fast rising commercial and economic place with some tourist
potentials. One of the busiest spots in the locality, particularly during summertime, is called

"Bakas". Bakas is situated or is a portion of the Angat River, which is noted for its big natural
white stones along the riverbank, the green scenery surrounding it, the fresh air, and the cool and
the calm flowing current. Metro Manila residents and others coming from distant towns
oftentimes visit the place for relaxation.
Another potential spots for tourism is the area where the Angat River Hydroelectric Plant is
located. This is the biggest hydroelectric plant the National Power Corporation (NPC) has ever
constructed in the entire Philippines. The 37-kilometer reservoir of this hydroelectric plant is a
wonder, covered with virgin forest-a nest for wild life. It has a cool climate. During nighttime, it
is virtually a city situated in the wilds.
There is still other tourism potentials in this locality teat can be tapped. However, there are
problems, which need immediate solutions. Some of this places are located in remote areas of the
town and most are not accessible to motor vehicles.
The town of Norzagaray is rich in natural resources and endowed with natural beauty. Its people
are religious, industrious and very hospitable just like any other people in neighboring town of
Bulacan.
Given more time with its natural wealth, the town of Norzagaray will be the next "goldmine" in
this part of the country. With its preserving people and enlightened leadership, Norzagaray is the
town to watch.
Festivals
Significant events in Norzagaray include the annual celebration of the town fiesta every
November 30th in honor of San Andres Apostol, the fiestas of each barangay and the Araw ng
Norzagaray every August 13th which is a non-working holiday throughout the municipality.
Norzagaray became a separate and distinct political unit on August 13, 1860 . The town was
named after Governor General Fernando de Norzagaray under whose term the town was created.
The Battle for Ipo Dam is quietly remembered every May 17th of each year.
Tourism

Norzagary Cockpit Arena

Today, the town of Norzagaray is quickly rising in terms of commercial and economic status
with tourist potentials. "Bakas" which is on a portion of the Angat River is recognized as one of
the busiest places in the locality, particularly during summertime, which is noted for its natural
beauty. People from distant towns often visit the place for relaxation.

Another potential spot for tourism is where the Angat River Hydroelectric Plant or Angat Dam is
located. The dam is the biggest hydroelectric plant the National Power Corporation (NPC) has
ever constructed in terms of power capacity within the entire Philippines. Because of Angat
Dam's size, its reservoir sinks to critical levels during the dry season necessitating the need
for cloud seeding in some years. The 37-kilometre (23 mi) reservoir of this hydroelectric plant is
covered with forests producing a cool climate.
Another is the Pinagrealan Cave located in Barangay Bigte. This cave is a subterranean network
of caverns extending more than a kilometer deep. The Katipunero Revolutionaries during the war
against Spain used it as a camp in 1896 and again during the Filipino-American War in 1898 as
hideout of General Emilio Aguinaldo (the First President of the Philippines). It was also used as
a sanctuary by the Japanese Imperial Army when the Philippines was liberated by joint Filipino
and American Forces.
There are still other sites with tourism potential in the locality. However, some of these places are
located in remote areas of the town, which are inaccessible to motor vehicles, therefore in need
of immediate attention.
The town of Norzagaray is rich in natural resources and endowed with natural beauty. Its people
are claimed to be religious, industrious and very hospitable just like any other person from
Bulacan.
The town people do have recreation like legal gambling. The government and private sectors
provided services and education to the natives.
The town is rich in scenic spots, navigable rivers and medieval Churches, inter alia. The
following are the points of interests.
Tourist Spot
BAKAS RIVER
Matictic, Norzagaray, Bulacan
Bakas is located at Barangay Matictic. It is a very interesting spot where the foot markings of the
legendary Bernardo Carpio and his pets can be found. The place presents a lush green scenery,
with fresh air and cool, clean and calm flowing current.

BITBIT RIVER
boundary of Barangay San Lozenzo and San Mateo, Norzagaray, Bulacan
Bakas is located between Barangay San Lorenzo and San Mateo. Bitbit river is the first river
crossing before Hilltop. Bitbit is nestled right in the Sierra Madre mountain range (the longest in
the country). Its part of the Angat-Ipo-La Mesa Dam Raw Water System that provides potable
water to Metro Manila. The area is largely untouched, the water is cool and clear. Interesting
rock formations dot the area.

ANGAT DAM
Barangay San Lozenzo, Norzagaray, Bulacan
Angat Dam is located in Barangay San Lorenzo (Hilltop), Norzagaray, Bulacan. It supplies
potable water to Metro Manila and powers a hydro-electric power plant. The dam is 131 meters
high and impounds water from the Angat River that subsequently created the Angat Lake.

Pinagrealan Cave
The historic Pinagrealan Cave in Brgy. Bigte. It is located within a private land owned by the
Castro clan of Brgy.Bigte. Katipuneros held secret meetings at the cave during the fight for
independence.