Bulacan

This article is about the province. For the municipality, see Bulakan.
Bulacan
Province
Province of Bulacan

The Bulacan Provincial Capitol

Flag
Seal
Nickname(s): Northern Gateway from Manila[1]

Location in the Philippines
Coordinates: 15°00′N 121°05′E / 15°N 121.08°E / 15; 121.08Coordinates: 15°00′N 121°05′E / 15°N 121.08°E / 15; 121.08
Country Philippines
Region Central Luzon (Region III)
Founded August 15, 1578 [2]
Capital Malolos
Government
 • Type Sangguniang Panlalawigan
 • Governor Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado (Liberal)
 • Vice Governor Daniel Fernando (Liberal)
Area[3]
 • Total 2,796.1 km2 (1,079.6 sq mi)
Area rank 46th out of 81
Population (2015 census)[4]
 • Total 3,292,071
 • Rank 2nd out of 81
 • Density 1,200/km2 (3,000/sq mi)
 • Density rank 4th out of 81
Demonym(s)
Divisions
 • Independent cities 0
 • Component cities
 • Municipalities
 • Barangays 569
 • Districts 1st to 4th districts of Bulacan, Legislative lone district of the city of San Jose del Monte
Demographics
 • Ethnic groups
 • Languages
Time zone PHT (UTC+8)
ZIP code 3000–3024
IDD : area code  +63 (0)44
ISO 3166 code PH-BUL
Website www.bulacan.gov.ph

Bulacan (Tagalog: Lalawigan ng Bulacan; Kapampangan: Lalawigan ning Bulacan) (PSGC: 031400000; ISO: PH-BUL) is a province in the Philippines, located in the Central Luzon Region (Region III) in the island of Luzon, 11 kilometres (6.8 mi) north of Manila (the nation's capital), and part of the Metro Luzon Urban Beltway Super Region. Bulacan was established on August 15, 1578.

It has 569 barangays from 21 municipalities and three component cities (Malolos the provincial capital, Meycauayan, and San Jose del Monte). Bulacan is located immediately north of Metro Manila. Bordering Bulacan are the provinces of Pampanga to the west, Nueva Ecija to the north, Aurora and Quezon to the east, and Metro Manila and Rizal to the south. Bulacan also lies on the north-eastern shore of Manila Bay.

In the 2015 census, Bulacan had a population of 3,292,071 people, the highest in Region III and the 2nd most populous in the Philippines.[4] Bulacan's most populated city is San Jose del Monte, the most populated municipality is Santa Maria while the least populated is Doña Remedios Trinidad.

In 1899, the historic Barasoain Church in Malolos was the birthplace of the First Constitutional Democracy in Asia.

History

Main article: History of Bulacan

Pre Colonial Period

Pre colonial Bulacan is not much documented as others in the Visayas region. It was said that Bulacan were administered by the Royal Natives from Tondo ruled by Lakandulas. In the Laguna Copperplate Inscription mentioned some settlements such as Gatbuka, Paila, Binaungan. All a settlement under Tondo.

Other pre colonial accounts on Bulacan was the ancient village called by Chinese traders "Lihan" as mentioned by Ferdinand Blumentritt is the present day Malolos (capital).

Spanish Colonization

The Conquest of Bulacan traces to the first years of the Spanish in the Philippines. Upon the defeat of the Macabebe and Hagonoy natives led by Bambalito in the Battle of Bangkusay in June 3, 1571 that caused Martin de Goiti to move up north first to Lubao in September 1571.

Two months later, in November 14, 1571 Martin de Goiti reached Malolos and Calumpit respectively and it was reported to Adelantado Miguel Lopz de Legaspi, the first Governor General of the Philippines. Adelantado established Calumpit and Malolos as an Encomienda entrusted to Sargento Juan Moron (Morones in other documents) and Don Marcos de Herrera[5] These two conquistador was one of the first group of conquerors accompanied by Legaspi who have arrived in the Islands in 1565.

In April 5, 1572, the Encomiendas of Calumpit and Malolos were unified co-administered by Moron and Herrera. Also on that year Alcaldia de Calumpit was formed which the areas of Macabebe, Candaba, Apalit in Pampanga and the settlements of Meyto, Panducot, Meysulao and Malolos. And in December 28, 1575 Governor - General Francisco Sande order to include Hagonoy in Calumpit. (NHCP Journal February 2015)

In 1575, Bulakan was established as a visita of Tondo and it is not part of Calumpit as the boundary between Tondo and Calumpit were marked in Mambog River and placed the statue of Our Lady of Visitacion (partroness of Calumpit) was erected. It was gone and recreated in 1997 upon the re-establishent of the Roman Catholic Parish of Our Lady of Presentacion in Malolos.

