Apalit , officially the Municipality of Apalit ( Kapampangan : Balen ning Apalit ; Tagalog : Bayan ng Apalit ), is a first-class municipality in the province of Pampanga , Philippines . According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 117,160 people.
55-497: The town is famous for its Apung Iru Fluvial Procession , which is listed as one of the most significant water-based intangible cultural heritage of the Philippines where the festival happens every June 28th–30th ; and for its blacksmithing . The town got its name after a big sturdy tree with the scientific name Pterocarpus indicus also known as Narra , known by Kapampangan as Apalit . Apalit received official recognition as
110-617: A 50-year electrification franchise, with the electricity provided by the National Power Corporation . At the overthrow of the Marcos dictatorship in 1986, the local government carried out a sustainable development program to address the town's destitute state. From its income classification in 1986 as a third-class municipality, Guagua grew to a first-class one. Guagua garnered several outstanding citations for its achievement, including of several "Most Outstanding LGU" awards. Guagua
165-688: A legislative council (Sangguniang Bayan) consisting of councilors from the Barangays or Barrios. From the eight councilors, only one won independently, while the rest came from KMBLN. Municipal council (2022-2025): Public transportation within Apalit, like in most urban areas in the Philippines, is facilitated primarily by inexpensive tricycles, jeepneys, and buses. In addition, motorized boats (bancas) are used to transport goods and bring people to lower-lying areas in case of floods in other barangays. Tricycles are commonly used for short-distance travel within
220-530: A primary school which functioned on a regular basis. During that period, the town of Betis to the east was abolished, turning into a township of Guagua. In 1908, Colegio del Sagrado Corazón de Jesús (now Saint Mary's Academy) in Barangay San Roque was established in a two-storey building in downtown, donated by a charitable matron. Commerce was further improved when the San Fernando–Guagua line of
275-489: A separate town in 1582, while Gonzalo Ronquillo de Penalosa was the country's governor-general at the time. Apalit's town was mostly made up of four encomiendas: Apali (Pale), La Castilla, Cabambangan, and Capalangan. San Juan Nepomuceno was the new name given to the enconmienda "La Castilla" once it had been transformed into a town proper (Poblacion). After severing ties with the Parish of Calumpit, The Apalit Parish of Saint Peter
330-653: A source for the 16th- to 18th-century traditional diuretic known as lignum nephriticum . Many populations of Pterocarpus indicus are seriously threatened. It is extinct in Vietnam and possibly in Sri Lanka and Peninsular Malaysia. It was declared the national tree of the Philippines in 1934 by Governor-General Frank Murphy of the Insular Government of the Philippine Islands through Proclamation No. 652. It
385-404: Is a large deciduous tree growing to 30–40 m tall, with a trunk up to 2 m diameter. The leaves are 12–22 cm long, pinnate, with 5–11 leaflets, the girth is 12–34 m wide. Most Pterocarpus species prefer seasonal weather but P. indicus prefer rainforests . The flowers are produced in panicles 6–13 cm long containing a few to numerous flowers; flowering is from February to May in
440-416: Is a leguminous plant that is capable of fixing nitrogen by forming endosymbiotic relationships with nitrogen-fixing bacteria that lives in its root nodules. Nodulating leguminous plants, such as narra, are responsible for transforming atmospheric nitrogen into a plant-usable form. In the Philippines, a permit is required to cut the narra (cf. Tagalog and Cebuano nára , Maranao nara ), but nevertheless
495-529: Is also declared as a national historical landmark by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines during the college's 75th Foundation anniversary in 1993. Guagua, Pampanga The 1607 Santiago Apostol Parish Church , commonly known as Betis Church is a Baroque (heritage) Church , located in Guagua, Pampanga (Betis Area). It is a Spanish-era church declared a National Cultural Treasure by
