Apalit


Apalit, officially the Municipality of Apalit, is a municipality in the province of Pampanga, Philippines. According to the, it has a population of people.
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 takes place every June 28–30; and for its blacksmithing.

Etymology

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.

History

Apalit received official recognition as 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, 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.
After severing ties with the Parish of Calumpit, The Apalit Parish of Saint Peter 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 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 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 the Philippines from the 1850s until the 1910s.

Geography

Apalit is surrounded by Macabebe, Masantol, Minalin and San Simon in Pampanga, and Calumpit, Pulilan, and Baliuag in Bulacan.
It is from Manila, from the provincial capital, San Fernando, and from Angeles.

Barangays

Apalit is politically subdivided into 12 barangays, as shown below. Each barangay consists of puroks and some have sitios.Balucuc Calantipe Cansinala Capalangan Colgante Paligui Sampaloc San Juan San Vicente Sucad Sulipan
  • '''Tabuyuc'''

Demographics

In the 2024 census, the population of Apalit was 121,057 people, with a density of.

Religion

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.

Catholicism

Apalit was first established as one of the visitas 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 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 was built under Fray Antonio Redondo, who was assigned to Apalit from 1873 to 1886.
Father Gallende wrote in La Iglesia de 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 to go around town pealing the bells. Preceded by the town bands, he would lead the way towards the riverside with an azafate 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 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.
Feast of Saint Peter
The Libad, a fluvial procession in honour of the town's patron saint Peter the Apostle, 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.
History of the Image of Apung Iru
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 the last quarter of the 1700s. Family tradition has it that Don Pedro Armayan-Espíritu y Macam –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 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, but she did not want the responsibility of being the image's camarera. 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 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 became the image's "camarera" until her own death in 1970. Doña María's third daughter, Doña Rosario Lucia "Charing" Arnedo y Espíritu became camarera until her death in May 1977. The youngest daughter, Doña Elisa Juana "Ising" Arnedo y Espíritu became the next camarera until her death in May 1987. Doña Elisa's eldest daughter, Dr. Erlinda Crispina "Linda" Arnedo Sazon 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, 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.

Prominent Families of Apalit

Apalit is home to several prominent families whose wealth and influence date back to 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:Familia Arnedo
  • * The Arnedo family is one of the most prominent and influential families in Apalit. Their lineage can be traced back to the Spanish colonial period. They were known for their vast agricultural lands and involvement in local politics. Pedro "Don Perico" Arnedo, one of the most notable members, served as a governor of Pampanga in the early 20th century. The Arnedo family's wealth and status have made them a central figure in Apalit's social and economic landscape.Familia Santos
  • * The Santos family is another old-money family from Apalit, known for their extensive landholdings and contributions to local commerce. They were prominent in the agricultural sector, particularly in rice and sugarcane farming, which were the primary industries in Pampanga during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Members of the Santos family have also been active in local politics and civic activities, further cementing their influence in the community.Familia Espiritu
  • * The Espiritu family, known for their significant land ownership and business ventures, have been influential in Apalit for generations. They were among the pioneering families who invested in various enterprises, including milling and trading. The family's social standing and economic contributions have played a crucial role in the development of Apalit over the years.Familia Ocampo
  • * The Ocampo family is recognized for their historical significance and long-standing presence in Apalit. They were key players in the agricultural industry, owning vast tracts of farmland. Over the years, the Ocampo family diversified their interests into other businesses, maintaining their wealth and influence in the region. Their legacy includes contributions to local culture and education.Familia David
  • * The David family, with roots tracing back to the Spanish era, has been a prominent name in Apalit. Known for their involvement in agriculture and local governance, they have held various influential positions over the decades. The family's wealth was primarily derived from their extensive agricultural properties and entrepreneurial activities. Members of the David family have also been known for their philanthropic efforts, supporting community projects and educational initiatives.Familia Guanzon
  • * The Guanzon family is another notable old-money family from Apalit. They were significant landowners and were involved in various commercial activities, including trading and milling. The family's economic contributions and social status have made them an integral part of Apalit's history. Over time, the Guanzon family has remained influential in local affairs and business.Familia Macapagal
  • * The Macapagal family, which has its roots in Apalit, is one of the most distinguished families in the Philippines. They rose to national prominence with Diosdado Macapagal, who served as the President of the Philippines from 1961 to 1965. The family's origins in Apalit are marked by their involvement in agriculture and local leadership. Their legacy includes not only political achievements but also contributions to the social and economic fabric of Apalit.

Government

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 the legislative council consisting of councilors from the Barangays or Barrios. Of the eight councilors, only one won independently, while the rest came from KMBLN.

