The city is well-known for its role in World War II, being a major base for the US forces and the first town liberated by Douglas MacArthur's forces from the Japanese Imperial Forces. For a time, it served as the capital of the Philippines while Manila was under Japanese control.
Ang siyudad ay kilaladu rin sa kanyang naging papel sa Ikalawang Digmaang Pandaigdig, ang pagiging malaking base militar ng pwersa ng mga Amerikano at ang una ring bayan na napalaya ng pwersa ni Heneral Douglas MacArthur laban sa pwersa ng Imperyo ng mga Hapon.