Hermosa, Bataan

Infobox Philippine city
infoboxtitle = Hermosa, Bataan
locatormapfile =
region = Central Luzon (Region III)
province = Bataan
districts = 1st district of Bataan
barangays = 23
class = 2nd class municipality [http://www.nscb.gov.ph/activestats/psgc/municipality.asp?muncode=030805000&regcode=03&provcode=08 NSCB - ActiveStats - PSGC Interactive - Municipality: HERMOSA ] ]
cityhood =
website =
mayor = Efren J. Cruz (KAMPI)
vice mayor = Aris Gaza
areakm2 = 157
pop2007 = 52,484
coordinates =

Hermosa is a 2nd class municipality in the province of Bataan, Philippines. According to the 2000 census, it has a population of 46,254 people in 8,988 households.

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

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. 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 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.

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

References

External links

* [http://www.mybataan.com/content/view/72/241/ Hermosa Bataan General Information]
* [http://www.nscb.gov.ph/activestats/psgc/default.asp Philippine Standard Geographic Code]
* [http://www.t-macs.com/kiso/local/ 2000 Philippine Census Information]