The Province of Aurora, with Baler as its capital, was founded by President Ferdinand E. Marcos in August 13, 1979 by virtue of Batas Bambansa Blg. 7. This act was the fulfillment of the prayers of the people of the former Municipalities of Baler and Casiguran to be truly independent from the Province of Quezon for the first time since the Spanish occupation.
Early History
In 1572, the Spanish explorer Juan de Salcedo became the first European to visit the region that would be known as Aurora while he was exploring the northern coast of Luzon. Salcedo reportedly visited the towns of Casiguran, Baler and Infanta.
In the early days of the Spanish colonial period, Aurora was ecclesiastically linked to Infanta, which today rests further south in the Province of Quezon. The earliest missionaries in the province were the Franciscans, who had established missions in Baler and Casiguran in 1609. Due to lack of available personnel, the region was given to the jurisdiction of the Agustinians and Recollects in 1658, but was returned to the Friars Minor in 1703. Other early missions included Dipaculao, established in 1719, and Casiguran, in 1753.
The early history of Aurora is linked to Quezon Province, of which it originally formed a part, and Nueva Ecija. In 1591, Quezon (then named Kalilaya) was organized into a district that included a good portion of what now constitutes the Provinces of Laguna and Nueva Ecija.
The original capital of Quezon was Kalilaya, now known as Unisan. In 1701, Nueva Ecija was split from Kalilaya Province. Around 1749, the provincial capital was transferred from Kalilaya to the town of Tayabas. The entire province then took on the name of Tayabas as well.
1800s to American Occupation
In 1818, Nueva Ecija annexed the towns of Palanan from the Province of Isabela, as well as Baler, Casiguran, Infanta and Polillo Island, from Tayabas. Between 1855 and 1885, Aurora (then named El Principe) was declared a comandancia politico-militar, with its capital at Baler. During the Philippine Revolution of 1898, a provincial revolutionary government was instituted briefly in El Principe. During this period, Bondo, formerly under the municipal jurisdiction of Mulanay, was made a separate municipality.
With the arrival of the Americans in the 1890s, a short-lived military government was established, followed by a civil government for this "district", established on June 12, 1902. In concert with the installation of the latter civil provincial government, the district of El Principe was transferred from the administrative jurisdiction of Nueva Ecija, which had controlled it since 1818, and placed under the jurisdiction of Tayabas.
The Birth of a Province
It wasn't until after World War II, however, that this part of Quezon Province languished in extreme isolation from neighboring provinces and cities. It was Mayor Pedro V. Guerrero, with the prodding of Dona Aurora Aragon Quezon, who sought the creation of a sub-province of Aurora, named in honor of Dona Aurora, as a stop-gap measure to pave the way for the eventual creation of an independent province when the required number of municipalities was attained. Guerrero was appointed Lieutenant Governor in recognition of his accomplishment.
In 1951 the municipalities of Baler, Casiguran, Dilasag, Dipaculao, Dinalongan, Dingalan, Maria Aurora and San Luis were officially formed into the sub-province of Aurora by virtue of Republic Act 646.
The dream of converting the sub-province into a regular province was indefatigably pursued by Atty. Luis S. Etcubanez, who has the distinction of being the last Lieutenant Governor of the sub-province of Aurora. Etcubanez was appointed as the first governor of Aurora when it became the 73rd province of the country in 1979. Etcubanez issued an Executive Order declaring February 19 of each year Aurora Foundation Day in honor of the late Dona Aurora Quezon.
Land Area & Location
Land Area
Aurora Province has a total land area of 323,954 hectares, representing about one percent of the country's total land area.
Location
Aurora Province is located on the East-Central side of Luzon Island. It is the north-eastern most province of Central Luzon (Region III). It is bordered on the north by the provinces of Isabela and Qurino, on the west by Nueva Ecija and Nueva Viscaya, on the south by Bulacan and Quezon, and on the east by the Pacific Ocean. The province's main link to the rest of Luzon is through a narrow mountain gravel road that twists through the Sierra Madre Mountain Range. The road is located between Baler and Bongabon, Nueva Ecija (road is impassable at the moment).
