“Two thousand two hundred sixty-four.” That is the official 2020 population of Barangay 45. This small community is a vital part of Manila. Barangay 45 is located in the Tondo district. It sits on the island of Luzon. Its coordinates are approximately 14.6080, 120.9649. The estimated elevation is 7.3 meters above sea level.
Barangay 45 has seen population changes over the years. In 1990 the population was 1996. By 2020, it had grown to 2264. This is an increase of 268 people in 30 years. However, there was a recent decrease. Between 2015 and 2020, the population shrank by 65 people. The growth rate was negative 0.59%.
In 2015, Barangay 45 had 2329 residents. These residents lived in 510 households. That is about 4.57 people per household. The most common age group was 25 to 29. There were 238 individuals in this group. The least common age group was 80 and over. Only 15 individuals were in that group.
Barangay 45 is one of many barangays in Tondo. Tondo itself is the largest district in Manila. It is large in both area and population. Tondo has an estimated 654220 people as of 2020. The name “Tondo” has ancient roots. It may come from the Old Tagalog word “Tundun”. This word appears in the Laguna Copperplate Inscription from 900 AD. Some believe “Tundun” came from Sanskrit. Sanskrit was once used in politics and religion.
Tondo has a rich history. People have lived here for over 1100 years. The Laguna Copperplate Inscription mentions Tondo in 900 AD. The document is written in Kawi script. It is the earliest known Philippine document. Tondo was once ruled by a “lakan” before the Spanish arrived.
After Spain conquered Tondo in 1571 they established the Province of Tondo. This province included much of Northern Luzon. Pampanga, Bulacan, and Rizal were all part of it. Manila served as the center. In 1583, people in Tondo reportedly spoke the same language as those in Pampanga.
In 1896, Tondo was among the first provinces to rebel against Spain. The Americans dissolved the province in 1901. Its towns were given to Rizal and Bulacan. Today, Tondo exists only as a district within Manila.
Tondo is known for both its challenges and its culture. Slums grew along the Pasig River. Efforts were made to improve housing. In the 1970s, the World Bank provided funds. This led to gentrification and higher rents. Tondo is also known for having a high population density.
The district celebrates the feast of the Tondo Church each January. This feast honors the Santo Niño image. The Lakbayaw Street Dance Festival is a highlight. Ati-Atihan groups and schools compete.
Barangay 45 may be small. But it is a piece of Manila’s large story. Its people, location, and history all make it unique. As Manila changes Barangay 45 continues to evolve.