In April 30, 1578 Bulakan town was officially established by the Augustinians with Fray Diego Vivar as its first prior and the convent was dedicated to San Agustin. (when it was change to Our Lady of Assumption was uncertain). It was reported that the western part of the present-day Bulacan was to be very well populated and rich. No exact date and year when Alcaldia de Calumpit was dissolved and the exact foundation year of the Province of Bulacan. It was only documented that Malolos (then part of Calumpit in 1572) were first to be appeared as part of Alcaldia de Bulacan was in 1582. It may assumed that reorganization of encomiendas has been occurred between 1580-1582 at the time of Governor General Gonzalo Ronquillo de Penalosa.

Same document also from the 1582 Relacion de las Islas Filipinas by Miguel de Loarca reports that Alcaldia de Calumpit have the jurisdiction in the areas of Calumpit (capital) Capalangan, Cabangbangan and Hagonoy as its villages. Then Loarca was mentioned that Alcaldia de Bulacan have Bulakan (capital) Malolos, Caluya, Guguinto, Binto and Catanghalan (instead of Meycauayan) as it Encomiendas which formerly have one alcalde mayor but he said that Alcaldia de Bulacan was formed in 1580 at the time of Penalosa. In the document of Governor-General Luis Perez de Dasmarinas in the Account of the Encomiendas for the King of Spain furnished in June 21, 1591. Dasmarinas mentioned that Alcaldia of Bulacan was part of La Pampanga with the Encomiendas subject to it such as the Encomiendas of Malolos (3,600 persons), Binto (2,000 persons), Guiguinto (2,000 persons), Caluya (2,800 persons), Mecabayan (2, 800 persons) and Bulacan identified as " capital" and residence of "alcalde mayor" with 4,800 persons.In the same 1591 document it was mentioned that Calumpit y Hagonoy belongs to Juan Moron with the 12,800 persons, 2 Augustinian Convents and One Alcalde Mayor of its own.

However, the establishment and development of southern part of the present-day Bulacan was not simultaneous and identified with the West. It was because this part of the Province was established by other group of missionaries, the Franciscan Order who came in the islands only in 1577 at Manila. In 1578 Order of Friars Minor headed by Juan de Plasencia and Diego Oropesa arrived in the area called Toril (now part of Meycauayan) and their headquarters. Also in 1578 Plasencia established the Town of Meycauayan. Its pueblos was first only settlements of the Old Meycauayan, founded by Franciscan [6]

Secondary sources mentioned that Meycauayan exist as a Province in 1578.It was said the Augustinians Christianized Bulacan (the town after which the province was named). where in fact Bulacan "the town" was already a visita of Tondo in 1575 and Calumpit where Malolos and Hagonoy belongs in 1572. The province of Bulacan is on the island of Luzon, and is one of the most important Alcadia de Termino, Civil and politically it corresponds to the Audiencia y capitanía general de Filipinas, and spiritually belongs to the Archbishop of Manila.[7] The Franciscan friars Juan Plasencia and Fray Diego de Oropesa founded Meycauayan in 1578, and for a time it was the capital of the Province of Meycauayan (differ from the Western Bulacan administered by Augustinian Order since 1572) Meycauayan people were able to flourish, and became so rich that the sons are six of the best in the then Province of Meycauayan. It was the towns of Bocaue, Polo, San Jose del Monte, Santa Maria de Pandi, Obando and Marilao).[8]

The Casa Real de Malolos. Served as the office and residency of the Governor of Malolos.

During the General Visitation of October 5, 1762 by, Sr. Doctor Don Simón de Anda y Salazar, the province was headed by Capitan Don Jose Pasarin, alcalde mayor of the province.[9] 1795-96, Don Manuel Piñon was the alcalde mayor.[10] According to the "Guia de 1839", Bulacan province in the island of Luzon, Philippines, is governed by a mayor, consists of 19 pueblos, 36,394 tributes and 181,970 souls.[11] D. Felipe Gobantes, Alcalde of the province of Bulacan erected a stone column in the plaza of Bulacan in Memory of Fr. Manuel Blanco O.S.A. who died on April 1, 1845.[12]

In 1848, when the boundaries of Pampanga were changed, the region, which includes the important town of San Miguel de Mayumo and neighboring places that were formerly part of Pampanga, was adjudicated to Bulacan.[13]

Opening of the Malolos Congress (1898)

In an earlier period during 1890, Malolos was a hot-spot of Liberal Ilustrados, notably the "20 Women of Malolos", who exerted pressure for education under a Filipino professor. However, the first phase of the revolution ceased in 1897 with the signing of the Pact of Biak-na-Bato in San Miguel. Under its terms the leaders were to go to Hong Kong and reside there. Under the illusory peace created by the pact, the end of 1897 saw greater determination on the part of the Filipinos to carry on the revolution. In early 1898, the provinces of Zambales, Ilocos, Pampanga, Bulacan, Laguna, Pangasinan, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac. and Camarines rose again. In Central Luzon, a revolutionary government was organized under General Francisco Macabulos, a Kapampangan revolutionary leader of La Paz, Tarlac.

