The Summer Capital of Tarlac

This line from a song, aptly described Mayantoc. Entering the town proper, besides the grotto of our Blessed Mother Virgin Mary is a sign that reads : “Welcome to the Summer Capital of Tarlac”.

A few steps on the left are a concrete stairways leading to a leveled hill where stands majestically the seat of the local government – the Mayantoc Municipal Hall. Facing the building, is the monument of our National hero Dr. Jose P.Rizal, serving as an inspiration to our leaders, that love of country is foremost but second only to God.

As you go up, you can pause to admire the beauty of Aquino Park, with its canopied trees that serve as shade for children and adults enjoying the playground and the much visited Jurassic Park.

Then, at the Patio fronting the Municipal Building you can stand and breathe that fresh air that hovers in the place as you enjoy the panorama below, the spacious plaza, the auditorium, the grandstand, the market, and other buildings that cluster near and on the north, the Roman Catholic and Aglipayan Churches that tend to remind the townspeople the goodness of the Maker.

On the distant west are the Zambales Mountain Ranges. In between tall trees, imagine the gullies and ravines where water flows until it reaches the huge Magsaysay Dam in Brgy. Nambalan, a dam constructed during the incumbency of Gov. Arsenio Lugay. Through a network of canals, water flows to wide stretches of farmlands, where verdure turns gold as the palay grains ripen.

The greenery of the rolling hills and cool climate, beckons to those who want to escape the rigors of everyday living. Dipping in the clear cool water of the picnic havens in Nambalan and in Estaka in Gossood, aptly rewards a tired soul.

Excellent footpaths lead you to Calao Nature Park in San Jose and ANZAP Twin Falls, geographically located in the forested areas of Blgbiga and Nambalan. They afford breath taking scenery and nature study at its best …. Visitors claim it as slice of Eden.

Because of these spots so graciously endowed to this place, Mayantoc is dubbed as the Summer Capital of Tarlac and holds the destination as the cleanest and most beautiful town of Tarlac in the 1960’s and 70’s.

We share also a place in history for it was in Sitio Tangadan in Labney, where the Liberator of Tarlac Gen. Francisco S. Macabulos held his last stand against the superior American forces. His surrender on June 15, 1900 ended the Philippine-American War in Tarlac.