3.
Macro-Meso Site Analysis: Municipality / Barangay
Apalit Zoning Map, 2016
Introduction
The Municipality of Apalit, Pampanga is known not only as an important center of trade and agriculture in Central
Luzon, but also for its rich culture and traditions. It is located along the MacArthur Highway and near the North Luzon
Expressway (NLEX), which makes it easily connected to Metro Manila and other neighboring provinces. This opens the town to a
wider market for local products and livelihoods. Apalit has long been recognized as a community vibrant in business, religion,
and the arts, thus serving as a suitable location for livelihood and cultural projects.
At the meso level, Barangay San Vicente plays an important role in preserving the traditions of Apalit, particularly in the
fields of Dukit (woodcarving) and Pamagpande or Pukkok (metal embossing). The area remains a center for local artisans and
workers who use traditional methods to create works of high artistic value. However, despite the excellence and history of their
art, locals still experience challenges with modernization, lack of space, and limited markets.
Pampanga Boundary Map
Apalit is a first-class municipality in Pampanga with a total land area of approximately 61.72 square kilometers (6,172
hectares). It is composed of twenty-one (21) barangays, including Sulipan, Paligui, Sampaloc, and Capalangan. Strategically
located along the Pampanga River and accessible via the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), Apalit connects Central Luzon to
Metro Manila and nearby provinces.
Apalit Map
The Municipality of Apalit is a first-class municipality in the province of Pampanga, covering approximately 61.72
square kilometers. It is situated in the southern part of Pampanga and bordered by the municipalities of Calumpit (Bulacan) to
the south, Macabebe to the west, San Simon to the north, and the Pampanga River to the east. According to the 2020 Census,
Apalit has a population of 117,160 residents.
A significant portion of Apalit thrives along the Pampanga River, making fishing, aquaculture, and trading an important
part of its local economy. The municipality is also known for cultural and religious traditions, particularly the annual fluvial parade
of Apung Iru in Sulipan, which attracts both locals and tourists. With its strategic location along the North Luzon Expressway
(NLEX), Apalit serves as a gateway connecting Pampanga to Bulacan and Metro Manila.
Total Land Area 61.47 square kilometers
Location Southern part of Pampanga, Central Luzon
Boundaries North: San Simon
South: Calumpit, Bulacan
West: Macabebe
East: Pampanga River
Population (2020 Census) 117,160 residents
Key Areas & Features Residential zones, commercial hubs, cultural and heritage
sites, fishing and aquaculture areas
Infrastructure Development Road networks (NLEX, MacArthur Highway), schools, local
markets, religious and cultural centers
Apalit is one of the oldest and most culturally rich towns in Pampanga. It has long been known for its skilled craftsmen,
particularly in dukit (woodcarving) and pamagpande (metal embossing), traditions that have been passed down through
generations. Because of its location along the Pampanga River, Apalit became an active center of trade and livelihood,
connecting local industries to neighboring towns.
Over the years, it grew into a thriving community where faith, culture, and craftsmanship shaped its identity. Today,
while modern development continues to transform the municipality, Apalit remains rooted in its heritage, making it an ideal site for
projects that aim to empower local livelihoods and sustain traditional crafts for future generations.
3.1 Physical Structure
Pampanga is situated at approximately 15°02′N latitude and 120°41′E longitude, in the central part of Luzon.
It is bounded by the province of Tarlac to the north, Nueva Ecija to the northeast, Bulacan to the southeast, Bataan to
the southwest, and Zambales to the west. To the south, it is bordered by Manila Bay, giving the province access to rich
fishing grounds and trade routes.
Pampanga Vicinity Map
The province lies within the Central Luzon plain, characterized by flat and fertile agricultural lands, with the
Pampanga River as its main waterway flowing across several municipalities. It is strategically located about 75
kilometers north of Metro Manila and is easily accessible via the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), Subic-Clark-Tarlac
Expressway (SCTEX), and MacArthur Highway, connecting it to neighboring provinces and major growth centers like
Clark and Subic.
Pampanga is politically divided into 19 municipalities and 2 component cities, grouped into four legislative
districts. Its capital is San Fernando City, which also serves as the region’s center of governance and commerce.
3.2 Geographical
2015 Total Land Area Percent
Barangay Population
Population (in has.) share
Density
(in Land
Area)
[Link]
Balucuc 10,104 1,106 17.8% 9.1
Cansinala 7,329 722 12.5% 10.2
Capalangan 7,121 385 6.2% 18.5
Colgante 7,090 157 2.5% 45.2
Sampaloc 11,891 175 2.8% 67.9
San Juan
8,932 192 3.1% 46.5
(Poblacion)
San Vicente 22,580 777 12.5% 29.1
Sucad 7,246 535 8.6% 13.5
Sulipan 9,269 321 5.2% 28.9
Tabuyuc
9,819 1,084 17.5% 9.1
([Link])
Sub Total 101,381 5,454 88.8% 18.6
[Link]
Calantipe 3,883 475 7.7% 8.2
Palugui 2,701 218 3.5% 12.4
Sub Total 6,584 693 11.2% 9.5
TOTAL 107,965 6,147 100.0% 17.56
The town has a total area of 6,147 hectares, divided into 12 barangays—ten (10) urban and two (2) rural. It
has a total population of 107,965 people (2015), of which 101,381 live in urban barangays and 6,584 in rural areas.