The Americans established a local Philippine government in the Philippines when they held the first municipal election in the country in the town of Baliuag on May 6, 1899. At the beginning of the American rule, 1899-1900, Malolos became the headquarters of the Military Governor of the Philippines at Casa Real. In February 27, 1901, the Philippine Commission officially transferred the seat of government to Malolos, and the Casa Real de Malolos was the seat of the Provincial Governor from 1900 to 1930 until the completion of the capitol building at Brgy. Guinhawa, Malolos City.

In 1942, at the height of World War II, the Japanese Imperial Army occupied Bulacan and made Casa Real de Malolos its headquarters. In 1945, combined Filipino and American forces and local guerrillas attacked the Japanese Imperial Forces and liberated Bulacan.

Issues concerning the foundation date

For a long period of time, Bulacan traced its founding as a province during the American Period at the reorganization of Philippine Provinces. To determine the tentative date of the province's foundation and to trace its roots from colonial period. Efforts and research conducted by Dr. Jaime Veneracion, Dr. Reynaldo Naguit of the Center for Bulacan Studies and Mr. Isagani Giron of the Samahang Pangkasaysayan ng Bulacan (Sampaka) shows that Bulacan was identified as a visita of Tondo in 1578. With regards to exact date of foundation of Bulacan as a province, Veneracion correlated it with the practice of Spaniard of dedicating the founding a pueblo to the feast of a patron saint. In the case of Bulacan it is the Nuestra Señora de la Asuncion, which is also the patron saint of Bulakan town, the first capital of the province.[2] Officially, the province of Bulacan was created under Act 2711 on March 10, 1917.[14]

Geography

Bulacan covers a total area of 2,796.1 square kilometres (1,079.6 sq mi)[15] occupying the southeastern section of the Central Luzon region. The province is bounded by Nueva Ecija on the north, Aurora (Dingalan) on the northeast, Quezon (General Nakar) on the east, Rizal (Rodriguez) on the southeast, Metro Manila (Valenzuela City, Malabon City, Navotas City, Caloocan City and Quezon City) on the south, Manila Bay on the southwest, and Pampanga on the west.

Several rivers irrigate the province of Bulacan; the largest one is that of Angat. Angat River passes through the towns of Norzagaray, Angat, Bustos, San Rafael, Baliuag, Plaridel, Pulilan, and Calumpit. It flow thence into the Pampanga River, goes out again, washes Hagonoy and loses itself in the mangroves. The banks of these rivers are very fertile and are covered with trees.

Terrain

Bulacan lies in the southern portion of the fertile plains of Central Luzon. The area is drained by the Angat and Pampanga rivers. The Sierra Madre mountain range forms the highlands of Bulacan in the east. Angat Lake, which was formed by the Angat Dam is located in that area. The highest point in the province at 1,206[16] meters is Mount Oriod, part of the Sierra Madre.

The Sierra Madre Mountain Range as seen near Mount Oriod's summit

On January 19, 2008, an 18-hectare (44-acre) dump site, a new landfill that would also be a tourist attraction opened in Norzagaray, Bulacan province. Ramon Angelo, Jr., president Waste Custodian Management Corp. stated: "I want them to see our system in our place which should not be abhorred because we are using the new state-of-the-art technology."[17]

Climate

November to April is generally dry while wet for the rest of the year. The northeast monsoon (amihan) prevails from October to January bringing in moderated and light rains. From February to April, the east trade winds predominate but the Sierra Madre (Philippines) mountain range to the east disrupts the winds resulting to a dry period. From May to September, the southwest monsoon (habagat).

The hottest month is May having an average temperature of 29.7 °C (85.5 °F) while the coldest is February with an average temperature of 25.1 °C (77.2 °F).

Climate data for Bulacan
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Average high °C (°F) 30.5
(86.9)		 31.5
(88.7)		 33.1
(91.6)		 34.5
(94.1)		 34
(93)		 32.6
(90.7)		 32
(90)		 31.2
(88.2)		 31.4
(88.5)		 31.6
(88.9)		 31.4
(88.5)		 30.5
(86.9)		 32.03
(89.67)
Average low °C (°F) 21.6
(70.9)		 21.8
(71.2)		 22.9
(73.2)		 24.1
(75.4)		 25
(77)		 25
(77)		 24.6
(76.3)		 24.8
(76.6)		 24.3
(75.7)		 24
(75)		 23.5
(74.3)		 22.3
(72.1)		 23.66
(74.56)
Average rainy days 5 3 4 5 13 20 22 22 22 17 15 8 156
Source: Storm247[18]

Administrative divisions

Bulacan is subdivided into 21 municipalities and 3 cities. As the population is concentrated in the southern half of the province, so are the legislative districts.

