BRIEF PROFILE OF MACABEBE

History

“The light of history will certainly set things right, so that those who
formerly failed to perceive the truth will be able to see things in their proper
perspective. Then they themselves will realize the how glorious it was to love
one’s Motherland. Moreover, they will, in the end, repudiate the traitors.”

-Santiago V. Alvarez, The Katipunan and the

Revolution (translated by Carolina S. Malay, 1992),
as cited from the book The Nameless Hero. Revisiting
the sources on the first Filipino leader to die for
freedom by Ian Christopher B. Alfonso, 2016.

The town of Macabebe, Pampanga prides itself with its colorful and tainted
historical past during the Spanish Colonial period of the Philippines. Thus, the natives of
Macabebe indeed played an important role in shaping the country’s history. Its origin can
be traced from its sense of place along the Pampanga River (Rio Grande de la Pampanga)
being one of the oldest and most important towns of the Province of Pampanga. It was
located on a small island surrounded by estuaries from the main Macabebe River flowing
through the bay of Tilapatil. The term “Macabebe” literally means: “bordering the banks”
in which its early civilization was born. In fact, Pampanga River was a major transportation
route as a waterway and source of livelihood to the early major settlements in Pampanga.
The harsher and louder tone of the Macabebe dialect can somehow be attributed among
its locals at present, as an intrinsic way of communicating across the river banks in the
past. The township of Macabebe (pueblo de Macabebe) was founded in 1575 under the
advocation of San Nicolas De Tolentino (patron saint of Macabebe) and was accepted as a
house of the Order and as a visita of Calumpit.

It has been promoted in history during the Spanish period that the Kapampangan
of Macabebe had dual and somewhat conflicting roles: fought against and defended the
last Spanish garrison against revolutionaries in 1571 and 1898, centuries apart
respectively. According to written accounts, the “Battle of Bangkusay” or the Battle of
Manila Bay was fought as a decisive one that almost ruined the Spanish imperialistic
dream in Asia in the 16th century if only native warriors were equally armed with artillery.
The natives who fought the Battle of Bangkusay underestimated the army skills of the
Spaniards that caused their immediate demise. The lost battle was headed by a martyred
hero of the 2,000 Moro warriors from Macabebe and Hagonoy (Bulacan). Although the
martyred hero was rendered nameless, he was referred to as “Bambalito” meaning “little
fool” and “brave Moro captain” while the natives called him as the “bravest on the island.”
At present, the appropriate Kapampangan term “pungsalang” from the word ‘pun’
meaning leader and “salang’ meaning external enemies is being adopted to refer to the
war captain of the said battle.

LGU MACABEBE: EXECUTIVE-LEGISLATIVE AGENDA 2020-2022

 However, since there was another major resistance (Soliman’s Resistance of
Spanish Rule) that transpired during that time the identity of the martyred hero was
mistakenly referred to Rajah Soliman of Manila. In which, Rajah Soliman eventually
reconciled with the Spaniards due to the influence of his uncles Rajah Matanda and Lakan
Dula to accept Spanish authority. The reconciliation with the Spaniards to explore and
conquer did not last long due to the succeeding Kapampangan resistance of other Moro
settlement named Betis and Lubao. Eventually in the late 1571, the Province of Pampanga
was formed and was divided into encomiendas or land grants entrusted to conquistadores
referred to as encomienderos. The whole of the Pampanga became a faithful Christian
province leaving behind decades of Islamic faith. In 1602, the Spaniards recognized the
Kapampangans’ military skills, bravery, loyalty and fidelity to the Christian faith, due to a
successful alliance in repelling Chinese insurrection in 1603, 1640 and 1762. Throughout
the three hundred years of the Spanish period the Macabebe’s were generally part of any
war or warlike expedition. Indeed, they fought with the Spaniards against the Moros from
the earliest times down to the change of sovereignty and also became allies with the
Americans as soldiers as well. Going forward in the 19th century, it was mentioned that
Kapampangan men and their families were exempted from forced labor since most of
them enlisted themselves as cuadrilleros or irregular servicemen in the Spanish army.
Although they were are not being paid by the Spanish government provided them with
guns, lances and horses to pacify banditry. However, the said alliance with the Americans
was witnessed in 1901. American General Frederick Funston and his troops captured
Philippine President Emilio Aguinaldo in Palanan, Isabela, with the help of some
Kapampangans (called the Macabebe Scouts after their home locale) who had joined the
Americans' side. The Americans pretended to be captives of the Macabebes, who were
dressed in Philippine Army uniforms. Once Funston and his “captors” entered Aguinaldo's
camp, they immediately fell upon the guards and quickly overwhelmed them and the
weary Aguinaldo.