550-767: Is divided into four (4) districts, subdivided into 31 barangays . Each barangay consists of puroks and some have sitios . Poblacion district Pangulo district Locion district Betis district San Rafael was constituted from Dock Island in 1956. In the 2020 census, the population of Guagua, Pampanga, was 128,893 people, with a density of 2,600 inhabitants per square kilometre or 6,700 inhabitants per square mile. Roman Catholic 88%, Iglesia ni Cristo 5%, Members Church of God International 3%, Seventh-day Adventists 2%, Others (Including Protestantism , Aglipayan , Buddhism , Islam and Other Religionist) 2%. Poverty incidence of Guagua Source: Philippine Statistics Authority The town of Guagua belongs to
605-516: Is mostly flat and is suitable to any kind of development; agricultural, industrial, commercial and others. It is only a meter above sea level. In general, the soils of Guagua are of recent alluvial origin consisting of fine sand, silt loam and hydrosol. The average chemical analysis of its top soils is : nitrogen, 0.02 to 0.1; phosphorus, 0.06 to 0.28; potassium, 0.46 to 1.74; organic carbon, 0.41 to 3.02; and pH value (acidity and alkalinity), 5.61 to 6.99. The climate and topographical features of
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#1732851112483660-551: Is recommended as an ornamental tree for avenues and is sometimes planted in Puerto Rico as a shade and ornament. The tall, dome-shaped crown, with long, drooping branches is very attractive and the flowers are spectacular in areas with a dry season. It is very easily propagated from seed or large stem cuttings, but suffers from disease problems. It is widely planted as a roadside, park, and parking lot tree. In agroforestry, it maintains ecosystem fertility and soil stability. Narra
715-402: Is strategically located along a river which played a vital role in trade and transportation during the precolonial era . Wawa was already a prosperous settlement when Spanish colonists took control of the town in the year 1561, from then on calling it Guagua , which is a Hispanised form of the original name. Indeed, archeological artifacts have been excavated in a nearby town which affirmed
770-447: Is the burl of the tree, named after Ambon , where much of this material was originally found. Often amboyna is finely sliced to produce an extremely decorative veneer, used for decoration and in making of furniture and keys on a marimba . It is a premium timber species suitable for high grade furniture, lumber and plywood for light construction purposes. It is also used for cartwheels, wood carving and musical instruments. The flower
825-510: Is the current camarero of Apung Iru , following a stipulation that Doña Rosario and Doña Ysidora made to the family in 1970. In 1975, Doña Ysidora, Doña Rosario, and the latter's son Brother Andrew Benjamin González, F.S.C., established Saint Peter's Mission, Inc. with the stipulation that Apung Iru and his feast be maintained by the generations to come. Apalit is home to several prominent families whose wealth and influence date back to
880-588: Is used as a honey source while leaf infusions are used as shampoos. Both flowers and leaves were said to be eaten. The leaves are supposedly good for waxing and polishing brass and copper. It is also a source of kino or resin . The leaves of narra are also used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of health problems. Narra leaves contain flavonoids. Flavonoids are antioxidants that provide health benefits to humans, such as anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic benefits. Flavonoids in narra leaves may be capable of preventing damage to your kidneys. In folk medicine, it
935-453: Is used to combat tumors. This property might be due to an acidic polypeptide found in its leaves that inhibited growth of Ehrlich ascites carcinoma cells by disruption of cell and nuclear membranes. It was also one of the sources of lignum nephriticum , a diuretic in Europe during the 16th to 18th centuries. Its reputation is due to its wood infusions, which are fluorescent . The tree
990-745: The Digitel , Datelcom and PLDT . Mobile telephony services are provided by Smart Communications , Globe Telecom and Dito Telecommunity . Internet services are provided through DSL and Cable broadband coverage is provided by PLDT, Digitel and Globe Broadband; and Wireless broadband is provided by (Smart Bro) Smart Communications. Cable Television are provided by DATELSAT. For elementary and high school education, Apalit has numerous schools. Pterocarpus indicus Pterocarpus indicus (commonly known as Amboyna wood , Malay padauk , Papua New Guinea rosewood , Philippine mahogany , Andaman redwood , Burmese rosewood , narra (from Tagalog ) and asana in
