Malolos is a historic city and the capital of Bulacan Province in Central Luzon, Philippines. It is the birth of the First Philippine Republic.

Profile of Malolos City (Geography)
Location –> Bulacan Province in Central Luzon (See map below)
*Distance from Manila –> 40.7 Kilometers
Neighboring Towns –> Calumpit, Guiguinto, Bulakan, and Paombong
Area –> 67.25 km2 (25.97 sq mi)
Population –> 252,074 (2015 Census)
Terrain –> Flat
Industries –> Agriculture, Trading, Tourism
Major Products –> Rice, Vegetables, Poultry, Fish, Bags, Garments, processed foods, cigarettes, home decors, and Handicraft,
People/Language –> Tagalog, English
No. of Barangays –> 51
Revenue (2018) –> 1.107 billion
Legislative District –> First

City Officials
Go here to see the elected government officials of Malolos City.

Malolos History

The name Malolos is believed to have been derived from the Tagalog word “Paluslos” which means many rivers flowing downwards to the sea or bay. The place had been settled long before the coming of the Spaniards. Researchers claimed it was part of the Kingdom of Mai which existed along with the Kingdom of Tondo and the Sultanate of Maguindanao.

On November 14, 1571, Spanish authorities established the encomienda (land grant) of Malolos under the care of Don Marcos de Herrera. Later, it was merged with the encomienda of Calumpit. On June 11, 1580, the town of Malolos was organized as a separate pueblo but it was only in 1822 when it was formally established as a municipal unit with Jorge de Victoria as the first appointed municipal mayor.

Towards the end of the 19th century, Malolos and the neighboring towns became the hotbed of resistance against Spanish rule. One of the leaders of the group calling for reforms was Gregorio Del Pilar whose wife was a native of Malolos. On December 12, 1888, twenty-one brave women of Malolos wrote a petition to the visiting Governor General Valeriano Weyler that a school be opened in Malolos at their own expense. The petition was granted but only for a short time due to stiff opposition of the local friar. The bravado of the women prompted Jose Rizal to write them a letter commending their initiative and civic spirit.

In the early part of 1896, a group of patriots led by Isidoro Torres, Ramon Gonzalez de Leon and Luis Gatmaytan organized a secret Katipunan chapter in Malolos. When the Philippine Revolution broke out in August, 1896, Bulacan became one of the 8 provinces that was declared in a state of war.

In 1898, Malolos became the site of the constitutional convention that led to the formation of the First Philippine Republic, the first in Asia. Later, it was proclaimed the capital of the country. The following year, the seat of government was moved to Manila. In 1901, the capital of Bulacan was transferred from Bulakan town to Malolos.

On June 30, 1998, Joseph Estrada took his oath as the President of the Philippines at the Barasoin Church.

On December 18, 1999, Malolos was converted into a component city by virtue of Republic Act 8754.

Economy, Business and Investment

Malolos is a fast rising urban area where many malls and subdivisions are being established. An hour away from Metro Manila, the city is now considered part of the Mega Manila Super Region. With the upcoming construction of the railroad from Manila to Clark in Pampanga passing through the city, the future looks brighter for faster economic development of the city.

An industrial estate has found a home in the city. Industries include the manufacturing of cigarette, clothing, bags, jewelry, leather products, and food items.

Notwithstanding its march to modernization, Malolos still has many areas devoted to agriculture where rice, vegetables, poultry, egg, hogs, and fish are produced.

Malolos Tourist Spots

1. Barasoain Church – site of the Malolos Congress which ratified the Declaration of Philippine Independence
2. Malolos Cathedral also known as Minor Basilica of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception – Where General Emilio Aguinaldo held office

3. Casa Real de Malolos
4. Hiyas ng Bulacan Museum – located at the provincial capitol
5. Several Ancrestral Homes such as the old municipal building, ruins of the Malolos School for Women, Jose Cojuanco Shrine and many others

Malolos Festival

1. Singkaban Festival where arts and talents of the people are showcased
2. Santo Niño de Malolos Festival (Holy Infant of Malolos)
3. Holy Trinity Festival
RELATED: Profile of Balanga City
See also: List of Philippine Cities by Region and Province

Map of Malolos City