CHAPTER 5.

0
LAND USE PLAN

5.1.

INTRODUCTION
Tarlac City is the premier settlement area of the whole Tarlac Province.
Having the highest urban population among the rest, Tarlac City is
considered as the Primary Urban Center (PUC) of the Province. Other
factors that make the City a PUC are its indicator functions such as
presence of specialist medical facilities, offices for NGAs, and tourism
facilities, plus the fact that the large town has the role of an inter-regional
center. Because of these factors, other municipalities rely on the services
of Tarlac City, thus making it as the hub of the province.
Tarlac City will continue to be the settlement with the most number of
urban and rural dwellers in the whole province. The City has an urban
population that would be closely equivalent to its rural share, where it is
projected by the year 2010, the rural population of the City would be
174,294 and 166,321 for urban, which sums up to around 340,615. This
implies that the settlement will be predominantly urban for the next 9
years.
Based on the scalogram and centrality indices technique 1, Tarlac City
possesses the widest range of functions and services in the whole
Province of Tarlac. Its services are the following:

Rural banks

Light/medium industries

Gasoline stations

Tourism areas

Hardware stores

Specialty stores

Water districts

Restaurants

Telephone services

Power supply

Private/commercial banks

Hotels/lodges

Inland resorts

Cinemas/theaters

Hospitals

Supermarkets

Colleges/universities

Bus terminals

Source: Province of Tarlac, Provincial Physical Framework Plan (1999-2008)

It is projected that by the year 2010, the City of Tarlac will remain as a
large town and still be the highest-level center. This is due to the fact that
the City will still have the largest population in the Province by the
previously said year.
Having the vision for the whole of Tarlac City, the proposed land use plan
shall focus on 3 areas of development. The first priority of development is
the industrial aspect of the City. Being the vital part of the industrial hub of
the W Growth Corridor and being the site for the Luisita Industrial Park
(LIP), Tarlac City shall concentrate on the industrial sector of the locality,
which is envisioned to greatly industrialized in the whole corridor.
On the other hand, working side by side with the pursuit of being an
industrial hub, Tarlac City will also develop its agricultural potentials as its
second priority of development. The City of Tarlac, situated in a province
that is a major food producer for Central Luzon, shall continue to pursue
this role in the region.
Lastly, Tarlac City shall also fulfill its part in the rest and recreation
capacities of the province. Tarlac Citys tourism capabilities will also be
included in the land use plan, thus making tourism as the third priority of
development in the City.
On the other hand, Tarlac City should uphold policy of certain policies
relevant to land use. One of these is the National Land Use Act that
embodies the National Land Use Policy (NLUP). This policy adheres to
the concept of SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT, which aims in meeting
the needs and aspirations of the present without compromising the needs
of the future generations.
Another is the Regional Tourism Master Plan for Central Luzon from the
Department of Tourism.

The main objective of this master plan is to

provide a foundation and direction for the government and private sector
in developing the tourism industry of the region.

It focuses on the

development, as well as the improvement and promotion of such strategic

tourist locations.

The Special Economic Zone Act of 1995 (RA No. 7916) provides the
mechanism and framework for the creation, operation, administration, and
coordination of special economic zones in the Philippines; thus, for this
purpose, the Philippine Economic Zones Authority (PEZA) was created.
Finally, other relevant laws, such as The Local Government Code of 1991
(RA 7160), Executive Order No. 72, and Memorandum Circular No. 54.

5.2

METHODOLOGY
Existing files, data, and maps of Tarlac City reflected a total land area of
only 27,466 hectares (this area represented only Titled lands as picked up
by the Bureau of Lands). City officials informed the study group of said
discrepancy saying that the real area of the City was actually 42,550
hectares.

With the recently approved Provincial Physical Framework

Plan (PPFP) of Tarlac (1999-2008) as basis, the group made use of the
area stated therein which was, fortunately, 42,550 hectares. Next problem
encountered was how to reflect this area in the existing land use plans.
In response to this, there was a need to re-plot and re-determine the
boundaries of Tarlac City. Thus, experts from Geo-survey and Mapping,
Inc. (GSMI) and engineers from a private group specialist in AutoCAD
were tapped in order to re-establish the boundaries of the Citys features
and to determine their actual land areas.
After painstakingly plotting the boundaries using aerial photographs, and
through the use of coordinates as picked up from maps from the Bureau of
Soils & Water Management, it was initially estimated that the area
reflected in said maps was approximately 36,117 hectares, which was
definitely more than the 27,466 hectares as reported. Hence, with this
breakthrough, this gave the planners evidence that Tarlac Citys land area
was not only limited to 27,466 hectares, thus yielding the possibility of
attaining the total hectarage of 42,550.

5.3.

