ARAYAT

Arayat is a first-class municipality located in the eastern part of Pampanga, Central Luzon, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, Arayat has a population of 133,492 people, making it one of the more populous towns in the province. The municipality spans an area of approximately 134.41 square kilometers and is subdivided into 30 barangays.

Geographically, Arayat is nestled at the foot of the majestic Mount Arayat, an inactive stratovolcano that is both a natural landmark and cultural symbol. The municipality is bordered by the towns of Magalang and Mexico to the west, Cabiao (Nueva Ecija) to the east, and Candaba to the south. Its location provides natural access to both Pampanga and Nueva Ecija, with major routes including the Jose Abad Santos Avenue (JASA) and other provincial roads supporting connectivity and commerce.

The name "Arayat" is believed to have been derived from Mount Arayat itself, whose origins are steeped in folklore. Local legends often tell stories of the mountain being the home of Sinukuan, a Kapampangan mythical deity, which contributes to the town's rich tradition of storytelling and cultural identity.

Arayat is a blend of agricultural productivity, cultural heritage, and natural beauty. The town's fertile plains are sustained by irrigation from the Pampanga River and are used primarily for rice, corn, and vegetable farming. The foothills of Mount Arayat also provide resources for fruit orchards and livestock farming. Arayat is also home to the Mount Arayat National Park, one of the first national parks established in the Philippines, offering opportunities for hiking, nature exploration, and eco-tourism.

Religious and cultural life in Arayat is deeply rooted in Catholic tradition, with the San Miguel Archangel Parish Church in the town proper serving as a spiritual and historical center. Annual festivities, such as the Feast of San Miguel celebrated every September, draw large crowds and showcase Kapampangan devotion through processions, culinary feasts, and cultural performances.

With a steadily growing population, strategic location, and agricultural strength, Arayat continues to evolve while preserving its connection to its natural surroundings and ancestral customs. The town represents a vital agricultural heartland of Pampanga, where tradition and progress coexist under the watchful gaze of Mount Arayat.