Central Luzon

Area: 18, 230.8 sq. km
Provinces and their capitals:
Bataan: Balanga
Bulacan: Malolos
Nueva Ecija:Palayan
Pampanga: San Fernando
Tarlac:Tarlac
Zambales: Iba

Cities:
Angeles, Cabanatuan, Olongapo, Palayan and San Jose del Monte

Region III is Central Luzon. It is bounded in the north by Region II and the Cordillera Autonomous Region (CAR), in the east by Aurora and Quezon Province, in the south by the Manila Bay and Metro Manila, and in the west by the South China Sea.

It is made up of six provinces : Bulacan Bataan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac, and Zambales.

A greater part of Central Luzon is in the plains but its landscape is broken by a dozen mountains. It has good sources of water. The major rivers of the region are the Pampanga River, Angat River, and Agno River. Pantabangan Dam, Angat Dam and Ipo Dam server as means of irrigation and sources of drinking water and electricity.

Bataan is a peninsula. The eastern side has a narrow coastal plain while the western side has ridges descending from the mountains to form cliffs and headlands near the coast.

Climate

The climate in the region is dry from November to April and wet for the rest of the year. Region III is in the pathway of typhoons.

Beautiful Spots

Bataan: Several coastal towns in this province have their own natural attractions, such as the Sibul Springs with its sulfuric pool in Abucay, the Pulong Bato Beach Resort in Orion, and the Villa Leonor Beach in Limay.

Bulacan: The Bustos and Ipo Dams are huge sources of water supply for Metro Manila. Beaches and springs here are famous for their medicinal value.

Nueva Ecija: Minalungao National Park in Gapan is in the foothills of Sierra Madre. During summer people flock here to bathe in the cool waters. Others fish, raft, or dive from overhanging cliffs and some explore caves.

Pampanga: The Candaba Swamps are the sanctuary of thousand of wild ducks. The area also teems with watermelons during summer.

Zambales : Subic Bay is a natural harbor protected by mountains and guarded by Grande Islands. Numerous bays and caves line the shoreline.