Mabalacat, Pampanga, Philippines

Mabalacat City, Pampanga is within Region III – Central Luzon, in the Republic of the Philippines.

Barangays of Mabalacat City, in the Pampanga province, within Region III – Central Luzon in the Republic of The Philippines
Atlu-Bola • Bical • Bundagul • Cacutud • Calumpang • Camachiles • Dapdap • Dau • Dolores • Duquit • Lakandula • Mabiga • Macapagal Village • Mamatitang • Mangalit • Marcos Village • Mawaque • Paralayunan • Poblacion • San Francisco • San Joaquin • Santa Ines • Santa Maria • Santo Rosario • Sapang Balen • Sapang Biabas • Tabun

People of Mabalacat City

As of the 2020 Census, Mabalacat City had a population of 293,244 residents.
In 2015, the city recorded a population of 250,799, reflecting a growth rate of approximately 3.1% annually.
The original inhabitants of Mabalacat were the Aeta people, locally known as Balugas. These indigenous groups lived in the forests surrounding Mount Pinatubo and practiced hunting, foraging, and swidden agriculture. Some Aeta communities still reside in upland barangays and maintain their cultural traditions.
The dominant language spoken today is Kapampangan, though Tagalog and English are widely used in education and commerce. As in all Philippine schools, English is the official medium of instruction, ensuring students are equipped for national and global engagement.

Location of Mabalacat City

Mabalacat City is a landlocked component city in the northern part of Pampanga, Central Luzon. It borders Angeles City, Bamban (Tarlac), and Porac, and is part of the Metro Clark area.
Travel access:
- Land: The city is accessible via the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) and Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX). The Dau Bus Terminal serves as a major transport hub connecting Mabalacat to Metro Manila, Northern Luzon, and other provinces.
- Air: Clark International Airport is located within the Clark Freeport Zone, just 15–20 minutes from the city center.
- Sea: The nearest major seaport is Subic Bay, approximately 1.5 hours away by land.

Tourist Attractions of Mabalacat City

Clark Freeport Zone: A thriving economic and entertainment hub featuring resorts, casinos, duty-free shops, and historical sites.
Clark Safari and Adventure Park: Home to over 1,500 animals, including big cats, reptiles, and exotic birds, offering interactive wildlife experiences.
Clark Aqua Planet: One of the largest water parks in Southeast Asia, with thrilling slides and family-friendly pools.
Zoocobia Fun Zoo: A nature-themed park with zip lines, animal encounters, and educational exhibits.
Festivals:
- Caragan Festival: Held every February, this cultural celebration honors the Aeta chieftain Caragan, featuring street dancing, tribal rituals, and indigenous crafts.
- Cityhood Anniversary: Celebrated every July 21 to commemorate Mabalacat’s conversion into a city in 2012.

Economy of Mabalacat City

Mabalacat’s economy is driven by logistics, tourism, manufacturing, and services. Its strategic location within the Clark Freeport Zone positions it as a gateway to Central and Northern Luzon.
Key industries include:
- Transportation and warehousing
- Hospitality and food services
- Retail and commercial development
- Education and public administration
While city-specific GDP figures are not publicly available, Pampanga Province posted a GDP of over ₱300 billion in recent years, with Mabalacat contributing significantly through its industrial zones and tourism assets.

Educational Institutions of Mabalacat City

Young residents pursue higher education at several institutions:
- Mabalacat City College (MCC): A city-run institution offering programs in education, hospitality, IT, customs administration, and management accounting.
- Saint Anthony College of Technology: Offers bachelor’s degrees in engineering, business, and computer science.
- Jose C. Feliciano College: A private college offering programs in education, criminology, and health sciences.
- Don Bosco Academy – Mabalacat TVET Center: Provides technical-vocational training in automotive, electronics, and welding.

History of Mabalacat City

Mabalacat was founded in 1712 and was originally a barrio of Bambang (now Bamban, Tarlac). It became a town in 1792 and was named after the balacat tree (Ziziphus talanai), a fourth-class timber tree native to the area.
The first settlers were the Aetas, led by a chieftain named Caragan. His marriage to Laureana Tolentino marked the beginning of formal governance, with Laureana becoming the first Cabeza de Barangay.
Mabalacat was converted into a component city on July 21, 2012 through Republic Act No. 10164, ratified via plebiscite.

Elected Officials of Mabalacat City

As of the 2025 elections, Mabalacat City is led by:
- Mayor: Gerald Guttrie P. Aquino
- Vice Mayor: Marcos T. Castro Jr.
- Representative (1st District of Pampanga): Carmelo Lazatin Jr.
- City Councilors: Miguel Ignacio M. Morales, Timothy Paul Llanos Dee, Victor Rene Ong, Eroll Jake C. Soliven, Benjamin D. Jocson, Marjorie Grace M. Sambo, Noelito B. Castro, Stephen Aurelio, Patricia Anne L. Acorda, Elizabeth Pineda
For official results and updates, visit the Halalan 2025 page: Mabalacat City Election Results.

January 7, 2026

1️⃣ Andas for Traslación 2026 now ready, with upgrades

The Andas carrying the Black Nazarene for January 9 Traslación features new steering wheel and reinforced underchassis to handle massive devotee crowds safely.

2️⃣ Over 3,500 affected by Mayon volcano unrest

NDRRMC reports 3,515 people from 964 families evacuated in Albay due to recent magmatic eruptions, ashfall, and pyroclastic flows; all in permanent danger zone.

3️⃣ Magnitude 6.4 quake hits off southern Philippines

USGS detects 6.4 quake off Davao Oriental coast—no tsunami threat reported, but locals feel shaking; no immediate damage confirmed.

List of Cities in the Philippines

The move towards Federalism in the Philippines is simply a ploy to create political dynasties and establish a Bangsamoro State (an autonomous Islamic State).