Angeles City History

[PeterG]

The history of Angeles City is one of the most colorful and storied in the Philippines. From the Spanish times to its present day status as a tourist attraction, history continues to be made in Angeles City everyday.

A review of the history of Angeles will show that it has been marked by many trials and tribulations but each time the city has overcome them, and going over its many facets can be as fascinating as visiting any tourist attraction in the area.

The city had its origins in a small barrio in Pampanga called Culiat, which was no different from those that surrounded it. However in 1829, the Spanish authorities had decided to turn it into a municipality. This they named El Pueblo de Los Angeles (the town of angels). Although it began its transformation slowly, its location, plus the work of the people, turned it into a business hub and pivotal center for trade and commerce. Its major products were sugar and beverages, notably wine.

The history of Angeles City would reach a pivotal turning point when the Katipuneros led by General Emilio Aguinaldo captured the city and established their government there. When the Americans came they overran the place and as what happened under the Spaniards became a center for business. This continued until the advent of World War II. The end of the war marked the culmination of the American occupation but they reserved the right to have bases installed in Clark in Angeles and a navy fleet in Subic.

The presence of US servicemen proved to be a boom to the local economy, as several restaurants and shops opened to cater to the families of the US military. Along with Olongapo it would become one of the premiere economic centers in the province.

But the history of Angeles City would be faced with another obstacle following the decision of the Philippine Senate to rebuke the request for an extension of the bases agreement. Just as the American forces were preparing to leave, the explosion of Mt. Pinatubo made things worse, as it devastated a large portion of the city and other towns in Pampanga.

These two events were to affect the city and for a while its economy suffered. But through the perseverance of its people, they were able to bounce back. Today the former Clark Air Base has become an economic zone while Mt. Pinatubo has blossomed into one of the biggest tourist attractions of the province.

Few cities have faced as many challenges and obstacles, but as this overview of the history of Angeles City shows, the people have shown that no matter what the challenges may be, they have what it takes to overcome them.