Camiling

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Camiling
Municipality of Camiling
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Flag of Camiling, Tarlac.png
Camiling Tarlac.png
Nickname: 
Old Lady in the Northwestern Province of Tarlac
Motto: 
Camiling Magaling
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Map of Tarlac with Camiling highlighted
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Camiling
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Camiling
Location within the Philippines
Coordinates: 15°41′12″N120°24′47″E / 15.6867°N 120.4131°E / 15.6867; 120.4131
Country Philippines
Region Central Luzon
Province Tarlac
District 1st district
Founded 1838
Barangays 61 (see Barangays)
Government
[1]
  Type Sangguniang Bayan
   Mayor Joyce Benitez Agustin
   Vice Mayor Noel B. Dela Cruz
   Representative Jaime D. Cojuangco
   Municipal Council
Members
  • Gladys T. Agustin-Resurrection
  • Benicio B. Delos Reyes II
  • Mahalia M. Mateo
  • Jesus A. Corpuz
  • Kristine Anne S. Legaspi
  • Raul G. Mangrobang
  • Jherwin D. Corpuz
  • Ernesto C. Toralba
   Electorate 53,620 voters (2025)
Area
[2]
  Total
140.53 km2 (54.26 sq mi)
Elevation
23 m (75 ft)
Highest elevation
73 m (240 ft)
Lowest elevation
12 m (39 ft)
Population
 (2024 census) [3]
  Total
91,400
  Density650/km2 (1,700/sq mi)
   Households
22,530
Economy
   Income class 1st municipal income class
   Poverty incidence
10.35
% (2021) [4]
   Revenue 377.7 million (2022)
   Assets 1,232 million (2022)
   Expenditure 265.2 million (2022)
   Liabilities 275.9 million (2022)
Service provider
  ElectricityTarlac 1 Electric Cooperative (TARELCO 1)
Time zone UTC+8 (PST)
ZIP code
2306
PSGC
IDD : area code +63(0)45
Native languages Pangasinan
Ilocano
Tagalog
Kapampangan
Website www.camiling-lgu.gov.ph

Camiling, officially the Municipality of Camiling, (Pangasinan : Baley na Camiling; Ilocano : Ili ti Camiling; Tagalog : Bayan ng Camiling), is a municipality in the province of Tarlac in the Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 87,319 people. [5]

Contents

Camiling is one of the fastest-growing towns of Tarlac when it comes to income, economic activities, and cultural heritage. The town is also dubbed to be the "Old Lady in the Northwestern province of Tarlac", because it is one of the oldest municipalities created by the Spanish government under the province of Pangasinan where it previously included the former barrio of Mayantoc, San Clemente, and Santa Ignacia. The municipality also features cultural antiquity such as its churches, ancestral houses, and ruins. However, the baroque church of Camiling has yet to be restored after 20 years since a fire burned its interior. The inside of the church, one of the only two Spanish churches left in Tarlac, has become a cesspool for human waste, while the facade (front) and buttresses (side supports) have been occupied by business establishments. One buttress has been converted by a business store into a toilet. Heritage advocates and Camiling locals have been campaigning for the restoration of the church after the reports came out in March 2018. [6]

Camiling is the major municipality in north-western Tarlac. It is the commercial center of an area composed of about eight towns, and borders the province of Pangasinan. It is the gateway to central and western Pangasinan through the Romulo Highway (formerly Highway 13). It is also known for its famous "chicharon Camiling" and its green native rice cake called nilubyan.