SECTORAL LAND USE IMPLICATIONS

The Citys land use plan takes into account the balance between man and
nature. Such environmental consideration in planning has the following
obligations:

Industry should have its own designated space and room for growth.
The industrial park should be promoted for environment-friendly light
industries.

Agriculture should have enough space to develop sufficient produce for

the communitys needs.

Prime agricultural lands should not be

converted to other uses.

Flow of irrigation canals should be continuous and should not be

altered.

Existing and potential tourism areas must be classified as such, in

order to maintain their attraction.

Urban commercial centers must be established strategically primarily

to serve the residents. Clusters of rural barangays also need their
own. Such centers must be clearly defined in terms of space and
limits, with adequate control measures to minimize adverse impact on
the residents and nature.

Areas for new schools in the City growth and rural areas should also
be demarcated. Likewise, expansion area for the sub-standard school
sites in urban area and private schools should be considered.

Sports and recreation requirements such as open spaces, childrens

parks, basketball and/or volleyball courts should be provided at least in
areas easily accessible to residents. Such facilities should also be
provided in centers of barangay clusters if not possible for every
barangay.

Areas or structures of cultural or historical significance must be

identified and preserved.

Road right-of-way, including those for bridges, drainage and sewage

lines, should be provided; and once laid, must be maintained for such

uses.

The

planning

of

streets

should

include

off-lane

loading/unloading/parking areas.

Water supply sources should be protected.

Power lines right-of-way as well as for other utilities should also be

provided for in planning for roads and streets.

Solid waste disposal system areas must be identified and protected to

serve their purposes. Same for natural waterways.

Location and establishment of telecommunication facilities, such as

cellsites, etc. must be properly regulated.

Catchments and salvage areas of rivers, riverbanks, and other fragile

lands are environmentally significant. They may be delineated and
protected to regulate development.

5.4.

DEVELOPMENT ISSUES
Consultations on land use have brought forth concerns and issues that
affect land development. Basically, settlement areas outside the Citys
urban district are sporadically arranged, thus making the provision for
essential community services and facilities a little difficult and expensive.
Furthermore, in the built-up areas, there are cases where non-conforming
and contradicting land uses are existent.
Another issue is the high in-migration growth rate in the City. Most of the
in-migrants who cannot afford the cost of residential dwellings squat on
private as well as public lands.
The loss of productive agricultural land to non-agricultural uses is another
factor. If not protected, these agri lands are the periphery of the urban
area and of settlement sites in rural barangays, thus are likely to be used
for non-agricultural purposes in the future.
Need to conduct cadastral survey in order to delineate actual barangay
boundaries and areas.

As mentioned above, these are challenges to planners and development

policy-makers in the City of Tarlac. There is a need to find appropriate
balance among the development initiatives, as well as the formulation of
harmonious goals of the different sectors of development.

5.5

MAJOR GOALS

The development goals are as follows:

Setting industrial development as the primary sector, followed by

agriculture and finally by tourism;

The majority of the population able to meet their minimum basic

needs of adequate food, health, education, shelter, and human
dignity with their productive capacity adequately harnessed to the
national and international level of competitiveness;

The majority of City inhabitants provided access to adequate,

dependable and safe water supply, adequate and dependable
power supply, reliable and adequate communication and transport
facilities; and the urban dwellers efficient and environment-friendly
drainage, sewage, and garbage disposal systems;

The effective and sound land use development resulting in

increased employment opportunities, and sustainable use of the
land;

To finally come up with the 42,550 hectares of the citys land area
and resolve the political boundaries of the 76 barangays of the city
and the neighboring municipalities;

A well-governed local government unit with improved delivery of

basic services through the provision of responsive policy directions
and adequate administrative support; and

A sound and effective land use development plan and Zoning

Ordinance facilitating in increased employment opportunities, urban
and rural production, services, and sustainable use of the land and
other natural resources.

BASE MAP OF TARLAC CITY

City Government of Tarlac

Office of the City Planning and Development

Map No.__39___

- 243 -

COMPREHENSIVE LAND USE PLAN

5.6

GENERAL LAND USE

The largest existing general land use category that occupies the City of
Tarlac is agriculture, which has an area of 21,535.60 hectares. On the
other hand, the smallest area is devoted for special uses, which is only
83.28 hectares. This was based on the data of City Assessors Office
wherein some land uses were not classified. So, the area for the
uncategorized land use was estimated about 15,040.52 hectares to
consummate the 42,550 hectares of the citys total land area.
However, on the proposed general land use of the City, for agriculture
increased to 23,539.06 hectares, which has the largest area.

While

grasslands, having the smallest area is approximately 2,127.50 hectares.

