Pandacan is a town in the 6th District of City of Manila, south of Pasig River. With a total population of 76,134 as of 2007, Pandacan is divided into 38 baranggays from Baranggay 833-872, excluding Baranggay 866 (part of Sta. Ana) and Baranggay 854.
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Pandacan Map in Manila
- Short History of Pandacan
- Pandacan Population
- School/Education
- Churches/Religion
- Transportation
- Events and Activities
- Places and Landmarks
↑ A Very Short History of Pandacan (16th – 19th Century)
The place where Pandacan is located was a thriving community even before the Spaniards arrived in the year 1571. The land was rich with plants called sacate. Hence, farming was the main source of living. Pandacan was surrounded by streams connecting to Pasig River, establishing a successful commerce between neighboring communities.
Replica of Sto. Nino
THE DARK AGES – The Spanish regime in the 17th century was considered to be the “dark ages” of Pandacan. It was the time when residents were forced to do labor for inadequate compensation. The abuse prompted tribe leaders to revolt against the Spaniards; thus, Pandacan was known as “cradle of agitators“.
PANDACAN, A TOWN OF ITS OWN – In 18th century, several boys found an image of Sto. Niño in the middle of the Pandan field where they played. It was given to Sampaloc because Pandacan was originally under their parish. However, the Baby Jesus miraculously kept coming back and it was then decided to build a church for Sto. Niño. This period, according to historian Prof. Santiago (see Source section at the bottom), was important, because it was during this time when Pandacan officially became a town (May 30, 1712).
THE GOLDEN AGES – During this period, Pandacan was being called as “Little Italy” and “Little Venice“ because of its natural beauty, and unique geographical structure. The town was progressing and the arts and music were blossoming, thanks to the talented locals such as Ladislao Bonus and Francisco Baltazar. Even the national hero Dr. Jose Rizal frequented Pandacan to seek help from Bonus. Opera and Orchestra were performed and Pandacan was known as “the cradle of Italian operas performed by Filipinos“.
↑ Population
Based on 2007 census, Pandacan has 76, 134 residents, which is about 4.5% of the City’s population, making it the 5th most populated town in Manila.
Out of 38 baranggays, Baranggay 843 has the most residents with about 6,400 people living in that area. On the other hand, less than 400 people are residing in Baranggay 853, the lowest number of residents in Pandacan.
-> The top 5 most populated baranggays in Pandacan
Below is the breakdown of Pandacan’s population by Baranggay: (Click on each baranggay for more details. You have to be a registered member of this site to join a group/baranggay)
| BARANGAY | POPULATION |
|---|---|
| Barangay 833 | 1801 |
| Barangay 834 | 1187 |
| Barangay 835 | 2264 |
| Barangay 836 | 4524 |
| Barangay 837 | 2868 |
| Barangay 838 | 2434 |
| Barangay 839 | 2355 |
| Barangay 840 | 1940 |
| Barangay 841 | 2173 |
| Barangay 842 | 2900 |
| Barangay 843 | 6393 |
| Barangay 844 | 3405 |
| Barangay 845 | 1821 |
| Barangay 846 | 1701 |
| Barangay 847 | 2615 |
| Barangay 848 | 1301 |
| Barangay 849 | 2242 |
| Barangay 850 | 1812 |
| Barangay 851 | 0797 |
| Barangay 852 | 0910 |
| Barangay 853 | 0388 |
| Barangay 855 | 2256 |
| Barangay 856 | 1666 |
| Barangay 857 | 1739 |
| Barangay 858 | 0684 |
| Barangay 859 | 1119 |
| Barangay 860 | 1673 |
| Barangay 861 | 1140 |
| Barangay 862 | 2224 |
| Barangay 863 | 1206 |
| Barangay 864 | 0831 |
| Barangay 865 | 1630 |
| Barangay 867 | 2820 |
| Barangay 868 | 2250 |
| Barangay 869 | 1335 |
| Barangay 870 | 1572 |
| Barangay 871 | 1965 |
| Barangay 872 | 2193 |
↑ Schools and Education
There are several private and public schools in Pandacan serving Nursery up to High Schools. The list of schools are as follow, alphabetically arranged: (If available, click their respective links for more info)
- Akap-Bata (Daycare) – See all posts
- Bagong Baranggay Elementary School (Elementary: Nursery to Grade 6) – See all posts
- Bagong Diwa Elementary School (Elementary: K – 6) – See all posts
- Beata Elementary School (Elementary: K – 6) – See all posts
- Blessed Hope Christian (High School) – See all posts
- Carlos P. Garcia (High School) – See all posts
- ERDA Tech Foundation (High School) – See all posts
- Jacinto Zamora Elementary School (Elementary: Kinder – Grade 6) – See all posts
- Malayan High School of Science (High School) – See all posts
- Manila Daycare Center (Daycare) – See all posts
- St. Joseph’s School (Elementary – High School) – See all posts
↑ Churches and Religion
The most recognized religion in Pandacan is the Roman Catholic. According to legends, the patron saint (an image of Baby Jesus called Sto. Niño) was said to be found beside a well on the street now known as Jesus Street. In the old times, Pandacan was part of the Sampaloc parish, reason why Sto. Niño was brought there. Miraculously, the icon reappeared to where it was originally found, and continued to happen everytime it was brought back to Sampaloc. It was then decided to build a church in Sto. Niño’s honor.
