Baler [bɐˈleɾ], officially the Municipality of Baler (Tagalog: Bayan ng Baler; Ilocano: Ili ti Baler), is a 3rd class municipality and capital of the province of Aurora, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 43,785 people.[3]

Baler
Municipality of Baler
Baler Municipal Hall
Baler Municipal Hall
Flag of Baler
Official seal of Baler
Map of Aurora with Baler highlighted
Map of Aurora with Baler highlighted
OpenStreetMap
Map
Baler is located in Philippines
Baler
Baler
Location in the Philippines
Coordinates: 15°45′30″N 121°33′45″E / 15.75833°N 121.5625°E / 15.75833; 121.5625
CountryPhilippines
RegionCentral Luzon
ProvinceAurora
District Lone district
FoundedAugust 19, 1609
Barangays13 (see Barangays)
Government
[1]
 • TypeSangguniang Bayan
 • MayorRhett Ronan T. Angara
 • Vice MayorPedro M. Ong Jr.
 • RepresentativeRommel Rico T. Angara
 • Municipal Council
Members
 • Electorate28,138 voters (2022)
Area
 • Total92.55 km2 (35.73 sq mi)
Elevation
118 m (387 ft)
Highest elevation
1,306 m (4,285 ft)
Lowest elevation
0 m (0 ft)
Population
 (2020 census)[3]
 • Total43,785
 • Density470/km2 (1,200/sq mi)
 • Households
10,197
Demonym(s)Balereño, Balerino
Baleriano (colloquial)
Economy
 • Income class3rd municipal income class
 • Poverty incidence
7.34
% (2018)[4]
 • Revenue₱ 175.9 million (2020)
 • Assets₱ 403.7 million (2020)
 • Expenditure₱ 172.7 million (2020)
 • Liabilities₱ 137.8 million (2020)
Service provider
 • ElectricityAurora Electric Cooperative (AURELCO)
Time zoneUTC+8 (PST)
ZIP code
3200
PSGC
IDD:area code+63 (0)42
Native languagesNorthern Alta
Tagalog
Ilocano
Websitewww.baler-aurora.gov.ph, https://baler.gov.ph/socio-economic-profile/

Baler is located 231 kilometres (144 mi) northeast of Manila and is accessible by bus and private vehicles via a mountain pass. It is host to spectacular geographic formations and is situated on a vast plain at the south end of Baler Bay, a contiguous segment of the Philippine Sea.

It became the capital of Aurora on June 14, 1951, under Republic Act No. 648[5] signed by President Elpidio Quirino. It remained the seat of government of Aurora on November 21, 1978, under Batas Pambansa Blg. 7[6] signed by President Ferdinand Marcos.

On August 6, 2023, Republic Act No. 11957, also known as “An Act Recognizing the Municipality of Baler in the Province of Aurora as the ‘Birthplace of Philippine Surfing,” became law without President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s signature.[7][8]

Etymology edit

History edit

Spanish colonial period edit

 
Filipino troops of Colonel Tecson in Baler (May 1899)
 
San Luis Obispo de Tolosa Church

In 1609, seven Franciscan missionaries, led by Fray Blas Palomino, founded the settlement of Baler, which was later converted into a pueblo (town) by the Augustinians and the Recollects in 1658. Due to scarcity of religious missionaries, the Franciscans again took over the administration of the settlement in 1703.

On December 27, 1735, a great storm came and a huge wave called tromba marina devastated the old town settlement, then located in Barrio Sabang. Among the survivors were the Angaras, Bijasas, Bitongs, Lumasacs, Carrascos, and Pobletes who swam toward the nearby Ermita Hill.[9][failed verification] A new community sprang into what is now the Poblacion of Baler, leaving "Kinagunasan," the place of devastation. A mural depicting this wave can be found in the Museo de Baler in town.[citation needed]

On June 27, 1898, 15 days after the Philippine Declaration of Independence, 54 Spanish soldiers of the Baler garrison, under the command of Captain Enrique de las Morenas y Fossi, made San Luis Obispo de Tolosa Church, named in Spanish for Louis of Toulouse, their barracks. When de las Morenas died on November 22, 1898, Lieutenant Saturnino Martín Cerezo replaced him. On June 2, 1899, the last Spanish garrison in the Philippines surrendered after the Siege of Baler, effectively ending over 300 years of Spanish rule in the country.[10]

American colonial period edit

In 1902, the Americans incorporated the town into the province of Tayabas. Before the Americans came, Baler was under the district of El Príncipe from Nueva Ecija.[11]

The Comedia de Baler of Aurora mounted its first production in 1927. It was supported by then President Manuel L. Quezon and enjoyed the collaboration of artists Fortunato Esoreña and Alejandro Ferreras and arnis expert Antonino Ramos. Still alive today, it features a group of colorfully attired performers using authentic weapons, like swords and knives, in their plays. Manuel L. Quezon was the governor of Tayabas, which was renamed Quezon in his honor.

