Wiki: Apalit - upcScavenger

Apalit, officially the Municipality of Apalit (; ), is a municipality in the province of Pampanga, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 117,160 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 (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 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 City.

Barangays

Apalit is politically subdivided into 12 barangays, as shown below. Each barangay consists of and some have sitios.

Balucuc (Nuestra Señora de la Divina Pastora)
Calantipe (Santo Niño)
Cansinala (Nuestra Señora del Rosario)
Capalangan (Holy Cross)
Colgante (Holy Family)
Paligui (Chair of St. Peter / Apung Iru)
Sampaloc (San Roque)
San Juan (San Juan Nepomuceno) (Poblacion)
San Vicente (San Vicente Ferrer) (Business District)
Sucad (Santa Lucia)
Sulipan (Christ the Eternal High Priest)
Tabuyuc (Santo Rosario)

Climate

Demographics

In the 2020 census, the population of Apalit, was 117,160 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 (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 the old relationship of Apalit to its mother town Calumpit where San Juan Bautista is the patron of the Town.

The first church and Clergy house 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 (sacristan) to go around town pealing 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 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 (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.

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 (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 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 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 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, 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.Larkin, John A. The Pampangans: Colonial Society in a Philippine Province. University of California Press, 1972.Guerrero, Milagros S. "The Social and Economic History of Central Luzon, 1850-1900". Philippine Studies, vol. 21, no. 1, 1973, pp. 39-61.

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.National Historical Institute. Historical Data Papers: Pampanga.Sicat, Geronimo B. The Economic and Social History of Pampanga: The Making of a Region.

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.Agoncillo, Teodoro A. History of the Filipino People.

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.Henson, Mariano A. The Province of Pampanga and its Towns (A.D. 1300-1955).University of the Philippines, Center for Kapampangan Studies. Research Papers on Kapampangan History and Culture

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.Medina, B. R. Pampanga and Its Cities.

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.Diaz, Ramona S. Pampanga's Rich Heritage: A Cultural History.

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.Paredes, Ruby R. The Macapagal Legacy.

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 (Sangguniang Bayan) 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 (2022-2025):

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

Juan Cudia

Francisco Canda

José Samonte

Lucas Catu

Baltazar Catu

Santiago Vergara

Esteban Ramos

Nicolas Tupay

Lucas Pungsalang

Jacinto Tria

Juan Capulong

Diego Mercado

Pedro Pungsalang

Francisco Simbulan

Juan Mancani

Juan Patio

Miguel Binuya

Cristobal Maggalas

Agustín de la Cruz

Juan Cudia

Lucas Catu

Agustín de la Cruz

Juan Cudia

Pedro Cortez

Gregorio Nocum

Diosdado Pungsalang

Pedro Cortez

José Arceo

Bernabe Nocum

Diosdado Pungsalang

Pedro Pangan

Lorenzo Mananquil

Agustin Torres

Adriano Lumba

Marcos Cudia

Dionisio Pangan

Pedro Catu

Alfonso Patiang

Agustín Gamboa

Marcos Cabrera

José Payabyab

Pedro Yumul

Nicolas Tolentino

Nicolas Pungsalang

Lorenzo Mananquil

Gerónimo Padilla

Tibúrcio Padilla

Pablo Binuya

Juan Bautista de Tabora

Nicolas Ventura

José Umali Centeno

Bonifacio Pungsalang

Pedro Arceo

José Mariano

Felipe Zaplala

Agustín Soliman

José Binuya

Marcos Mananquil

Nicolas Ventura

Simón de Torres

Agustín Gutierrez

Felipe Cuyugan

Pablo Dungca

Francisco Pangan

Estanislao Pagpayo

Matias Bolus

Blashite Balagtas

Fausto Binuya

Leonardo Mamangun

Gregorio Alejo

Lucas Pungsalang

Pedro Joaquin

Pablo Binuya

Bernabe de la Cruz

Pedro Cabrera

Domingo Dungca

Alejo Pangan

Martín Carlos Padilla

Juan Manlapaz

Francisco Binuya

Pablo Zaplala

Diego Mercado

Francisco Binuya

Tomás Lacandula

Nicolas Bautista

Alejandro Gutierrez

Fernando Gutierrez

Feliciano Mananquil

Juan Arcilla

Vicente Cabrera

Pablo Torres

Vicente Atienza

Vicente Ponca

Agustín Cabrera

Juan Serrano

Domingo Ponce

Pablo Mercada

Marcelo Nabal

Victorio Sarmiento

Pantaleón Atienza

Jacinto Pangan

Pedro Mercado

Marcelo Nabal

Mariano Pangan

Anastacio Pablo Yabut

Isidro Ponce

Pablo Mercado

Fulgencio de la Cruz

Manuel Lumba

Pantaleón Tenensa

Felipe García Timbol

Pedro Bonduc

Felix Marcelo García

Juan Serrano

Ambrosio Pungsalang

Feliciano Pangan

José Sioco

Juan de la Cruz

Guillermo Yambao

Manuel Ponce

José Macapagal

Juan Macalino

Vicente Yumul

Luis Dungca

Miguel Cuyugan

Pedro Cabrera

Florentino de la Cruz

Paulo Carlos

Pedro Mamangun

Pedro Balboa Enriquez

Ceferino López

Geronimo Yumul

Mariano Cabrera

Francisco Dungca

José Esteban Yamson

Cayetano Pascual

Francisco Mercado

Florentino Yumul

Tiburcio ?

Nicasio Vergara

Lauriano Vergara

Cayetano Dalusung

Mariano Enriquez

Manuel de la Cruz

José Sioco

Joaquín de la Cruz

Bernardino Dalusung

Juan Arnedo Cruz

Ignacio Balboa

Crisanto Mercado

Alberto Dalusung

Pedro Espíritu

Antonio García

José Medina

León Timbol

Vicente Enriquez

Braulio Pangan

Francisco Vergara

Paulino Dalusung

Balbino Mercado

Pedro Espiritu

Eleuterio Pascual

Cayetano Dalusung

Francisco Pascual

Domingo Carlos

Eleuterio Pascual

Luis Espiritu

Casimiro Medina

Cayetano Dalusung

Casimiro Medina

Macario Arnedo

Cayetano Arnedo

Tiburcio Mercado

Cayetano Arnedo

Vicente Cacnio

Ricardo Dalusung

Pablo Pungsalang

Román Balagtas

Dionisio David

Cornelio Sigua

Patricio Tanjutco

Sotero García

Miguel Catacutan

Patricio Tanjutco

Manuel Reyes

Emilio Pascual

Cornelio Sigua

Moises Catacutan

Alfonso Lugue

Honorio Mercado

Oscar Tetangco

Romeo V. Pamintuan

Oscar Tetangco

Tirso G. Lacanilao

Oscar Tetangco Jr.

Pedro C. Nucom

Oscar Tetangco Jr.

Roads and bridges

MacArthur Highway - The major road going to Apalit.
Sulipan Bridge
Candaba Viaduct - part of the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), 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 (bancas) 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, 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 (Calumpit, Malolos City, and the Guiguinto Tabang Toll Plaza), going to the Metro Manila (including Monumento in Caloocan, Cubao in Quezon City, Divisoria in Manila, and Pasay), 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 Bro) 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