Baclaran

añaque barangays in the first district. In fact, people from the Philippine capital of Manila usually pass through Baclaran to reach both the international and domestic airports. This peculiarity made Baclaran a center of commerce and trade, famous throughout the country and second only to old Manila when it comes to discounts and to the variety of products sold. Most residents are Roman Catholics, followed by Protestants, members of the Iglesia Ni Cristo and Born-Again Christians. In later years, Muslims have become prominent in the barangay, dominating a large sector of commerce, particularly in the so-called underground economy. Community activities mostly revolve around religious celebrations, particularly during the Holy Week and the Yuletide season when Baclaran becomes host to the multitudes who seek the best discounts for their Christmas shopping. Historical Background
Being near the sea, Baclaran was named after a fishing gear used by the fishermen, called BAKLAD, which means a rattan fence placed by fishermen around the siblings. The fence surrounding the siblings was such that fish could get out until they become big enough to be sold in the market. Many of these baklads were made in the sea by the fishermen in baclaran that people started calling the place “Bakladan”. The “d” between the vowels was interchanged for an “r” . Hence “Bacladan” came to be called “Baclaran”. Location
Barangay Baclaran occupies an aggregate land area of 69.8 spuare hectares. The Barangay is composed of six areas. It has a total number of seven national roads, forty six municipal roads and barangay roads. Situated at the northernmost part of Parañaque, Baclaran is bounded by the Baclaran River in the east, Pasay City in the north, Manila Bay in the West and Barangay Tambo in the south. Human resources
Barangay Baclaran has a total population of twenty five thousand five hundred sixty six (25.566) as of May 1, 2000 National Census. It has a total of five thousand two hundred eighty six households and has 172 voting centers. Education
The barangay has three public elementary schools, namely: Baclaran Elementary School, Baclaran Elementary School Units I, II and III. One Public High School ( Paranaque Municipal High School). Two public pre-school centers ( Baclaran Day-Care and Barangay Baclaran Learning and Resource Center). The latter is a pet project of Barangay Capt. Roland Cailles and Council; it was established in 1996 when classes formally opened on June 17 that year. The center conducts four sessions every school year for children aged 5 to 6 years old. It held its very first graduation rites on March 17, 1997, with almost 130 pre-school children graduating. Two certified teachers are assigned to teach the pupils while one teacher-aide and two utility persons are employed to assist in attending to the needs of enrolled students. Audio-visual materials and other educational materials are provided to insure the quality education that the children of Barangay Baclaran rightfully deserve. Health services
Baclaran has one main health center located at the Lourdes "Ka Lele" Pena Mulit-Purpose building beside the Barngay Hall and one satellite Health center at Sitio Maligaya located at Area 1 in the Barangay. A dental clinic equipped with modern facilities and equipment purchased from barangay funds is also located at Lourdes Pena Multi-purpose building. Clinic days are from Monday to Saturday. A lying-in clinic, another pet project of Barangay Chairman Roland Cailles and council opened on July 2, 1996 to serve the people of Baclaran by providing free services and medicine to its constituents. During its first month of operations, thirty babies were safely delivered. The lying-in clinic has four beds and is equipped with modern equipment purchased from the Barangay funds. It is open 24 hours. Four nurses, five midwives, four nursing aides and four utility helpers are employed as staff in the clinic receiving allowances from the barangay. The clinic also has an OB-Gyne consultant on call to look after the needs of the patients. There is one secondary hospital, the Sta. Rita de Baclaran hospital at G.G. Cruz St. and two private lying-in clinics, the Dangoy maternity and lying-in clinic and Magcale lying-in clinic at 12 de Junio St. Transportation
The Public Utility Jeep (PUJ) or passenger jeepney is the most common means of transportation. These vehicles ply the major thoroughfares 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Pedicabs (bicycles with passenger cabs attached to them) are also used to reach interiors.