Subsequently, the uncategorized and special uses were no longer
included in the proposed general land use of the City, as a result of the
computerization of the maps, they were able to delineate these
approximate areas into their land classifications.
On the other hand, irrigation canals should flow freely and continuously,
thus it is being proposed that all irrigation canals be clear of any
development.
TABLE NO. 66
EXISTING GENERAL LAND USE
CITY OF TARLAC
LAND USE
1. Built-up
Residential
Commercial
Institutional
Other uses

2. Industrial
3. Agricultural
5. Special
6. Uncategorized
TOTAL

AREA (HAS.)

PERCENTAGE

4,854.17

11.41

4,576.78
104.55
131.42
41.42

1,036.43

2.44

21,535.60

50.61

83.28

0.19

15,040.52

35.35

42,550.00

100.00

EXISTING
GENERAL LAND USE PLAN

M U N I C I P A L I T Y O F G E RO N A

IC

TA

GU IO

BA

TY

TO

LI

CI

CA
ING
MIL

A lvindia
S ta. Cruz
Dalayap

TO

R IA
TO
VIC

B alibago II
S to . Nio

Laoang

S ta. Ma ria
B alibago I
M

Mapala d

U
N

S to. Domingo

IC

Aguso

IP

Banaba

Tariji

L
IT
Y

S in ait

B aras-B aras

F
V
IC
O

B uh ilit

Trinidad

R
IA

Dolores

B atang-Batang

S alapungan

S an Ju an de Mata

S an Pascual
V illa B acolor
S epung Calzada

S an Isidro

Culip at

B ora

S apang Ma ragul
Mata talaib

S an Jose

S an Manuel

Calingcuan

B alin gcanaway

Mab ini
Cut-cut I

Tibag

MU N I C IP A L I T Y O F LAPAZ

S an Nic olas

P oblacion
S to . Cristo
S an Juan de B autista

TOS AN JOSE

Maliwalo

L ig tasan
Care
Caran gian

S an Roque

B inauganan

S an Vicente

Tibagan

Ungot

OF
SA
N J
O

SE

S an Rafael

TO

LA PA
Z

L ourdes
Bantog

B alete

S an Jose d e Urquico
P araiso
S an Miguel

Malig aya

B alanti

A sturias

NIC

IPA
L IT
Y

S uizo

S an Luis

A mucao

Cut-cut II

S an Sebastian

S an Pablo

MU

A tioc

Cen tral

Capehan

Mapa lacsiao

A rmenia
B uena vista

Dela Paz
S an Francisco

S apang Tagalog

B urot

NILA

S an Carlos

TO MA

NA

TO

IP

IG

IC

IP

IT

IO

M U N I C I P A L I T Y O F CA P A S

City Government of Tarlac

Office of the City Planning and Development

Map No.__40___

- 245 -

COMPREHENSIVE LAND USE PLAN

TO

BA

GU IO

PROPOSED
GENERAL LAND USE PLAN

TO
M
CA
G
ILIN

A lv india
Sta. Cruz
Dalay ap

CT
VI

IA
OR

B alibag o II
Laoang

Sta . Maria

I-1

Sto. Nio

B alibag o I
Mapalad

Sto. Domingo

A guso
B anaba

Tariji

B aras -Baras

Sinait

Batan g-Batang

Salapungan

S an Juan d e Mata

B uhilit

Dolores

Trinidad

S an Pas cual
Villa Bac olor
Sepung Calz ada

S an I sidro

Culipat

B ora

I-1

I -1

S apang Ma ragul
Matatalaib
San Jose
San Nic olas

S an Man uel

Calin gcuan

B alingc anaway

Mabini
Cut -c ut I

Tibag

I-1

P ob la cion
S to. Cristo
S an J uan de B autista

T O SA N JOSE

Maliwalo

L ig ta san
Care
Carangian

S an Roque

B in auga nan

S an Vic ente

I-1

Tibag an

Amucao

Cut-cut II

San Seb as tian

S an Pablo

Suizo

S an Luis

Ungot
S an Rafael

TO

LA PA
Z

Lourdes
B antog

Balete

San J os e de Urquico
P araiso
San Miguel

Ma ligaya

Balanti

Astu rias

Atioc

Cen tral

Capehan

Mapalac siao

A rmenia
Buen avista
Dela Paz
San Fra nc isco

Sapang Tagalog

B urot

T O MA

NILA

San Carlos

City Government of Tarlac

Office of the City Planning and Development

Map No.__41___

- 246 -

COMPREHENSIVE LAND USE PLAN

TABLE NO. 67
PROPOSED GENERAL LAND USE
CITY OF TARLAC
LAND USE
1. Built-up
Residential
Commercial
Institutional
Other uses

2. Industrial

PERCENTAGE

6,808.00

16.00

5,720.98
568.55
325.49
192.98

2,680.65

6.30

23,539.06

55.32

4. Roads and waterways

7,394.79

17.38

5. Grasslands

2,127.50

5.00

42,550.00

100.00

3. Agricultural

TOTAL

5.7

AREA (HAS.)

