Candaba, Pampanga — An Infographic

01 / The Identity

2020 Population

119,497

Candabeños (2020 Census)

Total Land Area

176.40

$$\text{km}^2$$ ($$\approx 68.11$$ $\text{sq mi}$)

Known For

Home of Migratory Birds

Watermelon Capital

Famous for the Candaba Swamp

02 / The Candaba Swamp

The Candaba Swamp acts as the flood **catch basin** for three major rivers, representing one of the **lowest points in Central Luzon**. Its sustained deposits of humus make the land incredibly fertile.

Migratory Bird Sanctuary

The wetlands are a critical stopover in the **East Asian-Australasian Flyway**.

**Species:** Hosts thousands of birds from China, Siberia, and other parts of Asia.
**Season:** Birds arrive to escape the northern winter, typically from **October to March**.

Land of Dual Purpose

Candaba's terrain adapts seasonally, maximizing productivity year-round:

**Rainy Season:** Swamps flood, becoming rich **communal fishing grounds**.
**Dry Season:** Water recedes, and the land transforms into highly fertile **rice and watermelon fields**.

03 / The Harvest & Catch

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Watermelon

Famous for its exceptionally sweet watermelons, especially during the dry season harvest.

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Rice (Palay)

A major agricultural product, benefiting from the nutrient-rich swamp soil.

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Aquaculture

Major source of Tilapia, Mudfish (`Hito`), and the coveted Gigantic Catfish.

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Duck Eggs (Itik)

Known as a significant producer of duck eggs, supporting local poultry industries.

04 / Local Flavor Profile

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The Unmistakable 'Burong Isda'

The Candabeños are masters of **'Burong Isda'**—a distinct Kapampangan fermented delicacy. This pickled dish, made from cooked rice and fish (often Candaba's high-quality catfish or mudfish), is traditionally fermented in a **`daba`** (a large earthen jar), giving rise to one of the rumored origins of the town's name, *'Cang Daba'* (Brother Daba).