Topography
The province of Aurora covers the eastern portion of the Sierra Madre Mountains, hence it is generally mountainous. There are flat lands unevenly distributed throughout the province. Its coastline spans 332 kilometers in length. The municipality of Dingalan, in the south, has the most irregular topography.
The main drainage systems of Aurora consist of six rivers:
Aguang River, Baler
Calabgan River, Casiguran
Ditale River, Dipaculao
Dibatuan River, Dipaculao
Ibuna River, Dingalan
Sinagnuan River, Dingalan
Climate
Rainfall
Aurora's climate is characterized by rainfall that is evenly distributed throughout the year, since Aurora faces the Pacific Ocean and has no barriers to shield it from typhoons coming from the east. Tropical cyclones are also a seasonal occurrence.
The average monthly rainfall is 273.9 millimeters. Rainfall is heaviest during the months of January, February, April, October, and November, while August is the driest month.
Wind Current
The province experiences two main wind currents. From November to April, the trade wind generally reaches the province from an easterly direction. The wind then moves in a southwesterly direction for the rest of the year. In Casiguran, the wind comes from the north from October to March and the South from April to September. The average annual wind speed is four knots.
Temperature
The mean monthly temperature of Aurora is 25.3 degrees Celsius. The coldest months are January and February, with a temperature ranging from 19.3 to 20.4 degrees Celsius. The warmest months are from June to July, with temperature from 30 to 33 degrees Celsius.
Aurora province traces its beginnings to the pre-colonial period when indigenous tribes of Ilongots and Dumagats established settlements in its mountains and coastlands. There are evidences of trading activity between these communities and Chinese merchants who periodically visited the area to trade Chinese porcelain and fineries with gold and forest products.
The Franciscans, under the leadership of Fray Blas Palomino, were the first Spaniards to establish their presence in the province. In 1609, a mission center was established in Baler, the province’s present capital. With the expansion of the Catholic faith in the area, migrants from neighboring areas, as well as those coming from as far as Visayas started settlements in the province.
In 1735, the township of Baler was wiped out by a tidal wave known as a “Tomba Marina”, leaving only 7 surviving families. The old settlement was letter transferred to its present location to avoid a similar catastrophe.
The whole land area of the province of Aurora was originally composed of the municipalities of Baler and Casiguran. These municipalities were administered as part of Tayabas until the province of Nueva Ecija was established in the early 19th century. In 1856, the eastern coast of Nueva Ecija was created into district called “El Principe”. Thus, Baler and Casiguran were part of Nueva Ecija until 1902 when the commonwealth government abolished the district and annexed it to the province of Tayabas.
Maria Aurora was carved out of the Municipality of Baler and became a municipality on 21 July 1950 through Executive Order 246 signed by the late Pres. Elpidio Quirino while Dipaculao was created out of the original Casiguran through Executive Order No. 375 issued on 27 November 1950. These four municipalities composed the first Aurora sub- province created as an administrative area under Quezon Province through Republic Act 648 that was signed into law on 14 June 1951. Its first Lieutenant Governor was Pedro V. Guerrero appointed by late President Elpidio Quirino.
Other municipalities of Aurora Sub- Province were carved out from these municipalities. The Municipal District of Dilasag created by virtue of R.A. 2452 on 21 June 1959 and turned into a regular municipality by R.A. 3980. The municipality of Dinalungan created as a municipal district in May 1956 and a regular municipality on 16 June 1962 by virtue of R.A. 3980. The municipality of Dinalungan created as municipality on 16 June 1966 by virtue of R.A. 4759.
On November 21,1978 the province of Aurora was created under Batas Pambansa Blg. 07 and subsequently ratified through a plebiscite in May 1979. It was named after Dona Aurora Aragon Quezon, wife of Manuel Luis Quezon, first president of the Commonwealth.