History

One of the original images of St Michael in the front of the ruined church in Camiling The original statue of St. Michael.jpg
One of the original images of St Michael in the front of the ruined church in Camiling

Camiling began its history as a settlement located near the Camiling River. [7]

During the classical era, the area used to be lush in tropical rainforest and was used mainly by the local Pangasinense people. When the polity of Caboloan was established in 1406, the area was incorporated as part of the kingdom.[ citation needed ] It was ruled by a series of native huangs (kings/queens), namely, Urduja, Kamayin, Taymey, and Liyu.[ citation needed ] Majority of its rulers are unnamed as no document of them were properly recorded. For a short period, an emperor in China became an honorary ruler as well.[ citation needed ]

In 1575, the Chinese pirate Limahong attacked the polity and declared himself as ruler of the Caboloan realms. The kingdom was eventually abolished in 1576, when the Spanish attacked and ransacked the kingdom's capital of Binalatongan (present-day San Carlos, Pangasinan). It was later on incorporated into the Spanish Empire.

Early in the 18th century, the community was a sitio of Paniqui; before and after, Paniqui was also part of Bayambang. The town's name is derived from "camiring" or "camiling", the Pangasinan name for the Semecarpus cuneiformis tree, which at that time grew abundantly in the wilderness. [8]

The community was originally a vast area of Cogon growth interposed with thick forestalls areas stretching into the Zambales mountain ranges. A wide river cut through it. The early inhabitants of the place were the Aetas who make a living by gathering fruit from fruit trees, hunting, and fishing. With the coming first of the Pangasinenses and later the Ilocanos from the north, the Aetas who used to roam freely in the wilderness obliged themselves to move into the interior.

The new settlers first occupied the swampy land, now known as "Cacamilingan" on the right side of the river. In time, these settlers began moving to the left opposite shore because of more frequent disastrous floods. To this new location, the residents therein built a small church with Saint Michael as the patron saint.

Camiling became a District Commission from 1834 to 1837 founded by Don Francisco Soriano, the then Cabeza de Barangay who became the town's first District Commissioner. In 1838, Camiling became an independent town, formally separated from the mother town of Paniqui and with Don Vicente Galsim, as the first Gobernadorcillo. Thirty-eight others followed him. Don Jose Sabado, the last to serve under the Spanish regime and the first Presidente Municipal under the Revolutionary Government by Aguinaldo.

Camiling was a first-class municipality during the 1970s but was reclassified when the Local Government Code went into effect in the early 1990s. It became again a first-class municipality again on November 20, 2001, by virtue of the Latest Income Class Classification (L.I.C.C.) initiated by the Department of Finance; the Local Government Unit of Camiling was reclassified from a second class municipality to a first-class municipality, having attained an annual income of 50,942,508.51 pesos. In 2008, Camiling's income was more than 72,463,893,00 pesos with average growth of more than 5.164% per year (2001–2008).

Cultural representations

The town of San Diego in Jose Rizal's 1887 novel, Noli Me Tángere, is the municipality of Camiling in real life. The old Saint Michael the Archangel Parish Church of Camiling and Leonor Rivera were all real-life inspiration to the novel.[ citation needed ]

Geography

Camiling is 160 kilometres (99 mi) north-north-west of Manila, 36 kilometres (22 mi) from provincial capital Tarlac City, and 19 kilometres (12 mi) from Paniqui.

It borders San Clemente to the west, Bayambang to the north, Santa Ignacia and Mayantoc to the south, and Paniqui and Moncada to the east.

Mostly of plain topography but some parts are hilly to mountainous in which the barangays of Papaac, Bacsay, Birbira and Cayasan, to name a few. The deeper part of the mountains can be described as a place where wild animals live, such as deer, Toddy cat (Musang), wild boar (Baboy ramo), Monitor lizard (Bayawak).

Barangays

Camiling is politically subdivided into 61 barangays, as shown below. [9] Each barangay consists of puroks and some have sitios.

It has the most barangays in all of the municipalities of Tarlac while the city of Tarlac has 76 barangays.

