MUNICIPAL PROFILE Capas is one of the oldest towns in Tarlac.

It occupies a larger land area and is known to be the third most populated town in the province. The town is composed of 20 barangays, each with the following features:

HISTORY Created in 1712, Capas is among the oldest towns of Tarlac together with Bamban (1712), Paniqui (1574) and Tarlac (1686). Its creation was justified by numerous settlements which were already established in the river banks of Cutcut River since the advent of the eighteenth century. The settlements belonged to the domain of Pagbatuan and Gudya, the two sitios united by Capitan Mariano Capiendo when he founded the municipality. Historical records suggest three versions on how Capas got its name. The first version, as told, was originated from capas-capas, the edible flower similar to that of the caturay that abundantly grew along the Cutcut river banks. The second version, accordingly, was adapted from a cotton tree called capas, an Aeta dialect. The third version suggested that it was through the corruption of the first three letters from the surnames of the towns early settlers, namely: Capitulo, Capitly, Capiendo, Capuno, Caponga, Capingian, Caparas, Capera, Capumpue, Capit, Capil, Capunfuerza, Capunpun, Caputol, Capul and Capan. For short, they were called caps or capas in the local dialect. In 1860, the Spanish colonial government included Capas, together with Concepcion, Bamban, Mabalacat, Magalang, Porac, Floridablanca, Victoria and Tarlac, in the creation of the politico-military commandancia. The commandancia,however, had ceased from its function when Tarlac was created into a province in 1874. Due to the floods that frequently inundated the Cutcut River banks, the town was relocated to the upper area where it is now permanently established. The town had been administered by the capitan municipal who received orders from capitan general in Manila during the Spanish time. However, the position was changed to president during the American occupation, and later changed to mayor in mid-1938, which is still the official title today. The following is the list of men who were responsible in shaping the town of Capas:

Administration Period 1900 1903 1903 1906 1906 1909 1909 1912 1912 1915 1915 1918 1918 1923

Presidents/Mayors President Agrifino Atienza President Mariano Tanglao President Antonio Basco President Felix Atienza President Froilan Lapuz President Gregorio David President Vicente Frias

1923 1929 1929 1935 1935 1938 1938 1941 1941 1955 1956 1959 1960 - 1963 1964 - 1967 1968 1971 1972 1977 1977 1979 1979 1986 1986 1988 1988 1992 1992 1995 1994 1995 1995 1999 1999 - 2001 2001 - 2010 2010 -

President Felix Atienza President Basilio Yalung Mayor Vicente Tizon, Sr. Mayor Basilio Yalung Mayor Victor Tizon Mayor Francisco Nogoy Mayor Victor Tizon Mayor Segundo Delos Santos Mayor Felino Palad Mayor Gerardo David Mayor Rolando Pineda Mayor Rafael Suarez Mayor-OIC Atty. Arnaldo P. Dizon Mayor Hermes E. Frias, Sr. Mayor Orlando R. Molina Acting Mayor Amado S. Day Mayor Hermes E. Frias, Sr. Acting Mayor Reynaldo David Mayor Reynaldo L. Catacutan Mayor Antonio C. Rodriguez Jr.

The physical development of Capas had started from the scratch. It evolved from one administration to another. Although all of its administrators have contributed to the towns transformation, some accomplishments have become a legacy. These consist of the following.

Felix Atienza Froilan Lapuz Gregorio David -

He initiated the building of permanent houses on titled lots. He instituted the democratic yet disciplined administration. He initiated the construction of the municipio. Vicente Frias He continued the construction of the first municipio and started the construction of the ODonnell irrigation system. Basilio Yalung launched the construction of public market, the construction of Capas Elementary Schools industrial arts building, garden house and home economics building. He also worked for the cementing of culverts around the town. Vicente Tizon, Sr. - He began the construction of the extension rooms of the rear annexes of Capas Elementary School, school clinic and the propagation of fruit trees in the municipal and school grounds.

