BACOLOR

Bacolor, officially the Municipality of Bacolor, is a 1st-class municipality located in the 2nd district of Pampanga, Central Luzon, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 48,066 and covers a land area of approximately 71.70 square kilometers. Bacolor is situated in the central part of Pampanga, lying on flat lowlands traversed by river channels, and is bordered by San Fernando to the north, Guagua to the south, Lubao to the west, and Santa Rita to the east.

Historically, Bacolor is one of the oldest towns in Pampanga, founded in 1571, and once served as the provincial capital during the Spanish colonial period and briefly as the capital of the Philippines from 1762 to 1764 during the British occupation of Manila. The town’s name is believed to be derived from the word Baculud, referring to the high ground that distinguished it from surrounding areas. Bacolor is renowned for its resilience, especially after the devastating eruption of Mt. Pinatubo in 1991, which buried much of the town under lahar, including its historic church, civic buildings, and ancestral homes.

Economically, Bacolor relies on agriculture—primarily rice and vegetable farming—supported by aquaculture and small-scale poultry and swine production. The municipality continues to rebuild and modernize, with emerging commercial enterprises, construction, and quarrying activities contributing to local revenue. The town’s proximity to the provincial capital, San Fernando, aids in its gradual economic recovery and integration into regional development plans.

Tourism in Bacolor centers on its heritage and lahar legacy. The half-buried San Guillermo Parish Church, originally built in 1576, stands as a poignant reminder of the town’s endurance and has become a pilgrimage and tourist site. Other points of interest include lahar-buried communities, ancestral houses, and the Macabebe-style houses that reflect the town’s colonial past. Cultural pride remains strong through festivals such as the Fiesta of San Guillermo (February) and the Dukit Festival (December), showcasing Bacolor’s woodcarving tradition, crafts, and religious devotion.

Through its deep history, cultural heritage, and remarkable resilience in the face of natural calamities, Bacolor continues to rebuild and assert its place as a symbol of strength and hope in Pampanga.