Apalit, officially the Municipality of Apalit (Kapampangan: Balen ning Apalit; Tagalog: Bayan ng Apalit), is a first-class municipality in the provinceofPampanga, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 117,160 people.[3]
The town is famous for its Apung Iru Fluvial Procession, which is listed as one of the most significant water-based intangible cultural heritage of the Philippines where the festival happens every June 28th–30th; and for its blacksmithing.
Apalit received official recognition as a separate town in 1582, while Gonzalo Ronquillo de Penalosa was the country's governor-general at the time. Apalit's town was mostly made up of four encomiendas: Apali (Pale), La Castilla, Cabambangan, and Capalangan. San Juan Nepomuceno was the new name given to the enconmienda "La Castilla" once it had been transformed into a town proper (Poblacion).
After severing ties with the Parish of Calumpit, The Apalit Parish of Saint Peter was established in 1597.
Capitan del Pueblo Don Pedro Armayan-Espiritu y Macam created the customary fluvial parade of Saint Peter on June 28, 1844, commonly known as "Libad ng Apung Iru," which is still observed today in Apalit during its town festival.
It is thought that the son of a specific Gatbonton named Pangpalung, who was once known as Macapagal, built Barrio Capalangan, which takes its name from the Kapampangan word "Palang" meaning machete or bolo, which the barangay takes pride of.
This Barrio was the home of Panday Pira, the first well-known Filipino maker of cannons, and got its name from the Kapampangan word "Palang," which means Bolo or Machete. It is said to have been founded by the son of a particular Gatbonton named Pangpalung, who in his youth also went by the name "Macapagal." After the Spanish conquest of Manila, he worked under Adelantado and Governor General Miguel Lopez de Legaspi, producing "Lantakas" cannons for Rajah Soliman's army.
During the reign of Capitan del Pueblo Don Joaquin Arnedo de la Cruz y Tanjutco and his heiress wife, Dona Maria de la Paz Sioco y Carlos, viuda de Tanjutco, Puerto Sulipan was once regarded as a haven for big businesses, politics, and "high society" in the Philippines from the 1850s until the 1910s.[5]
In the 2020 census, the population of Apalit, was 117,160 people,[3] with a density of 1,900 inhabitants per square kilometre or 4,900 inhabitants per square mile.
Most inhabitants of Apalit are Christian, with a majority professing Catholicism, due to Spanish colonialism and imperialism from the 15th to 19th centuries. Other prominent Christian groups include Members Church of God International, Iglesia ni Cristo, and Muslims.
Apalit was first established as one of the visitas (mission chapel) under the administration of Convento de Calumpit.
In 1597, the Augustinian chapter accepted Apalit as House of Order under the advocacy of San Pedro Apostol where Fray Pedro de Vergara OSA as its first parish priest In conjunction with the annual town fiesta, the Libad was established by the Capitan del Pueblo, Don Pedro Armayan-Espíritu y Macam, on June 28, 1844.Libad fluvial procession also reaching Calumpit even today to signify the old relationship of Apalit to its mother town Calumpit where San Juan Bautista is the patron of the Town.[11]
The first church and convento was constructed under the tenure of Fray Juan Cabello as parish priest from 1641 to 1645. Fray Simón de Alarcia built another church made of concrete and tile in 1854–1860, but it was destroyed by a strong earthquake in 1863. The present neo-classical church was built under Fray Antonio Redondo, who was assigned to Apalit from 1873 to 1886.
Father Gallende wrote in La Iglesia de Apalit:
"Father Antonio Redondo, parish priest of Apalit from 1873 to 1886 laid the foundations of a new one in January 1876, following the plans of Don Ramón Hermosa, assistant officer to the minister of public works. The foreman was a certain Mariano Santos, a native of Guagua. After seven years of work, the church was finally completed in 1883. It was "the pride of Pampanga, an indelible tribute to Fr. Redondo and the people of Apalit.'"