Capas has had its share in the countrys colorful history. Its people also joined the uprising when the Philippines revolted against Spain. But the most memorable of all times, which Capas was made famous for, was its being the terminal point of the infamous Death March joined by the American and Filipino soldiers during the Japanese occupation. The town was once a host to the American strategic facilities the ODonnell Transmitter station and the Naval Transmitter Station which were instrumental to the United States continuous dominance over Asia. Incidentally, Capas is the hometown of Bernabe G. Buscayno or Kumander Dante who carved out his name in late 1960s and 1970s, the turbulent period of the Philippine contemporary history. After the siege of two subsequent disasters caused by Mount Pinatubo eruption that displaces the local economy, and the closure of American military bases that caused the loss of numerous jobs, Capas has rose from its feet. The town is now cautiously observed by its nearby neighbors as its potentials area now being harnessed for economic development.

3.1 BIOPHYSICAL FEATURE 3.1.1 Size and Geographic Location Capas occupies a total area of 43,148.55 hectares (LMS, DENR). The town is located in the southwestern part of Tarlac province. A landlocked area, it is bounded by the towns of San Jose on the north, Tarlac on the northeast, Concepcion on the east, Bamban on the south and the province of Zambales on the west. Capas lies at the geographical coordinates of 1515 to 15 26 latitude and 120 37 longitude. 3.1.2 Topography Capas approximately has 46.24% rolling to hilly lands while the rest is plains to mountains. Its northern and eastern parts form the extensive level plain with considerable deposits of sand, loam and clay while its western portion consist of hills and mountains. The towns southwestern part is bounded by ridges predominantly of pyroclastic materials that drain from Mount Pinatubo in the Zambales border. Shown in Table 3.1 the slope classification of Capas.

Table 3.1 Slope Classification of Capas Slope Range (%) 03 38 8 18 18 30 30 45 45 Total DescrIptIon Level to very gently sloping Gently sloping to undulating Undulating to rolling Rolling to hilly Steep hills mountains Very steep hills and mountains Area in Hectares 6,875 3,502 4,752 15,375 and 2,503 250 66.257 Percentage (%) 20.67 10.52 14.28 46.24 7.54 0.75 100.00

3.1.3 Soil Characteristics 3.1.3.1 Soil Types

The southern and eastern areas of the town are characteristics by Tarlac Clay Loam, La Paz Fine Sand and Luisita Sandy Sand. From its central portion going to Bamban in the south and towards north to the portions of San Clemente, the area is dominated by Tarlac Clay Loam. The western boundary side, forming the eastern side of Zambales forest areas and mountain ranges, is dominated by volcanic rocks of the basalt and andesite types covered by undifferentiated Tarlac Soils. The characteristics of these types of soils are as follows: Tarlac Soils (undifferentiated) are soils found in the mountains and forest areas in the boundary with Zambales. It constitutes 31.95% of the area of Capas. La Paz Fine Sand the surface relief is nearly level to slightly undulating and is well drained both internally and externally. However, because of the texture of the soil, crops suffer from the lack of moisture during periods of drought. This soil, estimated at 4.54% of the towns area, is planted to sugarcane and rice. It is practically suited to all locally grown crops. Luisita Fine Sandy Loam the surface soil has depth that ranges at 35 -50 cm., its color is gray to whitish gray fine sandy loam. There is a small amount of silt and clay that makes the soil compact, hard and cracks when dry. Fruit trees are grown in this type of soil. This type of soil constitutes 6.76% of Capas total area.

 Tarlac Clay Loam the surface of this type is dark gray to nearly black, fine granules, sticky and gritty clay loam. Its depth range at 35 50 cm. and covers some 55.75% of the total towns area. When hard, it becomes compact and cracks into big clods. Rice and fruit trees are also grown in this type of soil. 3.1.3.2 Soil Texture and Permeability

Capas has coarse to medium textures soil that is prone to seasonal flooding. Its permeability, however, varies from slow to moderately slow due to the wetness of the area. Some of its portions have rapid to very rapid permeability, the others have high class of permeability. Permeability is affected by soil texture and crop management practices by the farmers when they plant sugarcane and other annual crops. The towns hilly and mountainous portion manifests moderate to very rapid permeability due to soil compactness. 3.1.3.3 Soil Erosion and Conservation

