San Miguel, located in the province of Bulacan, Philippines, is a town known for its rich history and vibrant culture. Often referred to as the “Egg Basket of the Philippines” for its large poultry industry, San Miguel offers a unique blend of agricultural prosperity and cultural heritage. It’s a place where tradition and progress coexist, making it an interesting destination for both tourists and researchers alike.
History of San Miguel, Bulacan
San Miguel de Mayumo was founded in 1763 by Carlos Agustin Maniquiz, Maria Juana Puno (Carlos Agustin Maniquiz’s wife), and Miguel Pineda, who became the first mayor. Originally from Angat, Bulacan, Pineda settled in San Bartolome (now Barangay Tartaro) for its hunting opportunities and eventually led other settlers. He allied with Mariano Puno, the leader of the neighboring village, Santo Rosario (now Barangay Mandile).
Having been part of Pampanga, San Miguel’s culture reflects Kapampangan influence. In 1848, the town and nearby areas, previously part of Pampanga, were incorporated into Bulacan.
During the 1897 Philippine Revolution, Governor-General Fernando Primo de Rivera aimed to defeat Emilio Aguinaldo in Cavite, but Aguinaldo escaped to Batangas and joined forces with Gen. Miguel Malvar. Despite Spanish pursuit, the troops evaded capture by relocating to Morong (now Rizal) and eventually to Biak-na-Bato in San Miguel, Bulacan, where Aguinaldo established his headquarters.
Biak-na-Bato, situated in Doña Remedios Trinidad town, served as a camp for the Katipunan forces during the Philippine Revolution. It was designated a national park by Manuel L. Quezon in 1937.
Between 1903 and 1906, San Ildefonso merged with San Miguel due to financial constraints but later became an independent town when it achieved fiscal stability.
During World War II, Japanese forces occupied San Miguel in 1942. Local Filipino troops formed the Bulakeño guerrilla resistance in the mountains until liberation.
San Miguel remained Bulacan’s largest town until the establishment of Doña Remedios Trinidad on September 13, 1977, under Presidential Decree No. 1196 during President Ferdinand Marcos’ tenure.
Geography
- Location: San Miguel is situated in the northeastern part of Bulacan, bordered by Nueva Ecija to the north and Pampanga to the west.
- Climate: Like much of the Philippines, San Miguel experiences a tropical climate with a wet and dry season. The wet season sees heavy rainfall, while the dry season is characterized by hot and humid weather.
- Topography: The town features varying landscapes, from flat agricultural plains to hilly areas, which are utilized for both farming and residential purposes.
Demographics
- Population: San Miguel has a growing population, reflecting a blend of various age groups, from the young to the elderly.
- Language and Ethnicity: Tagalog is the predominant language spoken by the residents. The population is mostly of Filipino ethnicity, with a mix of various cultural backgrounds due to historical migrations.
- Religion: A significant majority of the population is Roman Catholic, with various churches and religious institutions dotting the town landscape.