Monday, March 3, 2008

Botolan, Zambales


Botolan is a municipality in the province of Zambales, Philippines. According to the 2000 census, it has a population of 46,602 people in 9,629 households.
Botolan is the largest municipality in terms of land area in the province. Located just south of the provincial capital of Iba, Botolan is known for its larger Aeta population, gray sand beaches, and as the location of the famous Mount Pinatubo.

Botolan is politically subdivided into 31 barangays.

  • Bancal
  • Bangan
  • Batonlapoc
  • Belbel
  • Beneg
  • Binuclutan
  • Burgos
  • Cabatuan
  • Capayawan
  • Carael
  • Danacbunga
  • Maguisguis
  • Malomboy
  • Mambog
  • Moraza
  • Nacolcol
  • Owaog-Nibloc
  • Paco (Pob.)
  • Palis
  • Panan
  • Parel
  • Paudpod
  • Poonbato
  • Porac
  • San Isidro
  • San Juan
  • San Miguel
  • Santiago
  • Tampo (Pob.)
  • Taugtog
  • Villar

The barangay of Binoclutan is the "Beach Capital" of Botolan, featuring several first class resorts. The area is a habitat of sea turtles, as is all of the Zambales coastline. Olive Ridley, Green and Hawksbill turtles nest along the beaches of Binoclutan every year between September and January. Rama International Beach Resort has a turtle hatchery located adjacent to the resort. The area also has many other attractions, beach resorts, waterfalls, hiking paths, views of the lahar fields left by the 1991 eruption of Mount Pinatubo, and views of Mount Pinatubo itself.
The Fiesta Poon Bato, held January 23-24, is a religious festival that attracts up to 500,000 devotes. Features include cultural dancing from local Aeta tribes in the town plaza on the first night.
The Domorokdok Festival, held May 3-4, includes street parades, street dancing, a beauty pageant and displays of Botolan products and industries.

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