  •  †  Provincial capital and component city
  •  ∗  Component city
  •      Municipality
City or municipality[A] District[15] Population ±% p.a. Area[15] Density Brgy. Coordinates[B]
(2015)[4] (2010)[19] km2 sq mi /km2 /sq mi
Angat 3rd 1.8% 59,237 55,332 1.31% 74 29 800 2,100 16 14°55′58″N 121°01′55″E / 14.9327°N 121.0319°E / 14.9327; 121.0319 (Angat)
Balagtas (Bigaa) 2nd 2.2% 73,929 65,440 2.35% 28.66 11.07 2,600 6,700 9 14°49′11″N 120°54′22″E / 14.8197°N 120.9061°E / 14.8197; 120.9061 (Balagtas)
Baliuag 2nd 4.6% 149,954 143,565 0.83% 45.05 17.39 3,300 8,500 27 14°57′31″N 120°53′49″E / 14.9585°N 120.8970°E / 14.9585; 120.8970 (Baliuag)
Bocaue 2nd 3.6% 119,675 106,407 2.26% 31.87 12.31 3,800 9,800 19 14°47′59″N 120°55′35″E / 14.7996°N 120.9264°E / 14.7996; 120.9264 (Bocaue)
Bulakan 1st 2.3% 76,565 71,751 1.24% 72.90 28.15 1,100 2,800 14 14°47′39″N 120°52′46″E / 14.7943°N 120.8795°E / 14.7943; 120.8795 (Bulakan)
Bustos 2nd 2.0% 67,039 62,415 1.37% 69.99 27.02 960 2,500 14 14°57′06″N 120°55′08″E / 14.9518°N 120.9188°E / 14.9518; 120.9188 (Bustos)
Calumpit 1st 3.3% 108,757 101,068 1.41% 56.25 21.72 1,900 4,900 29 14°54′54″N 120°45′49″E / 14.9151°N 120.7636°E / 14.9151; 120.7636 (Calumpit)
Doña Remedios Trinidad 3rd 0.7% 22,663 19,878 2.53% 932.96 360.22 24 62 8 14°58′19″N 121°03′48″E / 14.9720°N 121.0633°E / 14.9720; 121.0633 (Doña Remedios Trinidad)
Guiguinto 2nd 3.0% 99,730 90,507 1.86% 27.50 10.62 3,600 9,300 14 14°49′41″N 120°52′42″E / 14.8280°N 120.8783°E / 14.8280; 120.8783 (Guiguinto)
Hagonoy 1st 3.9% 129,807 125,689 0.62% 103.10 39.81 1,300 3,400 26 14°50′04″N 120°44′00″E / 14.8344°N 120.7334°E / 14.8344; 120.7334 (Hagonoy)
Malolos † Lone 7.7% 252,074 234,945 1.35% 67.25 25.97 3,700 9,600 51 14°50′26″N 120°48′42″E / 14.8405°N 120.8116°E / 14.8405; 120.8116 (Malolos)
Marilao 4th 6.7% 221,965 185,624 3.46% 33.74 13.03 6,600 17,000 16 14°45′26″N 120°56′52″E / 14.7572°N 120.9477°E / 14.7572; 120.9477 (Marilao)
Meycauayan ∗ Lone 6.4% 209,083 199,154 0.93% 32.10 12.39 6,500 17,000 26 14°44′10″N 120°57′26″E / 14.7360°N 120.9573°E / 14.7360; 120.9573 (Meycauayan)
Norzagaray 3rd 3.4% 111,348 103,095 1.48% 309.77 119.60 360 930 13 14°54′25″N 121°02′47″E / 14.9070°N 121.0465°E / 14.9070; 121.0465 (Norzagaray)
Obando 4th 1.8% 59,197 58,009 0.39% 52.10 20.12 1,100 2,800 11 14°42′45″N 120°56′06″E / 14.7125°N 120.9351°E / 14.7125; 120.9351 (Obando)
Pandi 2nd 2.7% 89,075 66,650 5.68% 31.20 12.05 2,900 7,500 22 14°51′48″N 120°57′21″E / 14.8633°N 120.9557°E / 14.8633; 120.9557 (Pandi)
Paombong 1st 1.6% 53,294 50,940 0.86% 46.34 17.89 1,200 3,100 14 14°49′53″N 120°47′15″E / 14.8315°N 120.7874°E / 14.8315; 120.7874 (Paombong)
Plaridel 2nd 3.3% 107,805 101,441 1.17% 32.44 12.53 3,300 8,500 19 14°53′06″N 120°51′33″E / 14.8850°N 120.8591°E / 14.8850; 120.8591 (Plaridel)
Pulilan 1st 3.0% 97,323 85,844 2.42% 39.89 15.40 2,400 6,200 19 14°54′08″N 120°52′03″E / 14.9021°N 120.8676°E / 14.9021; 120.8676 (Pulilan)
San Ildefonso 3rd 3.2% 104,471 95,000 1.83% 128.71 49.70 810 2,100 36 15°04′41″N 120°56′23″E / 15.0781°N 120.9398°E / 15.0781; 120.9398 (San Ildefonso)
San Jose del Monte ∗ SJDM 2 LD 17.4% 574,089 454,553 4.55% 105.53 40.75 5,400 14,000 59 14°48′35″N 121°02′49″E / 14.8098°N 121.0469°E / 14.8098; 121.0469 (San Jose del Monte)
San Miguel 3rd 4.7% 153,882 142,854 1.43% 231.40 89.34 670 1,700 49 15°08′45″N 120°58′27″E / 15.1457°N 120.9742°E / 15.1457; 120.9742 (San Miguel)
San Rafael 3rd 2.9% 94,655 85,921 1.86% 152.43 58.85 620 1,600 34 15°01′31″N 120°55′59″E / 15.0253°N 120.9331°E / 15.0253; 120.9331 (San Rafael)
Santa Maria 4th 7.8% 256,454 218,351 3.11% 90.92 35.10 2,800 7,300 24 14°49′13″N 120°57′38″E / 14.8204°N 120.9606°E / 14.8204; 120.9606 (Santa Maria)
Total 3,292,071 2,924,433 2.28% 2,796.10 1,079.58 1,200 3,100 569 (see GeoGroup box)
  1. ^ Former names are italicized.
  2. ^ Coordinates mark the city/town center, and are sortable by latitude.
  3. Malolos: converted into a city under Republic Act No. 8754; ratified on October 8, 2002.
  4. Meycauayan: converted into a city under Republic Act No. 9356; ratified on December 10, 2006.
  5. San Jose del Monte: converted into a city under Republic Act No. 8797; ratified on September 10, 2000.