On 23 May 2003,President Gloria Macapagal – Arroyo issued executive order No. 103 that redefined the composition of Central Luzon and Southern Tagalog administrative region. The province of Aurora was included as the seventh province of Central Luzon while the rest of Southern Tagalog was divided into two regions, namely, the CALABARZON and the MIMAROPA regions.
Given its wealth of natural and cultural resources,as well as its strategic location,the province of Aurora, under the leadership of its eighth governor, the Honorable Bellaflor J. Angara-Castillo, is poised to become the next trade, industry ,and tourism hub in Central Luzon.
1800’S AMERICAN OCCUPATION
In, 1818,Nueva Ecija annexed the towns of Palanan from the Province of Isabela, as well as Baler, Casiguran, Infanta and Polillo Island,from Tayabas. Between 1855 and 1885, Aurora (then Distrito EL Prinsipe) was declared a commandancia politicomilitar, with its capital at Baler. During the Philippine Revolution of 1898,a period, Bondo, formerly under the municipal jurisdiction of Mulanay, was made a separate municipality.
With the arrival of the Americans in the 1890’s, a short-lived military government was established, followed by a civil government for this “district”, established on June 12,1902.In concert with the installation of the latter civil provincial government, the district of EL Principe was transferred from the administrative jurisdiction of Nueva Ecija, which had controlled it since 1818,and placed under the jurisdiction of Tayabas.
BIRTH OF THE PROVINCE
It wasn’t until after World War II, however, that this part of Quezon Province languished in extreme isolation from neighboring provinces and cities. It was Mayor Pedro V. Guerrero, with prodding of Dona Aurora Aragon Quezon, who sought the creation of a sub-province of Aurora, named in honor of Dona Aurora, as a stop-gap measure to pave the way for the eventual creation of an independent province when the required number of municipalities was attained. Guerrero was appointed lieutenant Governor in recognition of his accomplishment.
In 1951 the municipalities of Baler, Casiguran, Dilasag, Dipaculao, Dinalungan, Dingalan, Maria Aurora and San Luis were officially formed into the sub-province of Aurora by virtue of Republic Act 646.
The dream of converting the sub-province into a regular province was indefatigably pursued by Atty. Luis S. Etcubanez, who has the distinction of being the last Lieutenant Governor of the sub-province of Aurora. Etcubanez was appointed as the first governor of Aurora when it became the 73rd province of the country in 1979.Etcubanez issued an executive order declaring February 19 of each year Aurora Foundation Day in honor of the late Dona Aurora Quezon.
HOW TO GET THERE
You can take a bus to Baler from Manila via Genesis bus line. The trip tkes 5-6 hours, or take any transport services from Manila to Cabanatuan and take a van or non-aircon bus going to Baler.
The province can be accessed from Manila via the Canili to Pantabangan road. The route takes through the Pantabangan Dam in Nueva Ecija and leads into town of Maria Aurora then on to Baler.
LOCATION
Aurora Province is located on the East-Central side of Luzon Island. It is the north-eastern most province of Central Luzon (Region III). It is bordered on the north by the provinces of Isabela and Quirino, on the west by Nueva Ecija and Nueva Viscaya, on the south by Bulacan and Quezon,and on the east by the Pacific Ocean.
CLIMATE
Aurora’s climate is characterized by rainfall that is evenly distributed throughout the year,since Aurora faces the Pacific Ocean and has no barriers to shield it from typhoons coming from the east. Tropical cyclones are also a seasonal occurrence.
The average monthly rainfall is 273.9 millimeters. Rainfall is heaviest during the months of January, February, April, October, and November, while August is the driest month.
TEMPERATURE
The mean monthly temperature of Aurora is 25.3 degrees Celsius. The coldest months are January and February, with a temperature ranging from 19.3 to 20.4 degrees Celsius. The warmest months are from Junes to July, with temperature from 30 to 33 degrees Celsius.
WIND CURRENT
The province experiences two main wind currents. From November to April, the trade wind generally reaches the province from an easterly direction. The wind then moves in a south westerly direction for the rest of the year. In Casiguran, the wind comes from the south from April to September. The average annual wind speed is four knots.
