Province of TarlacGerona.
"Where heritage meets the horizon."
Places
to Visit.
Scroll to explore the local landmarks — 01 / 05
St. Catherine
"An 1844 cornerstone of faith, the soul of Gerona's heritage."
Fast Fact
Architectural Heritage
Classic Spanish-colonial baroque facade.
La Sagrada Familia
"Modern architectural embrace for silent reflection."
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Modern Sanctuary
Unique contemporary roofline and serene paths.
St. Josemaría Escrivá
"Asia's first shrine dedicated to the Saint of Ordinary Life."
Fast Fact
A Place of Retreat
The shrine features beautiful outdoor drive-through stations.
Silawan Festival
"A celebration of light and resilient spirit."
Fast Fact
Annual Highlight
Celebrated every November with street dancing.
Belenismo
"A breathtaking display of faith and ingenuity."
Fast Fact
Christmas Pride
Gerona is a multi-awarded participant in Belenismo.
Eat Spots.
From highway grills to hidden garden cafes.
Isdaan Floating Village
A sprawling floating sanctuary. Dine in bamboo huts over water while surrounded by giant sculptures and the legendary Tacsiyapo wall.
Sianing’s Food House
A roadside legend since 1970. Sianing's is the home of the best Bulalo in Tarlac, offering that authentic 'lutong-bahay' taste that spans generations.
Gerona Food Ave
The heartbeat of Gerona after dark. An open-air feast of local street flavors—from grilled delights to sweet treats—where the community meets to eat.
Kape Tons
Gerona's own 'Starbucks' in the heart of the barangay. A minimalist sanctuary offering premium coffee blends and a chic, quiet escape from the city rush.
Kabsat Gerona
Where rustic charm meets contemporary Filipino flavors. Famous for its cozy atmosphere and dishes that feel like home with a gourmet twist.
Legacy & Progress.
Agriculture
The backbone of Gerona's wealth. From vast rice paddies to the famous sugarcane, sweet corn and high-yield rootcrops, we feed the region with sustainable, traditional farming.
Caturay Silawan Art
Where Brgy. Caturay artisans transform bamboo and spirit into the 'Silawan'—lanterns that define the Tarlac night. A heritage industry of pure craftsmanship.
CP Foods Gerona
Global leader in agri-production.
Inuyat Taffy
Gerona's signature pulled sugarcane taffy. A traditional sweet industry that turns raw cane into golden, chewy perfection, unique to our heritage.
Bignay Wine
From wild berries to premium bottles. Gerona's Bignay wine industry represents our shift into high-value agricultural processing and craft spirits.
History.
The Paontalon Mission
The story begins in Paontalon, a strategic settlement along the river. Dominican missionaries arrived to establish a mission, tasked with integrating the local populace into the colonial spiritual and administrative grid under the Vicar of Malanguey.
Village of Paniqui
As the population grew, Paontalon was formally recognized as a 'visita' or village. It was annexed to the Municipality of Paniqui, which at the time fell under the expansive jurisdiction of the Province of Pangasinan.
The Girona Identity
In a symbolic gesture of colonial ties, the settlement was renamed 'Gerona.' This was a tribute to Girona, Spain—the 'City of Four Rivers'—honoring Governor-General Narciso Claveria’s Spanish roots and the local landscape's own water features.
The Rise of 'Barug'
A wave of migration from the Northern provinces saw settlers clearing a 'Barug' (Pangasinense for 'little forest'). These industrious settlers eventually formed the demographic backbone of the town, blending Pangasinense and Ilocano cultures.
Independent Sovereignty
Gerona successfully petitioned for independence from Paniqui. By 1845, the town established its own civil government, with Don Anacleto Melegrito serving as the first Gobernadorcillo, marking its birth as a self-governing entity.
The Tarlac Inclusion
With the creation of the Province of Tarlac by royal decree, Gerona was strategically integrated as one of its core municipalities. It has since served as a vital link between the northern and central plains of Luzon.