Japanese occupation edit

In 1942, the Imperial Japanese Army entered Baler, where they made the Baler Elementary School building their garrison under the command of a certain Captain Hattori. The general headquarters and camp base of the Philippine Commonwealth Army from January 3, 1942, to June 30, 1946, and the Philippine Constabulary from October 28, 1944, to June 30, 1946, were stationed in Baler.

In 1945, Filipino and American troops landed in Baler, including Filipino troops of the 3rd Infantry Division, the 5th Infantry Division, the 51st Infantry Division, and the 52nd Infantry Division of the Philippine Commonwealth Army, the 5th Constabulary Regiment of the Philippine Constabulary, the local recognized guerrilla unit, and the American troops of the 6th Infantry Division of the United States Army. The retreating Japanese troops destroyed the San Luis Obispo de Tolosa Church in Baler.[citation needed]

Post-war period edit

On June 14, 1951, by virtue of Republic Act No. 648, Baler became the capital town of the sub-province (and later, province) of Aurora which was made out of Quezon.[5] Baler is the birthplace of Manuel Quezon and his cousin and wife Aurora Aragon-Quezon.

In 1956, the barrio of Dingalan was converted into a municipal district within Baler and later became a town in its right.[12]

In 1976-7 the helicopter attack and surfing sequences of the film Apocalypse Now were filmed at Baler. The film is credited with having created the Philippine surfing culture and the headland at Baler is known as "Charlie's Point" from a line in the film.[13]

Cityhood edit

In the 19th Congress of the Philippines, house bills were filed by various representatives which seeks Baler including other capital towns of provinces with no current component cities, independent component cities or highly urbanized cities to automatically convert into cities.[14][15][16]

Geography edit

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, the municipality has a land area of 92.55 square kilometres (35.73 sq mi)[17] constituting 2.94% of the 3,147.32-square-kilometre- (1,215.19 sq mi) total area of Aurora.

Barangays edit

Baler is politically subdivided into 13 barangays.[18] Each barangay consists of puroks and some have sitios.


PSGC Barangay Population ±% p.a.
2020[3] 2010[19]
037701001 Barangay I (Poblacion) 1.3% 587 717 −1.98%
037701002 Barangay II (Poblacion) 0.7% 312 374 −1.80%
037701003 Barangay III (Poblacion) 0.8% 357 434 −1.93%
037701004 Barangay IV (Poblacion) 0.8% 363 389 −0.69%
037701005 Barangay V (Poblacion) 3.9% 1,718 1,662 0.33%
037701006 Buhangin 12.1% 5,310 5,057 0.49%
037701007 Calabuanan 8.9% 3,895 3,221 1.92%
037701008 Obligacion 2.8% 1,215 1,135 0.68%
037701009 Pingit 13.5% 5,913 4,989 1.71%
037701010 Reserva 10.5% 4,580 4,064 1.20%
037701011 Sabang 11.0% 4,833 4,829 0.01%
037701012 Suclayin 14.5% 6,341 5,923 0.68%
037701013 Zabali 9.5% 4,138 3,216 2.55%
Total 43,785 36,010 1.97%