THE URBAN GROWTH AREA

The Existing Urban Growth Area
The urban growth pattern of Tarlac City is considered mainly as linear,
which is evident in the existence of commercial establishments and
residences along the McArthur Highway, and other barangay roads.
These linear developments lead to an urban center that encompasses
Poblacion and Brgy Mabini. Added to these commercial developments
are the existences of residential houses that surround the said center.
There are 19 existing urban barangays in the City of Tarlac. They are the
following:

San Juan de Bautista

Cut-Cut 1
Ligtasan
Mabini
Maligaya
Maliwalo
Matatalaib
Paraiso
Poblacion
Salapungan

San Miguel
San Nicolas
San Rafael
San Roque
San Sebastian
San Vicente
Santo Cristo
San Pablo
Sepung Calzada

Based on the registered land, the existing urban area has a total of
4,549.15 hectares. However, only five land uses were classified, namely;
residential, commercial, industrial and special with an area totaling
2,645.40 hectares. While the institutional, road & utilities and other uses
were approximately computed at about 231.51 hectares. As a result of the
computerization of the maps, the uncategorized and special uses
were no longer included in the proposed urban land use as they were able
to delineate these approximate areas into their land classifications.

Proposed Urban Land Use

Because of development and population increase, it is proposed that 5
new barangays be added to the urban settlement area. These barangays
are: Suizo, Carangian, Binauganan, San Isidro and Tibag.
Thus, the proposed urban area will yield a total of 24 barangays, which will
total to 7,229.62 hectares.
Based on the existing linear pattern of urban development along major
thoroughfares, it is foreseen that the center of development, namely the
Poblacion and Mabini, shall have a concentric type of development when
it expands in the future. Thus, expansion of commercial establishments is
said to occupy Brgy. San Roque, which is right beside the said center. In
addition, it is also expected that such commercial development will also be
surrounded by residential developments, which adds to the characteristic
of concentric development.
However, portions of the existing and proposed urban areas will not be
developed further because of the existence of main irrigation canals in the
vicinity.

5.7.1 Development Margin and Dominant Land Use Proposal for the
Urban and Urbanizing Areas
Tarlac City has a land area of 42,550 hectares (present). Through
Thematic Mapping Exercises, this land area contains sections that
were identified unsuitable, as well as built-up areas.

Areas that are unsuitable for development are considered as

protected areas.

There are no areas in Tarlac City that have

elevations of 1,000 meters. However, the highest elevation in the

City is 122 meters above sea level, which is found in Brgy. San
Juan De Mata. Other areas are flood prone areas such as San
Isidro, Sinait, Dela Paz, San Carlos, Capehan, Sapang Tagalog,
Cut-Cut 2, Bantog, Amucao, Dolores, San Rafael, Sta. Maria, Sto.
Nio, Balibago 1, Balibago 2, Dalayap, San Vicente, Armenia, San
Jose De Urquico, Care, Sapang Maragul, Laoang, San Rafael,
Batang-Batang, Maliwalo, Balingcanaway, and Amucao. Added to
these areas are river easements along the Tarlac River, Bulsa
(Moriones) River, and O Donnell River in Barangays Santa Maria,
Sta. Cruz, Sinait, Aguso, San Isidro, Salapungan, Sepung Calzada,
San Nicolas, Mabini, Cut-Cut 1, Carangian, San Luis, San Jose De
Urquico, Armenia, Dela Paz, San Carlos, Balanti, Tibagan, and
Tibag. Furthermore, irrigated ricelands in northwestern barangays
of Tarlac City, as well as fishponds in Brgy Sapang Maragul. Builtup areas are classified in all of the barangays, except Banaba.

5.7.2 Existing and Proposed Land Use in the Urban Growth Area
TABLE NO. 68
EXISTING URBAN LAND USE
CITY OF TARLAC
LAND USE
1. Residential

AREA (has.)

PERCENTAGE

1,715.58

37.71

2. Commercial

67.50

1.49

3. Institutional

61.51

1.35

1.13

0.02

158.67

3.49

11.33

0.25

1.50

0.03

859.69

18.90

9. Uncategorized

1,672.25

36.76

TOTAL

4,549.15

100.00

4. Industrial
5. Roads and Utilities
6. Other Uses
7. Special
8. Agricultural

TABLE NO. 69
PROPOSED URBAN LAND USE
CITY OF TARLAC
LAND USE

AREA (Has.)

1. Residential

PERCENTAGE

4,026.35

55.69

2. Commercial

439.68

6.08

3. Institutional

274.07

3.79

4. Industrial

319.50

4.42

5. Roads and Utilities

202.04

2.80

6. Other Uses

136.60

1.89

7. Grasslands

41.03

0.57

8. Agricultural

1,790.32

24.76

7,229.62

100.00

TOTAL

5.7.2.1

Urban Built-Up Area

The urban area is estimated to have a total area of 4,549.15
hectares, which is 10.69% of the total area of Tarlac City. In
addition, there are 19 urban barangays.

