Bagac

• Fast Facts

Bagac is located on the western side of Bataan which  is 151 kilometeres from Manila and 27.82 kilometers away from Balanga, the provincial capital.

The town has a land area of 23,120 hectares representing 16.84% of the total Bataan area and covers 14 barangays.

Bagac is accessible through both land and water transportation. Ferry boats   going to and from Manila are available at the Orion port.

The town has a population of 20,894 as of 1995 with skilled workers in the fields of masonry, carpentry, and welding.

• Legend

Upon the arrival of the Spaniards in the Philippines some of them traveled along the seacoasts looking for a better place to live in. Traveling without any fixed direction, they happen to pass by this place that is partly hidden between two sharp points extending to the sea. The Spaniards. Asked the Aeta, who was traveling with them as their guide, for the name of that place. The Aeta answered that that is called "lumbak" meaning lying between tow hills. As their ship was crossing this place they sighted a flock of herons flying above them. When the Spaniards inquired about them to their guide, the Aeta replied, "Iyon po ay mga ibong tagak." Came "bak and "gak", and soon it became Bagac.

• Background

Bagac is the biggest town in terms of land area in Bataan. Established in 1873, one of the oldest churches in the Philippines may be found here in Bagac with St. Catherine of Alexandria as the patron saint.