Elected officials

Municipal council :
  • Mayor: Oscar "Jun" Dizon Tetangco Jr.
  • Vice Mayor: Pedro C. Nucom
  • Councilors:
  • * Hon. Andrew Hipolito Manlapaz
  • * Hon. Maria Victoria "Mavic" Mendoza
  • * Hon. Marilou "Malou" Nabong
  • * Hon. Jedalyn "Jed" Dalusung
  • * Hon. Pablo "Pol" Enriquez Nabong
  • * Hon. Elias "Doc" Mendoza
  • * Hon. Kenneth Tiglao Nunag
  • * Hon. Edmon "Tuks" Simon

List of local chief executives

YearName
1713Juan Cudia
1714Francisco Canda
1715José Samonte
1716Lucas Catu
1717Baltazar Catu
1718Santiago Vergara
1719Esteban Ramos
1720Nicolas Tupay
1721Lucas Pungsalang
1722Jacinto Tria
1723Juan Capulong
1724Diego Mercado
1725Pedro Pungsalang
1726Francisco Simbulan
1727Juan Mancani
1728Juan Patio
1729Miguel Binuya
1730Cristobal Maggalas
1731Agustín de la Cruz
1732Juan Cudia
1733Lucas Catu
1734Agustín de la Cruz
1735Juan Cudia
1736Pedro Cortez
1737Gregorio Nocum
1738Diosdado Pungsalang
1739Pedro Cortez
1740José Arceo
1741Bernabe Nocum
1742Diosdado Pungsalang
1743Pedro Pangan
1744Lorenzo Mananquil
1745Agustin Torres
1746Adriano Lumba
1747Marcos Cudia
1748Dionisio Pangan
1749Pedro Catu
1750Alfonso Patiang
1751Agustín Gamboa
1752Marcos Cabrera
1753José Payabyab
1754Pedro Yumul
1755Nicolas Tolentino
1756Nicolas Pungsalang
1757Lorenzo Mananquil
1758Gerónimo Padilla
1759Tibúrcio Padilla
1760Pablo Binuya
1761Juan Bautista de Tabora
1762Nicolas Ventura
1763José Umali Centeno
1764Bonifacio Pungsalang
1765Pedro Arceo
1766José Mariano
1767Felipe Zaplala
1768Agustín Soliman
1769José Binuya
1770Marcos Mananquil
1771Nicolas Ventura
1772Simón de Torres
1773Agustín Gutierrez
1774Felipe Cuyugan
1775Pablo Dungca
1776Francisco Pangan
1777Estanislao Pagpayo
1778Matias Bolus

YearName
1779Blashite Balagtas
1780Fausto Binuya
1781Leonardo Mamangun
1782Gregorio Alejo
1783Lucas Pungsalang
1784Pedro Joaquin
1785Pablo Binuya
1786Bernabe de la Cruz
1787Pedro Cabrera
1788Domingo Dungca
1789Alejo Pangan
1790Martín Carlos Padilla
1791Juan Manlapaz
1792Francisco Binuya
1793Pablo Zaplala
1794Diego Mercado
1795Francisco Binuya
1796Tomás Lacandula
1797Nicolas Bautista
1798Alejandro Gutierrez
1799Fernando Gutierrez
1800Feliciano Mananquil
1801Juan Arcilla
1802Vicente Cabrera
1803Pablo Torres
1804Vicente Atienza
1805Vicente Ponca
1806Agustín Cabrera
1807Juan Serrano
1808Domingo Ponce
1809Pablo Mercada
1810Marcelo Nabal
1811Victorio Sarmiento
1812Pantaleón Atienza
1813Jacinto Pangan
1814Pedro Mercado
1815Marcelo Nabal
1816Mariano Pangan
1817Anastacio Pablo Yabut
1818Isidro Ponce
1819Pablo Mercado
1820Fulgencio de la Cruz
1821Manuel Lumba
1822Pantaleón Tenensa
1823Felipe García Timbol
1824Pedro Bonduc
1825Felix Marcelo García
1826Juan Serrano
1827Ambrosio Pungsalang
1828Feliciano Pangan
1829José Sioco
1830Juan de la Cruz
1831Guillermo Yambao
1832Manuel Ponce
1833José Macapagal
1834Juan Macalino
1835Vicente Yumul
1836Luis Dungca
1837Miguel Cuyugan
1838Pedro Cabrera
1839Florentino de la Cruz
1840Paulo Carlos
1841Pedro Mamangun
1842Pedro Balboa Enriquez
1843Ceferino López
1844Geronimo Yumul