Residential

Existing Situation
Areas devoted to residential use is approximately 1,715.58
hectares or 37.71% of the total area of the urban setting.
Squatter settlers in the City are mostly concentrated in the
urban barangay/s of Sto. Cristo, San Vicente, San Rafael,
San Roque, San Nicolas, Matatalaib, and Ligtasan.

resettlement area for the displaced families during the Mt.

Pinatubo eruption in 1991 is situated in Brgy. Sapang
Maragul, Tarlac City, which has an area of around thirteen
(13) hectares.

City Government of Tarlac

Office of the City Planning and Development

Map No.__42___

- 251 -

COMPREHENSIVE LAND USE PLAN

City Government of Tarlac

Office of the City Planning and Development

Map No.__43___

- 252 -

COMPREHENSIVE LAND USE PLAN

Proposed
The proposed residential lands shall be expanded in the
areas of Brgy Suizo, Carangian, Tibag, San Isidro, and
Binauganan. An addition of 570 hectares is needed in the
vicinity.
Squatter settlers in the City shall also be relocated in the
resettlement areas of Sitio Buno in Brgy. Matatalaib and
Brgy. San Rafael.

Objectives and Targets

To provide sufficient control development in residential

areas to ensure safe, healthy, and pleasant environment.

To facilitate the construction of dwelling units by year

2010 with essential facilities, services, and amenities.

To relocate the informal settlers away from commercial

areas of the City.

To promote the infilling of vacant spaces in the CBD.

Strategies

The allocation of suitable areas for residential land and

the accommodation of the increasing population up to
year 2010 in the areas of Buno in Matatalaib and in San
Rafael.

Residential expansions shall be provided with basic

facilities and amenities, such as roads, open spaces, and
social services (e.g. schools, local retail, and commercial
facilities).

The strict observance of the Zoning Ordinances.

The implementation of RA 7279 (UDHA).

Commercial
Existing Situation
Tarlac is a very progressive city.

Several commercial

establishments are found in the urban area, however, only

around 67.50 hectares of land were registered under this
category in the urban location, which is 1.48% of the urban
area. Most of these commercial establishments are storey
high shopping centers and situated in the areas of
Poblacion, San Miguel, and other barangays near the town
center,

which

contribute

greatly

to

the

economic

development of the City.

In effect, the Citys main roads are becoming new areas for
commercial and retail development, which results in
commercial ribbon development. This phenomenon entails
the taking advantage of major roads due to their high
accessibility to commercial possibilities.

Proposed
The proposal for commercial land use in the urban vicinity
shall be increased to serve the needs of the buying public.
The local government has to expand the area of the present
central

business

district

(CBD)

and

to

update

the

classification of land within the CBD. In addition, the

improvement/installation of existing/proposed utilities and
facilities within the commercial areas, especially in the areas
of Poblacion, is also needed for the betterment of commerce
in the City.

Objectives and Targets

To allow provision that will allow the enhancement of the

CBD, thus creating a vibrant downtown area through the
consolidation of commercial activities.

To provide sufficient lands appropriate for commercial

development with due regard for any future expansions.

To encourage commercial land development that is

compatible and complimentary to neighboring functional
roles.

To encourage the development of market and other

establishments, such as malls, at designated sites within
the city.

To improve existing areas of commerce by providing

amenities and utilities, as well as adequate infrastructure
necessary for businesses.

Strategies

The allocation of an additional land for commercial area

in the Poblacion and other adjacent barangays.

The provision of necessary facilities for the existing and

proposed commercial area.

The expansion of the central business district.

The strict implementation of the Citys Zoning Ordinance.

Increase the allocation of commercial land/s within the

urban and urbanizing areas of Tarlac City.

Industrial

Existing Situation
Tarlac City is a vital part of the industrial component of the
W Growth Corridor of Central Luzon. Supposedly, the
Industrial use in the urban area of the City is represented by
the existence of the Luisita Industrial Park and other light
industries
However,

such
only

as
1.13

food
hectares

manufacturing/processing.
registered

under

this

component that covers 0.20% of its total urban land area.

Most areas occupied by these industries are in Hacienda
Luisita, where LIP is located.

Proposed
Because of Tarlac Citys potentials, the industrial land use in
the urban area shall be increased to 318.37 hectares
including the unregistered reclassified lands. This is in
response to Tarlac Citys present state of being an industrial
hub of the W Growth Corridor of Central Luzon that portion
of this area will be allocated along the proposed Subic-ClarkTarlac Expressway Project in the eastern part of the city.
Furthermore, a light industrial park, combined with an ecotourism and government center area, shall be situated in a
reclaimed portion of the Tarlac River along Brgy. San
Nicolas to Brgy. Sta. Cruz in consideration with the future
flood frequency analysis.
Objectives and Targets

To implement the Zoning Ordinances restrictions for

industrial and manufacturing activities in the area.