1045-476: The Municipality of Guagua ( Kapampangan : Balen ning Guagua ; Tagalog : Bayan ng Guagua ), is a 1st class municipality in the province of Pampanga , Philippines . According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 128,893 people. Wawa , which means "river mouth" ( Kapampangan : alua or bukana ), was the earliest recorded form of the town's name according to records dating back to 1590. The town
1100-684: The National Museum of the Philippines and the NCCA (under R.A. 4896 as amended by P.D. 374 and R.A. 8492), on November 5, 2001 (one of only 26 churches in the country bestowed that honor). It is part of the Ecclesiastical Provinces of the Archdiocese of San Fernando . In 2009, the National Museum installed a marker of its 2005 Proclamation. The first church edifice was constructed in 1587 but
1155-609: The fusarium oxysporum fungi species was the cause of the disease. The fungus was carried by ambrosia beetles boring into the trees. The infection was eventually controlled by a combination of monitoring, removal of lightning-damaged trees, and replanting with identified disease-resistant varieties. It is the national tree of the Philippines, as well as the provincial tree of Chonburi and Phuket in Thailand. [REDACTED] Media related to Pterocarpus indicus at Wikimedia Commons Guagua, Pampanga Guagua , officially
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#17328511124831210-440: The 1800s and 1900s. These families have played significant roles in the town's history, culture, and development. The following are some of the notable families from Apalit: Like other towns in the Philippines, Apalit is governed by a mayor and vice mayor who are elected to three-year terms. The mayor is the executive head and leads the town's departments in executing the ordinances and improving public services. The vice mayor heads
1265-598: The 18th century, they sought refuge in the town to escape discrimination and persecution in Manila . After their near-total slaughter , the Chinese lived in relative peace while they freely practiced their craft and mingled hand-in-hand with the local residents. The Chinese residents were merchants, masons, woodcarvers, carpenters, agriculturists and labourers. Their influence on the cultural and economic life of Guagua cannot be overlooked. The town could not have prospered so well without
1320-440: The 2020 census, the population of Apalit, was 117,160 people, with a density of 1,900 inhabitants per square kilometre or 4,900 inhabitants per square mile. Most inhabitants of Apalit are Christian, with a majority professing Catholicism , due to Spanish colonialism and imperialism from the 15th to 19th centuries. Other prominent Christian groups include Members Church of God International , Iglesia ni Cristo, and Muslims. Apalit
1375-644: The Apostle (known locally Apung Iru ), is annually from 28 to 30 June. The event, where a centuries-old ivory image of the apostle is paraded along the Pampanga River , is one of the more famous religious processions in Pampanga. The life-sized, seated image of "Apung Iru" is an heirloom of the Armayan-Espíritu y Macam clan of Sitio Alauli , San Vicente, Apalit. The image, with its ivory face and hands, dates from
1430-584: The Barangays of Barrios. The seat of Government is vested upon the Mayor and other elected officers who hold office at the Town hall. The Sangguniang Bayan is the center of legislation. For elementary and high school education, Guagua has numerous schools. The town has interesting culture and heritage attractions and landmarks, including Rufino Santos Catholic Center, Capt. Ruben P. Sonco Freedom Square, Monument of Aurelio Tolentino (1867-1915). The Guagua National Colleges
1485-1033: The Guiguinto Tabang Toll Plaza), the Metro Manila area (including Monumento in Caloocan, Cubao in Quezon City, Divisoria in Manila, and Pasay), and northern provinces (such as Lubao, Floridablanca, Guagua, and the City of San Fernando in Pampanga, as well as Olongapo City in Zambales). Provincial buses, such as Victory Liner and First North Luzon Transit, pass through the MacArthur Highway and transport passengers to various key destinations. These buses connect Apalit to different parts of Bulacan, Metro Manila, and northern provinces. Landline telephone systems are being provided by