  • Anoling 1st
  • Anoling 2nd
  • Anoling 3rd
  • Bacabac
  • Bacsay
  • Bancay 1st
  • Bilad
  • Birbira
  • Bobon 1st Casarratan
  • Bobon 2nd
  • Bobon Caarosipan
  • Cabanabaan
  • Cacamilingan Norte (with Kipping village)
  • Cacamilingan Sur
  • Caniag
  • Carael
  • Cayaoan
  • Cayasan
  • Florida
  • Lasong
  • Libueg (with sitio Pugo)
  • Malacampa (With sitio Cacelestinuan and Sitio Camartinisan)
  • Manaquem
  • Manupeg
  • Marawi
  • Matubog
  • Nagrambacan
  • Nagserialan
  • Palimbo Proper
  • Palimbo Caarosipan
  • Pao 1st
  • Pao 2nd
  • Pao 3rd
  • Papaac
  • Pindangan 1st
  • Pindangan 2nd
  • Poblacion A
  • Poblacion B
  • Poblacion C
  • Poblacion D
  • Poblacion E
  • Poblacion F
  • Poblacion G
  • Poblacion H
  • Poblacion I
  • Poblacion J
  • San Isidro (Bancay 2nd)
  • Santa Maria
  • Sawat
  • Sinilian 1st (with Sitio Cabalaongan and Nangalisan)
  • Sinilian 2nd (with Sitio Puyaoan)
  • Sinilian 3rd (Northern, Bitawa, Centro)
  • Sinilian Cacalibosoan (with Sitio Barikir)
  • Sinulatan 1st
  • Sinulatan 2nd
  • Surgui 1st
  • Surgui 2nd
  • Surgui 3rd
  • Tambugan
  • Telbang
  • Tuec

Climate

Climate data for Camiling, Tarlac
MonthJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecYear
Mean daily maximum °C (°F)31
(88)
32
(90)
34
(93)
36
(97)
35
(95)
33
(91)
32
(90)
31
(88)
31
(88)
32
(90)
32
(90)
31
(88)
33
(91)
Mean daily minimum °C (°F)22
(72)
22
(72)
24
(75)
25
(77)
26
(79)
25
(77)
25
(77)
25
(77)
25
(77)
24
(75)
24
(75)
23
(73)
24
(76)
Average precipitation mm (inches)16
(0.6)
17
(0.7)
24
(0.9)
32
(1.3)
181
(7.1)
233
(9.2)
354
(13.9)
356
(14.0)
308
(12.1)
168
(6.6)
66
(2.6)
52
(2.0)
1,807
(71)
Average rainy days4.94.48.012.924.327.830.130.229.021.612.19.4214.7
Source: Meteoblue (Use with caution: this is modeled/calculated data, not measured locally.) [10]

Demographics

Population census of Camiling
YearPop.±% p.a.
1903 25,243    
1918 23,375−0.51%
1939 25,824+0.48%
1948 33,935+3.08%
1960 40,536+1.49%
1970 49,156+1.94%
1975 52,411+1.29%
1980 53,860+0.55%
1990 62,773+1.54%
1995 65,340+0.75%
2000 71,598+1.98%
2007 79,941+1.53%
2010 80,241+0.14%
2015 83,248+0.70%
2020 87,319+1.01%
2024 91,400+1.10%
Source: Philippine Statistics Authority [11] [12] [13] [14] [15]

In the 2020 census, the population of Camiling, Tarlac, was 87,319 people, [16] with a density of 620 inhabitants per square kilometre or 1,600 inhabitants per square mile.

Language

Ilocano and Pangasinan are the main dialects of Camiling. Kapampangan and Tagalog are also widely understood and spoken.

Economy

Poverty incidence of Camiling

5
10
15
20
2000
19.69
2003
13.88
2006
10.70
2009
15.83
2012
9.50
2015
14.56
2018
6.25
2021
10.35

Source: Philippine Statistics Authority [17] [18] [19] [20] [21] [22] [23] [24]

Industries and produce

Aside from rice cakes and chicharon, the municipality is also known for its freshwater fish produce, like tilapia; dalag (or mudfish, Channa striata ); catfish, including the native hito, Clarias macrocephalus ; and bangús , the milkfish.