Strategies

The provision of additional areas for light industries in the

urban growth area.

Institutional
The institutional area has a total hectarage of 61.51, thus
yielding a total of 1.35% of the urban land use of the City.
The area where the City Hall stands is in Ligtasan. On the
other hand, the Provincial Capitol and other government
offices are situated in San Vicente.

Furthermore, a

government center shall be situated along a proposed

reclaimed portion of Tarlac River along Brgy. San Nicolas to
Brgy. Sta. Cruz, which shall be placed along a light industrial
and eco-tourism park.

Educational
Existing Situation
Tarlac City has the most number of educational facilities. In
the whole City, there are 102 elementary schools (86 public
and 16 private) and 22 secondary schools (8 public and 14
private).
In addition, there are 4 schools offering Tertiary education to
students. Among the 4 is Tarlac State University, which is
considered as a public school, while the rest are considered
private institutions.

Proposed
There is a demand for 106 classrooms for elementary
education and 175 classrooms for secondary education are
also needed.

However, 105 classrooms for tertiary

education are required to be constructed. Finally, there is a

need additional classrooms for vocational and/or technical
tertiary education.
Allocation of areas for new elementary schools and
secondary schools in the Tarlac Citys growth areas and in
the rural area is necessary.

Military
There are 2 areas proclaimed as Military Reservations within
the area. These camps are located in San Miguel and San
Vicente and are named as Northern Luzon Command
(NOLCOM) and Camp Macabulos respectively.
other

hand,

the

Philippine

National

Police

On the
(PNP)

Headquarters and Logistics Command is also situated in the

area of P. Burgos, Poblacion, Tarlac City. In addition to that,
there are 8 sub-stations located at Brgys San Sebastian,
Maliwalo, Mabini, San Miguel, Salapungan, Mapalacsiao,
Tibag, and San Isidro.

Other Uses (public or semi-public uses)

This category covers the cemeteries, memorial parks and
other uses which are not normally included in the above
major use categories.

Tourism

Existing Situation
There are a number of tourist destinations in Tarlac City.
Such tourist destinations are located in the Brgys of Care,
Tibag, San Juan De Mata, Sto. Cristo, and Panampunan.
One of them is the newly constructed Armed Forces of the
Philippines Museum and another is the Luisita Industrial
Park, which are both located in San Miguel. Added to that is
another seasonal crowd drawer, the Dolores Spring in Brgy
Dolores, Tarlac City. Lastly, highway based tourism facilities
should also be placed along the major roads of the City.

Proposed
The City government proposes to establish more tourist
destinations in the areas of Brgy San Juan de Mata, Laoang,
and Sto. Domingo. This will involve the development of the
Benig Creek into an agro tourism area.
accommodation

facilities

and

Furthermore,

infrastructure

must

be

improved/added to cater to the needs of incoming tourists.

Finally, an eco-tourism, combined with a government center
and light industrial park shall be placed on a proposed
reclaimed portion of the Tarlac River, along barangays San
Nicolas to Sta. Cruz.

Roads and Utilities

Land devoted for infrastructure uses has an area of 158.67
hectares, which is 3.49% of the urban land of the area.

Transportation

Roads
Existing Situation
The Manila North Road (MacArthur Highway) is the
main national road in the City. This national road has
a total length of 54.586 kilometers. On the other
hand, there are 13 provincial roads in the City Center.
Traffic congestion is presently being experienced in
the roads of the present CBD. In response to the
present traffic situation in the CBD, the local
government has been improving several barangay,
rural, as well as farm-to-market roads to ease the
vehicular traffic in the area.
Furthermore, recent calamities have caused some
road damages on certain sections of McArthur
Highway and roads in the City, which will require
repair and improvement.
In the aftermath of several calamities, the City
constructed a by-pass road along Sitio Paninaan,
Brgy Carangian extending the Aquino Boulevard that
linked MacArthur Highway and Romulo Highway.
Proposed
An additional road is required to connect Tarlac to
Zambales. The proposed route will originate from
Brgy Tibag of Tarlac City. Some portions of this road
has already been constructed.
The proposed Subic-Clark-Tarlac Tollway Project that
will traverse the eastern portion of the city linking the
proposed North Luzon Expressway Extension leading
to Rosario, La Union.