It was officially inaugurated with solemn ceremonies held successively during the town fiesta from 28 to 30 June of the same year. The chronicler remarks that when there was no more sand or bricks, Fr. Redondo would ask the fiscal (sacristan) to go around town pealing the bells. Preceded by the town bands, he would lead the way towards the riverside with an azafate (a basket or hamper) on his head. Unquestioning, the whole town would follow him, and in less than two hours, the masons would have enough sand for two months. "The whole town of Apalit helped either with monetary donations, personal service, or with their good wishes." The church measures 59 meters long and 14 meters wide. The painting was done by a native of Apalit, an industrious pupil of Alberoni. The church possesses the qualities of good construction: "solidity, capacity, light and artistic beauty."
The towers were completed under the guidance of Rev Toríbio Fanjul in 1896. In 1989, a major church renovation was initiated by Monsignor Rústico G. Cuevas.[12]
The Libad, a fluvial procession in honour of the town's patron saintPeter the Apostle (known locally Apung Iru), is annually from 28 to 30 June. The event, where a centuries-old ivory image of the apostle is paraded along the Pampanga River, is one of the more famous religious processions in Pampanga.
178th year "Libad" (Apung Iru Festival - 426th Apalit Town Fiesta) with seated 1700s image of "Apung Iru"
The life-sized, seated image of "Apung Iru" is an heirloom of the Armayan-Espíritu y Macam clan of Sitio Alauli, San Vicente, Apalit. The image, with its ivory face and hands, dates from the last quarter of the 1700s. Family tradition has it that Don Pedro Armayan-Espíritu y Macam (d. 1904)–or his parents Don Calixto Armayan-Espíritu and Doña María Macam, acquired the image from an aunt, Doña Máxima Santos–in exchange for a considerable parcel of agricultural land in Apalit. During the Spanish colonial era, Spanish friars shrewdly assigned the ownership of the town's patron saint to wealthy families, so that the former could be spared the expenses of its upkeep and annual fiesta. The first Libad was held in 1844.
Custody of the image of Apung Iru has passed to the direct descendants of Don Pedro Armayan-Espíritu y Macam, who married three times: first to Doña Dorotea Arnedo; then Máxima Santa Rita; and finally Ysabel Dungo y Nocom. Don Pedro originally bequeathed the image to his favourite, his youngest daughter Doña Ysidora "Orang" Espíritu y Dungo (later Mrs. Jesús Justo González), but she did not want the responsibility of being the image's camarera (custodian). She passed it on to her elder, spinster sister Doña Aurea "Ondeng" Espíritu y Dungo. After Doña Aurea's early death, Don Pedro's eldest daughter Doña María "Maruja" Espíritu y Dungo (later Mrs. Macario Arnedo) became the image's camarera. In 1928, Doña María translated the image of Apung Iru from the Armayan-Espíritu ancestral home in Sitio Alauli in Barangay San Vicente to her house in Barrio Capalangan, where it has remained since.
Doña María died in 1934, and her second daughter Doña Ysabel "Tabing" Arnedo y Espíritu (later Mrs .Fernando Dueñas Reyes) became the image's "camarera" until her own death in 1970. Doña María's third daughter, Doña Rosario Lucia "Charing" Arnedo y Espíritu (later Mrs. Augusto Diosdado Sioco González) became camarera until her death in May 1977. The youngest daughter, Doña Elisa Juana "Ising" Arnedo y Espíritu (later Mrs Fortunato Kabiling Sazon) became the next camarera until her death in May 1987. Doña Elisa's eldest daughter, Dr. Erlinda Crispina "Linda" Arnedo Sazon (later Mrs. Enrique Espíritu Badenhop) succeeded her mother as camarera from until her own death in February 2008. Augusto Marcelino "Toto" Reyes González III, Doña Rosario's grandson from her eldest son, Augusto Beda, is the current camareroofApung Iru, following a stipulation that Doña Rosario and Doña Ysidora made to the family in 1970.
In 1975, Doña Ysidora, Doña Rosario, and the latter's son Brother Andrew Benjamin González, F.S.C., established Saint Peter's Mission, Inc. with the stipulation that Apung Iru and his feast be maintained by the generations to come.