-> Read more: Sto. Niño Facts
Partial list of Pandacan Churches and Religion:
- Iglesia Ni Cristo (Iglesia)
- Pandacan United Methodist Church (Protestant)
- Philippine Independent Church aka IFI (Aglipay)
- Sto. Niño de Pandacan Church (Catholic)
- United Pentecostal Church of Pandacan
↑ Public Transportation
Pandacan is located uniquely in the city of Manila, which means there are diverse ways of getting in to and out of our town.
The most popular mean of getting around this town is via jeepney, which could bring residents and commuters up to the farthest corner of Pandacan. To navigate the inner-streets of our town, you will need to ride a tricycle or pedicabs if you do not wish to walk. Jeepney lines are available going to Paco, Taft Avenue-PGH, and Rotonda Sta. Mesa for a standard rate (Php 7.00). A single commute to Quiapo and/or Sta. Cruz is accessible via Pandacan Bus.
A couple of non-conventional cross-town transportation are also available:
- A five to ten-minute boat/ferry ride can be used if you intend to cross the Pasig River from Beata to Sta. Ana. A regular ride is worth Php 20.00, while an express ride would cost an additional Php 10.00.
- For students of Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) in Sta. Mesa, the trolley ride (a customized push cart) along the train rails of Beata is the best alternative to avoid the rush hour traffic. Pandacan also has a PNR (Philippine National Railway) Station.
For workers of the city, the preferred method of transportation is either the air conditioned buses (Nagtahan/Quiapo to Makati/Buendia and vice versa) or the Tamaraw FX which has a terminal at the entrance of Bagong Baranggay Gate 3, next to the public clinic to Makati.
↑ Events and Activities
Pandacan residents celebrate one major event in honor of the town’s patron: The Feast of Sto. Niño de Pandacan every third Sunday of January. The Saturday before the feast, various groups and organizations come together for the annual Buling-Buling, a traditional street festival dance honoring the Sto. Niño.
In 2009, Samahang Sining at Kultura ng Pilipinas organized the First Pandacan Day. From then on, Samahang Sining at Kalinangan ng Pandacan took over and the Foundation Day has become an annual tradition.
Throughout the year, various activities are organized by different groups, may it be religious, traditional/cultural, civic, or political in nature, such as Medical Missions, Feeding Program, Sports Festival, Mutya at Lakan ng Pandacan, to name a few.
After the Zamora Shrine was built, the City of Manila, holds an annual ceremony (August 14) in honor of Padre Jacinto Zamora, who was one of the three martyr priests falsely accused of rebellion against the Spanish government. He, Padre Gomez, and Padre Burgos – famously known as “GOMBURZA” – were executed by garrote.
↑ Popular Places and Landmarks
Some of listed landmarks below would make your visit to Pandacan more complete. Our town is rich in cultural heritage, as shown by the preservation of the Bonus Mansion (not open to public). The former first lady Imelda Marcos is said to have an ancient mansion built at the corner of T. San Luis St. and Jesus Street.
Plaza Zamora, Liwasang Balagtas, and "Trophy"
A popular hangout for the residents is the Liwasang Balagtas,whether to relax or just to observe people. The said place is beautiful especially at night, when the fountain is turned on with matching colorful lights.
Partial list of Places and Landmarks:
- Balagtas Shrine (at night)
- Bonus Mansion – Along T. San Luis Street – outside view only
- Zamora Shrine
- Kap. Isidro Mendoza Public Library
- Romualdez Mansion – outside view only
- Caritas Manila
- Linear Park – entrance via Jesus Street
- Trophy Island (Pres. Quirino Hi-way)
- Bust along the High-way
For more places and landmarks, please check out our Directory section.
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If you want to add more information or if you found some factual errors on this page, please do not hesitate to email us at pandacan1011@gmail.com or info@mypandacan.com. Thank you.
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↑ Sources:
- Census.gov.ph
- Icarusrising (Some of the photos of Pandacan Churches)
- Isang Maikling Kasaysayan ng Pandacan, Maynila 1598-1898 (Fernando A. Santiago, Jr.)
- MyPandacan.com Research and Posts
- Pandacan Wikipedia