As of the present, there is a clamor for recognizing the roots of resisting the
Spanish rule by the unnamed hero and chieftain of Macabebe. According to the historian
Carlos Quirino:

“…there was another chieftain, the Capampangan datu of the

town of Macabebe, who defied the invaders. History has not given us his
name, but he deserves an honored place among Filipino heroes who
fought to the death to retain their freedom.”
–Carlos Quirino, 1981

LGU MACABEBE: EXECUTIVE-LEGISLATIVE AGENDA 2020-2022

Demography

In 2015, the Province of Pampanga had a total population of 2,198,110. Among its
twenty-two (22) municipalities and cities, the Municipality of Macabebe is the 13th most
populous area or 3% of Pampanga’s population data. The Municipality of Macabebe has a
total population of 75,850 for the censal year of 2015. In terms of the age-sex structure in
2010, there are 1,104 more males compared to the female population. The male-female
ratio is 103:100 or 103 males per 100 females. In general, the population structure of
Macabebe is composed of a young population since 62% are in the working class between
the ages 15 to 64.

Using the household size of 4.4, the table below shows population data per
barangay with corresponding number of households.

Table 1. Number of Households per Barangay, 2015

Source: PSA, 2015

LGU MACABEBE: EXECUTIVE-LEGISLATIVE AGENDA 2020-2022

 Figure 1. Number of Household per Barangay, 2015

Table 2 below is indicative of a twelve (11) year population projection per

barangay using the 2015 population as the base year. The projected population of
Macabebe of 88,284 by 2026, using the municipal growth rate of 1.38%. The annual
average growth for Macabebe is 1,138 persons therefore an additional 13,661 residents. It
is estimated that the population of the municipality will double in fifty (50) years.

Table 2. Projected Annual Population of Macabebe Pampanga by Barangay, 2015-2026

Among the barangays, Barangay Santa Cruz recorded the highest population
density in 2015. With a land area of only 1.99 hectares and a population of 1,208, it has a
population density of 607 persons per hectare. The high population density can be
attributed to its proximity to the Poblacion and commercial areas.

LGU MACABEBE: EXECUTIVE-LEGISLATIVE AGENDA 2020-2022

Barangays Consuelo and San Esteban, meanwhile, has the lowest population density in
the same period with 1 and 2 persons per hectare respectively. The Population Density
per barangay has been summarized in the table below.
Table 3. Population Density by Barangay, 2015
Barangay 2015 Population Land Area (Hectares) Density
Batasan 4,494.00 80.97 56
Caduang Tete 6,561.00 222.89 29
Candelaria 2,905.00 176.80 16
Castuli 1,219.00 269.56 5
Consuelo 2,720.00 3,685.73 1
Dalayap 2,574.00 944.71 3
Mataguiti 819.00 150.63 5
San Esteban 5,002.00 2,092.49 2
San Francisco 1,820.00 104.75 17
San Gabriel (Pop) 3,948.00 182.50 22
San Isidro 2,001.00 48.13 42
San Jose 3,751.00 183.61 20
San Juan 2,504.00 105.41 24
San Rafael 3,411.00 119.66 29
San Roque 4,304.00 63.37 68
San Vicente 2,808.00 47.63 59
Santa Cruz (Pob.) 1,208.00 1.99 607
Santa Lutgarda 991.00 142.32 7
Santa Maria 5,756.00 1,047.75 5
Santa Rita (Pob.) 3,470.00 84.21 41
Santo Nino 2,720.00 26.42 103
Santo Rosario (Pob.) 3,114.00 49.34 63
Saplad David 1,516.00 192.41 8
Tacasan 2,416.00 326.13 7
Telacsan 3,818.00 166.59 23
Macabebe 75,850.00 10,516.00 7
Source: PSA, 2015 Population

Geographical Location

Macabebe is relatively located in the southernmost part of Pampanga. On the grid,

it can be found exactly at N 14° 54' 34.1" E 120°42' 49.6". It is bounded on the north by
Minalin; on the northeast by Apalit; on the east by Masantol, and Calumpit and Hagonoy,
Bulacan; on the west by Sasmuan; and on the south by the Manila Bay – the gateway to
the Philippines’ political, social and economic center. It is about 15 kms from the
provincial capital of the City of San Fernando and about 50 kms from the National Capital
Region.

