History

In 1714, the town and church of Orani were established as an independent missionary center. The Dominican friars constructed the church, which served as their quarters in Bataan. Orani grew into a prosperous town, but suffered significant damage during the earthquake of September 16, 1852, which destroyed the church and municipal government building. Reconstruction began in 1891, but progress was interrupted by a major fire on March 16, 1938, which burned most of the town, including schools, the church, and town hall. Reconstruction efforts were halted by the outbreak of World War II, which caused further devastation. However, after the war, the town began rebuilding again.