SAN SIMON

San Simon is a first-class, landlocked municipality in the 4th district of Pampanga, Central Luzon, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 59,182 residents and spans an area of approximately 57.37 square kilometers, positioning it as a moderately sized local government unit in the province

Situated between San Luis to the north and Apalit to the south, San Simon shares borders with neighboring municipalities such as Mexico, Calumpit, and Minalin, and is conveniently accessible via the NLEX–San Simon exit, about 7 km from San Fernando and 58 km from Manila

Named in honor of Governor-General Simón de Anda y Salazar and Saint Peter the Apostle, the town was originally founded on November 15, 1771, evolving from the farming village “Barrio Del Pilar,” which Don Mariano del Pilar de los Reyes established in 1770. It became a separate municipality after a brief merger with San Luis (1904–1907), with its boundaries formalized in 1920

San Simon’s economy balances agriculture—notably rice, poultry, fishing, and swine—as well as a growing industrial sector with light to medium industries, tapping into its strategic location within Central Luzon’s “W” growth corridor

The town takes pride in the historic Nuestra Señora del Pilar Parish Church, built by Fr. Benito Ubierna in 1870 in Baroque style, featuring a stone nave and belltower. The original convent dates to April 20, 1771; however, both were destroyed by fire in 1898 and rebuilt in 1979 through support from prominent local families.

Cultural life in San Simon is rich and community-oriented. Its founding anniversary on November 15 is celebrated with the colorful Sun‑See‑Moon Festival, a street-dancing pageant showcasing symbolic themes. Other events include the Aguman Sanduk, Tigtigan Terakan keng Dalan, fluvial processions honoring St. Peter, and various religious feasts tied to local culture.

Local pride extends to traditional crafts—pottery, earthenware jars ("paso"), wood carving, ceramic tiles, and steel work—alongside modern small-scale manufacturing that underscores the municipality’s growth.

San Simon celebrates two patronal feasts each year: October 12 for Our Lady of the Pillar, and June 29 for Saint Peter the Apostle, honoring its dual spiritual heritage