Effects of soil erosion caused by flowing water is notable on-site and off-site of Capas. Soil productivity is reduced on-site while river pollution and sedimentation of water channel, dams and agricultural are among the detrimental consequences from off-site. Another erosion feature is the riverwash or stream bank erosion primarily caused by water scouring and water overflow as depicted in ODonnell River. This type of erosion destroys different infrastructures and washes out soil profile which is not replaceable. Preventive measures have not yet been established in Capas. However, this could be remedied by building riprap stone and boulders, filling sack of sands, along the banks and or the drastic prohibition of heavy cultivation on or near the river banks. 3.1.4 Geology

The broad alluvial plain of Capas was believed to have come from the surrounding parent materials of igneous rocks and sedimentary areas. The different rock types underlying the area were influenced by climatic changes, resulting to the breaking down and weathering. In areas where erosion is severe, the weathered part of rock outcrops was fragmented by accumulates in low-lying areas of Capas forming the extensive alluvial plain. In undulating weathered remains stayed in place and were seen mostly in sedimentary areas. Some parts were terraced by farmers mainly for agricultural use. Other residual soils were observed in volcanic hills and mountains. Sand deposits containing predominantly of quartz and magnetite minerals were observed in ODonnell River. It is believed to have come from the pyroclastic hills and mountains in the southern part of the municipality. Sand and gravel found in the area are good for construction materials and aggregates. Non-active cones were also identified and mapped in Barangay Sta. Juliana near the Crow Valley area. 3.1.5 Mineral Resources

There was confirmation that Capas has positive deposits of metallic and non-metallic minerals. The metallic deposits of manganese ore, already explored by two mining companies,

have combined reserve of 190,000 metric tons where parts of the areas are within the former US Military Reservation in Camp ODonnell. The deposits are normally associated with chart and serves as lenses in the basalt. Placer gold deposits, on the other hand, have been reported to exist at Cabatuan Creek in Brgy. Bueno. However, there are no mining permit yet issued for mining claim in spite of the gold panning and sluicing activities in the area. Pumice is also found in Barangay Bueno. Sedimentary deposits of shale/sandstone sequence are positive in the low relief hills of Brgy. Cutcut II. The sandstones have very fine quartz and powdery rock chip. Sand and gravel are also abundant.

3.1.6

Water Resources

Capas is traversed by various water systems, such as rivers, creeks and tributaries. The ODonnell River forms as the principal river. The Bulsa-Moriones River flows into confluence with ODonnell River with Bangut River serving as tributary. Both rivers are prone to flashfloods. Cutcut River is a minor river system which flows into Rio Chico River at the Tarlac Nueva Ecija boundary. A hot spring is located in Brgys. Bueno and Sta. Juliana. During rainy season, excessive amount of precipitation causes the large volume of water run-off, flooding the nearby areas since the rivers and the major tributaries could not absorb the stream recharge. High tide surges and impedes discharge during high precipitation causing the river banks to overflow. 3.1.7 Climate

The whole province of Tarlac, to include the town of Capas, falls in the first type of the modified Corona Classification which was characterized by two distinct seasons, wet and dry. The wet season covers the period

3.1.8 3.1.8.1

Land Use General Land Use

Forest lands occupied the largest area of Capas which is estimated at least 15.32% or 5, 764.43 hectares. Under this classification, two categories falling under the National Integrated Protected Area System (NIPAS) exist, such as; a national park/historical landmark and two (2) watershed reservation areas. The national park denotes to the 1.5 hectares area of the Capas Death March Monument located in Brgy. Cutcut II. The critical watershed areas are the ODonnell Watershed, covering an area of 597.90 hectares in the boundaries of Capas and Bamban and the Balog-Balog Watershed with total area of 599.40 hectares in the borders of San Jose and Capas. Situated within the area is the 19,972.00 hectares which is Military Reservation. Shown in Table 3.2 below is the General Land Use of Capas as of 2011.

