Tarlac, Administrative province in Central Luzon, Philippines
Tarlac is an administrative province in the Central Luzon region of the Philippines, covering a territory that includes seventeen municipalities and one city. Rice paddies, sugarcane plantations and cornfields shape much of the landscape, alternating with settlements and smaller towns.
Spanish colonial authorities carved out this province in 1873 from portions of Pangasinan and Pampanga to simplify governance of the region. During World War II, Capas became the site of a major prisoner-of-war camp, which later became an important place of memory in Philippine history.
Residents speak Kapampangan, Ilocano, Pangasinan or Tagalog depending on the municipality, and many switch between these languages in daily conversation. Each group brought its own festivals and celebrations, which are now held side by side and give the area a multilingual character.
The province is best explored by private vehicle or bus, as municipalities are widely spread and public transport serves only main routes. The rainy season between June and November makes some rural roads difficult to navigate, while the dry season eases travel throughout the area.
The memorial in Capas honors the more than 60000 prisoners who died during the Bataan Death March or later in the camp, with their names listed on many plaques. Visitors can walk among the remaining foundations of the barracks where soldiers from several nations were held under harsh conditions.
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