TARLAC

➢ Melting Pot of the Philippines!

➢ It is known for its sugar and rice plantation. Tarlac is also the most multi-cultural of the
provinces in the region III for having a mixture of four distinct ethnic groups: the Kapampangans,
the Pangasinans, the Ilocanos and the Tagalogs.

SHORT HISTORY OF TARLAC

Spanish Colonial Era
➢ Tarlac’s name is comes from a talahib weed called “Malatarlak” (Pangasinan term)
➢ Tarlac was originally divided into two parts: the southern division belonging to Pampanga and
the northern division belonging to Pangasinan.

1st TRIVIA

➢ Did you know that Tarlac was the last province in Central Luzon to be created under the Spanish
colonial administration in 1874.

Philippine Revolution (1896)

➢ Tarlac was among the first eight provinces to rise against Spain, alongside neighbouring
Pampanga.
➢ It became the new seat of the first Philippine Republic in March 1899

American Invasion Era

➢ Tarlac was captured by American forces in November 1899. A civil government was established
in the province in 1901.

2nd TRIVIA

➢ Did you know that Tarlac is the Home province of Corazon C. Aquino and her husband Benigno S.
Aquino Jr. ; Benigno S. Aquino III. It is also the home province of Carlos Romulo, and Onofre D.
Corpuz.

MAPS
➢ Tarlac is subdivided into 17 municipalities and 1 component city, all encompassed by three
congressional districts. There are a total of 511 barangays comprising the province.

DISTRICT I
➢ Anao – Known as the Ylang-Ylang Capital of the Philippines. The smallest town in terms of land
area, Anao is a relatively an old town having been organized into a municipality as early as March
16, 1870. Was formerly a part of Pangasinan. The name of the town came from the word
anahaw, a kind of palm tree that grew abundantly in the area during early times.
 ➢ Camiling – is one of the fastest-growing towns of Tarlac when it comes to income and economy.
The town is also dubbed to be the “Old Lady in the Northwestern province of Tarlac”. Owes its
name after the name of a tree called “CAMIRING” which grew abundantly in the wilderness. It
was founded by Don Francisco Soriano. It is also known for its famous “chicharon Camiling” and
its green native rice cake called nilubyan.

➢ Mayantoc – is dubbed as the Summer Capital of Tarlac and holds the destination as the cleanest
and most beautiful town of Tarlac in the 1960’s and 70’s.

➢ Moncada – The economy is primarily based on agriculture with rice, corn, vegetables, root crops,
watermelons, and mangoes as major products. The area was originally named after the principal
crop grown in the place, a certain type of tobacco known as “muscada”.

➢ Paniqui – It is the birthplace of the 11th President of the Philippines, Corazon Aquino. Paniqui is a
Hispanized term derived from the Ilocano word “pampaniki” which means “bat”, since the town
has caves that house bats

➢ Pura – As its name implies, everything in here is pure and natural. It is a growing community
located in the mid-northern part of Central Luzon’s extensive central plains.

➢ Ramos – Ramos, formerly named Bani, was a barrio of the town of Paniqui from 1878 to
December 31, 1920. On January 1, 1921, Bani became a town and was renamed “Ramos” in
memory of Gov. Alfonso Ramos who first initiated the creation of the town.

➢ San Clemente – is the 2nd smallest municipality of the Province of Tarlac. San Clemente derived
its name in honour of her Patron Saint, San Clemente de Roma.

➢ San Manuel – was originally covered with dense forest, lakes and creeks. Wild animals roamed
into the wilderness. When the barrio of San Jose was separated from the town of Moncada to be
proclaimed a sister municipality in 1909, they renamed it “San Manuel” in honor of their
benefactor, Don Manuel de Leon.

➢ Santa Ignacia – is basically an agricultural town being part of Central Luzon. The town is named
after the founder of the Religious of the Virgin Mary Order, the Venerable Mother Ignacia del
Espiritu Santo.

DISTRICT II
➢ Gerona – Farming is still the predominant livelihood in Gerona. In 1765, the name Barug was
officially changed to Gerona in honor of the Spanish Governor-General Narciso Claveria, who
hails from Girona, Spain.

➢ San Jose – is an agricultural town where rice, vegetables, hogs, poultry and egg are the primary
products. It is also the largest municipality of the province in terms of land area. It is being
promoted as the eco-tourism destination of the province.

➢ Victoria – The town of Victoria was founded on March 28, 1855. Is an agricultural town where
rice, sugarcane and corn are the major products.
DISTRICT III
➢ Bamban – The municipality of Bamban is the southernmost gateway of the province of Tarlac.
➢ The name came from plants of mabamboa or bambania growing abundantly along the
riverbanks.
➢ Capas – One of the richest towns in the province. Capas is being dubbed as the “Tourism Capital
of Tarlac.” Apart from being known as the final site of the infamous Bataan Death March, it is
also known for Mount Pinatubo treks, where thousands of mountaineers and visitors go.
➢ Old folks believed it derived its name from a wild vine “Capas-capas” or it originated from a tree
called Capas

➢ Conception – Is one of the largest municipalities of the province of Tarlac. They named the place
Concepcion after the Immaculate Conception, who was believed to possess power over the
snakes that abound in the area.

➢ La Paz – The town of La Paz was established on January 24, 1892. Is an agricultural town where
rice, corn and fish are the major products.

LONE DISTRICT
➢ Tarlac City – Officially the capital of the province of Tarlac. It has 76 barangays. On June 21, 1969,
President Ferdinand Marcos signed and approved the Republic Act 5907, converting this
municipality into a citcit

FOOD DELICACIES

➢ Iniruban or nilubyan - is a famous Tarlac delicacy originating from the town of Camiling. It is a
type of rice cake made with burned young sticky rice, coconut milk and sweetener; usually sugar,
or tagapulot, hardened sugarcane molasses.

