BRIEF PROFILE AND HISTORY
San Simon is a first class municipality in the province of Pampanga, Philippines.
Topography
LAND AREA: 5,736 Hectares
POPULATION: Approx. 59,182 as of 2020 Census
HOUSEHOLDS: Approx. 8,139
TOTAL BARANGAYS: 14
LANGUAGE/DIALECT: English, Filipino & Pampango
CLIMATE: Climate is characterized by two seasons: the DRY, which starts from
November to April, and RAINY from May to October.
Economy
The principal industries in San Simon are steel, farming, fishing and poultry and swine
industries. It is acknowledged that the significant economic growth in San Simon was
brought about by the Comprehensive Municipal Development and Land Use Plan
enacted by the Municipal Council. The zoning ordinance reclassified the entire stretch of
Quezon Road as Industrial and Commercial Zone, but limited only to light and medium
size industries and those that are environmental friendly. Central Luzon's "W" Growth
Corridor Another factor that contributes to the potential economic growth of San Simon
in the 21st century is its geographic location. It is strategically located in the central part
of the “W” Growth Corridor of Central Luzon and it is accessible from major road
networks and arteries coming from the different provinces of Central Luzon and Metro
Manila.
Education
For elementary and high school education,residents of San Simon are served by
thirteen elementary schools, two barangay public high schools and three private
schools.
Communications
For telecommunications, the town is served by Digitel, PLDT, PILTEL, DATELCOM,
SMART , and GLOBE . Another wireless internet service provider is COMCLARK
SureStream.
Culture and Religion
Like most Kapampangan people, residents of San Simon retain their Kapampangan
language and traditional culture and arts brought about by their Malay ancestors and
enriched by Chinese, Spanish, American, Japanese and other ethnic and foreign
cultures.
Catholic 80%.
Members Church of God International 5%.
Iglesia ni Cristo 11%.
Others 4%.
Vision
We envision San Simon to be the leading LGU of Central Luzon through its diversified
economy in Argriculture, Commercial, Industrial and Infrastructures sustained by God
loving, disciplined, healthy, educated competitive and participative people living in a
peaceful, safe and clean environment in harmony with committed, responsive and
innovative good local governance.
Mission
To elevate the standards of government service by implementing comprehensive and
sustainable Programs, Projects and Activities which are geared towards a holistic and
balanced development of San Simon and of all Simonians.
San Simon History
San Simon, an emerging business haven in Central Luzon particularly in the
province of Pampanga had its humble beginnings in 1770 as a farming village when it
was founded by Don Mariano del Pilar de los Reyes and named it Barrio Del Pilar. It
was located in a productive agricultural area between the towns of San Luis in the North
and Apalit in the South. As the population kept on growing in the local community, the
leading citizens of the progressive village initiated a petition to consolidate a portion of
the southern part of the town of San Luis and a land area from the northern part of the
municipality of Apalit to form an independent municipality. Appraised of the economic
potential of a new town and confidence in the management capability of the leaders, the
Spanish Governor General at the time during his second term as chief administrator of
the Philippines, Don Simon de Anda y Salazar approved the official creation of the town
on November 15, 1771.
The town was named in honor of the Spanish Governor General who approved
its creation and of the Apostle Simon Peter, the Patron Saint of the illustrious town of
Apalit. Like any other typical Spanish town (pueblo) it was administered by a “Capitan
del Pueblo” and had a municipal policy making body called today as Municipal Council.
The Catholic Parish Church, the Public Market, the Town Plaza and homes of prominent
families were located within the proximity of the Municipal Hall. The people of San
Simon celebrate two town fiestas, one in honor of Lady of the Pillar, the patron saint of
the first barrio and the other in honor of the Apostle Simon Peter. In 1898, the retreating
military forces of General Antonio Luna on their way to Nueva Ecija burned the parish
church. In 1979, through the effort and financial contributions of the Ibanez, Guevarra,
Santos, Punsalan, Pangan and other families, the church was rebuilt and named as
Nuestra Senora Del Pilar.
Among the early settlers of the town were the Macapagal, Simbulan, Santos and
Pangan families. By the year 1835, the town had eight barrios. However, since the late
1940s, the number of barrios increased to fourteen in a land area of 5,736 hectares and
by the early years of the 21st century, the population grew to more than 39,000 people.