Apalit is home to several prominent families whose wealth and influence date back to the 1800s and 1900s. These families have played significant roles in the town's history, culture, and development. The following are some of the notable families from Apalit:
Familia Arnedo
The Arnedo family is one of the most prominent and influential families in Apalit. Their lineage can be traced back to the Spanish colonial period. They were known for their vast agricultural lands and involvement in local politics. Pedro "Don Perico" Arnedo, one of the most notable members, served as a governor of Pampanga in the early 20th century. The Arnedo family's wealth and status have made them a central figure in Apalit's social and economic landscape.[13][14]
Familia Santos
The Santos family is another old-money family from Apalit, known for their extensive landholdings and contributions to local commerce. They were prominent in the agricultural sector, particularly in rice and sugarcane farming, which were the primary industries in Pampanga during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Members of the Santos family have also been active in local politics and civic activities, further cementing their influence in the community.[15][16]
Familia Espiritu
The Espiritu family, known for their significant land ownership and business ventures, have been influential in Apalit for generations. They were among the pioneering families who invested in various enterprises, including milling and trading. The family's social standing and economic contributions have played a crucial role in the development of Apalit over the years.[17]
Familia Ocampo
The Ocampo family is recognized for their historical significance and long-standing presence in Apalit. They were key players in the agricultural industry, owning vast tracts of farmland. Over the years, the Ocampo family diversified their interests into other businesses, maintaining their wealth and influence in the region. Their legacy includes contributions to local culture and education.[18][19]
Familia David
The David family, with roots tracing back to the Spanish era, has been a prominent name in Apalit. Known for their involvement in agriculture and local governance, they have held various influential positions over the decades. The family's wealth was primarily derived from their extensive agricultural properties and entrepreneurial activities. Members of the David family have also been known for their philanthropic efforts, supporting community projects and educational initiatives.[20]
Familia Guanzon
The Guanzon family is another notable old-money family from Apalit. They were significant landowners and were involved in various commercial activities, including trading and milling. The family's economic contributions and social status have made them an integral part of Apalit's history. Over time, the Guanzon family has remained influential in local affairs and business.[21]
Familia Macapagal
The Macapagal family, which has its roots in Apalit, is one of the most distinguished families in the Philippines. They rose to national prominence with Diosdado Macapagal, who served as the President of the Philippines from 1961 to 1965. The family's origins in Apalit are marked by their involvement in agriculture and local leadership. Their legacy includes not only political achievements but also contributions to the social and economic fabric of Apalit.[22]
Like other towns in the Philippines, Apalit is governed by a mayor and vice mayor who are elected to three-year terms. The mayor is the executive head and leads the town's departments in executing the ordinances and improving public services. The vice mayor heads a legislative council (Sangguniang Bayan) consisting of councilors from the Barangays or Barrios. From the eight councilors, only one won independently, while the rest came from KMBLN.
Public transportation within Apalit, like in most urban areas in the Philippines, is facilitated primarily by inexpensive tricycles, jeepneys, and buses. In addition, motorized boats (bancas) are used to transport goods and bring people to lower-lying areas in case of floods in other barangays.
Tricycles are commonly used for short-distance travel within the municipality. They provide a convenient means of transportation for residents moving around local neighborhoods and barangays.
"FX" and "L300" van taxis operate from their terminals, offering transportation to key locations in Bulacan (Calumpit, Malolos City, and the Guiguinto Tabang Toll Plaza), the Metro Manila area (including Monumento in Caloocan, Cubao in Quezon City, Divisoria in Manila, and Pasay), and northern provinces (such as Lubao, Floridablanca, Guagua, and the City of San Fernando in Pampanga, as well as Olongapo City in Zambales).
Provincial buses, such as Victory Liner and First North Luzon Transit, pass through the MacArthur Highway and transport passengers to various key destinations. These buses connect Apalit to different parts of Bulacan, Metro Manila, and northern provinces.
Landline telephone systems are being provided by the Digitel, Datelcom and PLDT. Mobile telephony services are provided by Smart Communications, Globe Telecom and Dito Telecommunity. Internet services are provided through DSL and Cable broadband coverage is provided by PLDT, Digitel and Globe Broadband; and Wireless broadband is provided by (Smart Bro) Smart Communications. Cable Television are provided by DATELSAT.
Province of Pampanga