The rehabilitation of Lawy road of Capas leading to

Brgy San Pablo of Tarlac City would help in the
decongestion of MacArthur Highway.
Another is the construction of new roads that will bypass the MacArthur Highway, one in the southeastern
part connecting Tarlac-Sta. Rosa Road and the other
in the southwestern part connecting Romulo Highway.
The concreting of service roads along the main canal
of NIA from Brgy. Carangian to Brgy. Salapungan that
will serves as a circumferential road within the urban
area.
There is the need to provide for road-right-of-way for
proposed roads including those required for drainage
and sewerage lines.

There will be no further

development on areas already identified as within the

future street lines.
Future street lines of various existing and proposed
roads

should

be

determined

and

enforced

accordingly.
Finally, there is a need for the creation of a Traffic
Management Plan.

Bus and Jeepney Terminals

Existing Situation
There are 9 provincial operating bus terminals in the
City which are located in Sto Cristo, Matatalaib, San
Roque, San Rafael, and M.H. Del Pilar St.

In

addition, there is 1 common minibus and jeepney

terminal that is found in San Nicolas.
Proposed
There are no proper terminals for tricycle operators,
thus they should be provided.

On the other hand,

additional common terminals for minibuses and

jeepney.

Railway
An old abandoned railway system that served Manila
as far as La Union traverses the province. What are
left of this train transport system are portions of its
tracks and its right-of-way that is occupied by
squatters.

Communications

Existing Situation
Tarlac Citys telephone systems are being served by
the Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company
(PLDT).

Tarlac City has its own PLDT telephone

station.

Aside from PLDT, there are 11 more

telephone companies serving the City.

Aside from telephone companies, Tarlac City also has
radio stations.
The City also has postal services that are carried out
by the Philippine Postal Office, as well as two suboffices located at Brgys Maliwalo and San Miguel.
Added to those are 6 privately owned mailing
companies that operate in the City.

Proposed
The City must expand their communications services
by the year 2010.

Power Plant
Existing Situation
Tarlac Citys electric power is provided by Tarlac
Electric Enterprises Inc., a private franchise, which
covers all of the 76 barangays of Tarlac City. The
companys electricity being supplied by NAPOCOR
power lines and having its own power generating
plant in Brgy Baras-Baras, there are a total of 51,703
households being served by this franchise. However,
there are still 10,295 households that are still not
served with electricity.
In addition to that, Tarlac Electric Enterprises Inc., has
3 substations found in Brgys Maliwalo, Luisita
Industrial Park in San Miguel, and Baras-baras, which
are all found inside Tarlac City.

Proposed
The local government should make it a priority to
provide electricity to still unserved areas and to
expand its electrical services in response to the
increase in Tarlac Citys population in 2010.
On the other hand, right-of-way for electric power
lines shall also be considered in the plans of installing
and expanding electricity in the City.

Dumpsite
Existing Situation
The City discharges a total of 3 cubic meters per ton
of garbage every day. Because of this, Tarlac City
has a 12 hectare dumpsite in Brgy San Luis. Serving
40 barangays, 2 public markets, 1 slaughterhouse,
several

commercial

establishments,

industries,

subdivisions, and industries. This dumpsite, which is

3.80 kilometers away from Poblacion, is a small

portion of the 125 hectare property of Brgy San Luis.

The non-renewable contract of lease for this site is
good only for 1 year.
In addition to that, the City government conducts
clean and green programs.
Proposed
The City must also look for other prospective sanitary
landfill in the vicinity in response to the growing
population of Tarlac City and to achieve the objectives
of the R.A. 9003. The new site must have an area of
9.94 hectares including an area for the establishment
of material recovery facility.

Flood Control

Existing Situation
After the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo in 1991, Tarlac
River in Tarlac City was greatly affected by heavy
lahar deposits. Because of the eruptions tremendous
effect on the river, very long earthdikes and series of
strategically spurdikes were constructed in Brgy
Salapungan to protect the area from severe floods.
Proposed
Rivers and creeks, as natural floodways, must be
rehabilitated to its desired form to contain bigger
volume of flood, specifically the Masalasa Creek up to
Rio Chico River to be effectively used as a major
outfall of flood water of the city and adjacent
municipalities. To mitigate the adverse effect of flood
especially in the economic area, provision of pumping
stations shall be located strategically on areas that
flood waters can be pumped back to Tarlac River.
Construction of additional drainage canals at various
barangays based on flood frequency analysis shall
also be done.

5.7.2.2

Agriculture
Area used for agricultural purposes has a total of 859.69
hectares, thus yielding a total of 18.90% of Tarlac Citys
area. The flow of irrigation canals shall not be diverted or
hindered by development.

Cultivated Lands
There is a total of 17,452 hectares of cultivated land allotted
for the whole City. Most of these areas have already been
reclassified to either commercial or subdivision use. Tarlac
City has agricultural areas and supporting large scale
agricultural production and processing infrastructure.

