BARANGAY ASTURIAS HISTORY

Barangay Asturias is also part of the South District Division of Barangays in Tarlac City. Barangay Lourdes surrounds it on the North, Barangay Bantog on the East, Barangay Mapalacsiao on the South and Barangay Central on the West. It is approximately 15.0 kilometers away from city proper. It has a total land area of 326.27 hectares correspond to residential area.

Barangay Asturias classified as Rural Barangay, it has a total population of one thousand eight hundred fifteen (1,815) as of 2020, and a household population of four hundred fourty eight (448).

Barangay Asturias residents were almost Hacienda workers. Approximately 10% of the resident was a factory worker in International Wiring System (IWS) and Sanyo. At present, there is a massive unemployment due to unresolved dispute between the labor and management of Hacienda Luisita. For survival and daily living people planted vegetables and tree bearing fruits in their backyards. The vast land of sugarcane plantation turned to garden of grasses and weeds. Other residents find another employer so that they could sustain their everyday necessities.

Year 1919, couple Mr. Venancio and Mrs. Francisca Tamayo native of Palat, Porac Pampanga came in Tarlac and decided to work in Hacienda Luisita. Their work was to clean and tiller the land, which almost covered by a forest. Amelia, Gerardo, and their children were also their company.

At that time there were only few families settled there. Among them were Mr. Juan Carlos and Mr. Aganon. As time change, other families migrated and settled here they are Pedro Molina, Mariano Nunag, Eusebio and Intal family.

By the year 1921, this area has given the name of “Maligtang”. It was the name of a lake situated not far from this area. Two Spanish men namely Waver and Goth were managing the Hacienda Luisita. These Spaniards decided to rename the old name of their barrio from “Maligtang” to “Asturias”. Their suggestion of renaming their place was approved by Mr. Juan Carlos. According to the Spanish, “Asturias” is one of the Cities in Spain wherein the residents of the City were all happy. From then, residents of this place started calling their place as Asturias.

Another version of folklore by Mr. Pedro C. Guila a 97 years old resident of this Barangay, according to his knowledge, the name “Asturias” was given because at early time, there is a great historian that foretold any history to the residents of this place. That is why Avila, “Asturias” derived from the word “Estorya” or “Kwento” being foretold by the great historian.

Eigthy percent of the total populations are Pampango, and the rest are Tagalog, Bisaya, Pangasinense, and Ilocano.

Barangay Asturias celebrates their feast day every March 18-19 as a thanksgiving to the patron Saint Joseph. Saint Joseph after Our Lady, the holiest mere man who ever lived. He is Patron of Carpenters and Patron of Workers.