AURORA …
AURORA …
t a glance
Brief History
Brief History
73
73
rd
rd
province in the Philippines
province in the Philippines
created under Batas Pambansa Blg. 07 on 21
created under Batas Pambansa Blg. 07 on 21
November 1978 and subsequently ratified through a
November 1978 and subsequently ratified through a
plebiscite in May 1979.
plebiscite in May 1979.
named
named Aurora
Aurora in
in honor
honor of
of Do
Do
ñ
ñ
a Aurora Aragon
a Aurora Aragon
Quezon.
Quezon. The
The Province
Province of
of Aurora
Aurora celebrates
celebrates its
its
Foundation Day simultaneously with Do
Foundation Day simultaneously with Do
ñ
ñ
a Aurora s
a Aurora s
birthday.
birthday.
On May 17, 2002 President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo
On May 17, 2002 President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo
issued
issued Executive
Executive order
order no.
no. 103
103
dividing
dividing Region
Region IV
IV
province of Aurora to region III
Location
Location
• • • • • •It lies in the mid Eastern Coast of Luzon bordered by the
It lies in the mid Eastern Coast of Luzon bordered by the
Sierra Madre ranges. Aurora Province occupies a long and
Sierra Madre ranges. Aurora Province occupies a long and
narrow strip of land covering an area of
narrow strip of land covering an area of 323,954
323,954
hectares.
hectares.
Three (3) development zones:
Three (3) development zones:
Northern Zone (
Northern Zone (Dilasag
Dilasag
Casiguran
Casiguran
and
and Dinalungan
Dinalungan
);
);
Central Zone (
Central Zone (Dipaculao
Dipaculao
Maria Aurora
Maria Aurora
Baler
Baler
and
and San
San
Luis)
Luis)
and,
and,
Southern Zone (
Boundaries
North- Isabela & Quirino Province
Northwest - Nueva Viscaya
Province
West - Nueva Ecija Province
Southwest - Bulacan Province
South - Quezon Province
Topography & Slope
•
Aurora covers the eastern portion of the
Sierra Madre Mountain Ranges;
•
It is generally mountainous with 30%
coastal flatlands.
•
Its coastline spans 332 kilometers in length.
•Flat lands are situated near the coastline
and foothill having slopes of 0-2 and 5-15
percent, respectively.
Elevation
•
The Province of Aurora is situated within
the eastern portion of the Sierra Madre
from Isabela in the North to Quezon in the
South. The elevation ranges from 0 meters
to 1,901 meters above sea level.
Climate
•
Aurora lies within the typhoon belt. It is
characterized by Type IV climate. Because
the province faces the Pacific Ocean, it is
regularly battered by typhoons coming from
the east.
•
Generally sunny and humid; rainfall evenly
distributed throughout the year,
averaging 274 mm/month;
People
•
Dominant population of
Tagalog and Ilocano;
Indigenous groups of
Dumagat, Bugkalot and
Igorot.
Language & Dialects
•
Filipino, English, Ilocano,
Kasiguranin, Bicolano,
Forest Resources
•
Forestry is another significant industry.
About 74% percent of the province's
323,954 hectares can be classified as
woodland. Virtually all (99.9%) of the forest
areas are classified as woodland, steep
sloping land and inaccessible land. Cottage
industries in the province make use of such
forest products as rattan, nito, sabutan,
luknoy, puroy and pandan.
Mineral Resources
Aurora is rich in mineral deposits, Metallic
ores such as copper, iron, chromate,
manganese, gold and nickel are abundant
especially in the Sierra Madre area. The
province also has many non-metallic minerals,
including guano, black sand, cement, marble,
carbon and silica. Largely untapped, these
deposits can contribute significantly to the
country's mining industry.
Marine Resources
Fishing is also a major industry in the
province. Of the eight municipalities, seven lie
along coastal areas. Approximately one-third
of the province's population located in the 48
barangays along the coastline is dependent on
fishing industry.