1540-461: The Kapampangan word "Palang" meaning machete or bolo, which the barangay takes pride of. This Barrio was the home of Panday Pira, the first well-known Filipino maker of cannons, and got its name from the Kapampangan word "Palang," which means Bolo or Machete. It is said to have been founded by the son of a particular Gatbonton named Pangpalung, who in his youth also went by the name "Macapagal." After
1595-528: The Philippines from the 1850s until the 1910s. Apalit is surrounded by Macabebe , Masantol , Minalin and San Simon in Pampanga, and Calumpit , Pulilan , and Baliuag in Bulacan . It is 55 kilometres (34 mi) from Manila , 11 kilometres (6.8 mi) from the provincial capital, San Fernando , and 28 kilometres (17 mi) from Angeles . Apalit is politically subdivided into 12 barangays. Each barangay consists of puroks and some have sitios . In
1650-609: The Philippines, angsana , or Pashu padauk ) is a species of Pterocarpus native to southeastern Asia, northern Australasia , and the western Pacific Ocean islands, in Cambodia, southernmost China, East Timor , Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, the Ryukyu Islands , the Solomon Islands , Thailand, and Vietnam. Pterocarpus indicus was one of two species (the other being Eysenhardtia polystachya ) used as
1705-486: The Philippines, Borneo and the Malay peninsula. They are slightly fragrant and have yellow or orange-yellow petals. The fruit is a semiorbicular pod 2–3 cm diameter, surrounded by a flat 4–6 cm diameter membranaceous wing (wing-like structure) which aids dispersal by the wind. It contains one or two seeds , and does not split open at maturity; it ripens within 4–6 years, and becomes purple when dry. The central part of
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1760-482: The Second district of Pampanga, along with the towns in the south-western part of the province. Like other towns in the Philippines, Guagua is governed by a mayor and vice mayor who are elected to three-year terms. The mayor is the executive head and leads the town's departments in executing the ordinances and improving public services. The vice mayor heads a legislative council (Sangguniang Bayan) consisting of councilors from
1815-514: The Spanish conquest of Manila, he worked under Adelantado and Governor General Miguel Lopez de Legaspi, producing "Lantakas" cannons for Rajah Soliman's army. During the reign of Capitan del Pueblo Don Joaquin Arnedo de la Cruz y Tanjutco and his heiress wife, Dona Maria de la Paz Sioco y Carlos, viuda de Tanjutco, Puerto Sulipan was once regarded as a haven for big businesses, politics, and "high society" in
1870-439: The bells. Preceded by the town bands, he would lead the way towards the riverside with an azafate (a basket or hamper) on his head. Unquestioning, the whole town would follow him, and in less than two hours, the masons would have enough sand for two months. "The whole town of Apalit helped either with monetary donations, personal service, or with their good wishes." The church measures 59 meters long and 14 meters wide. The painting
1925-410: The church was finally completed in 1883. It was "the pride of Pampanga, an indelible tribute to Fr. Redondo and the people of Apalit.'" It was officially inaugurated with solemn ceremonies held successively during the town fiesta from 28 to 30 June of the same year. The chronicler remarks that when there was no more sand or bricks, Fr. Redondo would ask the fiscal ( sacristan ) to go around town pealing
1980-581: The economic services provided by the Chinese. The town took significant part in the revolutionary struggles against the foreign intruders. A house near a church was made a secret cell of the Katipuneros in August 1897. In March 1898, a massacre of all Spanish sympathisers in Guagua marked the end of Spanish colonialism and the outset of American rule . Moreover, during the Philippine–American War and
2035-527: The ensuing Second World War , Guagua became an important battleground. At the turn of the twentieth century, a new system of education was introduced and made popular and available to the Filipinos. The Guagua Elementary School in Barangay Santa Filomena, is believed to be the first to be established in the town in the year 1901. Later in that year, an English teacher came to Betis district and opened
