CANDELARIA
TOURISM AND MUNICIPAL PROFILE
HISTORY
• Brief History of Candelaria
•Formerly part of Masinloc and known as Barrio San Vicente, Candelaria became a separate town
on December 2, 1872 through a decree issued by the Spanish Governor General of Zambales. The
Governor General himself named the newly established town after his beautiful Spanish wife,
Candelaria. From then on, Candelaria was governed by either an elected or appointed local chief
executive known by different titles but exercising the same function of steering Candelaria towards the
path of progress and development.
•The name of the town could have come from the name of the wife of the first Alcalde Mayor, who
named the town after her as a birthday gift.
SOCIO ECONOMIC PROFILE
•LOCATION
•Candelaria is the second northernmost town in the province of
Zambales and is approximately 42 kilometers from the capital town
of Iba. It is about 4 hours’ drive from Manila via well-paved road and
beautiful scenery. It is nestled at the foot of the majestic Zambales
Mountain Range in the East and lies along the coast of the West
Philippine Sea. The total land area of Candelaria is 33,470.9247
hectares making it the third largest town in terms of land area in the
entire province of Zambales. Almost 82% [27,317.2900 ha.] of the
land area is classified as Forest Land while the rest are for residential,
agricultural and industrial use.
POLITICAL SUBDIVISION
•It is politically subdivided into 16
barangays, 7 of which are located along the
National Highway and the rest are either
along the shoreline or nestled at the foot of
the Zambales Mountain Range, all linked
via an extensive barangay road network.
MAYOR OF CANDELARIA
• HON. Napoleon E. Edquid
LIST OF BARANGAYS OF
CANDELARIA
Name of Barangay Total Land Area [Hectares]
Babancal 225.8866
Binabalian 320.7226
Catol 159.6694
Dampay 284.0997
Lauis 388.9984
Libertador 212.5088
Malabon 875.8953
Malimanga 233.7424
Pamibian 345.4017
Panayonan 55.4958
Pinagrealan 537.714
Poblacion 37.8141
Sinabacan 375.1669
Taposo 450.2659
Uacon 1098.7171
Yamot 551.536
POBLACION
POBLACION IS THE CENTER OF TRADE AND COMMERCE
WHERE THE CANDELARIA PUBLIC MARKET AND OTHER
COMMERCIAL ESTABLISHMENTS ARE LOCATED. EARLY
MORNING’S CATCH FROM THE WATERS OF LIBERTADOR
AND UACON FILL THE FISH SECTION WHILE NEWLY
HARVESTED VEGETABLES CAN BE FOUND IN THE
VEGETABLE STALLS OF THE MARKET. THE MEAT SECTION
ONLY SELLS FRESH MEAT DULY CERTIFIED BY THE MEAT
INSPECTOR. OTHER SPECIALTY STORES ARE LOCATED IN
THE TOWN PROPER TO CATER TO THE NEEDS OF THE
ALSO LOCATED IN POBLACION ARE THE ST. VINCENT PARISH CHURCH,
MUNICIPAL HALL, PUBLIC LIBRARY, PUBLIC PLAZA AND THE NEW
CANDELARIA COVERED COURT WHICH PLAYED HOST TO A NUMBER
OF MEMORABLE EVENTS THAT FORM PART OF THE HISTORY OF
CANDELARIA. THE PUBLIC LIBRARY IS A FAVORITE HANGOUT OF
STUDENTS WHO WANTED TO ENRICH THEIR KNOWLEDGE THROUGH
THE VOLUMINOUS READING MATERIALS AVAILABLE TO THEM.
PUBLIC LIBRARY
PUBLIC MARKET
ST. VINCENT PARISH CHURCH MUNICIPAL HALL
LAUIS BRIDGE
• Candelaria is connected to Masinloc by the Lauis Bridge and to Sta. Cruz in the north by Uacon Bridge.
Both were constructed in the 70’s but remain structurally sound in spite of the heavy vehicular traffic.