The largest urban barangay by population is San Vicente (22,580), with an area of 777 hectares and a
population density of 29.1 persons per hectare. Meanwhile, Sampaloc has the highest population density of 67.9
persons per hectare, indicating a more densely populated community.
In terms of land area, Balucuc (1,106 ha.) and Tabuyuc/Sto. Rosario (1,084 ha.) dominates, constituting
almost 35% of the total land area of the town. In rural areas, Calantipe (475 ha.) and Palugui (218 ha.) have lower
densities, opening up possibilities for agriculture and other land-based livelihoods.
Overall, a clear division between urban and rural space can be seen, with urban barangays being the center
of population, commerce, and higher density, while rural barangays serve as support for agriculture and have more
open space. This trend is important in planning and formulating projects for the balanced development of the town.
3.3 Topography
Topographic Map
Pampanga shows a predominantly flat landscape shaped by the Pampanga River, with subtle elevation
differences that are critical for understanding flood behavior. Lower-lying areas, represented by cooler tones in the
map, are concentrated along the riverbanks and floodplains, making them more vulnerable to flooding, while slightly
elevated zones, shown in warmer tones, indicate natural levees and safer grounds. This detailed elevation mapping
highlights Apalit’s close relationship with the river system and its exposure to seasonal inundation. Despite the flatness
of the terrain, the map reveals gentle undulations that influence water flow and drainage patterns, information that is
vital for planning resilient infrastructure. For your project, this topographical data is important in determining suitable
locations for community workshops, exhibition spaces, and cultural facilities, ensuring they are placed on safer,
elevated areas while still remaining connected to the town’s heritage and livelihood practices.
3.4 Climatic Conditions
Pampanga has a tropical climate with two main seasons: the dry season from November to April and the wet
season from May to October.
Rainfall
Heavy rains are common during the months of June to September due to the southwest monsoon. Annual
rainfall usually reaches more than 2,000 mm, causing flooding especially in low-lying areas such as Apalit.
Temperature
Pampanga has a hot climate, with average temperatures ranging from 26°C to 34°C. It is hottest from March
to May and slightly cooler from December to February.
Humidity
The humidity level is high, usually around 70–85%, so even when it is not raining, the weather can still feel
heavy and hot.
Wind Direction
The direction of the wind changes seasonally: amihan (northeast monsoon) from November to February, and
habagat (southwest monsoon) from June to September, which brings heavy rain.
Typhoon
Due to its location, Pampanga is also affected by typhoons that pass through Luzon. It usually experiences
several strong typhoons each year, causing flooding and damage to agriculture.
3.5 Hydro-Geologic Features
Groundwater Resources
Apalit is rich in groundwater due to its low-lying plains and alluvial deposits originating from the Pampanga
River Basin. It greatly contributes to rice irrigation, daily needs of residents, and even small industries. However, due to
continuous use and urbanization, proper management becomes important to prevent over-extraction and water
pollution.
Natural Drainage
Because of the low topography of Apalit, rainwater naturally flows into streams and canals connected to the
Pampanga River. During heavy rains and floods, water accumulates rapidly in low-lying areas, making the drainage
system critical for flood management.
Water Bodies
The town is close to the Pampanga River, one of the most important rivers in the region, which serves as the
main waterway to Manila Bay. There are also small creeks and irrigation within the barangay such as that of San
Vicente that support agriculture and local livelihoods. The presence of these bodies of water is important both
environmentally and economically, but also carries the risk of flooding during heavy rains or storms.
3.6 Hydro-Meteorological Hazard Map
Maximum Flood Depth Map, 2013
This map illustrates the maximum flood depth during the 2013 southwest monsoon (Habagat) in Apalit. The
color gradient reflects water depth across the area, with lighter colors indicating shallow flooding and darker, warmer
colors showing deeper water accumulation.
This map underscores the spatial variation in flood vulnerability: parts of Apalit near the river experienced
deep, possibly damaging floodwaters, while elevated zones were relatively safer. This information is vital for planning
resilient structures, locating workshops or cultural spaces, and designing passive drainage systems that account for
flood behavior.
3.7 Utilities and Related Services
Power Supply
Barangay San Vicente is served by the Pampanga III Electric Cooperative, Inc. (PELCO III). They provide
electricity to the entire barangay and nearby areas. They have an office in Apalit and several sub-offices in other towns
to easily serve residents.
Communication
For communication and the internet, there are several companies operating in San Vicente and Apalit. These
include internet service providers that offer fiber-optic broadband and other internet connections. There are also local
business services for mail and courier services that are easily accessible to residents.
Transportation
The barangay has various modes of passenger transportation. There is a UV Express terminal that connects
Apalit to Metro Manila and nearby provinces. There are also bus services that travel to various areas in Luzon. Within
the barangay, jeepneys and tricycles are commonly used for shorter trips.