Climate edit

Climate data for Baler, Aurora (1995–2020, extremes 1949–2020)
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °C (°F) 33.3
(91.9)
35.0
(95.0)
35.8
(96.4)
37.5
(99.5)
38.6
(101.5)
38.8
(101.8)
41.2
(106.2)
37.0
(98.6)
37.0
(98.6)
35.5
(95.9)
34.2
(93.6)
33.9
(93.0)
41.2
(106.2)
Mean daily maximum °C (°F) 27.7
(81.9)
28.4
(83.1)
29.6
(85.3)
30.9
(87.6)
31.5
(88.7)
31.8
(89.2)
31.2
(88.2)
31.5
(88.7)
31.4
(88.5)
30.7
(87.3)
29.5
(85.1)
28.0
(82.4)
30.2
(86.4)
Daily mean °C (°F) 24.5
(76.1)
24.9
(76.8)
25.9
(78.6)
27.1
(80.8)
27.8
(82.0)
28.2
(82.8)
27.7
(81.9)
27.9
(82.2)
27.8
(82.0)
27.2
(81.0)
26.2
(79.2)
25.0
(77.0)
26.7
(80.1)
Mean daily minimum °C (°F) 21.3
(70.3)
21.4
(70.5)
22.3
(72.1)
23.4
(74.1)
24.2
(75.6)
24.6
(76.3)
24.2
(75.6)
24.4
(75.9)
24.1
(75.4)
23.7
(74.7)
22.9
(73.2)
22.0
(71.6)
23.2
(73.8)
Record low °C (°F) 14.3
(57.7)
15.3
(59.5)
17.1
(62.8)
17.7
(63.9)
20.0
(68.0)
20.0
(68.0)
20.0
(68.0)
20.0
(68.0)
19.6
(67.3)
18.3
(64.9)
17.1
(62.8)
16.1
(61.0)
14.3
(57.7)
Average rainfall mm (inches) 227.4
(8.95)
182.0
(7.17)
193.7
(7.63)
203.2
(8.00)
296.6
(11.68)
246.7
(9.71)
286.0
(11.26)
169.9
(6.69)
317.1
(12.48)
394.4
(15.53)
385.9
(15.19)
454.1
(17.88)
3,357
(132.17)
Average rainy days (≥ 1.0 mm) 13 11 13 13 14 14 16 13 15 16 14 15 167
Average relative humidity (%) 86 86 86 86 85 84 84 83 84 85 87 87 85
Source: PAGASA[20][21]

Demographics edit

Population census of Baler
YearPop.±% p.a.
1903 2,417—    
1918 3,413+2.33%
1939 11,887+6.12%
1948 17,182+4.18%
1960 10,350−4.14%
1970 14,632+3.52%
1975 16,046+1.87%
1980 18,349+2.72%
1990 24,689+3.01%
1995 26,919+1.63%
2000 29,923+2.29%
2007 34,492+1.98%
2010 36,010+1.58%
2015 39,562+1.81%
2020 43,785+2.01%
Source: Philippine Statistics Authority[22][19][23][24]

People with connections to the town are referred to as Balereños. Prior to the arrival of Spanish missionaries in Baler in 1609, settlements by Aeta people and Bugkalot in Baler's coast and mountain areas already exists. Tagalogs, some originating from Palanan and Infanta, Quezon, came in to the area to trade by boat. Some Tagalogs settled in Baler and married with the Aeta and Bugkalots.[25]

The Spanish brought in Filipino acolytes from other areas of Luzon from 1609 to 1899. During this period, Baler can only be access by sea though the town saw increase migration from other parts of Luzon such as Laguna, Tayabas, and Bicol from the south.The opening of the Baler-Bongabon Road allowed easier migration of people from Ilocos and Isabela areas from the north. The road also allowed Igorot people and Batangueños to settle in Baler. In 1896, a group of Ilocanos from Aringay, La Union came to settle in San Jose, now called Maria Aurora. In 1906, another group of Ilocanos arrived from La Union and Pangasinan. The guerrilla movement during the Japanese occupation brought Novo Ecijanos (people from Nueva Ecija) to Baler; Novo Ecijanos include Tagalogs, Ilocanos, and Kapampangans, with quite large number of Pangasinenses. The Balereños learned trade from the Batangueños and the Novo Ecijanos; where before they used to share what they have, now they would sell coconut to their neighbors.[25][26][27]

In the 2020 census, Baler had a population of 43,785.[3] The population density was 470 inhabitants per square kilometre (1,200/sq mi).