Lauis River provides water to cool the turbines at the Masinloc Geothermal Plant and is a good source
of gravel and sand for construction projects. During summers, it is one of the favourite destinations for
vacationists due to its refreshing crystal clear waters that provide relief from the searing heat of the sun.
ETHNIC GROUPS
• There are no ethnic groups that can be considered as
native of this town but some Aetas from Botolan have
established permanent residence in far-flung sitios of
Brgy. Taposo and Brgy. Pinagrealan.
DIALECTS
• Almost 90% of the populace speaks Zambal. Other
dialects that have found their way in the municipality
are Tagalog, Ilocano, Panggalatoc, Bicol, Waray,
Cebuano, Kampampangan and other dialects.
TRANSPORTATION
• Buses, UVs and jeepneys going to Sta. Cruz and Pangasinan in the
North and Iba and Olongapo in the South passes through the town in
regular intervals. While in town, visitors will be amazed at the number
of tricycle terminals located strategically in almost every corner, with
the friendly tricycle driver willing to take them to anywhere in
Candelaria. Tricycles here are color-coded, each color represents an
organized TODA (Tricycle Operators & Drivers Association) plying a
specific area or zone. In Brgy. Uacon, where most resorts are located,
guests may opt to ride on “tri-sikad” or non-motorized tricycles which
are much cheaper and environmentally friendly.
TRANSPORTATION
• Along the shores of Candelaria, one can find a number
of motorized bancas that will take them to Potipot
Island; bring them to Balas-taaw and Balas Igid (islets
that sprung out of the waters during low tide); tour them
around the majestic Uacon Lake; or drop them to other
coastal barangays. Boat operations are organized and
common fares are adopted.
TRANSPORTATION
• Those who are more adventurous may choose to avail of services of a “kuliglig” or
motorized tractor to explore the forested areas of the Zambales Mountain Range. Others may
even go for their first Carabao ride, which may require more courage and lot of nerves
COMMUNICATION
• The two biggest service providers in cellular communications have
constructed their cell sites in the area, thus linking Candelaria to the rest
of the world through wireless communications and internet. The
Department of Science and Technology is in the process of providing
access to free Wi-Fi and faster internet in selected areas within the
municipality.
WATER SERVICE
• Clean potable water is provided by the Candelaria Water District. Their massive water tank
located inside the Candelaria Town Plaza delivers water to 11 out of the 16 barangays of the
municipality.
• Minimum Charge per Sector
• Residential ₱ 210.00
• Commercial ₱ 315.00
• Industrial ₱ 420.00
ELECTRICITY
• ZAMECO I provides electricity to all the barangays through
their Sub-station located in Brgy. Pamibian. Their continuing
electrification programs have reached even the distant
barangays of Taposo and Pinagrealan.
PEACE AND ORDER
• Candelaria remains as one of the most peaceful towns of Zambales. The dedicated personnel
of the Candelaria PNP have adopted measures to ensure that crime rate is negligible. Petty
crime is down to almost zero brought about by the harmonious relationship between the
police and the citizenry. Barangay Tanods are trained by the PNP on crime prevention and
emergency response as their multiplying force in the barangay. As of November 2017, the
PNP in coordination with the LGU have successfully conducted 4 reformatory classes for
drug dependents who voluntarily surrendered and enrolled themselves to the said program.
This greatly contributed to the decrease in crime incidence.
AGRICULTURE
• With vast tracks of fertile lands and enormous source of water,
agriculture remains as the main source of livelihood. Almost 1,673
hectares of arable lands are devoted to planting rice, 1,044 hectares of
which are irrigated by communal irrigation and the rest are rain-fed. The
Office of the Municipal Agriculturist conducts various seminars,
dialogues and trainings to increase the present yield of 85 cavans per
hectare.