Livestock and Poultry

The City has an area of 7,144 hectares for raising poultry
and livestock, which are located in Brgys Armenia, San Luis,
Sto .Domingo, San Juan de Mata, and Care.

Fish Ponds
Freshwater aquaculture fishponds of Tarlac City are located
in Brgy Sapang Maragul. There is a total of area of 570
hectares devoted to fish ponds in the City.

5.7.2.3

Grasslands
There is a proposed area about 2,127.50 hectares of
grasslands or pasture lands, which is 5.00% of the total land
area.

5.7.2.4

Parks and Open Spaces

These lands are one of the remaining portions that make-up
the total land area of the City, which is 42,550 hectares.
Parks and open spaces fall under special uses said to
possess 1.50 hectares, which is 0.03% of the urban land
area.

Cemeteries/Memorial Parks
Existing Situation
There are nine (9) cemeteries and four (4) memorial parks
located around the City of Tarlac. They are located in Brgys.
San Pablo, Balingcanaway, San Francisco, Matatalaib, San
Vicente, Binauganan, Tibag. San Juan de Mata, Aguso and
San Miguel. These cemeteries occupy a total area of 41.42
hectares.
Proposed
Because of congestion, there is a need to have an addition
and expansion of cemetery(ies) in the north, south, east and
west portions of the City.

Idle / Vacant Land

Existing Situation
Having a total of 960.58 hectares, these are under-used
agricultural lands in Tarlac City that are covered with
pyroclastic material, thus making the area idle. These areas
are the barangays fronting the rivers of Tarlac, Bulsa,
Moriones, and ODonnell.

Parks / Playgrounds and other Recreational Places

Existing Situation
Sports facilities in the area consist of 3 gymnasiums, 76
basketball courts, 1 basketball/softball field, 1 pelota court, 1
golf course, 3 tennis courts, 4 swimming pools/resorts, and 1
football field.

There are 6 parks, playgrounds, and other

recreational facilities in Poblacion, San Miguel, San Nicolas,

San Sebastian, and San Vicente. Near the City Hall is the
town plaza, also known as the Plazuela. On the other hand,
several covered courts are also present in several
barangays.

Proposed
The City is planning to improve the Plazuela, fronting the
City Hall.

Furthermore, additional covered courts and

spaces for recreation must be provided.

5.8

Rural Areas
There are a total of 57 rural barangays in the City. This portion totals to
38,000.85 hectares of land area, which also make-up 89.31% of the Citys
area.

5.8.1 Existing Land Use of the Rural Area

Areas beyond designated urban and urbanizing areas are rural
areas, which includes rivers, creeks, alienable and disposable
lands, national reservations, lands declared by law for specific
areas, environmentally critical area, agricultural lands, settlement
centers of rural barangays, swamps, etc.

5.8.2 Rural Barangay Settlement Areas

These rural barangay settlement areas possess unique characters
and amenities that people seek for lifestyle or environment for
living. Because of the areas small size, the people have stronger
social interaction with each other.

Furthermore, these areas

preserve their own identity.

These rural barangays range in size from the largest in Armenia
(2,735 hectares) to the smallest in Calingcuan (160 hectares). The
City government should preserve the character and amenity
provided by these rural barangays.

OBJECTIVES AND TARGETS

To maintain the character, amenity, and social structure of the

rural barangays when assessing further applications for
development.

To define the boundaries of the rural barangay settlement areas

that are meant to keep their identity.

STRATEGIES

Improve the Zoning Ordinance provisions for development

standards of rural barangay settlement areas.

Delineate the boundaries of the settlement areas and reflect

them in the Zoning Map.

5.8.3 Rural Health Units

Presently, there are six (6) Rural Health Units (RHU) and are
located in Poblacion, Matatalaib, San Miguel, San Isidro,
Mapalacsiao and San Manuel.

These RHUs give basic health

services to the community.

Due to lack of service, the local government should develop more
RHUs to cater to the medical and health needs of the locals of the
communities. Presently, they have proposals for the building of 6
RHUs

5.8.4 Agriculture
Having a total area of 21,535.60 hectares, the City government
shall protect designated lands that are presently used for
agriculture and those having the capacity for sustainable
agricultural and fishery activity. In addition, developments must not
hinder or alter existing major irrigation canals.

Objectives and Targets

To

prohibit

development

or

land

uses

that

would

be

incompatible with agriculture and fishery in specific areas

To allow tourism activities in association with the agricultural

use of the land only.

To allow agro-industry to be established that relate directly to

the agricultural pursuit carried out in the locality.

Strategies

Limit development permitted in the agricultural areas to those

that support the agricultural, economic, and ecological viability
of the area.

Identify the range of agro-industrial uses compatible with

agriculture.

Limit subdivision of agricultural land to agriculturally viable and

sustainable holdings.

Develop the Benig River into an inland channel and agrotourism area.