Languages edit

The Tagalog and Ilocano languages are the main languages spoken in Baler.[28][29][30] The province of Aurora is claimed to primarily speak a Tagalog dialect that is closely related to the Tayabas Tagalog of Quezon, with some Ilocano influences. [31][better source needed] In Baler, for example, the variety is called Tagalog-Baler (Balereño). The Tagalog dialect of Balereños is also known for distinctive expressions like akkaw, used to express surprise, wonder, disgust, and objection; it is also akin to the English term "Wow!" Other regional term expressions spoken in Baler are are(h), used to express a negative feeling of surprise; anin, used to express regret or pity for a situation; and many other words are also spoken similarly to neighboring Quezon, like adyo, meaning to climb, and puropur, which pertain to rain with gusty wind.[32] Manuel L. Quezon, who was from Baler, was called the Father of the National Language for approving the recommendation of the Institute of National Language for Tagalog as the basis of the national language. Other languages spoken in Baler are Kapampangan & Pangasinan.[33]

Economy edit


Government edit

Local government edit

 
Baler Municipal Hall

The current officials of Baler, Aurora (as of May 19, 2019)[41]

Name Designation
Rhett Ronan Angara Mayor
Bobong Ong Vice Mayor
Pandus Valenzuela Member, Sangguniang Bayan
Manny Galban Member, Sangguniang Bayan
Danilo Ong Member, Sangguniang Bayan
Santino Rosauro Guerrero Member, Sangguniang Bayan
Eto Morillo Member, Sangguniang Bayan
Edith Buluag Member, Sangguniang Bayan
Francisco Zubia III Member, Sangguniang Bayan
Ellah Villacorte Member, Sangguniang Bayan

Culture edit

Baler annually observes the Philippine–Spanish Friendship Day which commemorates the end of the Siege of Baler[42] and celebrates the bilateral relations that have developed since then.[43] It is held every June 30 and the rites which was first done in the provincial capital are also observed in other parts of the country, as well as parts of Spain.[42]

Media edit

Baler has 1 TV station - GMA 5 Baler, & 1 radio station - DZJO Spirit FM (Catholic Media Network/Radio Veritas). 1 media network (both radio and TV) is based in the town named RTV Baler.