LGU MACABEBE: EXECUTIVE-LEGISLATIVE AGENDA 2020-2022

 Figure 2. Locational Map

Political Boundaries

LGU MACABEBE: EXECUTIVE-LEGISLATIVE AGENDA 2020-2022

 The town is composed of twenty-five (25) barangays covering a land area of 10,516
hectares. Three (3) of these barangays are coastal, namely: Barangay Consuelo, Barangay
San Esteban and Barangay Dalayap. And there is a total of seven (7) urban barangays,
namely: Barangay Caduang Tete, Barangay San Gabriel, Barangay San Roque, Barangay
Sta. Rita, Barangay Sta. Cruz, Barangay Sta. Maria and Barangay Sto. Rosario.

Table 4. Total Land Area Macabebe, 2016

Barangay Land Area (Hectares)

Batasan 80.97
Caduang Tete 222.89
Candelaria 176.80
Castuli 269.56
Consuelo 3,685.73
Dalayap 944.71
Mataguiti 150.63
San Esteban 2,092.49
San Francisco 104.75
San Gabriel (Pop) 182.50
San Isidro 48.13
San Jose 183.61
San Juan 105.41
San Rafael 119.66
San Roque 63.37
San Vicente 47.63
Santa Cruz (Pob.) 1.99
Santa Lutgarda 142.32
Santa Maria 1,047.75
Santa Rita (Pob.) 84.21
Santo Nino 26.42
Santo Rosario (Pob.) 49.34
Saplad David 192.41
Tacasan 326.13
Telacsan 166.59
TOTAL 10,516.00
Source: LMB Cadastral Map, 1969

Figure 3. Political Boundary Map

LGU MACABEBE: EXECUTIVE-LEGISLATIVE AGENDA 2020-2022

Physical Features

Macabebe is relatively flat all throughout the municipality in which most of the
towns are a few meters below sea level. Its highest point is eleven (11) meters above sea
level at the northeastern side of the municipality. In fact, Macabebe is a part of the great
plain extending from Manila Bay to Lingayen Gulf in Pangasinan. The slope is south and
southeast towards the Manila Bay and Rio Grande.

The soils of Macabebe are generally of recent alluvial origin. The whole plain of
the north and northwest consist of silt loam to clay, and in the south and southeast,
hydrosol.

LGU MACABEBE: EXECUTIVE-LEGISLATIVE AGENDA 2020-2022

Zoning Map

Overlay Zones Map

LGU MACABEBE: EXECUTIVE-LEGISLATIVE AGENDA 2020-2022

 VISION

LGU MACABEBE: EXECUTIVE-LEGISLATIVE AGENDA 2020-2022

 “The Municipality of Macabebe
envisions itself as a center for
aquaculture development and
tourism founded on its ecological
resources and heritage of heroism
and patriotism, supported by a
globally competitive local
economy with well-planned
infrastructure, inhabited by God-
loving, educated and empowered
citizenry and governed by a
transparent and responsible local
government in a disaster resilient
community.”

LGU MACABEBE: EXECUTIVE-LEGISLATIVE AGENDA 2020-2022

 MISSION

“The municipality shall inculcate

among its constituents the value
of heroism and patriotism;
ensure poverty alleviation through
a wide array of opportunities
for business and investment;
and further strengthen the
capability of the local government
to deliver
efficient and effective public
service
in a just, safe and peaceful
community.”