2090-406: The existence of a prehistoric community in Guagua. Early inhabitants opted to stay in the town because it was here that they could engage in barter trade with people from different islands, along with other means of livelihood like fishing and farming. The navigable river with which the town was endowed allowed shipping vessels to transport commodities to and from other chief localities, particularly
2145-535: The former could be spared the expenses of its upkeep and annual fiesta . The first Libad was held in 1844. Custody of the image of Apung Iru has passed to the direct descendants of Don Pedro Armayan-Espíritu y Macam , who married three times: first to Doña Dorotea Arnedo ; then Máxima Santa Rita ; and finally Ysabel Dungo y Nocom . Don Pedro originally bequeathed the image to his favourite, his youngest daughter Doña Ysidora "Orang" Espíritu y Dungo (later Mrs. Jesús Justo González ), but she did not want
2200-786: The image's "camarera" until her own death in 1970. Doña María's third daughter, Doña Rosario Lucia "Charing" Arnedo y Espíritu (later Mrs. Augusto Diosdado Sioco González) became camarera until her death in May 1977. The youngest daughter, Doña Elisa Juana "Ising" Arnedo y Espíritu (later Mrs Fortunato Kabiling Sazon) became the next camarera until her death in May 1987. Doña Elisa's eldest daughter, Dr. Erlinda Crispina "Linda" Arnedo Sazon (later Mrs. Enrique Espíritu Badenhop) succeeded her mother as camarera from until her own death in February 2008. Augusto Marcelino "Toto" Reyes González III , Doña Rosario's grandson from her eldest son, Augusto Beda,
2255-720: The imperial Manila. The first cargo boat to arrive in Guagua was the Doña Dominga on May 7, 1884. Much later it was followed by the steamships Kaibigan and Kababayan , which anchored at the pier in Bgy Santo Niño, better known as the Yañgco Landing. In 1892, when the Manila–Mabalacat railroad was inaugurated, Guagua was virtually the port of embarkation to and from Manila that served the province. The Chinese have long been part in Guagua's social and economic mainstream. In
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2310-444: The last quarter of the 1700s. Family tradition has it that Don Pedro Armayan-Espíritu y Macam (d. 1904)–or his parents Don Calixto Armayan-Espíritu and Doña María Macam , acquired the image from an aunt, Doña Máxima Santos –in exchange for a considerable parcel of agricultural land in Apalit. During the Spanish colonial era, Spanish friars shrewdly assigned the ownership of the town's patron saint to wealthy families, so that
2365-627: The municipality. They provide a convenient means of transportation for residents moving around local neighborhoods and barangays. Various jeepney routes connect Apalit to neighboring towns in Pampanga, including Macabebe , Masantol , San Simon , Minalin , and the City of San Fernando . They also provide routes to towns in Bulacan, such as Calumpit , Malolos City , and Balagtas . "FX" and "L300" van taxis operate from their terminals, offering transportation to key locations in Bulacan (Calumpit, Malolos City, and
2420-404: The old relationship of Apalit to its mother town Calumpit where San Juan Bautista is the patron of the Town. The first church and convento was constructed under the tenure of Fray Juan Cabello as parish priest from 1641 to 1645. Fray Simón de Alarcia built another church made of concrete and tile in 1854–1860, but it was destroyed by a strong earthquake in 1863. The present neo-classical church
2475-502: The pod can be smooth (f. indica ), bristly (f. echinatus (Pers.) Rojo) or intermediate. Note: Pterocarpus macrocarpus , a similar species native to Burma , is referred to as "Rosewood" throughout South East Asia. P. macrocarpus is usually harder than P. indicus . When in burl form both are referred to as Amboyna Burl. The hardwood, which is purplish, is termite -resistant and rose-scented. The wood known in Indonesia as amboyna
2530-464: The popular sturdy wood is widely used for construction and furniture projects. In Singapore, the ease to propagate the tree made it a favourite for the urban planners in Singapore to plant new trees via monoculture in a campaign to transform the rapidly urbaning city into a green city in between 1969 and 1982. In 1985, 1,400 trees died due to "Angsana Wilt Disease," and were cut down. It was found that