POLITICAL SUBDIVISION
Aurora is composed of eight (8) municipalities with Baler as the provincial capital.
POPULATION
Based on the national statistics survey of May 2010. Aurora has a population of 201,233 with an annual growth rate 1.84%.
Natural Attractions
Ampere Beach
Dipaculao, Aurora. The beach is covered with smooth oval shaped rocks which vary in size and darker in color. Beside the beach is an area called Bunga Point or Amper Point.
Aniao Islets
Categorized as shallow drive site with a 30-40 feet depth, Recommended for amateur scuba drivers. Diverse species of table corals can be found such as branching corals, lettuce corals. Common tropical fishes like grouper, snapper, damsel fish, wrasse, anemone, clown fish, trigger fish, jacks, butterfly and angel fish are a familiar site.
Balete Tree
Maria Aurora, Aurora. About 3.5 kilometers from the town proper of Maria Aurora, the place features the huge Banyan Tree believed to have existed for over 500 years as disclosed by an American botanist. This flora specie could mesmerize visitors for its bulky trunk and gigantic canopy. The crown covers about ¼ of hectare. It’s a trunk diameter measures about 6 meters and with and approximate height of 60 meters and with an approximate height of 60 meters. It requires sixty (60) human chain to circumscribe its trunk. The Balete was launched on February 2001 with a ritual conducted by the Igorot tribe that would push away evil spirits believed to be occupying the huge tree.
Borlogan Beach
Dipaculao Aurora. The place differs from most beaches since its beachfront is almost completely covered with grey pebbles and fist-size stones all smoothened by the waves that constantly pound its shore.
Bulawan Falls
Dinalungan, Aurora. Acclaimed as the Cleanest Inland Body of Water-Regional Category, Bulawan Falls rises one hundred meters from the ground standing majestically on the wilderness of Brgy. Paleg. The impressive rock walling along the bank of the river adds to its aw-inspring beauty-Added attraction is the towering tree that showers crystallized water believed to be miraculous.
Canawaer Beach
Dilasag, Aurora. Is 7 km. drive from the Poblacion. This white beach nestles in a sheltered nook in the vest Pacific Ocean at the northern part of Aurora Province. Its crystallized clear water is tinted only by bluish hue of the sky and its transparency reveals the richness of its corals and other marine life.
Casapsapan Beach
Casiguran, Aurora. If Manila bay has its golden sunset, Casapsapan beach San ildefornso, offers magnificent view of the brilliant sunrise where can watch sun rising slowly from the eastern horizon. The white sand beach, clear blue sparkling waters and five hectares of virgin mangrove forest offers everyone extreme pleasure and blissful satisfaction.
Cemento Beach
Baler, Aurora. White sand, seashells and crushed corals are found along the stretching Cemento Beach.
Charlie’s Point
One of the famous surfing spot in Baler, Located at Brgy. Reserva which became known during the filming of Apocalypse Now in 1970’s
Cobra Reef
Baler, Aurora. The area produces excellent right-break waves over sharp reefs. It is one of the spot most frequented by Australians, Europeans and Japanese surfers in Aurora. The waters are ideal for surfers in Aurora. The waters are ideal for expert/professional surfers as the waves are one of the right-hand break type. It is also suitable for body boarding, snorkeling and diving.
Caunayan Falls
San. Luis, Aurora. A place of multiple attractions. This natural cove boast a kilometer long white beach. On the left side is a steep imposing hill with newly constructed modern “light house with 175 steps, while on the right side is a peninsula and cave. Each attraction is ideal for various recreational activities.
Diguisit Beach
Baler, Aurora. The upper landward shore is mostly sandy while the water shores are barricades of corals forming a protective reef that prevents strong waves of the Pacific from smashing onto the shore. The area is good for diving, and during calmer months for snorkeling.
Dimadimalangat Islet
Baler, Aurora. This rock formation is actually a small island just a few meters away from thr reef shore of Brgy. Cemento. It serves as the point identifying the southern – most tip of Baler Bay.