Demographics

Population census of
Bulacan
YearPop.±% p.a.
1948 394,000—    
1960 515,000+2.26%
1970 738,000+3.66%
1975 900,000+4.06%
1980 1,096,000+4.02%
1990 1,505,219+3.22%
1995 1,784,441+3.24%
2000 2,234,088+4.94%
2007 2,826,926+3.30%
2010 2,924,433+1.24%
2015 3,292,071+2.28%
Source: National Statistics Office[4][19][19]

The population of Bulacan in the 2015 census was 3,292,071 people,[4] making it the second most populous province in the country. It had a density of 1,200 inhabitants per square kilometre or 3,100 inhabitants per square mile, the country's 4th highest for a province.

On 1 May 2010, the province had 2,924,433 inhabitants with an annual population growth rate of 2.73 from the year 2000 to 2010,[19] There were 588,693 households in the province with an average size of 4.8 persons. Bulacan had a median age of 23 years in 2007.[20]

Languages and ethnicity

As it is part of the Tagalog cultural sphere (Katagalugan), Tagalog is the predominant language of Bulacan. Some inhabitants also speak Kapampangan (which is the main language of neighboring Pampanga), especially in areas close to the border of Pampanga.

Religion

Roman Catholic is the predominant religion with 88% adherence in the province. Other Christian groups include the Aglipayans, Born-again Christians, Church of God (Ang Dating Daan), Baptists, Jehovah's Witnesses, Iglesia ni Cristo (INC), Methodists, Presbyterians, Mormons, Seventh-day Adventist and other small Charismatic Christian groups. Muslims and other small number of non-Christian groups are also present.

Economy

Industries

The province of Bulacan is steadily becoming industrialized due to its proximity to Metro Manila. Many corporations put up industrial plants and site in Bulacan. Some of the businesses and industries include agribusiness; aquaculture; banking; cement bag making; ceramics; construction; courier; education; food/food processing; furniture; garments; gifts, houseware & decors; hospitals; hotels, resorts & restaurants; information and communications technology; insurance; jewelry; leather & leather tanning; manpower; manufacturing; marble; printing press; pyrotechnics & fireworks manufacturing; realty/real property development; shoe manufacturing; textile; trade; transport services; travel & tours.