Table 3.2 General Land Use in Capas: 2011 LAND USE Forest Agriculture Non-Functional Residential Open Space Other Use (Orchard) Commercial Institutional Agro-Industrial Military Reservation TOTAL AREA (in Hectares) 10,410.07 6,088.23 830.00 1,977.75 2,867.11 597.91 77.85 165.10 162.53 19,972.00 43,148.55 Percent of Total 24.13 14.11 1.92 4.58 6.64 1.39 0.18 0.38 0.38 46.29 100.00

Areas Covered by the CSEZ Zone B (Net of ODonnell Transmitter Station and Resettlement Area under Proclamation No. 813) Zone D (Net of Sacobia Area and Resettlement Area Under Proclamation No. 812) Total CSEZ Area

No. of Hectares 3,052 13,344 16,396

Reverted Baselands Excluded from the Clark For Pinatubo Commission Resettlement Sites in Zones B & D: Under Proclamation No. 812 (Oct. 11, 1991) Under Proclamation No. 813 (Oct. 11, 1991) For Department of national Defense Military Use: ODonnell Transmitter Station ODonnell Excepted Area Zone C (Crow Valley) For Disposition by the DAR Zone E Zone F Total Areas Excluded from CSEZ

No. of Hectares 122 348 370 1,755 17,847 7,006 1,749 29,197

TOTAL AREAS RESERVATION

UNDER

THE

MILITARY 45,593

Historical and recreational places which may serve as tourist attraction are also found in Capas. Among them are: Sto. Domingo Death March Marker, Camp ODonnell, Bueno & Sta. Juliana Hot Spring, Death March Monument, Capas National Shrine and Tambo Lake. 3.1.8.2 Urban Land Use

Six adjacent barangays traversed by the Mac Arthur Highway comprised thepoblacion, namely: Sto. Domingo I, Sto. Domingo II, Cutcut I, Cutcut II, Cubcub and Sto. Rosario. These barangays occupy about 2,640.73 hectares or 7.9% of the towns total land area. Most of the residential and the commercial areas are situated in thepoblacion. They occupy some 315.90 hectares or 52% of the towns declared residential areas. The commercial areas utilized 77.85 hectares or 0.21% of the total land area. Shown in Figure 3 is the updated urban land use of barangays. 3.1.8.3 Accessibility

Capas is approximately 101 kilometers north of Manila. Whether one is using a private car or a passenger bus, the town is accessible in three main road arteries. From Manila, it can be reached by using the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) and Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) branching to the national road in Mabalacat or in Concepcion entering through the national road that links Tarlac, Capas and Bamban with Estrada and Cutcut I as the gateway barangays. 3.2 3.2.1 DEMOGRAPHY Ethnic Origins

The Aetas were the first inhabitants of Capas. The traces of their race are still visible in the municipality. What made their population thinner overtime were the result of colonization and the past governmental policies that deprived them of their permanent settlements. The policies have encouraged local migrants of land ownership which were embodied in the Land Act of 1903 during the American period and the Tenancy Law of the Magsaysay administration. These interventions have drastically changed the Aetas habitat and settlement structure which forced the natives to settle in the adjacent mountains. But today, IPRA Law protects our Indigenous People from further exploitation. Today, Capas is inhabited by people of different groupings. Majority of them representing 90% are Pampangos, 4% Ilocanos, 3% Pangasinense and 2% Tagalogs. The remaining 1% is represented by people who came from Bicol and the Visayan provinces.

3.2.2

Population and Household

The National Statistics Office population survey revealed that Capas has a total population of 122,084 and total household of 23,716 as of 2007. These figures represent 9.8% and 9.2% respectively that of the provinces total for the same period. Between 2000 and 2007, the towns household population grew annually by 3.55%, a rate higher than the provinces 2.11 % and more than of the regions 2.12%. With this growth rate, Capas now ranks third in Tarlac Province among the municipalities with bigger population following Tarlac City and Concepcion. The town has significantly overtaken its ranks in the previous population surveys at sixth services by the local government. 3.2.3 Population Distribution Per Barangay

As of 2007, the highest household population distributed among Capas 20 barangays was observed in Cristo Rey at 24,623. Far second and third were the population of ODonnell and Sta. Lucia at 13,378 and 9,397 respectively. Manga and Bueno were observed to be among the least populated barangays at 1,517 and 1,255 respectively. These figures, however, do not establish a pattern in Capas as populations in some barangays have changed drastically due to their transfer from one barangay to another. Shown in Figure 5 is a comparative presentation of barangay population between 2000 and 2007.