YearName
1845Mariano Cabrera
1846Francisco Dungca
1847José Esteban Yamson
1848Cayetano Pascual
1849Francisco Mercado
1850Florentino Yumul
1851Tiburcio ?
1852Nicasio Vergara
1853Lauriano Vergara
1854Cayetano Dalusung
1855Mariano Enriquez
1856Manuel de la Cruz
1857–1858José Sioco
1859Joaquín de la Cruz
1860Bernardino Dalusung
1861Juan Arnedo Cruz
1862Ignacio Balboa
1863–1864Crisanto Mercado
1865–1866Alberto Dalusung
1867–1868Pedro Espíritu
1869–1870Antonio García
1871–1872José Medina
1873–1874León Timbol
1875Vicente Enriquez
1876–1878Braulio Pangan
1879–1880Francisco Vergara
1881–1882Paulino Dalusung
1883–1884Balbino Mercado
1885–1886Pedro Espiritu
1887–1888Eleuterio Pascual
1889–1890Cayetano Dalusung
1891–1892Francisco Pascual
1893–1894Domingo Carlos
1895Eleuterio Pascual
1896Luis Espiritu
1897Casimiro Medina
1898Cayetano Dalusung
1899Casimiro Medina
1900–1901Macario Arnedo
1902–1907Cayetano Arnedo
1908–1912Tiburcio Mercado
1913–1916Cayetano Arnedo
1917–1923Vicente Cacnio
1924–1928Ricardo Dalusung
1924Ricardo Dalusung
1929–1930Pablo Pungsalang
1931Román Balagtas
1932–1934Dionisio David
1935–1937Cornelio Sigua
1938–1942Patricio Tanjutco
1943Sotero García
1944Miguel Catacutan
1945Patricio Tanjutco
1946Manuel Reyes
1947Emilio Pascual
1948–1951Cornelio Sigua
1952–1954Moises Catacutan
1955–1963Alfonso Lugue
1964–1971Honorio Mercado
1972–1980Oscar Tetangco
1980–1986Romeo V. Pamintuan
1986–1998Oscar Tetangco
1998–2007Tirso G. Lacanilao
2007–2016Oscar Tetangco Jr.
2016–2019Pedro C. Nucom
2019–PresentOscar Tetangco Jr.

Roads and bridges

  • MacArthur Highway - The major road going to Apalit.
  • Sulipan Bridge
  • Candaba Viaduct - part of the North Luzon Expressway, the bridge connects the provinces of Pampanga and Bulacan. Most of its portions are located in Apalit.
  • Apalit Bypass Road
  • Apalit-Macabebe-Masantol Road - going to the towns of Macabebe and Masantol
  • Dr. Joaquin Gonzalez Avenue - going to municipal hall, Barangay Sucad, and St. Peter's Parish
  • Macabebe-Calumpit-Apalit Road
  • Sulipan-Capalangan-Tabuyuc-Cansinala Road
  • Tabuyuc-Balucuc Farm to Market Road
  • Arnedo Dike Road
  • Sampaloc Road
  • Paligui Road

Transportation

The modes of transportation within Apalit, like in most urban areas in the country, is facilitated primarily by inexpensive tricycles, jeepneys, and buses. In addition, motorized boats are used to transport goods and bring people to lower-lying areas in case of floods in other barangays.

Buses

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.

Jeepneys

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.

Tricycles

Tricycles are commonly used for short-distance travel within the municipality. They provide a convenient means of transportation for residents moving around local neighborhoods and barangays.

Van Taxis

Known as "FX" and "L300", van taxis operate from their terminals, offering transportation to key locations going to the province of Bulacan, going to the Metro Manila, and going to other parts of the province such as Lubao, Floridablanca, Guagua, and the City of San Fernando, all the way to Olongapo City in Zambales.

Healthcare

  • ADD Infirmary
  • Alphamed Diagnostic Laboratory
  • Apalit Doctors Hospital
  • ASCCOM-DLSUMC Friendship Hospital
  • E.D. Lim Medical Center
  • La Verdad Diagnostic Center
  • Pampanga Premier Medical Center
  • Perez Medical Friendly Clinic
  • Medsafe Diagnostic Laboratories
  • Merian Diagnostic Laboratory

Telecommunications

Landline telephone systems are being provided by 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, and Globe Broadband; and Wireless broadband is provided by Smart Communications. Cable Television are provided by DatelSat.

Education

The Apalit Schools District Office governs all educational institutions within the municipality. It oversees the management and operations of all private and public, from primary to secondary schools.

Primary and elementary schools

  • Alauli Elementary School
  • AMA Basic Education
  • Apalit Christian Ecumenical School
  • Arayat Holy Child Educational Foundation
  • Balucuc Elementary School
  • Banag Elementary School
  • Cansinala Elementary School
  • Creative Haven Learning School
  • Dominican School of Apalit
  • Fausto Gonzales Sioco Memorial School
  • Galang Memoorial Elementary School
  • Holy Child Academy
  • Jose Escaler Memorial Elementary School
  • La Verdad Christian School
  • Macario Arnedo Elementary School
  • Maranatha Christian Academy
  • Paligui Elementary School
  • Sampaga Elementary School
  • Sampaloc Elementary School
  • San Vicente Elementary School
  • St. James School
  • St. Vincent's Academy
  • Sto. Rosario Elementary School
  • Sucad Elementary School
  • Sulipan Elementary School

Secondary schools

  • Apalit High School
  • Balucuc High School
  • Bro. Andrew Gonzalez Technological High School
  • Calantipe High School
  • Cansinala National High School
  • La Verdad Christian School
  • Sampaga High School
  • Senior High School in Apalit
  • Sto. Rosario National High School
  • Sucad National High School

Higher educational institutions

''Persona non-grata''

  • Daniel Razon through Municipal Resolution No. 28, series of 2008