Agribusiness & aquaculture

The rural areas still mostly depend on agriculture (in the plains) and fisheries (in the coastal areas) as a source of income. Some of the major crops are rice, corn, vegetables, and fruits such as mangoes; and various kinds of fishes and seafoods. Orchid farming by Golden Bloom Orchids at Brgy. Maguinao, San Rafael, Bulacan

Banking and finance

Bulacan is served by all major banks with more than 200 banks doing business in the province. The entrepreneureal culture is supported by the strong cooperative movement with total assest of over PhP 2 Billion.

Industrial estate and parks

This is a partial list of industrial sites in the province:

  • First Bulacan Industrial City — Malolos City
  • Intercity Industrial Estate — Wakas, Bocaue
  • Bulacan Agro-Industrial Subdivision — Calumpit
  • Bulacan Metro Warehouse (BMW) Center — Guiguinto
  • Horizon IT Park - San Jose del Monte[21]
  • Meycauayan Industrial Subd. I, II, III & IV — Meycauayan
  • Meridian Industrial Compound — Meycauayan
  • Muralla Industrial Project — Meycauayan
  • First Velenzuela Industrial Compound — Meycauayan
  • Sterling Industrial Park Phase I, II, III & IV — Meycauayan
  • Grand Industrial Estate — Plaridel
  • Sapang Palay Industrial Estates — San Jose del Monte
  • Agus Development Corporation — Santa María
  • Bulacan ICT Park — Marilao[22]
  • Golden City Business Park — Wakas, Bocaue
  • Sterling Industrial Park — Marilao

Income

Bulacan got the top place for "LGU's with Highest Gross Income" (PhP 1,717,600,000.00) and "Top Spender by LGU's" (PhP 1,349,420,000.00), and third (3rd) among the "Top Provinces with Generated Biggest Net Income" (PhP 368,180,000.00) according to the 2006 ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT - LOCAL GOVERNMENTS of the Commission of Audit.[23] The first time to top the perennial top placer, which was the Province of Cebu.[24]

The province got the top place for "LGU's with Highest Gross Income" (PhP 1,807,600,000.00), second (2nd) in "Top Spender by LGU's" (PhP 1,372,160,000.00), and third (3rd) among the "Top Provinces with Generated Biggest Net Income" (PhP 434,830,000.00) according to the 2007 ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT - LOCAL GOVERNMENTS of the Commission of Audit.[25]

Based on the Commission of Audit's 2008 Annual Financial Report for Local Governments, the province's total gross income had increased to PhP 1,965,633,000.00 (including the subsidies and extra items). Its expenses had also increased to PhP 1,641,325,000.00, which brings a total net income of PhP 324,308,000.00.[26]

This is the list of the top income earners in Bulacan from 2010 to 2012:

Transportation

Portion of the North Luzon Expressway in Guiguinto.

Bulacan is dubbed as "The Gateway to the Northern Philippines". The province is linked with Metro Manila primarily through the North Luzon Expressway and Manila North Road (better known as the MacArthur Highway) which crosses the province into Pampanga and western part of Northern Luzon (western Central Luzon, Ilocos and Cordillera Administrative Region). While taking the Cagayan Valley Road in Guiguinto, the road leads to Nueva Ecija and to the eastern part of Northern Luzon (eastern Central Luzon and Cagayan Valley Region). Bulacan will be accessed by the future C-6 Road connecting the provinces of Rizal and Cavite and the cities of Taguig, Parañaque and Muntinlupa in Metro Manila.

The MacArthur Highway traverses the province from north to south. Most major towns can be reached through the North Luzon Expressway. A good number of motor vehicles owned largely by private individuals provide mobility to Bulacan's populace. Aside from five main highways that traverse the province, all roads are widely dispersed throughout Bulacan.

Bus terminals of Baliwag Transit Inc., Golden Bee Transport and Logistics Corp., California Bus Line, Sampaguita Liner and Royal Eagle are in Baliuag, Balagtas and Hagonoy. The main bus lines of Philippine Rabbit, Victory Liner, Aladdin Transit that originate from their main terminals in Manila, Pasay and Quezon City and travel northward to cities and towns in Pampanga, Tarlac and Zambales, pass through Bulacan via the Tabang exit. Other bus companies that travel to Bulacan include Baliwag Transit, First North Luzon, Five Star, Agila Transport, Phil. Corinthian, Mersan, Mayamy, RJ Express. Bulacan is the home of its pride, the one of the biggest bus lines in luzon, the Baliwag Transit Inc. which headquarters in Baliuag, Bulacan hence its name.

Public transportation within the province, like in most of the urban areas in the Philippines, is facilitated mostly using inexpensive jeepneys and buses. Tricycles are used for short distances.