Natural Resources
•
The province is also endowed with vast
natural resources that could support
numerous cottage industries. Aurora is rich
in sabutan, coconut and its by-products,
nipa, bamboo, gravel, sand, wood, rattan,
shell, buri and nito. But these resources
remain largely untapped due to lack of
investment. The cottage industries would
benefit from tourism and development.
Wildlife Resources
•
Aurora Memorial National Park with a total
of 4,310 hectares which is situated in the
municipalities of Maria Aurora and San
Luis serves as the wildlife sanctuaries.
Different kinds of wild animals and birds
exist in the area. However, these species will
be endangered if illegal cutting of trees and
forest exploitation will not be abated.
Wildlife Resources
Wildlife Resources
•
Raff lesia manil lana,
17 cm. in diameter. A
Rafflesia
in AMNP was
first discovered by Drs. Rafe Brown of Kansas University and
Arvin Diesmos, herpetologists of the National Museum in 2009
during a survey of the of the reptiles and amphibians in the park
.
PAMBs Organized
Protected Areas
Location
Date Organized
1. Aurora Memorial
National Park
Brgy. Villa Aurora,
Maria Aurora, Aurora
August 29, 1998
2. Simbahan-Talagas
Protected Landscape
Brgys .Mapalad,
Dinalungan, Aurora
August 29, 1998
3. Talaytay River
Protected Landscape
Brgy. Dibaraybay,
Dinalungan, Aurora
November 10, 1998
4. Amro River Protected
Landscape
Brgy. Tinib, Dinalungan,
Aurora
November 10, 1998
5. Calabgan Watershed
Forest Reserve
Brgys. Bianoan,
Calabgan & Dibet,
Casiguran, Aurora
November 2, 1998
6. Dinadian River
Protected Landscape
Brgy. Dinadiawan,
Dipaculao, Aurora
November 2, 1998
7. Casecnan Protected
Landscape
Organizational Structure of
DENR PENRO Aurora
Historical & Religious
Sites
BALER CHURCH (Baler, Aurora) – Situated south of Quezon Memorial Park, in its vicinity stands Mount Carmel College. Baler’s patron saint is San Luis Obispo de Tolosa. The church is built largely of stones and bricks. This was the old historically famous garrison during the Spanish regime and the last pocket of resistance of the Spanish armed forces to surrender to the American Troops. It existed until the end of 1939 when the foundation of the new church was laid as the old church was almost eroding and falling into pieces.
The present church was built through the initiative of the late President Quezon’s wife Doña Aurora, their family and friends with the cooperative effort of the townspeople. The church was proclaimed as one of the historical landmarks of the Philippines by the National Historical Institute on February 29, 2000.
Historical & Religious
Sites
QUEZON MEMORIAL PARK (Baler, Aurora) – The birthplace of the late President Manuel L. Quezon, it is situated at the heart of the town. This is where the house of the Quezon’s once stood, a relatively small house made of wood, bamboo and nipa materials. In the event of time, the place was made the center of people’s recreation and a place for remembering the good hero.
Historical & Religious
Sites
MUSEO DE BALER (Baler, Aurora) – Located in Quezon Park, it has the photo exhibit of Pres. Quezon and his family and other leaders of the province. Pictures of the past events during the American, Spanish and Japanese period showing the history and culture of Aurorans, scenic spots and ethnic tribes of the province are on display. There are also things to be read about the province and its people especially the Dumagat and Ilongot.
Historical & Religious
Sites
ERMITA HILL (Baler, Aurora) – Located at Brgy. Zabali, this plateau covers an area of about two hectares overlooking the Pacific Ocean. It is approximately six kilometers from the town of Baler via Kinalapan-Cemento road. It can also be reached by traversing the river of Tibag and is more or less 20 minutes walk from Castillo. 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 priest, one of whom was allegedly sold, the survivors escaped by fleeing and hiding in the forest around Ermita. Ermita Hill was identified as site for Philippine Civil Service Centennial Forest.
