Tarlac City

is the nucleus of the Province of Tarlac. Tarlac City’s history may be likened to the History of Tarlac Province itself through the years, Tarlac City, formerly known as Tarlac Town, has survived natural and political crises among others, yet, has proven itself as a fast emerging cosmopolitan in the region. It was formally founded in 1788. It has been said that this town was formerly a part of Porac, Pampanga.

Tarlac City started out as the earliest native settlement occupied by the Spaniards during the Spanish Period. Tarlac was organized into a praesido (fort) as early as 1593 and was located in a sitio called Porac. By 1788, Tarlac was raised into a civil town independent of Porac.

Its early settlers came from Bacolor,Pampanga, among them were Don Carlos Miguel and Don Narciso Castañeda, who before 1788, with their families and followers trekked through the forests and hills of Porac and Bamban until they finally reached and settled down in what is today called Tarlac City. Later, the community was converted into a town in which Don Carlos Miguel prepared and forwarded the resolution to the Spanish authorities.