Baliwag

Baliwag, officially the City of Baliwag (Tagalog: [bɐˈliʊag]; Filipino: Lungsod ng Baliwag, Kapampangan: Lakanbalen ning Baliwag/Siudad ning Baliwag, also spelled as Baliuag), is a component city in the province of Bulacan, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 168,470 people.

The name Baliwag, hispanized as Baliuag, is an old Kapampangan word for "untouched." It was founded in 1732 by Augustinian friars and was incorporated by the Spanish Governor-General on May 26, 1733. It was carved out from the town of Quingua (now Plaridel).

Through the years of Spanish domination, Baliuag was predominantly agricultural. People had to depend on rice farming for the main source of livelihood. Orchards and tumanas yielded fruits and vegetables, which were sold in the public market. Commerce and industry also played important contributions to the economy of the people. Buntal hat weaving in Baliwag together with silk weaving popularly known in the world as Thai silk; the manufacturer of cigar cases, piña fibers, petates (mats), and Sillas de Bejucos (cane chairs) all of the fine quality became known in many parts of the world. The local market also grew. During the early part of the 19th century, Baliwag was already considered one of the most progressive and richest towns in Bulacan. The growth of the public market has significantly changed the model of the economy of the city.

Baliwag is the major commerce, transportation, entertainment, and educational center of Northern Bulacan.

On July 22, 2022, Republic Act No. 11929 lapsed into law. The said measure converted the municipality into a component city and standardize its name as the City of Baliwag. On December 17, 2022, a plebiscite was held, 17,814 residents voted in favor of conversion to a component city while only 5,702 voted against.