Tarlac City, Tarlac, Philippines

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

People of Tarlac City

• As of the 2020 Census, Tarlac City had a population of 385,398 residents.
• In 2015, the city recorded a population of 342,493, reflecting a growth rate of approximately 2.3% annually.
• Historically, the area was inhabited by indigenous groups such as the Abelling and Aeta peoples, who lived in the upland forests and riverbanks. These communities practiced hunting, fishing, and swidden agriculture.
• The dominant language today is Kapampangan, though Ilocano and Tagalog are also widely spoken due to migration and interprovincial trade. As in all Philippine schools, English is the official medium of instruction, ensuring students are prepared for both national and global opportunities.

Location of Tarlac City

• Tarlac City is a landlocked component city in the province of Tarlac, located in Central Luzon. It serves as the provincial capital and lies at the junction of major highways connecting Pangasinan, Nueva Ecija, and Pampanga.
• Travel access:
  • Land: Tarlac City is accessible via the MacArthur Highway and the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX). Buses from Manila, Baguio, and nearby provinces regularly serve the city.
  • Air: The nearest airport is Clark International Airport, approximately 1.5 hours away by land.
  • Sea: Being landlocked, Tarlac City has no direct access to seaports. The closest major port is in Manila, about 2.5–3 hours away by bus or car.

Tourist Attractions of Tarlac City

• San Sebastian Cathedral: A historic Roman Catholic church and spiritual center of the city.
• Aquino Center and Museum: Dedicated to the legacy of Senator Benigno Aquino Jr. and President Corazon Aquino, showcasing memorabilia and historical exhibits.
• Tarlac City Plazuela: A landscaped public park ideal for community events and leisure.
• Maria Cristina Park: A green space with playgrounds and walking paths.
• Festivals:
  • Melting Pot Festival: Celebrated every January, this festival highlights the city’s cultural diversity through food fairs, street dancing, and exhibits.
  • Malatarlak Festival: A traditional celebration honoring the Aeta heritage and the city’s agricultural roots.

Economy of Tarlac City

• Tarlac City’s economy is anchored in agriculture, commerce, education, and government services. It serves as a regional hub for trade and logistics in Central Luzon.
• Key industries include:
  • Rice and sugarcane production
  • Retail and wholesale trade
  • Food processing and light manufacturing
• Tarlac Province posted a GDP of ₱165.3 billion in 2024, with Tarlac City contributing significantly through its administrative, commercial, and educational sectors.

Educational Institutions of Tarlac City

• Young residents pursue higher education at several institutions:
  • Tarlac State University (TSU): A top-ranked public university offering programs in engineering, education, law, business, and health sciences.
  • Central Luzon Doctors’ Hospital Educational Institution: Specializes in nursing, pharmacy, and allied health programs.
  • College of the Holy Spirit of Tarlac: A private Catholic college offering liberal arts, business, and education degrees.
  • AMA Computer University – Tarlac Campus: Offers IT, business, and engineering programs.
  • STI College – Tarlac: Focused on tech and business education.

History of Tarlac City

• Tarlac City was formally founded in 1788 by settlers from Bacolor, Pampanga, who cleared the land and established a community along the riverbanks.
• It became the capital of Tarlac Province in 1874, after the province was officially created.
• The city was converted from a municipality into a component city through Republic Act No. 8593, signed on March 12, 1998 and ratified via plebiscite on April 18, 1998.
• Tarlac City is known as the “Melting Pot of Central Luzon” due to its diverse population and cultural influences from neighboring provinces.

Elected Officials of Tarlac City

• As of the 2025 elections, Tarlac City is led by:
  • Mayor: Cristy Angeles
  • Vice Mayor: Genaro Mendoza
  • Representative (2nd District of Tarlac): Christian Yap
• For a full list of councilors and barangay officials, visit the official Halalan 2025 results page: Tarlac City Election Results.

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