Region 3 - Central Luzon

Region 03 is bestowed with a combination of towering mountings, extinct and active volcanoes, lush verdant
farmlands, and natural sea harbours.
Region 03 is composed of 7 provinces, 13 cities, 116 municipalities, and 3102 barangays.
Resources
• Central Luzon has both timber and mineral. Both metallic and non-metallic resources are found in the
region.Bataan is known for its copper deposits while refractory chromite, gold and marble may be extracted
from Zambalis and Bulacan.Fertile rice lands, melon patches and fishponds can be found along rivers and
tributaries. The region accounts for the third largest aquaculture production in the philippines
Languages: IloKo, tagalog, Kapampangan, Zamal,English

Central Luzon also known as Region III, is an administrative division or region of the Republic of the Philippines,
primarily serve to organize the 7 provinces of the vast central plain of the island of Luzon (the largest island), for
administrative convenience. The region contains the largest plain in the country and produces most of the country's
rice supply (Rice Bowl of the Philippines). Its provinces are: Aurora, Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga,
Tarlac, and Zambales.
The City of San Fernando, in Pampanga, is the regional center.

FILIPINO CONTEMPORARY WRITERS

1.FRANCISCO BALAGTAS(Francisco Balagtas y de la Cruz)
He is promient filipino poet, and is widely considered as one of the greatest filipino literary laureate for
impact on filipino literature.The famous epic, FLORANTE AT LAURA(‘Celia’ and ‘mar’, is regarrded as his
defining work. An awut (metrical narrative poem with dodecasyllabic quantrains (12 syllables per line, 4 lines per
stanza) balagtas masterpiece.
2. TOMAS F. AGULTO
he further honed his poetic skills as a member galian as arte at tula, and went on to work on various jobs,
specially in non-government sector, in pursuit of his own maturity.His poetry collections :Lagi Na’y kailangan kong
gumising nang maaga at Iba pang Pagddilidili( Always I have to wake up early and other rediections,1981)
His Essay -Ang Mga badjaw sa Tungkalang(The bajao of tungkalang,1988)
His Short Story- Ang walang lubay na istasyon ng pagasa (The Undending Station of Hope and Search
3. Emilio Mar Antonio
He was a poet and fictionist.
He wrote three novels in verse: Lakandupil, Nakaluping Dahon and Perlas sa Putikan. He wrote Magat, Ama ng
Lahing Kayumanggi, a novel, in prose with Macario Pineda as co-atuhor. They were all published in Liwayway. His
Birang na May Luha was published in 1949.
In 1937, Mar Antonio won a gold medal in the annual choice by the Kapisanang Ilaw ng Bayan in Bulacan for his
poem, “Ang Nayon Ko.” He was proclaimed poet laureate by the Kapisanang Diwang Ginto for his poem, “Ilaw.”,
and by Liwayway in 1938. He also won in the first balagtasan to be aired on radio besting opponents Fernando
Monleon and Francisco Paño. The topic was Sino ang Higit na Dapat Mahalin: Ina, Asawa o Anak?
4. Virgilio V. Vitug
Poet, essayist, journalist, scriptwriter. In 1990 he became executive producer of the TV program Mag-agri Tayo, a
correspondent of the Asian Reviewer, and associate editor of The Filipino, both London-based periodicals and
contributor ofThe Entrepreneur. He was also head writer of ABS-CBN’s “Pipol” and “Off the Record” and ANC’s
“By Demand.”

