Hermosa, Bataan

Hermosa
—  Municipality  —
Map of Bataan showing the location of Hermosa.
Hermosa
Location in the Philippines
Coordinates:
Country  Philippines
Region Central Luzon (Region III)
Province Bataan
District 1st District
Founded 1852
Barangays 23
Government
 • Mayor Danilo C. Malana (Nacionalista Party)
 • Vice Mayor Christopher D. Vitug (Nacionalista Party)
Area
 • Total 157.00 km2 (60.6 sq mi)
Population (2007)
 • Total 52,484
 • Density 334.3/km2 (865.8/sq mi)
Time zone PST (UTC+8)
ZIP code 2114
Income class 2nd class
Population Census of Hermosa
Census Pop. Rate
1995 38,764
2000 46,254 3.86%
2007 52,484 1.76%

Hermosa is a 2nd class municipality in the province of Bataan, Philippines. According to the latest census, it has a population of 52,484 people in 8,988 households.

"Hermosa" means "beautiful" in Spanish, like the Portuguese formosa.

Contents

Bataan Provincial Expressway

Hermosa is on Exit 10.

Barangays

Hermosa is politically subdivided into 23 barangays.

  • A. Rivera (Pob.)
  • Almacen
  • Bacong
  • Balsic
  • Bamban
  • Burgos-Soliman (Pob.)
  • Cataning (Pob.)
  • Culis
  • Daungan (Pob.)
  • Mabiga
  • Mabuco
  • Maite
  • Mambog - Mandama
  • Palihan
  • Pandatung
  • Pulo
  • Saba
  • San Pedro (Pob.)
  • Santo Cristo (Pob.)
  • Sumalo
  • Tipo
  • Judge Roman Cruz Sr. (Mandama)
  • Sacrifice Valley

Legend

A group of Spaniards first came to this place, surprised and amazed they exclaimed, "Que Hermosa! Que Hermosa!, when they saw some pretty maidens with long, black hair washing clothes and bathing in the brook. The boys who accompanied their sisters repeated what they heard from the Spaniards and upon returning home they repeated again and again what the Spaniards exclaimed. When the next group of Spaniards visited the place, they asked for its name. The folks didn't understand Spanish but answered "Hermosa, Hermosa". And that was how Hermosa got its name. Another version was that "Llana Hermosa", meaning beautiful plain of white flowers was the original name of this town. When the province was created, the town was formally named Hermosa, a name that fits the place not only due to the plain's white flowers but more so to the beautiful maidens and places that abound the town.

Background

Historically, the town was established in 1756 by the Dominican priests. At that time, it was known as Llana Hermosa and composed of Mabuco and Mabuyan. It became an independent missionary center in 1756 with St. Peter de Verona as its patron saint. The town of Hermosa was very peaceful and progressive before World War II. When the war broke out, their quiet routine was disturbed. In the famous "Death March", civilians of Hermosa risked the ire of the Japanese by secretly passing food to Filipino and American soldiers.

Hermosa Today

Hermosa is now a thriving community. With the establishment of the Hermosa Special Economic Zone, many light to medium industries are expected to locate in the area. Production plant for windows using plastics has been established and is now currently in operation. Hermosa is also famous for their garments, balut and salted eggs, and handpainted jars.

Utilities and Amenities

Digitel is the major provider of telecommunication services in the municipality. Hermosa is 100% electrified and is being served by the Peninsula Electric Company (PENELCO). Major source of water for domestic use is ground water. Existing water systems are artesian and open wells, pumps and pipeline with tanks. Two barangays are being served by a common facility through the Local Water Utility Administration (LWUA). In addition, a new facility was installed in barangay Mabuco, which now served the whole poblacion. Hermosa Rural Bank serve the banking needs of the municipality. Major bus lines and mini-bus coming from Manila, San Fernando and Olongapo pass through the town of Hermosa while the most common type of transport within the municipality are jeepneys and tricycles. The newly established Hermosa Public Market in Brgy. Palihan, Hermosa, Bataan has also the terminal of vehicles going to Clark and Mabalacat, Pampanga via SCTEX. The town has a total of 1 bank, 21 schools, 15 medical clinics/health centers, and 2 recreational facilities. Cable TV is now available, provided by two providers, Destiny and Malasimbu. Internet connection is also provided by Digitel, and Smart(SmartBro).

Major Industries

Existing industries in Hermosa are garments, handpainted jars, balut and salted egg making. Today, fruit processing particularly of mangoes and bananas, handicrafts, and stuffed toys are the major produce of this town. Probably less known, but existing for a long time is the aquaculture industry, traditionally for bangus, tilapia and crabs, but more recently for prawns, which was found more lucrative.

References

External links