LGU MACABEBE: EXECUTIVE-LEGISLATIVE AGENDA 2020-2022

 PLATFORM OF GOVERNANCE
PRIORITY THRUSTS
Uphold transparency and accountability, as well as the public’s right to be informed of

all the development PPAs initiated by the LGU;

Institute policies specifically intended to promote community empowerment;

Compel the efficient and judicious use of all public resources;

Enact policies especially intended for Peace and Order and Public Safety;

Institute policies intended for preparedness in times of calamities and other forms of

disaster;
Institute policies for education, including the formal and non-formal education;

Review, update and institute guidelines to improve taxation systems in the

municipality to expedite the processes;

SPECIFIC GOALS AND OBJECTIVES PER SECTOR:

INSTITUTIONAL SECTOR

GOALS OBJECTIVES
1. To improve the inventory system,
updating of records and proper
Promoting transparent, clean and management and safekeeping of
innovating local government municipal properties.
2. To conduct a thorough inventory of
municipal properties.
1. To establish a more responsive HR
office
Improvement of the staffing pattern and
2. To provide a harmonious work
addressing the organizational gaps by
environment.
ensuring personnel development through
3. To capacitate existing personnel
sound human resource development
thru the conduct of and/or
plans.
attendance to trainings and
seminars.
1. To establish a Community-Based
Collection of updated, reliable and
Monitoring System.
accurate municipal data readily accessible
2. To provide free wifi to the
to the public.
residents of the municipality.

LGU MACABEBE: EXECUTIVE-LEGISLATIVE AGENDA 2020-2022

ENVIRONMENT SECTOR

GOALS OBJECTIVES
1. To study and fully understand
issues such as flooding, waste
Formulation of environmentally sound
management, septage and ground
programs, projects and activities to
water extraction.
address the perennial problem of flood,
2. To seek advice and technical
improper waste management, lack of
assistance from experts .
proper septage management and
3. To forge partnerships with
concerned agencies.

ECONOMIC SECTOR

GOAL OBJECTIVES
1. To increase Real Property Tax
Collection by 10%.
2. To increase Business Tax collection
by 10 %.
Establish mechanisms to boost economic 3. To provide livelihood opportunities
activities – in agriculture, business and to the marginalized sector in the
tourism and in the process, address the municipality.
unemployment problem in the 4. To support the establishment of
municipality. hatchery and nursery for the
farmers and fisherfolks.
5. To promote our local festival and
educate the public about our local
heroes.

SOCIAL SECTOR

GOAL OBJECTIVES
1. To raise awareness on the
importance of donating blood.
2. To raise awareness and warn the
public about HIV/AIDS.
3. To raise awareness on the
Provision of quality basic health services
prevalence of teenage pregnancy
which are accessible and sustainable and
in the municipality.
address the pressing health issues in the
4. To activate the Municipal Nutrition
municipality.
Council.
5. To complete the construction of
RHU 1 Building and the building
which will house the MDR TB
cases.
A fully equipped Operation Center 1. To construct an office building in

LGU MACABEBE: EXECUTIVE-LEGISLATIVE AGENDA 2020-2022


2.
(OpCen) with the necessary well-trained
and capacited personnel, able to deliver
and provide quality and timely response to
3.
any hazard or disaster.
1.
Effective and efficient delivery of social
2.
welfare programs and services to the
disadvantaged and vulnerable sectors.
3.
1.
2.
Provision of quality formal and non-formal
education to all the learners in the
3.
municipality and ensure the functionality
of the Local School Board.
4.
San Roque Annex for unified
command.
To submit and recommend
qualified personnel to HR for their
consideration to the requested
positions/designations
To heighten coordination with
MDRRM Council on the budget
preparation of the 70% for
mitigation, preparation, response
and rehabilitation.
To involve and educate the youth
on their roles in community
building.
To provide physical facilities for the
use of the vulnerable sectors in the
locality.
To adequately staff the MSWD
Office.
To help in information
dissemination at the Barangay
wherein the school is located, re:
Real Property Tax Collection.
To request the conduct of regular
school board meetings.
To request for the transfer of the
schools lots in favor of the
concerned school for them to have
access to DepEd projects.
To provide financial assistance to
the indigent residents and enable
them to finish college.

INFRASTRUCTURE SECTOR

GOAL OBJECTIVES
1. To solicit assistance from other
government agencies in upgrading
identified flood prone sections of
Flood Free and well-maintained major
roads (from Poblacion to Caduang
road network in the municipality.
Tete and Balite Area).
2. To allocate funds for the upgrading
of roads and farm to market roads.

LGU MACABEBE: EXECUTIVE-LEGISLATIVE AGENDA 2020-2022