After severe flooding from Laguna lakewaters perenially submerged its streets and agricultural lands. Pila's populace moved out of Pagalangan late in the 18^th Century to settle at its present site in Barangay Sta. Clara, then a part of the hacienda owned by Don Felizardo de Rivera and his brothers. The Pagalangan church was relocated stone by stone (remnants of the dismantled church are still visible in present-day Victoria, a town adjacent to Pila) through a bridge and its transfer was eventually completed in 1803.

The land of which the church, town hall and plaza now stand was donated by Don Felizardo de Rivera who consequently became widely regarded as the founder of Nueva Pila.

Pila is a small town in Laguna with a population of about 35,000. It is an hour and a half drive or more from Manila, depending on the traffic. What makes Pila unique from other towns in the Philippines is that it still has the Church, Plaza and Municipal hall intact in an aesthetic, Spanish Colonial setting. Pila is a prime example of Spanish Colonial urban planning at the turn-of-the-century.

Pila is known as "Bayang Pinagpala" (Blessed Town) because it was the only town in Laguna that survived the Japanese bombings of World War II. It is by far the most charming and beautiful town in Laguna today. The town of Pila, has maintained it's old colonial heritage amidst the vastly changing landscapes and rapid rush towards industralization by other neighboring towns. It is also strategically located away from the main highway, there's no heavy traffic going through, maintaining its peaceful serenity. Pila is one of the best kept secrets in the Philippines, the beauty of the town usually surprises those who see it for the first time. Through the guidance of the Pila Historical Society, the help of the Church and local govt. Pila has now been declared a National Landmark, assuring its preservation for future generations