HISTORY

Long before the arrival of the Spaniards in the Philippines, the town of San Ildefonso was known as
Bulak. The early inhabitants called this town as such because of the abundant "kapok" trees (Bulak in
vernacular) growing on the hill where the town proper is now situated.

Bulak was then a barrio of San Rafael. There were very few inhabitants numbering only about 3,000. The
early inhabitants were people from neighboring towns and provinces that preferred to settle in this
place because of the good prospect of agriculture.

When the Spaniards came, the name Bulak was changed to Hacienda San Juan de Dios because her
15,500 hectares of grazing and farming grounds were claimed by the friars. The people were told to pay
tribute. Proceeds from the rentals were used to finance the operation of the San Juan de Dios Hospital
in Manila. The Spanish friars though antagonistic towards the Filipinos, could not help admiring the
beauty of the numerous natural scenarios God bestowed on the town. Because of their admiration, they
changed the name Hacienda de San Juan de Dios to amore fitting one Hacienda Buenavista, a Spanish
word which means beautiful scenery.

As the population grew, a chapel was constructed under the parochial jurisdiction of San Rafael. In 1809,
Father Juan dela Rosa was named the first Filipino priest of the town. He held such position up to 1911.
He was responsible for changing the Bulak to San Ildefonso in honor of Alfonso XII, then the King of
Spain and San Ildefonso, its Patron Saint. By the time it was given this name, a tribunal was created
finally making it a town in 1877. Between the periods 1905-1906, San Ildefonso was merged with San
Miguel due to its low income and inability to finance its expenditures in operating the local government.
\n\nAs year went by, more and more people were induced to live in the town. The growth of population
promoted the increase of income. The town became capable of meeting its expenses so it consequently
ceased being a barrio of San Miguel and became once again an independent town.

MUNICIPAL OFFICIALS

Term: 2016-2019
Mayor Carla Galvez- Tan
Vice Mayor Luis T. Sarrondo
Coun. Alexander J. Galvez
Coun. Rocky G. Sarmiento
Coun. Eriberto B. Magbitang
Coun. Virgilio V. Intacto
Coun. Enriquie C. Villacorte
Coun. Roderick S. Salvador
Coun. Edgardo R. Vergel
Coun. Leonardo R. Cruz