PROVINCES:
Aurora- Baler
Bataan- Balanga city
Bulacan -Malolos
Nueva Ecija -Palayan city
Pampanga- San fernando
Tarlac- Tarlac city
Zambales- Iba
Aurora was transferred from Region IV by Executive Order No. 103.
Aurora –“ Land of Golden Rice ”or “Gateway to the Pacific”
Beyond the lush forest of the Sierra Madre mountains lies a splendid land so unbelievably rich and untouched
Aurora, otherwise known as the “Sanctuary of Nature’s Splendor.”
The Sierra Madre mountain range covers a large part of the province of Aurora. In fact, next to the Aurora
coastline, it is the place where flora and fauna are most concentrated. Waterfalls, rivers, crystal clear streams of
varying sizes are located within, if not adjacent to, the area of the Sierra Madre mountain. Special interest trips such
as mountain climbing, safari, bird watching, ecological studies, or even as simple as picnics could be rolled into one
by taking the trails recommended by local nature trekkers in the area.
When the northeast monsoon winds blow and the usual tranquil white beaches are transformed into
deathtraps by angry waves, it is time to come to Aurora to ride the waves on a surfboard
Geography
Aurora has a total land area of 308,122 hectares. Its main link to the rest of Luzon is a narrow mountain gravel road
twisting across the Sierra Madre mountain ranges between Baler and the municipality of Bongabon in Nueva Ecija.
Language / Dialect
The province speaks predominantly Tagalog, and in some parts, Ilocano. The working population is fluent in
both the English and Filipino languages.
Major Industries
Aurora’s basic economy is agricultural; copra and rice are the principal products. Weaving, especially of
buntal hats, is an important cottage industry.
History
The province was named after Aurora Quezon, born in Baler and wife of Manuel L. Quezon, the first president
of the Philippine Commonwealth.
Aurora was first explored by Juan de Salcedo in 1571 when he reached Casiguran and Baler from Laguna. In
1609, a Franciscan mission was founded in Baler. In 1735, Baler was destroyed by a tidal wave from the Pacific
Ocean. The surviving inhabitants decided to move to higher ground. In 1814, the village of Binondo was founded
away from the coast.
Baler was a part of Nueva Ecija until 1902, when it was ceded to Tayabas (now Quezon province). During the
Commonwealth period, when President Quezon unexpectedly visited Binondo, he named it Aurora in honor of his
wife.
In 1951, municipalities now comprising the province were organized into Aurora, then a sub-province of what
had become Quezon. The municipality of Aurora was changed to Maria Aurora.
On August 13, 1979, Aurora became a separate province by virtue of Batas Pambansa No. 7.
Tourist spot
SABANG BEACH
CUNAYAN FALLS
Sierra Madre Mountains
Festival
Suman Festival
Sabutan Festival
Delicacies/Foods
Suman
Coco Jam
Peanut Butter

Bataan – Philippines occupying the whole portion of Bataan peninsula on Luzon

Discover the magic of the Philippines’ Third Region with this amazing historical and cultural province, only an
hour by ferryboat across the bay from Manila. Until recently not a traditional tourist destination, Bataan is now
proving to be a tourist haven boasting a multitude of exciting places to visit, and interesting things to do. The
province has much to offer – a rich culture and history, the beauty of unspoilt beaches, and a warm hospitality that is
truly Filipino.
Geography
Bataan is the peninsula in the western part of Luzon that shields the Manila Bay on its south and east from the
South China Sea on its west. Zambales and Pampanga form its boundaries on the north.
Language / Dialect
Tagalog is the main language and is widely used, followed by Pampango and Ilocano.
Major Industries
 Cattle and carabao fattening, hog raising, and poultry industry, especially broilers and ducks and egg
production,
History
Bataan was established in 1754 by Governor General Pedro Manuel Arandia out of territories belonging to
Pampanga and the corregimiento of Mariveles, which at the time included Maragondon in Cavite across the bay
The province had had more than its share of significant historical events. In 1647, Dutch Naval Forces
attempting to invade the country perpetrated the Abucay massacre in one of its towns. In the late 1700s, the dreaded
Chinese private Limahong used Lusong Point on the western sides as the landing place to launch his conquest of
Luzon. In the Philippine Revolution of 1896, Bataan joined the other provinces in Luzon, which revolted against
Spanish rule.
It was during World War II, however, that Bataan attained notoriety that would find it a place in the annals of
world history. Under heavy aircraft and artillery shelling from the invading Japanese forces, the beleaguered
Filipino-American troops valiantly defended this last bastion until the historic “Fall of Bataan” on April 9, 1942.
Tourist Attractions:
Zero Km. Death March Marker
Dunsulan Falls
Pasukulan Falls
Mt. Samat Shrine
Festivals
Banga Festival
Pakiwan Festival
Delicacies
Ukoy and Ginataang laing