Education

College of Information and Communications Technology (Bulacan State University)

The province is home to several nationally recognized public and private educational institutions such as Baliuag University (First school granted full autonomy in Region 3), the Bulacan State University (Main & Satellite Campuses), Bulacan Agricultural State College (San Ildefonso & DRT Campus), Polytechnic University of the Philippines (Sta. Maria Extension Campus and Pulilan Campus) La Consolacion University Philippines and Centro Escolar University (Malolos Campus)

Primary and intermediate

Bulacan has a total of 473 public Elementary schools, 435 public schools under the Department of Education (DepEd) Division of Bulacan and 38 public schools under the Division of City Schools of Malolos.

Secondary

Bulacan has a total of 68 public high schools, national and provincial. Sixty-five (65) under the Department of Education (DepEd) Division of Bulacan and three (3) public high schools under the Division of City Schools of Malolos. Division of City Schools of MEycauayan has (4) public high schools.

Private schools

There are many privately owned (by individual or group) and church-operated schools established in the city. Private schools in the province are member of Bulacan Private Schools Association (BULPRISA) While in Malolos, private schools are organized as Malolos City Private Schools Association (MACIPRISA). In Meycauayan, private schools are organized as Meycauayan City Private Schools Association (MEYCIPRISA)

Bulacan Provincial Capitol at Malolos City

Government

Further information: Governor of Bulacan

Current government officials (2010–2013)

Governor
Vice Governor
Provincial Board Members
  • First District
    • Therese Cheryll B. Ople
    • Felix V. Ople
    • Allan P. Andan
  • Second District
    • Atty. Enrique V. dela Cruz, Jr.
    • Ma. Lourdes "Baby Monet" Posadas
  • Third District
    • Rino V. Castro
    • Atty. Emily Viceo
  • Fourth District
    • Alexis Castro
    • Allan Ray A. Baluyot
    • Perlita Delos Santos
Ex-officio Board Members
  • PCL President
    • Josef Andrew T. Mendoza
  • ABC President
    • Mark Cholo I. Violago
  • SK President
    Congressional representatives
    • First District: Jose Antonio "Kuya Jonathan" R. Sy-Alvarado (Liberal)
    • Second District: Gavini C. Pancho (NUP)
    • Third District: Lorna Silverio (NUP)
    • Fourth District: Linabelle Ruth R. Villarica (Liberal)
    • Lone District of San Jose del Monte: Florida "Rida" P. Robes (Liberal)

    Official seal

    Five symbols are incorporated into the official seal of the province, each representing a facet of Bulacan's history and people:[30]

    • Mountains — represents the Kakarong and Biak-na-bato hills, site of the Pact of Biak na Bato
    • Church — Barasoain Church, birthplace of the very first Constitucion Politica Filipina (Malolos Constitution) and site of the proclamation of the First Philippine Republic
    • Flower — Sampaguita (Jasminum sambac), provincial flower
    • Bamboo enclosure — reflects the Bulakenyo Spirit- resilient and strong against "typhoons"
    • Thorns — reflects the bravery of Bulakenyos

    Recent events

    Bulacan ₱11-billion bulk water supply project

    On December 12, 2007, Bulacan and the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) signed an agreement for the development of an ₱11-billion bulk water supply project. Ayala-owned Manila Water Co. Inc. will implement the project. MWSS and Manila Water will provide a financial package of an infrastructure grant, a ₱10-million development assistance and a ₱10-million royalty fee to the towns of Norzagaray and Doña Remedios Trinidad, which will host the water supply project.[31]

    ICT Park jobs allotment

    Bulacan Governor Joselito Mendoza announced before thousands of students who graduated from the College of Information and Communication Technology of the Bulacan State University that 3,000 jobs will be allotted for the Business Processing Outsourcing and call center company (PLDT) that will be built in the Marilao, Bulacan ICT Park, a special economic zone. Mendoza said 300 Information Technology graduates will be employed by Bulacan government for the general revision of the Capitolyo computerization, particularly the Bulacan Satellite-Based Geographic Information System (SBGIS) Project. (PIA-Bulacan).[22]

    2008 WDACL and ABK2 - TEACh project

    A 4-year school project for child workers highlighted the Philippines' observance of 2008 World Day Against Child Labor (WDACL). Accordingly, representatives of the DOLE, WDF, CCF, and other social partners in the national drive against child labor gathered at the Bulacan State University (BSU) to mark the WDACL on June 13, 2008. The ABK2 (Pag-aaral ng mga Bata Para sa Kinabukasan) or TEACh (Take Every Action for Children) project will be implemented with grants from the United States Department.[32]