➢ Tupig – is a famous local delicacy of Tarlac and Pangasinan. It consists of coconut milk, glutinous
rice flour, young coconut meat and sweetener (usually sugar or molasses).

➢ Tibuk-tibuk – a richer version of the maja blanca. They bought it from the famous Susie’s Cuisine,
home of quality native delicacies and pasalubong food items. It is made with carabao milk and
topped with latik.

➢ Sisig - is a term in the “Capampangan”, the dialect of the people of Pampanga and partly of
Tarlac Provinces of Central Luzon, Philippines which means “to snack on something sour”. More
widely known, it also refers to a method of preparing meat, especially pork and later on fish and
other exotic meats, which is marinated in a souring agent such as calamodin (“calamansi”) or
lemon juice or vinegar, then seasoned with salt, chili pepper and other spices

➢ Chicharon Camiling – Litson Camiling, better known as Chicharon Camiling, is a special delicacy
in Camiling, Tarlac. Some people refer to it as the juicy cousin of Lechon Kawali and Vigan’s
Bagnet because that is exactly what it is. While it comes with the same crunch and deliciousness
of the aforementioned food products, Litson Camiling has more juice in it, making it feel more
meaty to the taste.
CULTURE AND BELIEFS

➢ Birth Praritual - Close relatives of a woman who is about to deliver a child, together with their
neighbor, make noise in order to help deliver the fetus faster.

➢ Baptismal Rites Practices – the baby’s baptismal dress serves as a souvenir and decoration for
the sala.

➢ Pamanhikan – the male, with the permission of the parents, is to visit the girl in the latter’s
house. When the agreement is reached between the boy and the girl, the marriage ceremony is
arranged.

➢ Death and Burial – The wake lasts for at least three days and two nights after which everybody
participates in the libing/interment.

RELIGION

➢ Spanish influence is very visible in the province. Roman Catholicism (80%-83%) of the
population.
Protestant groups are also present such as evangelicals forming 8% of the province population. The St.
Michael Archangel Parish Church in Camiling was the oldest religious structure in the entire province
until it burned down in 1997. According to 2010 Census: Iglesia ni Cristo (7.43%), Aglipayan Church
(2.24%), Evangelicals (1.97%), Jehovah’s Witnesses (0.64%) and others. Muslims, and atheists are also
present in the province.

LANGUAGE
➢ Kapampangan and Pangasinan is spoken by half of the population followed by Ilocano spoken by
41% of the people in tarlac. Everybody understands the Tagalog and English.

TOURIST SPOTS

➢ Monasterio de Tarlac – One of the top Tarlac Philippines attractions, Monasterio de Tarlac is a
serene and picturesque religious destination. Set atop Mount Resurrection, it offers breathtaking
panoramic views and a chance to visit the relic of the True Cross.

➢ Aquino Center and Museum – For history buffs, this is one of the best places to visit in Tarlac. It
houses memorabilia of former Presidents Benigno Aquino Jr. and Corazon Aquino, highlighting
their contributions to the Philippines’ history
 ➢ Capas National Shrine – Among Tarlac’s top 10 tourist spots, this shrine honors Filipino and
American soldiers who perished during World War II. The Capas National Shrine features a
towering obelisk and a serene atmosphere for reflection.

➢ Tarlac Recreational Park – This park offers various outdoor activities like biking, swimming, and
fishing. It’s the perfect destination for families seeking Tarlac Philippines attractions that cater to
all ages.

➢ Mount Pinatubo – For outdoor enthusiasts, a trek to Mount Pinatubo is an unforgettable

experience. The breathtaking views and the stunning crater lake make this one of the top Tarlac
Philippines attractions for adventure seekers.

LIVELIHOOD

➢ The livelihood of the province of Tarlac is predominantly agricultural. It is among the biggest
producers of rice and sugarcane.

SPECIAL EVENTS AND FESTIVALS

➢ RICE CAKE FESTIVAL OR INIRUBAN FESTIVAL (CAMILING) – AKA Tarlac’s finest, the Chicharon and
Iniruban festival takes place every year. Camiling is the name of the town where this rice cake
festival falls. During the final week of October, Filipinos celebrate the harvest and the excellence
of their meat products, notably the Chicharon or Bagnet, as a way of thanking God for a
bountiful crop.

➢ MALATARLAK FESTIVAL (TARLAC, CITY) – named after a kind of grass endemic to the region. A
diverse group of students from the province’s public and private schools dress up in grass-
inspired costumes and perform traditional dances to commemorate the plant, which has long
been regarded as a delicacy. Celebrated in Tarlac City in the month of January every year.

➢ AETA YOUTH FESTIVAL (CAPAS) – This event is also named “Pamilalamu” which is an Aeta words
that stands for “pakikisama”. Was created in order to focus on promoting the Aetas’ culture and
empowering the young. Celebrated in Capas from the 30 th to the 31st of May every year.

➢ BELENISMO FESTIVAL (TARLAC, CITY) – An annual belen-making competition for businesses and
citizens of the city of Tarlac is being held in this lively celebration. Ever since this event started,
the Christmas season in Tarlac is marked by the exhibition of giant belen. Celebrated in Tarlac
City in the month of November every year.

➢ MELTING POT FESTIVAL (TARLAC, CITY) – It was decided to rename the celebrations from
“Malatarlak and Balik-Sigla” to “Melting Pot Festival”. In the morning, the people start the
festival in the San Sebastián Cathedral and have a “Misa ng Pagkakaisa” or Unity Mass, after
which the Plaza will host a trade fair and food festival, with a nighttime fireworks display.
Celebrated in Tarlac City in the month of January every year.