he Municipality of Aguilar had its early beginnings as cattle ranch founded by the Spaniards.

The
place was known then as Sitio Balubad, which was then still part of the town of Binalatongan (now
San Carlos). On the western part were the Zambales Mountains with thick forests and verdant
foliage. It was hunters paradise with deer roaming here and there with an occasional wild boar
making an appearance. The grass in the plains were succulent fare for fattening cattle and the water
from the brooks and streams clear and sparkling. On the eastern part was the Agno River. At that
time, there were no roads were yet established. There were footpaths which eventually roads
providing access from one place to another. The river arteries constituted the main mode of
transportation in the interior towns. Through these river systems, boats sailed from the Ilocos
provinces in the North southwards to Dagupan, Calasiao, Lingayen and sometimes even as far as
San Isidro De Labrador, Salasa, Aguilar and Camiling. Worth noting was the fossiliferous river bank
in Camiling useful in making lime, while mineral waters consisting of ferruginous and alkaline waters
were and are still found in Aguilar and Mangatarem. As a thriving place for cattle and bountiful rice
harvests, it was natural for Aguilar to attract people from other towns to stay and settle in the place.
The early settlers prospered and lived in peace and contentment. When the Spaniards in Lingayen
heard of this flourishing village, they sent Spanish explorers through the town of Salasa to visit the
place. Some Spanish soldiers and priest were left to organize a pueblo. In time, the clamor to
convert the settlement into a town became popular. A petition was therefore, filed with the principales
or municipal officials of Binalatongan to convert the village into a town. The petition was finally
favorably endorsed.