Tourism

Attractions

The Old St Michael the Archangel Parish Church which was gutted by fire in 1997 Old St. Michael the Archangel Parish Church.jpg
The Old St Michael the Archangel Parish Church which was gutted by fire in 1997
The New St Michael the Archangel Parish Church CamilingChurchjf2058 05.JPG
The New St Michael the Archangel Parish Church
The Old site of Camiling's Meditation Garden is best visited during recollection and visita Iglesia Camiling,ChurchTarlacjf2135 04.JPG
The Old site of Camiling's Meditation Garden is best visited during recollection and visita Iglesia

Festivals

street dancers of the 2008 chicharon - iniruban festival Chicharon Iniruban Street Dancers.jpg
street dancers of the 2008 chicharon - iniruban festival

Camiling's "one town, one product" is the bagnet (also called chicharon by the Ilocano people of Ilocos Sur) and the sweet green native cakes called iniruban or dirimin of Pangasinan origin. The municipality is also known for other native rice cakes such as tupig, pinais, and patupat . Established in 2000, the festival includes colorful and artistic presentations and a street dancing competition amongst the different schools in Camiling.

Government

Elected officials

Municipal council (2022–2025):

PositionNameParty
MayorErlon C. Agustin Nationalist People's Coalition
Vice MayorNoel B. Dela Cruz Probinsya Muna Development Initiative
Sangguniang Bayan MembersGladys T. Agustin Kilusang Bagong Lipunan
Benicio B. Delos Reyes II Nationalist People's Coalition
Mahalia M. Mateo Nationalist People's Coalition
Jesus A. Corpuz Nationalist People's Coalition
Kristine Anne S. Legaspi Nationalist People's Coalition
Raul G. Mangrobang Nationalist People's Coalition
Jherwin D. Corpuz Nationalist People's Coalition
Ernesto C. Toralba Nationalist People's Coalition
Ex-Officio Members
ABC PresidentAlbert B. Jose (from Barangay Bilad)
SK President [Ex-Officio Provincial Councilor]Luke Corinth Q. Pagarigan (from Barangay Surgui 3rd)
SK Vice-President [Ex-Officio Municipal Councilor]Argel Garcillano (from Barangay Poblacion B)

Healthcare

Camiling has three hospitals and a health center at the Municipal Hall. The health center serves the poor by giving free medicines and other health service. There are numerous private clinics scattered throughout the town. Hospitals in Camiling are Señor Sto. Niħo Tertiary Hospital at Poblacion, Camiling District Hospital at Malacampa, and Salvador General Hospital at Palimbo.

Education

Colleges (private, vocational)

the panoramic view of the tarlac agricultural university facade TAU Facade PANORAMIC VIEW.jpg
the panoramic view of the tarlac agricultural university facade

Public high schools

Public elementary schools

Camiling Central Elementary School Camilingjf1988 03.JPG
Camiling Central Elementary School

In Camiling Central:

  • Bacabac Elementary School
  • Camiling Central Elementary School
  • Camiling North Elementary School
  • Cayaoan Elementary School
  • Pindangan 2nd Elementary School
  • Pindangan 1st Elementary School
  • Sawat Elementary School
  • Surgui Elementary School
  • Tambugan Elementary School
  • Tuec Elementary School

In Camiling East:

  • Bancay I Elementary School
  • Bilad Elementary School
  • Bilad Elementary School (Annex)
  • Cabanabaan Primary School
  • Camiling East Elementary School
  • Caniag Elementary School
  • Carael Elementary School
  • Florida Elementary School
  • Lasong Elementary School
  • Malacampa Elementary School
  • Malacampa Elementary School (Annex)
  • Marawi Elementary School
  • Matubog Elementary School
  • San Isidro Elementary School
  • Sinilian I Elementary School
  • Sinilian II Elementary School
  • Sinilian III Elementary School
  • Santa Maria Elementary School
  • Telbang Primary School

In Camiling West:

  • Anoling Elementary School
  • Bacsay Elementary School
  • Birbira Elementary School
  • Bobon 1st-Palimbo Proper Elementary School
  • Bobon 2nd Elementary School
  • Camiling West Central Elementary School
  • Cayasan Elementary School
  • Libueg Elementary School
  • Manaquem Elementary School
  • Pao Elementary School
  • Papaac Elementary School
  • Sinulatan Elementary School

Notable people

Sister city

References

  1. Municipality of Camiling | (DILG)
  2. "2015 Census of Population, Report No. 3 – Population, Land Area, and Population Density" (PDF). Philippine Statistics Authority. Quezon City, Philippines. August 2016. ISSN   0117-1453. Archived (PDF) from the original on May 25, 2021. Retrieved July 16, 2021.
  3. "2024 Census of Population (POPCEN) Population Counts Declared Official by the President". Philippine Statistics Authority. 17 July 2025. Retrieved 18 July 2025.
  4. "PSA Releases the 2021 City and Municipal Level Poverty Estimates". Philippine Statistics Authority. 2 April 2024. Retrieved 28 April 2024.
  5. "2024 Census of Population (POPCEN) Population Counts Declared Official by the President". Philippine Statistics Authority. 17 July 2025. Retrieved 18 July 2025.
  6. 1 2 "Camiling Church: Gutted, forgotten, 'reused' as public toilet". Philippine Daily Inquirer. 18 March 2018.
  7. Alcazaren, Paulo (2016-12-03). "Captivating Camiling". The Philippine Star . Archived from the original on 2018-11-01. Retrieved 2023-05-15.
  8. "Province:". PSGC Interactive. Quezon City, Philippines: Philippine Statistics Authority . Retrieved 25 August 2025.
  9. "Camiling: Average Temperatures and Rainfall". Meteoblue. Retrieved 5 May 2020.
  10. "2024 Census of Population (POPCEN) Population Counts Declared Official by the President". Philippine Statistics Authority. 17 July 2025. Retrieved 18 July 2025.
  11. Census of Population (2015). "Region III (Central Luzon)". Total Population by Province, City, Municipality and Barangay. Philippine Statistics Authority . Retrieved 20 June 2016.
  12. Census of Population and Housing (2010). "Region III (Central Luzon)" (PDF). Total Population by Province, City, Municipality and Barangay. National Statistics Office . Retrieved 29 June 2016.
  13. Censuses of Population (1903–2007). "Region III (Central Luzon)". Table 1. Population Enumerated in Various Censuses by Province/Highly Urbanized City: 1903 to 2007. National Statistics Office.
  14. "Province of". Municipality Population Data. Local Water Utilities Administration Research Division. Retrieved 17 December 2016.
  15. "2024 Census of Population (POPCEN) Population Counts Declared Official by the President". Philippine Statistics Authority. 17 July 2025. Retrieved 18 July 2025.
  16. "Poverty incidence (PI):". Philippine Statistics Authority. Retrieved December 28, 2020.
  17. "Estimation of Local Poverty in the Philippines" (PDF). Philippine Statistics Authority. 29 November 2005.
  18. "2003 City and Municipal Level Poverty Estimates" (PDF). Philippine Statistics Authority. 23 March 2009.
  19. "City and Municipal Level Poverty Estimates; 2006 and 2009" (PDF). Philippine Statistics Authority. 3 August 2012.
  20. "2012 Municipal and City Level Poverty Estimates" (PDF). Philippine Statistics Authority. 31 May 2016.
  21. "Municipal and City Level Small Area Poverty Estimates; 2009, 2012 and 2015". Philippine Statistics Authority. 10 July 2019.
  22. "PSA Releases the 2018 Municipal and City Level Poverty Estimates". Philippine Statistics Authority. 15 December 2021. Retrieved 22 January 2022.
  23. "PSA Releases the 2021 City and Municipal Level Poverty Estimates". Philippine Statistics Authority. 2 April 2024. Retrieved 28 April 2024.