Mabalacat City, a burgeoning urban area in the province of Pampanga, has rapidly developed over the past five years, offering a gateway to various parts of Luzon from north to south. The city boasts numerous attractions that captivate the eyes of its visitors.
A central hub in Mabalacat is the Dau Terminal, a well-known transportation center serving passengers bound for Metro Manila and northern provinces such as Tarlac, Pangasinan, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Nueva Ecija, La Union, Bataan, and Zambales. Many believe that for a smooth and reliable commute to Central and Northern Luzon, one only needs to head to Dau Terminal, ensuring a safe and pleasant journey to their destinations.
Since its formal declaration as a city on July 21, 2012, Mabalacat has experienced significant growth and development, improving the lives of its residents and enhancing its urban landscape. It stands as the third city of Pampanga, following the City of San Fernando and Angeles City.
Historically, before Spanish colonization, Mabalacat was a simple barrio of Bambang (now Bamban, Tarlac), inhabited by Negritos, also known as Aetas or Balugas. It became an official town in 1792, named after the balacat tree (Ziziphus talanai), a timber tree noted for its antimicrobial properties. In the Kapampangan language, “Ma-balacat” means “full of Balacats.”
Beyond the Dau Terminal, Mabalacat City encompasses a vast area of 83.18 square kilometers, occupying about 90% of the Clark Freeport Zone. This zone, shared with neighboring Angeles City, includes the Clark International Airport and features numerous malls, hotels, casinos, golf courses, parks, restaurants, and resorts.
Tourists should mark their calendars for the annual Caragan Festival, held every February 2nd. The festival is named after Haring Garagan, a village chief who, along with his wife Laureana Tolentino, is believed to have discovered Mabalacat. Additionally, as part of Pampanga, the Christmas capital of the Philippines, Mabalacat City celebrates the holiday season with ‘pastorella,’ a tradition involving the performance of Latin hymns during the nine-day midnight masses, showcasing the parish choir’s operatic talents.
With a population of 250,799, Mabalacat City is not only a vibrant community but also a safe destination for tourists. Despite Pampanga’s susceptibility to flooding, Mabalacat’s elevated, well-drained plain, known as the “Upper Pampanga,” ensures it remains resilient against heavy rains and typhoons. This thriving city, rich in history and culture, offers a unique and memorable experience for all who visit.