AGRICULTURE
CROP MONITORING
IRRIGATION
– Some 53,496 hectares of fertile lands are
planted with mangoes, coconuts, vegetables and
other high value crops. Mangoes are transported
to Manila where they undergo thermal treatment
prior to being exported to other countries, while
other produce are sold in nearby towns, giving
additional income to the farmers.
FARMER’S CLASS
FISHING
• Next to farming, fishing is the second main source of income for the
almost 300 or so fisher folks registered with the Bantay Dagat.
Employing their well-honed skills and using both motorized and non-
motorized bancas, they make full use of the vast municipal waters
teeming with variety of fish species. A total of 160 motorized fishing
boats are presently registered with the LGU.
EDUCATION
• All the sixteen barangays of the municipality have their own Day Care
Centers manned by highly efficient Day Care Workers preparing
toddlers as young as three years for formal schooling. Quality primary
education is provided by the faculty of the sixteen [16] public and four
[4] private Elementary Schools, while four [4] public and two [2] private
High Schools offer secondary education.
EDUCATION
• Two public institutions, the President Ramon Magsaysay State
University [formerly Ramon Magsaysay Technological University] and
the Candelaria School of Fisheries offer tertiary education, while the
Power Skills Technical Institute of Zambales offers Tesda accredited
vocational courses.
EDUCATION
• Another form of support to the education sector is the Special Education Fund with an appropriation of ₱ 1,500,000.00 for CY
2019, broken down into:
• Repair/Repainting of Schools ₱ 365,000.00
• Maintenance of School Building ₱ 90,000.00
• Electric Power Expense ₱ 9,000.00
• Internet Expense ₱ 24,000.00
• Communication Expense ₱ 24,000.00
• Cable TV Expense ₱ 12,000.00
• Facilities and Equipment ₱ 300,000.00
• Educational Research ₱ 200,000.00
• Purchase of Books ₱ 50,000.00
• Sports and Academic Development ₱ 340,000.00
• ECCD Program ₱ 30,000.00
•
HEALTH
• The Candelaria District Hospital provides medical services not only to the residents of
Candelaria but also to the residents of the adjacent towns of Masinloc and Sta. Cruz.
Managed and supervised by the Provincial Government, it is manned by highly qualified
Medical Staff, headed by a Chief of Hospital, 2 resident doctors, a number of consultants
from different field of specializations, midwives, nurses and volunteer caregivers.
• The Local Government Unit maintains a Rural Health Unit, a Sentrong Sigla awardee,
located in Poblacion that provides excellent free medical and dental services and medicines.
A newly built Birthing Station located in Brgy. Catol will start operations by mid-2018.
FISCAL PROFILE
• The financial health of Candelaria is dependent on the IRA and on the locally collected
revenues.
•
•
• FISCAL YEAR ANNUAL BUDGET IRA REVENUE
•
• 2019 ₱ 139,928,681.00 ₱ 132,662,181.00 ₱ 7,266,500.00
• 2018 ₱ 128,880,060.00 ₱ 120,540,380.00 ₱ 14,766,893.86
• 2017 ₱ 119,107,070.00 ₱ 112,333,657.00 ₱ 19,963,406.90
•
POTENTIAL ECONOMIC
INVESTMENT
• Mining and Agriculture offers huge potential as sound economic investments that continue
to lure investors to this municipality. In spite of the presence of big mining companies such
BenguetCorp Nickel Mines Inc., DMCI and ZDMC, a number of mining companies
continue to apply for exploration permits conscious of the untapped resources within the
Zambales Mountain Range . Deposits of Jade and other precious metals were recently
discovered in Brgy. Pinagrealan.
• Massive tract of irrigated fertile lands are available for high-value crops plantation. These
areas are easily accessible via well-paved interior roads, thus lowering the cost of
transporting produce to the market.
