Pilar, officially the Municipality of Pilar, is a 3rd class municipality in the province of Bataan, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 46,239 people. The Bataan Government Center and the historic Mount Samat National Shrine (Dambana ng Kagitingan) are both situated within the municipality in Barangays Diwa and Ala-uli, respectively.

Etymology

The town was named in the honor of the image of the Our Lady of the Pillar, hence the town was called "Pilar".

History

One of the oldest towns of Bataan, Pilar was previously part of Pampanga. Spaniards in the galleon landed in a sitio of Balanga and were greeted by the natives.

Geography

Pilar is located in eastern part of Bataan Peninsula, bordering Balanga (the provincial capital) to the north, Orion to the south, Bagac to the west, and Manila Bay to the east. It is 1 km from Balanga and 125 km from Manila. According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, the municipality has a land area of 37.60 km2 constituting NaN% of the 1,372.98 km2 total area of Bataan.

Climate

Barangays

Pilar is politically subdivided into 19 barangays. Each barangay consists of puroks and some have sitios.

Demographics

In the 2020 census, Pilar had a population of 46,239. The population density was undefined PD/km2.

Economy

Government

Local government

Pursuant to the Local Government Code of the Philippines", the political seat of the municipal government is located at the Municipal Hall. In the Spanish period, the Gobernadorcillo was the Chief Executive who held office in the Presidencia. During the American rule (1898–1946), the elected Mayor and local officials, including the appointed ones held office at the Municipal Hall. The legislative and executive departments perform their functions in the Sangguniang Bayan (Session Hall) and Municipal Trial Court, respectively, and are located in the Town Hall.

Elected officials

Pilar, Bataan's elected officials are Mayor Alice D. Pizarro (National Unity) and Vice Mayor Marino Caguimbal (National Unity). The eight Sangguniang Bayan Members led by the Vice Mayor hold office at the Pilar Sangguniang Bayan Session Hall.

Tourism

Landmarks and festivals of Pilar include:

Our Lady of the Pillar Parish Church

The 1801 Our Lady of the Pillar Parish Church (Nuestra Señora del Pilar Parish Church, belongs to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Balanga (Dioecesis Balangensis) Part of the Ecclesiastical Province of San Fernando, Pampanga.

Notable personalities

Gallery