Notable personalities edit

 
Manuel Luis Quezon Monument in Baler, Aurora

Gallery edit

References edit

  1. ^ Municipality of Baler | (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. ^ a b c d Census of Population (2020). "Region III (Central Luzon)". Total Population by Province, City, Municipality and Barangay. Philippine Statistics Authority. Retrieved July 8, 2021.
  4. ^ "PSA Releases the 2018 Municipal and City Level Poverty Estimates". Philippine Statistics Authority. December 15, 2021. Retrieved January 22, 2022.
  5. ^ a b Republic Act No. 648 (June 14, 1951), "An Act Creating The Subprovince of Aurora, Which Shall Comprise The Municipalities of Baler, Casiguran, Dipaculao And Maria Aurora, Province of Quezon", Chan Robles Virtual Law Library, archived from the original on April 24, 2016
  6. ^ Batas Pambansa Blg. 7 (November 21, 1978), "An Act Separating the Sub-Province of Aurora from the Province of Quezon and Establishing It as an Independent Province", Chan Robles Virtual Law Library, archived from the original on March 3, 2016, retrieved November 5, 2016
  7. ^ Antonio, Raymundo (August 9, 2023). "Baler is now officially the Birthplace of PH Surfing". Manila Bulletin. Archived from the original on November 9, 2023. Retrieved February 4, 2024.
  8. ^ Gita-Carlos, Ruth Abbey (August 8, 2023). "New law declares Baler 'birthplace of PH surfing'". Philippine News Agency. Retrieved February 4, 2024.
  9. ^ GOVPH. "National Historical Commission of the Philippines – "A Filipino society with citizens informed of their history, who love their country and are proud of their cultural heritage."". Nhcp.gov.ph. Archived from the original on May 14, 2013. Retrieved November 5, 2016.
  10. ^ Hernandez, Miguel. "The Last Action of the Spanish American War: The Siege of Baler". The Spanish American War Centennial Website. Archived from the original on July 30, 2016. Retrieved November 5, 2016.
  11. ^ National Historical Commission of the Philippines. "History of Baler". National Historical Commission of the Philippines. Retrieved March 9, 2012. When military district of El Príncipe was created in 1856, Baler became its capital...On June 12, 1902 a civil government was established, moving the district of El Príncipe away from the administrative jurisdiction of Nueva Ecija...and placing it under the jurisdiction of Tayabas Province.
  12. ^ Republic Act No. 1536 (June 16, 1956), "An Act Creating the Municipal District of Dingalan in the Municipality of Baler, Subprovince of Aurora, Province of Quezon", PhilippineLaw.info, archived from the original on May 3, 2012, retrieved November 5, 2016
  13. ^ Kate McGeown (April 16, 2013). "How Apocalypse Now inspired Filipino surfers". BBC News. Retrieved September 26, 2019.
  14. ^ Yap, Eric (June 30, 2022). "An act automatically converting the capital town of provinces with no component cities, independent component cities or highly urbanized cities within its territorial jurisdiction, into a component city" (PDF). House of Representatives of the Philippines. Retrieved April 1, 2023.
  15. ^ Palma, Wilter (August 9, 2022). "an act automatically converting the capital town of provinces with no component cities, independent component cities, or highly urbanized cities within its territorial jurisdiction, into a component city" (PDF). House of Representatives of the Philippines. Retrieved April 1, 2023.
  16. ^ Daza, Paul (August 11, 2022). "An Act Convering Into Component Cities the Capital Towns of Provinces Without a City, Amending for the Purpose Section 450 of Republic Act No. 7610, as Amended by Republic Act No. 9009, Otherwise Known as the Local Government Code of 1991, and for Other Purposes" (PDF). House of Representatives of the Philippines. Retrieved April 1, 2023.
  17. ^ "Province: Aurora". PSGC Interactive. Quezon City, Philippines: Philippine Statistics Authority. Retrieved November 12, 2016.
  18. ^ "Municipal: Baler, Aurora". PSGC Interactive. Quezon City, Philippines: Philippine Statistics Authority. Retrieved January 8, 2016.
  19. ^ a b Census of Population and Housing (2010). "Region III (Central Luzon)" (PDF). Total Population by Province, City, Municipality and Barangay. National Statistics Office. Retrieved June 29, 2016.
  20. ^ "Baler, Aurora Climatological Normal Values 1991–2020" (PDF). Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration. Archived from the original (PDF) on March 1, 2022. Retrieved May 5, 2022.
  21. ^ "Baler, Aurora Climatological Extremes" (PDF). Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration. Archived from the original (PDF) on March 8, 2022. Retrieved May 5, 2022.
  22. ^ Census of Population (2015). "Region III (Central Luzon)". Total Population by Province, City, Municipality and Barangay. Philippine Statistics Authority. Retrieved June 20, 2016.
  23. ^ 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.{{cite encyclopedia}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  24. ^ "Province of Aurora". Municipality Population Data. Local Water Utilities Administration Research Division. Retrieved December 17, 2016.
  25. ^ a b Mesina, Ilovita. "Baler And Its People, The Aurorans". Aurora.ph. Retrieved February 21, 2018.
  26. ^ Baler and Other Sceneries of Aurora
  27. ^ Lowland Cultural Group of the Tagalogs
  28. ^ Socio-Economic Profile of Baler
  29. ^ Baler in Aurora - Scene of the Film "Apocalypse Now"
  30. ^ BALER ON A BUDGET: Travel Guide & Itinerary
  31. ^ Discovering Aurora in phinder.ph
  32. ^ Selaznog, Olag (2013). Ak'kaw Poppo: Talaan ng Salitang Baler (1st ed.). Makati City: Baler Aurora Ngayon Angkan at Kasaysayan (Banak Inc.).
  33. ^ Discover the Philippines: Aurora Province
  34. ^ "Poverty incidence (PI):". Philippine Statistics Authority. Retrieved December 28, 2020.
  35. ^ "Estimation of Local Poverty in the Philippines" (PDF). Philippine Statistics Authority. November 29, 2005.
  36. ^ "2003 City and Municipal Level Poverty Estimates" (PDF). Philippine Statistics Authority. March 23, 2009.
  37. ^ "City and Municipal Level Poverty Estimates; 2006 and 2009" (PDF). Philippine Statistics Authority. August 3, 2012.
  38. ^ "2012 Municipal and City Level Poverty Estimates" (PDF). Philippine Statistics Authority. May 31, 2016.
  39. ^ "Municipal and City Level Small Area Poverty Estimates; 2009, 2012 and 2015". Philippine Statistics Authority. July 10, 2019.
  40. ^ "PSA Releases the 2018 Municipal and City Level Poverty Estimates". Philippine Statistics Authority. December 15, 2021. Retrieved January 22, 2022.
  41. ^ "Government Officials of Aurora, Philippines". Retrieved February 21, 2018.
  42. ^ a b Galvez, Manny (July 2, 2010). "RP-Spain Friendship Day marked today in Baler". The Philippine Star. Retrieved February 21, 2018.
  43. ^ Quismundo, Tarra (July 5, 2016). "Filipino, Spanish officials mark Friendship Day in Baler, Aurora". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved February 21, 2018.

External links edit