2585-408: The railroad was chartered on November 17, 1907. Later in 1918, Guagua National Institute (now Guagua National Colleges) in Barangay Santa Filomena was founded in the convento of the local church. Further, in 1941, the then- parish priest felt the need for another high school in town, so he opened Saint Michael's College. In November 1959, nine rural barrios (now barangays) of Guagua were granted
2640-903: The responsibility of being the image's camarera (custodian). She passed it on to her elder, spinster sister Doña Aurea "Ondeng" Espíritu y Dungo . After Doña Aurea's early death, Don Pedro's eldest daughter Doña María "Maruja" Espíritu y Dungo (later Mrs. Macario Arnedo) became the image's camarera . In 1928, Doña María translated the image of Apung Iru from the Armayan-Espíritu ancestral home in Sitio Alauli in Barangay San Vicente to her house in Barrio Capalangan, where it has remained since. Doña María died in 1934, and her second daughter Doña Ysabel "Tabing" Arnedo y Espíritu (later Mrs .Fernando Dueñas Reyes) became
2695-452: The vast land of Guagua make it ideal for the growing of fruit trees and vegetables. Among the fruit trees most fitting to be planted are mangoes, guavas, santol, star apples, and bananas. For vegetables, sitao, upo, ampalaya, gabi and cucumber are the most commonly produced by farmers and which thrive best in the community. Being void of forest areas, its fauna are mostly the domesticated ones like, chicken, ducks, cattle, and others. Guagua
2750-599: Was built under Fray Antonio Redondo, who was assigned to Apalit from 1873 to 1886. Father Gallende wrote in La Iglesia de Apalit : "Father Antonio Redondo, parish priest of Apalit from 1873 to 1886 laid the foundations of a new one in January 1876, following the plans of Don Ramón Hermosa, assistant officer to the minister of public works. The foreman was a certain Mariano Santos, a native of Guagua . After seven years of work,
2805-414: Was done by a native of Apalit, an industrious pupil of Alberoni. The church possesses the qualities of good construction: "solidity, capacity, light and artistic beauty." The towers were completed under the guidance of Rev Toríbio Fanjul in 1896. In 1989, a major church renovation was initiated by Monsignor Rústico G. Cuevas. The Libad , a fluvial procession in honour of the town's patron saint Peter
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#17328511124832860-411: Was established in 1597. Capitan del Pueblo Don Pedro Armayan-Espiritu y Macam created the customary fluvial parade of Saint Peter on June 28, 1844, commonly known as "Libad ng Apung Iru," which is still observed today in Apalit during its town festival. It is thought that the son of a specific Gatbonton named Pangpalung, who was once known as Macapagal, built Barrio Capalangan, which takes its name from
2915-654: Was first established as one of the visitas (mission chapel) under the administration of Convento de Calumpit. In 1597, the Augustinian chapter accepted Apalit as House of Order under the advocacy of San Pedro Apostol where Fray Pedro de Vergara OSA as its first parish priest In conjunction with the annual town fiesta, the Libad was established by the Capitan del Pueblo , Don Pedro Armayan-Espíritu y Macam, on June 28, 1844.Libad fluvial procession also reaching Calumpit even today to signify
2970-454: Was severely devastated by the eruption of Mount Pinatubo in 1991. Guagua is bounded on the north by the towns of Bacolor and Santa Rita; on the south by the towns of Sasmuan and Lubao; on the east, Macabebe and Sasmuan; and on the west, Porac and Floridablanca. It is 10 kilometres (6.2 mi) from the capital city of San Fernando , 27 kilometres (17 mi) from Angeles City , and 76 kilometres (47 mi) from Metro Manila . The town
3025-470: Was unfortunately razed by fire. The current Church structure was constructed in 1772 under the administration of the Augustinians. The Church was greatly improved in 1862 until 1870. The interiors are simple and the centerpiece attraction is the main altar, a creation of noted local artist Willy Layug. While still simple, the exteriors on the other hand, are marked by massive strength. The Cathedral-type church
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