• Tourism continues to attract investors to the municipality, tempted by the beautiful scenery
and pristine environment. Resorts along the coastline are undergoing structural facelift with
buildings and cottages being built and additional amenities are constructed
MAJOR TOURISM ATTRACTIONS
• Endowed with nature’s beauty, Candelaria is home to the 112 hectare Uacon Lake, the six-
time winner of the Cleanest Inland Body of Water for the whole of Region III. Surrounded
by lush mangrove forest, the lake teems with talakitok, groupers, milkfish, shrimps and
crabs. At night, the twinkling lights of fishing boats illuminates the calm waters of the lake
as fishing enthusiasts try their luck to catch some of the different species of marine life that
call Uacon Lake as their home.
MAJOR TOURISM ATTRACTIONS
– A long strip of white-sand shoreline covers the whole of the western portion of the town facing the
West Philippine Sea, luring thousands of tourists during summers. A number of beach resorts offer
the visitors with amenities and services at par with those from renowned resorts of Boracay and
Batangas.
MAJOR TOURISM ATTRACTIONS
– In the middle of the vast municipal waters is the Potipot Island, a.k.a. Boracay of
the North, famous for its white fine sand, rich corrals and pristine environment.
MAJOR TOURISM ATTRACTIONS
– To highlight the environmental conservation effort of the LGU, and to likewise
protect the rich marine life in Malimanga Sinabacan Marine Protected Area, the
Bantay Dagat vigilantly protects the municipal waters against illegal activities
MAJOR TOURISM ATTRACTIONS
– During low tides, sprouting out of the waters are the two islets, the Balas Taaw
and Balas Igid, now becoming favourite areas for snorkelling. The Zambales
Mountain range in the east boasts of thriving forest and mysterious caves. It is
criss-crossed by fresh water lakes and streams and is rich in minerals.
RESORTS
RESORTS
RESORTS
RESORTS
RESORTS
TOURISM DEVELOPMENT PLAN
• The success of every endeavour depends on the cooperation of all stakeholders; having
common goals and moving on the same direction. With this in mind, the Local Government
Unit, headed by the Mayor Napoleon “Nap “Edquid, consulted the beach resort owners in
drafting this tourism plan and continues to hold dialogues with them to ensure the
implementation of the same. It is also through his initiative that the Municipal Tourism
Council (MTC) of Candelaria was revived. Idle for so many years, the MTC a.k.a. “Team
Cande” is committed to support the Tourism Plans of Mayor Edquid and have lined up
various events in unison with his vision for a Better Candelaria. In line with the thrust of the
current administration to exhaust all resources to develop the tourism potentials of
Zambales, we have set our goals to promote Candelaria as next tourism destination in this
part of Zambales.
HOME OF LARUK-LARUK
FESTIVAL
LARUK- LARUK
• The Laruk-laruk Festival, a brainchild of the Uacon Cove Resorts and Residents Association
(UCRRA), was recently adopted by the Sangguniang Bayan as the official municipal
festival. Previously held along the shorelines of Sinabacan and Uacon, a number of events
will now be held initially at the town plaza gradually expanding to the whole of Candelaria.
In addition to Laruk-laruk Cooking Contest and the hotly competitive Native Games, the
organizers will hold the very first Sabong sa Liglig Ambay (Cockfight Along the Shoreline).
LARUK- LARUK EVENTS
COOKING CONTEST
LARUK- LARUK EVENTS
SABONG SA LIGLIG AMBAY
LARUK- LARUK EVENTS
LARO NG LAHI
LARUK- LARUK EVENTS
OFF-ROAD CHALLENGE
LARUK- LARUK EVENTS
BATTLE OF THE BANDS
LARUK- LARUK EVENTS
BEACH VOLLEYBALL
LARUK- LARUK EVENTS
HATAW DANCE CONTEST
LARUK- LARUK EVENTS
SIBIT SIBIT RACE
LARUK- LARUK EVENTS
KAYAK RACE
LARUK- LARUK EVENTS
ZUMBA AEROBICS MARATHON
LARUK- LARUK EVENTS
MOTOCROSS
LARUK- LARUK EVENTS
FLUVIAL PARADE
LARUK- LARUK EVENTS
SALO SALO SA BILAO
LARUK- LARUK EVENTS
COLOR FUN RUN
LARUK- LARUK EVENTS
BINIBINING LARUK-LARUK
ECO-TOURISM
• Efforts are being made to declare the whole Uacon Lake as an Eco-tourism area
to fully utilize its potentials. Resort owners are encouraged to include a tour of
the lake as part of their promotional package. An area in the eastern part of the
lake, known as Pantal Paradise, is being developed into a mangrove plantation.