Historical & Religious
Sites
DONA AURORA ARAGON QUEZON HOUSE (Baler, Aurora) – Located at Rizal St. corner San Luis St., this house
was re-build in honor of the wife of the late Commonwealth President Manuel L. Quezon. Doña Aurora who was known for her untiring efforts in providing social welfare services especially to the people of Aurora Province.
Historical & Religious
Sites
DIKALOYUNGAN MARKER (Baler, Aurora) – (as per written in the marker) “Sa pook na ito noong ika-3 ng Setyembre 1897 nagpunit ng sedula ang mga katipunerong kinabibilangan nina Teodorico Luna Novicio, Antero Amatorio, Norberto Valenzuela, Isabelo Palispis at iba pa sa mga lumagda sa isang manip estong n agpapahayag ng kanilang pagsalungat sa kapangyarihan ng Espanya. Sa pangyayaring ito nagsimula ang himagsikang Filipino sa distrito ng prinsipe (Aurora ngyon). Nagsilbi rin itong himpilan ng kilusang rebolusyonaryo”
Historical & Religious
Sites
ERMITA HILL (Casiguran, Aurora) – Situated at the northeastern end of Liwayway St. Poblacion 3, Casiguran, Aurora, it houses the statue of the alleged miraculous Virgin Mary who according to legendary beliefs stood as the
Historical & Religious
Sites
DIBUT BAY (San Luis, Aurora) – This scenic and historical place mostly inhabited by Dumagats or Aetas is the landing site of the submarines USS Narwhal and USS Nautilus during WW II. Today, the wide Dibut Bay coast provides numerous sights such as an island formation appropriately named Birhen (meaning Virgin). It is an island sculpted by natural erosion resembling the figure of the Virgin Mary praying amidst the waves. While there are many other interesting spots in the area, much of its beauty is settled deep in the waters such as an abundance of marine life including the fast dwindling hammerhead shark and Mako shark. Certain areas also provide potential scenic dive spots for the experienced diver.
EcologicalSites
DICASALARIN COVE (Baler, Aurora) – Located in Brgy. Zabali, Baler, Aurora, one can either have a choice of which nature to commune – river, ocean or mountain or altogether embrace them at the merging point of a headland.
EcologicalSites
SABANG BEACH (Baler, Aurora) – the place is ideal for surfing and considered as one of the country’s best site for surfing competitions. Accommodation and resorts as well as other amenities for nightlife are found here.
EcologicalSites
DIMASALANG WATERFALLS (Maria Aurora, Aurora) – This eco-tourism attraction features a staircase-like falls with an average height of about 25 meters flowing to the explicitly curved rock formations. Downstream is a lagoon ideal for diving and swimming.
EcologicalSites
NIA WATERSHED (San Luis, Aurora) – this is a small dam built beside a picnic area. The stream below the dam is so clear that the greenish vegetation at the bottom and the reflection of its surrounding can both be clearly viewed.
EcologicalSites
CASAPSAPAN BEACH (Casiguran, Aurora) – If Manila Bay has its vaunted golden sunset, Casapsapan Beach in Brgy. Ildefonso, Casiguran, Aurora offers a magnificent view of the brilliant sunrise where one can watch the sun rising slowly from the eastern horizon almost as big as winnower. Its inherent and idyllic beauty such as the white sand beaches, clear-blue sparkling waters and five hectares of virgin mangrove offers everyone extreme pleasure and blissful satisfaction. One can experience the feeling of not wanting to leave the place anymore.
EcologicalSites
MOTIONG BEACH (Casiguran, Aurora) – Ideal for bathing and swimming especially during summer season for its lowly and rippling waves captivate the onlookers as they strike the sandy shores of Motiong Beach in Brgy. San Ildefonso, Casiguran, Aurora.
EcologicalSites
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 awe-inspiring beauty. Added attraction is the towering tree that showers crystallized water believed to be miraculous. With the construction of the different facilities in the area, it is fast becoming a tourist destination in the province.