Bulacan - Land Of Heroes

Feel the heart and soul of the Philippines in Bulacan. Its history and tradition, its land, its culture, and its
people, live and breathe Filipino. Truly a melting pot of the past and the present, the old and the new, the
countryside and the urbane – that is Bulacan.
The province is noted as the land of heroes. Bulacan is the home province of some of the nation’s
celebrated heroes: Francisco Baltazar (Balagtas), “The Prince of Filipino Poets,” Marcelo H. Del Pilar,
“The Great Propagandist,” and Gregorio del Pilar, “The Hero of Tirad Pass.” It is reputed for beautiful
women, progressive cooperatives, small and medium scale industries. It is known for excellent
craftsmanship as in its jewelries, leather crafts, and garments.
The province has emerged into a reputable resort haven of Luzon. Just a few minutes north of Manila by
car, Bulacan resorts provide an accessible and welcome respite from the pressures of city life.
History
The province’s name is derived from the Tagalog word “bulak” meaning cotton, which was its former
principal product.
Bulacan started with small fishing settlements along the coast of Manila Bay and expanded into the interior
with the coming of the Spaniards. These settlements formed the nuclear of towns that were founded from
1572 (Bulacan and Calumpit) to 1750 (San Rafael). In 1848, the town of San Miguel was annexed to
Bulacan from Pampanga.
Bulacan was one of the first eight provinces to rise against Spanish rule. The first phase of the Philippine
Revolution ended with the signing of the Pact of Biak-na-Bato in San Miguel in 1897 between the Filipinos
and the Spaniards, after which Aguinaldo was exiled to Hong Kong. The second phase saw the drafting of
the constitution of the first Philippine republic by the Malolos Congress at Barasoain Church in 1898. The
subsequently established republic had its capital at Malolos until President Emilio Aguinaldo transferred it
to San Isidro, Nueva Ecija in 1899 when the Filipino-American war broke out.
When the Americans established a civil government in the Philippines, they held the first election in the
country in the town of Baliuag, Bulacan on May 6, 1899.
Bulacan is the home province of some of the nation’s celebrated heroes: Francisco Baltazar (Balagtas),
“The Prince of Filipino Poets,” Marcelo H. Del Pilar, “The Great Propagandist,” and Gregorio del Pilar,
“The Hero of Tirad Pass.
Geography
Bulacan is in the southwestern part of Central Luzon. It is bounded on the north by Nueva Ecija, on the east
by Aurora and Quezon, on the west by Pampanga, and on the south by Rizal, Metro Manila, and the Manila Bay.
Language/Dialects
Other dialects used by the townfolks are Waray, Ilocano, Bicolano, and Kapampangan.
Major Industries
including leather tanning, cement bag making, ceramic textiles, food processing, shoe making, and many
others. Rice is the principal crop, followed by corn, vegetables, and fruits.
Tourist Attractions:
Biak-na-Bato
Casa Real Shrine
Festivals
Pulilan Carabao
Delicacies
Puto Bumbong
Suman Bulacan
Yema Pastillas
Meringue

Nueva ecija-“the province is the largest in Central Luzon. Its Terrain begins with the southwestern marshes near the
Pampanga border.”
Nueva Ecija was created as a military commandancia in 1777 by Governor General Narciso Claveria, with the
capital at Baler (present-day capital of Aurora province). It was formerly part of the province of Pampanga. Spanish
records in the Philippines recognize two Spanish countries in the Pacific--Las Islas Filipinas and Nueva Ecija. From
1777 to 1917, Nueva Ecija’s territory was however subdivided to give way to the creation of other provinces
Geographic
•Total land area of 5,751.33 square kilometers
•North: Nueva Viscaya
•South: Bulacan
•East: Aurora
•West: Tarlac
•Southwest: Pampanga
•Northwest: Pangasinan
History
•1777 Nueva Ecijawas created as a military commandaciaby Governor General Claveria, with the capital
Joseanat Baler, now part of Aurora.
•1942 During WWII the Imperial Japanese Army entered the province and Nueva Ecijawas taken.
•March 29, 1942 under the leadership of Luis Taruc the Hukbalahapwas organized in SitioBawit, Barrio
San Juan in the town of Cabiao.
•1896 Nueva Ecijabecame one of the first provinces to revolt against Spanish rule
•1898 declared its independence.
Tourist spot
Chruch of Penaranda
Minalungao park
Gapan
Festival
Palay Festival
Foods
Suman sa lihiya
Duro-duro

Pampanga-“Culinary of the philippines”

The province has a total land area of 218,068 hectares representing 12 percent of Regions III total area. It is
composed of 21 municipalities with 538 barangays and one city.
Geographic
•Total land area of 2,062.47 square kilometers
•North: Tarlac& Nueva Ecija
•East: Bulacan
•South: Bataan
 •West Zambales
History
It was the first province in the island of Luzon inaugurated by the Spaniards.It was founded on December
11, 1571 in the same year the city of Manila was established by Miguel Lopez de Leagzpias the seat of the
national government.1848 the old Pampanga towns of Aliaga, Cabiao, Gapan, San Antonio and San Isidro
were ceded to the province of Nueva Ecijaduring the term of Spanish governor-general NarcisoClavieray
Zaldua.November 11, 1849 Clavieraissued a decree to systematize the selection and registration of names
of the Filipino people.
Tourist attraction
Mt. Pinatubo
Fort stotsenburg
Foods
Pastillas de leche
Pastillas de mocha
Bulanglang kapangpangan
Festival
Giant lantern

Tarlac-“Melting pot of Central Luzon” and “sugar Capital of the philippines”

Tarlac was originally a part of the provinces of Pangasinan and Pampanga. It was the last Central Luzon province to
be organized under the Spanish regime in 1874. During the Philippine Revolution of 1896, Tarlac was one of the
first eight provinces to rise in arms against Spain.
Geographic
•Total land area of 3,053.60 square kilometers
•South: Pampanga
•East: Nueva Ecija
•North: Pangasinan
•West: Zambales
history
•1896 Tarlacwas among the first eight provinces to rise against Spain.
•1901 a civil government was established in the province.
•April 9, 1942 during WWII, Camp O’Donnell in Capasbecame the terminal point of the infamous Bataan
death march of Filipino and American soldiers who surrendered at Bataan.
•Early 1950s Tarlac became a hotbed for the hukbalahap, a local communist movement headed by
BenignoAquino Sr., father of the late NinoyAquino.
Tourist attraction
Camiling Musuem
Hacienda Luisita
Festival
Kanlahi