Replete with board walk that criss-crossed through a mangrove forest, a Bird
Watching Tower and an Ecology Center, it will provide educational tour for
students to make them aware of the importance of mangrove in the preservation
and protection of the environment. Parallel efforts are being conducted by the
Zambales Diversified Metals Corp., to transmute Uacon Lake into a theme park.
They tapped the expertise of well-known architectural genius, Arch. Palafox for a
proposed site development plan and feasibility studies that will transform the
lake into world-class tourist destination.
• Mayor Nap, together with other municipal officials, employees and other stakeholders
previously conducted a survey of various caves deep inside the Zambales Mountain Range
and were amazed to find a number of unexplored caves. Personnel from the Municipal
Tourism Office made subsequent trips to identify routes, clear obstacles, and provide ladders
to ease travel to and from the caves. An alternate route will take the visitors to the cave via a
boat ride across the Uacon Lake and a thirty-minute Kuliglig-ride up to the foot of the
Zambales Range. DENR and CENRO have initiated moves to declare this site as protected
area to prevent vandalism by unscrupulous visitors. This will allow the LGU to appropriate
funds to fully develop these caves as tourist’s destination.
SPORTS TOURISM
• Tourism related activities such as Beach Games will also be held on a regular basis along the shoreline,
tapping the cooperation of the different resorts, as part of our sports-tourism plan. Beach Volleyball is
included in our yearly celebration of the Laruk laruk Festival. Our well-paved roads and pristine waters
provide the landscape for the holding of Triathlon. For the last two years, full marathon races were
conducted luring runners from as far Pampanga.
• Motocross and 4x4 Off-road Challenge are being held annually for the past two years as part of our festival.
Talks between stakeholders are being made to allow guests and visitors of the different resorts to use race
track, even after the festival. Areas within the Zambales Mountain Range are also being surveyed for the
holding of sports activities such as Mountain Bike Race, Mountain trekking, 4x4 Race and other extreme
sports.
•
• Uacon Lake played host to the 1st Zambales Dragon Boat Festival in 2013. Plans are underway to conduct
future dragon boat competitions and to offer the lake as training grounds for the Philippine Rowing Team.
AGRI TOURISM
• Agri Tourism
• Visitors will also be given the opportunity to explore the scenery while on-board Carabao-
driven carts or the motorized “kuligligs” as part of agri-tourism, which will take them to
various plantations, planted with mangoes and other high value crops.
• Another endeavour to promote agri-tourism is the proposed development of Alindayat Lake
in Brgy. Yamot into a farm-resort. Guests will be given the chance to plant and harvest
palays and other crops or indulge into day-long fishing activities within the rich waters of
Alindayat Lake.
AGRI TOURISM
• Cognizant of the huge potentials of Uacon Lake as a tourist destination, efforts are being
made to put up a floating restaurant within the lake. To be operated jointly by the LGU and
the Barangay Council of Uacon, it will offer local delicacies to tourists from nearby resorts.
Collaborative efforts are being undertaken to address the clamor from the resort owners to
establish a night market within the Barangay Plaza of Uacon where their guests can go and
buy local products and at the same time choose from the wide variety of fishes caught by
local fishermen.
• With the full support of all the tourism stakeholders, and funding from the government, this
plan will surely be realized in the near future.
END
• THANK YOU.