    Notable points of interest

    Meycauayan
    Malolos
    Obando
    Marilao
    Bocaue
    Santa Maria
    Bulakan
    Plaridel
    Norzagaray
    Baliuag
    Bustos
    Angat
    Hagonoy
    Calumpit
    San Rafael
    San Miguel
    San Jose Del Monte
    • Mount Balabag
    • Kaytitinga Falls
    • VS Orchid Farm
    • Starmall San Jose Del Monte
    • SM City San Jose Del Monte
    • Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto Shrine

    See also

    References

    1. ↑ "Central Luzon Region". Province of Bulacan. Retrieved 18 March 2016.
    2. 1 2 PromdiNEWS: Bulacan celebrates 435th founding year
    3. ↑ "List of Provinces". PSGC Interactive. Makati City, Philippines: National Statistical Coordination Board. Archived from the original on 21 January 2013. Retrieved 10 October 2013.
    4. 1 2 3 4 5 "Region III (CENTRAL LUZON)". Census of Population (2015): Total Population by Province, City, Municipality and Barangay (Report). PSA. Retrieved 20 June 2016.
    5. ↑ The Spaniards' First 50 Years in the Philippines, 1565-1615 | A Sourcebook
    6. ↑ Historical Markers, Regions I-IV and CAR, NHI ,1993 p. 297
    7. ↑ CRÓNICA DE LAS ISLAS FILIPINAS, by Don Fernando Fulgosio, Rubio, Grilo y Vitturi, Madrid, 1871 p.71
    8. ↑ Apuntes Interesantes sobre LAS ISLAS FILIPINAS... Imprenta de EL PUEBLO, Madrid 1869, p. 79
    9. ↑ Informe sobre el estado de las Islas Filipinas en 1842, Tomo 1, Madrid 1843, p. 139
    10. ↑ D. Angstanle Gouzaga, Estados de la Oblacion de Filipinas Correpsondiente a el ano de 1818, NO. III P. 3
    11. ↑ Biblioteca de LEGISLACION ULTRA MARINA, Tomo 2 Letras B. C. IMprenta de Alegria y Charlain, Madrid 1844, p. 105
    12. ↑ Catalogo de los religiosos de N.P.S. Agustin de la Provincia del Smo Nombre de Jesus de Filipinas, Imp. De Ramirez Y Giraudier, Manila, 1864. p. 240
    13. ↑ Census of the Philippine Islands: 1918 Volume I, Geography, History, and Climatology, Census Office of the Philippine Islands, Bureau of Printing, 1920. p. 113
    14. ↑ Andres, Tomas (2003). Understanding the Values of the Bulakeños (Book Three). Quezon city, Philippines: Giraffe Book. ISBN 971-8832-74-2.
    15. 1 2 3 "Province: Bulacan". PSA. Philippines: National Statistical Coordination Board. Retrieved 8 January 2016.
    16. ↑ Mt. Oriod Summit - Hiking trip | EveryTrail
    17. ↑ abs-cbnnews.com, New landfill opens in Norzagaray, Bulacan
    18. ↑ "Weather forecast for Bulacan, Philippines". Storm247. Retrieved 30 January 2016.
    19. 1 2 3 4 "Region III (CENTRAL LUZON)". Census of Population and Housing (2010): Total Population by Province, City, Municipality and Barangay (Report). NSO. Retrieved 29 June 2016.
    20. ↑ BULACAN'S TOTAL POPULATION APPROACHED THREE MILLION PERSONS (Results from the 2007 Census of Population)
    21. ↑ Amojelar, Darwin (April 26, 2015). "ABS-CBN builds 10 soundstages in Bulacan". Manila Standard Today.
    22. 1 2 pia.gov.ph, Gov bares need for 3,000 grads for Bulacan ICT park project
    23. ↑ http://www.coa.gov.ph/Reports/AFR/2006AFR-LGUs.asp 2006 ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT OF LOCAL GOVERNMENTS (Provinces, Cities and Municipalities) Volume III-A (full text report) Pages 44, 53 & 58
    24. ↑ http://web.archive.org/web/20110607104523/http://www.mb.com.ph/issues/2008/01/13/PROV20080113114323.html
    25. ↑ http://www.coa.gov.ph/Reports/AFR/2007AFR-Local-Vol3-A.pdf 2007 ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT OF LOCAL GOVERNMENTS (Provinces, Cities and Municipalities) Volume III-A (full text report) Pages 42, 43, 50, & 55
    26. ↑ 2008 ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENTS
    27. 1 2 - Annual Audit Report
    28. ↑
    29. ↑
    30. ↑ Andres, Tomas (2003). Understanding the Values of the Bulakeños (Book Three). Quezon City, Philippines: Giraffe Books. p. 9. ISBN 971-8832-74-2.
    31. ↑ Abs-Cbn, Bulacan govt, MWSS ink deal on bulk water supply project
    32. ↑ gmanews.tv, DOLE to start school project for child workers
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