Happy TravellerWelcome to Camiling, a 1st class municipality in the province of Tarlac in the Philippines. With a population of 87,319 people, Camiling is one of the fastest-growing towns of Tarlac when it comes to income and economy. It is also considered one of the richest when it comes to cultural heritage in the entire province. Camiling is the major municipality in north-western Tarlac and is the commercial center of an area composed of about eight towns, and borders the province of Pangasinan. It is the gateway to central and western Pangasinan through the Romulo Highway (formerly Highway 13). Camiling is also known for its famous Chicharon Camiling and its green native rice cake called Nilubyan.
Camiling has a rich history dating back to the classical era when the area was lush in tropical rainforest and was used mainly by the local Pangasinense people. When the polity of Caboloan was established in 1406, the area was incorporated as part of the kingdom. It was ruled by a series of native huangs (kings/queens), namely, Urduja, Kamayin, Taymey, and Liyu. Majority of its rulers are unnamed as no document of them were properly recorded. For a short period, an emperor in China became an honorary ruler as well. In 1575, the Chinese pirate Limahong attacked the polity and declared himself as ruler of the Caboloan realms. The kingdom was eventually abolished in 1576, when the Spanish attacked and ransacked the kingdoms capital of Binalatongan (present-day San Carlos, Pangasinan). It was later on incorporated into the Spanish Empire.
Camiling is politically subdivided into 61 barangays and is mostly of plain topography but some parts are hilly to mountainous in which the barangays of Papaac, Bacsay, Birbira and Cayasan, to name a few. The deeper part of the mountains can be described as a place where wild animals live, such as deer, Toddy cat (Musang), wild boar (Baboy ramo), Monitor lizard (Bayawak).
Camiling is home to several attractions such as the Old St Michael the Archangel Parish Church, a historical building built around the 18th century and the oldest religious structure built in the province of Tarlac. The antique edifice also features the ruins of a Spanish style school which is created for sanctification like the St Michael Parish Church Garden and the St Michael Meditation Sanctuary. This church is also the largest in the entire province. The New St Michael the Archangel Parish Church of Camiling was built in 2009. With a total floor area of 2,200 square meters, the church features intricately designed stained glass windows depicting, aside from Jesus Christ and the Virgin Mary, the angels. It is adjacent to Camilings Catholic school. Other attractions include Maria Clara Iglesias Independiente, Maria Clara Museum, Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, Maria Clara Town Plaza, Mt. Damas, Ubod Falls, and Pias Falls.
Camilings one town one product is the Chicharon or Bagnet by the Ilocanos of Ilocos Sur and the sweet green native cakes called Iniruban or Dirimin of Pangasinan origin. The municipality is also known for other native rice cakes such as Tupig, Pinais, and Patupat. Camiling hosts Iniruban and Chicharon Festival. Held every last week of October, it is coupled by colorful and artistic presentations and street dances by different schools in Camiling. The festival was established in 2000. A street dancing competition is held annually to showcase Camilings products and cultural heritage. Aside from rice cakes and Chicharon, the municipality is also known for its fresh water products like Tilapia, Mudfish, Catfish, and Bangus.
Come and visit Camiling, a town rich in culture, history, and natural beauty. Experience the warmth and hospitality of its people and indulge in its mouthwatering local cuisine. Camiling is a destination that should be on every traveler’s bucket list.