Food
Pancit malabon, Palabok

Zambales-“2ndlargest among the 7 provinces of central Luzon’ and “ Also known as Mango Capital of the
Philippines”
geographic
•Total land area of 3,830.83 square kilometers
•North: Pangasinan
•East: Tarlac& Pampanga
•South: Bataan •West: South China Sea
History
•1572, Zambaleswas 1stexplored by the Spanish led by Juan de Salcedo
•Earliest towns founded were: Subic (1572), Botolan(1572), Masinloc(1607), Iba(1611) & Santa Cruz
(1612)
Tourist attraction
Capones Island
Cooc Lake
Foods
Bagnet
Ginipa
festival
Dinamulag mango festival
Folk song
ATIN CU PUNG SINGSING
-This may very well be the national hymm of Pampanga, as this plaintive folk song about the promis of a girl to her
heart to man who finds her lost ring-is known all over the country.

Atin cu pung singsing I had a ring

Metung yang timpucan With a beautiful gem
Amana que iti I inherited it
Quin indung ibatan From my mother
Sancan queng sininup I kept it very well
Queng metung a caban In a chest
Mewala ya iti But it just disappeared
E cu camalayan Without my noticing
Legend
Legend of olonggapo- derived from ulo ng apo
Lgend of alitaptap-
Lgend of Mt. Pinatubo
SHORT STORY
SUAN THE GOOD GUESSER
SUAN’S GOOD LUCK
Narrated by Macaria Garcia
There was once an old woman who had an only son named Suan. Suan was a clever, sharp-witted boy. His
mother sent him to school. Instead of going to school, however, Suan climbed up the tree that stood by the roadside.
As soon as his mother had passed by from the market, Suan hurried home ahead of her. When she reached home, he
cried, “Mother, I know what you bought in the market today.” He told her, article by article. This same thing
happened so repeatedly, that his mother began to believe in his skill as a diviner.
One day the ring of the datu’s daughter disappeared. All the people in the locality searched for it, but in
vain. The datu called for volunteers to find the lost ring, and he offered his daughter’s hand as a prize to the one who
should succeed. Suan’s mother heard of the proclamation. So she went to palace and presented suan to the datu.
“well, suan, tomorrow tell me where the ring is,” said the datu. “yes, my lord, I will tell you, if you will give your
soldiers over to m for tonight,” suan replied, “you shall have everything you need.” Sad the datu
That evening suan ordered the soldiers to stand around him in a semicircle. When all were ready, suan
pointed at each one of them, and said, “the ring is her, and nowhere else.” It so happened that suan fixed his eyes on
the guilty soldier, who irembled and became pale. “ I know who has it,” said suan. Then he ordered them to retire.
Late in the night this soldier came to suan, and said, “I will get the ring you are in search of, and will give it to you if
you will promise me my safety””give it to me, and you shall be safe,” said Suan.
Very early the next morning suan came to the palace with a turkey in his arms “where is the ring?” the datu
demanded. “why, sir, it is in this turkey’s intestines,” suan replied. The turkey was then killed, and the ring was
found inside it. “you have done very well, suan. Now you shall have my daughter’s hand.” Said the datu. So suan
became the princess’s husband.
One day the datu proposed a bet with anyone who wished to prove suan’s skill. Accordingly another datu
came. He offered to bet seven cascos of treasure that suan could not tell the number of seeds that wee in his orange.
Suan did not know what to do. At midnight he went secretly to the cascos. Here he heard their conversation, and
from it he learned the number of seeds in the orange. In the morning suan said boastfully, “I tell you, your orange
has nine seeds.” Thus suan won the whole treasure. Hoping to recover his loss, the datu came again. This time he
had with him fourteen cascos full of gold. He asked suan to tell him what was inside his golden ball, suan did not
know what to say. So in the dead of night he went out to the cascos, but he could learn nothing there. the next
morning suan was summoned into the presence of the two datus. He had noidea whatever as to ehat was in the ball;
so he said scornfully, “nonsense!” “that is right, that is right!” shouted a man. “the ball contains nine cents.”
Consequently suan won the fourteen cascos full of gold from now on, nobody doubted suan’s merit
BELIEFS AND PRACTICES
Courtship and marriage
Pamanhikan
Death and burial
Makipaglame
Libing(interment)
Pasiyam
Lukas paldas
Pangadi
On beliefs
Nunu
Mangkukulam
Tianaka
Dwende
Kapre
magkukutud