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Balagtas Seal
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History of Balagtas

From the old town of Bigaa to the proud Bayan ng Balagtas.

Balagtas, formerly known as Bigaa, is a first-class municipality in the province of Bulacan, founded in 1792. The town carries the proud name of Francisco Balagtas (born Francisco Baltazar y de la Cruz) — celebrated Tagalog poet, the 'Prince of Tagalog Poets,' and author of the immortal Florante at Laura.

Originally part of Bigaa, the town was renamed in 1989 to honor Balagtas, who was born in Barrio Panginay on April 2, 1788. The municipality continues to celebrate his literary legacy through cultural festivals, the Balagtas Museum, and the annual Balagtasan tradition of poetic debate.

Today, under the banner of Sulong Na, Bagong Balagtas, the municipality thrives as a center of commerce, education, and culture in central Bulacan — a community proud of its heritage and forward-looking in its development.

Founded

The town of Bigaa was created during Spanish colonial rule and renamed Balagtas in 1989.

Namesake

Francisco Balagtas (Francisco Baltazar y de la Cruz), born April 2, 1788 in Barrio Panginay.

Florante at Laura

Balagtas' epic poem remains a cornerstone of Filipino literature.