Dingalan Bay View Site
Dingalan, Aurora. “Tanawan” as the place is called means view site. Upon approaching the border of Dingalan and Nueva Ecija, one could pass through an area sloping upward and its peak is the Dingalan Bay View Site. The area gives breath taking view of the town proper and the blue bay of Dingalan.
Dingalan White Beach
Dingalan, Aurora. This two - kilometer long beach has numerous shells and corals scattered along the entire length of its southern half. It is suitable for scuba diving because of the rich diversity of marine life.
Ditumabo Falls
San Luis, Aurora. The crystal clear water of Ditumabo Falls gushes endlessly, flows and twists among countless rocks and boulders down streams. Approximately 140 ft high, the waterfall is surrounded by huge cliffs, green shrubbery and vines, making the place a perfect venue for family picnics and nature tripping. Trekking towards the falls takes about and hour and a half from the base camp downstream. The local host community bonded together to keep the trail systems in near perfect condition. The ecotourism site just gave way to the construction of mini-hydroelectric power generator.
NIA Watershed Dam
San Luis, Aurora. The NIA is a small dam built beside a picnic area is San Luis. The water below the dam is clear, with greenish reflection of the vegetation surrounding the pond. The place is a cococnut plantation covered with carabao grass and some shrubbery, making the place ideal not only for swimming but for picnicking as well.
Quezon Park
On this site of this town, Baler. Was born Manuel Luis Quezon, 19 August 1878. Indomitable crusader of the Philippine Independence Day and social justice, great and fiery statesman, dynamic and far sighted leader and true patriot, Son od Lucio Quezon and Maria Molina. Become a soldier in 1889. Lawyer 1903. Member, First Philippine Assembly 1907-1909; resident Commissioner at Washington D.C 1909;President; Commonwealth of the Philippines 1935-1944.
Sabang Beach
Baler, Aurora. Located on his long stretch of grey sand beach are several resorts which offer accommodation near the beach front anf provide food, relaxation and respite for swimmers and surfers. From March through June, the waves are relatively calm providing a good beachfront swimmers and an excellent challenge for experts windsurfers.
The months from October to February bring the large waves for beginners surface to learn the basics with relative safety, since the beach is sandy bottomed. Undertows, which are helpful to surfers and dangerous for non-swimmers, do occur in certain areas. The most popular surfing point is found right in front of Bay’s Inn. Where beginners brave the moderate waves and regular surfers practice. Lindy’s point, found further north along Sabang Beach, is a highly-secret spot among local surfers.
Tariktik Point
Dilasag, Aurora. This place is endowed with natural bonsai formation and its water is ideal for snorkeling.
Ermitta Hill
This plateau covers an area of about two hectares overlooking the Pacific Ocean. During the Tromba Marina, a phenomenal tidal wave on Dec 27,1735, which swept the town of Baler,it was used by the old folks as their get-away. The place became their temporary resettlement, which they called “ Kinagunasan”, meaning “devastated”. When the pirates demolished the whole town capturing more or less 450 people including three priests, one of whom was allegedly sold,the survivors escaped by fleeing and hiding in the forest around Ermita.
Lamao Caves
Dingalan, Aurora. Adventures always love the forested mountains of Dingalan. Hiking, bird watching, rock climbing, camping and exploration of the Lamao Caves in Paltic are the activities that foreign and local tourists will surely enjoy.
Mt. Anacuao Bird Watching
Dinalungan, Aurora. Yearly, foreign tourist from Europe and USA visit Mt. Anaculao during summer months to experience the exciting mountain climbing and bird watching safari on this 1984m high mountain in Northern Luzon. Some ten rare species of birds are found in Mt. Anacauao alone.
Parang / Pagkain ng Bayan Plateau
Dilasag, Aurora. A kilometer away from Brgy. Diniog, this vast area of coastal fertile upland overlooking the Pacific Ocean has the most beautiful scenery with enticing flora and fauna.
Tabi Falls
Dinagalan, Aurora. Get in touch with the beauty of nature. Tabi falls is an attractive place for family picnic especially during weekends where they can also enjoy hiking.
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