The zealous Augustinian Missionaries who preached the good news in Pampanga and eventually
evangelized the entire province extended their outposts at an early period into what is now the Province
of Nueva Ecija by following the Rio Grande dela Pampanga. Thus, Santol (present day Barangay
Santor in Bongabon) was established in 1659 and later in 1760 Bongabon was named as a town and
parish under the patronage of St. Francis of Assissi.
Whenever a stranger happens to take a look around Bongabon, his attention will easily be attracted by
an enclosure of a brick wall just beside the town plaza similar to that of the walled city of Manila, and
that within those walls still remain the mute reminiscence of the stately Spanish domination.
BONGABON was the first capital of Nueva Ecija and that brick walls were the remains of the first
provincial capitol of Nueva Ecija. Just like any other Spanish pueblos at that time, Bongabon was ruled
by a "Capitan" synonymous to that of the Mayor today. The Catholic religion and the high esteem for
women are the two important influences, Spain has inculcated into the hearts of the people not only in
Bongabon but all over the Philippines.
(We went here last April 2, 2010 with my Family and Relatives. I had fun, I was able to see the farmers harvesting onions. Once in a lifetime experience i had.)
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