Dipaculao is a scenic, agricultural town with a strong indigenous and settler heritage. With its white sand beaches, river systems, and rugged coastline, it is becoming a favored spot for eco-tourism, while also preserving its indigenous culture and traditional rural livelihoods.

General Information About Dipaculao

• Location – North of Baler, along the eastern coast of Aurora Province
• Region – Central Luzon (Region III)
• Province – Aurora
• Land Area – Approximately 361.64 km²
• Population – Around 30,669 (2020 Census)
• Number of Barangays – 25 barangays
• Founded – November 27, 1950
• Languages – Tagalog, Ilocano, and Dumagat dialects
• Economy – Agriculture (rice, corn, coconut), fishing, forestry, and tourism
• Distance from Baler – Around 10 km north via coastal highway

Geographic Features

• Bordered by Baler to the south and Dinalungan to the north.
• Lies between the Sierra Madre Mountains and the Philippine Sea.
• Has broad agricultural plains, coastal lowlands, rolling hills, and forests.
• Known for beautiful coastal scenery, rivers, and beaches.

Historical Background of Dipaculao

Early Inhabitants

• Initially inhabited by Dumagat-Agta indigenous peoples, who lived along rivers and forests, relying on fishing, hunting, and swidden farming.
• Later settled by Tagalog and Ilocano migrants, mostly from Nueva Ecija and Ilocos regions, who established permanent agricultural communities.

Municipal Formation

• Formerly a barangay of Baler.
• Became an independent municipality in 1950 through Executive Order No. 370, signed by President Elpidio Quirino.
• Named “Dipaculao” from a local chieftain or possibly derived from words describing the natural environment (di pa kulaw – “not yet cleared”).

Post-Foundation Development

• Development accelerated with the building of the Baler-Casiguran Road, improving access to Baler and nearby towns.
• Infrastructure remained modest for decades but has improved in recent years, particularly with tourism and trade growth.

Tourism and Attractions

Dipaculao is gaining popularity as a natural getaway offering the following:

• Ampere Beach – known for its unique smooth black stones and dramatic sunrises.
• Dinadiawan Beach – long stretches of powdery white sand, a local tourism hotspot.
• Laniton White Rocks – eye-catching rock formations by the sea.
• Dipaculao River – scenic river great for fishing and local recreation.
• Indigenous trails and forest areas – used by Dumagat communities.

Culture and People

• Mix of Tagalog, Ilocano, and Dumagat cultures.
• Roman Catholicism is the dominant religion, with annual fiestas and Holy Week traditions.
• Dumagat culture survives in the uplands, with communities still practicing traditional rituals, herbal medicine, and forest-based livelihoods.

Timeline of Major Events

• Pre-1900s – Inhabited by Dumagat communities; settled by migrants
• 1950 – Established as an independent municipality (E.O. No. 375)
• 1979 – Incorporated into the newly created Aurora Province
• 2000s – Present – Improved road access and growth in domestic tourism