La Union

For the railway station, see Los Angeles Union Station.

Not to be confused with La Unión or L'Union.

La Union
Province
Province of La Union
(from top: left to right) San Fernando City, Beach in Agoo, Welcome arch at the La Union-Ilocos Sur border, rice field in Naguilian, Tapuakan River in Pugo
Flag Seal
Nickname:  Elyu
Motto(s):  "Love, Union, Concord"
Anthem: La Union Hymn
Location in the Philippines
OpenStreetMap
Coordinates: 16°30′N 120°25′E
Country	Philippines
Region	Ilocos Region
Founded	March 2, 1850
Capital and largest city	San Fernando
Government
• Governor	Raphaelle Veronica A. Ortega-David
• Vice Governor	Mario Eduardo C. Ortega (NUP)
• Legislature	La Union Provincial Board
Area
• Total	1,497.70 km2 (578.27 sq mi)
• Rank	69th out of 81
Highest elevation (Mount Talalang)	1,520 m (4,990 ft)
Population  (2020 census)
• Total	822,352
• Rank	37th out of 81
• Density	550/km2 (1,400/sq mi)
• Rank	9th out of 81
Divisions
• Independent cities	0
• Component cities	1 San Fernando
• Municipalities	19 Agoo Aringay Bacnotan Bagulin Balaoan Bangar Bauang Burgos Caba Luna Naguilian Pugo Rosario San Gabriel San Juan Santo Tomas Santol Sudipen Tubao
• Barangays	576
• Districts	Legislative districts of La Union
Time zone	UTC+8 (PHT)
ZIP code	2500–2520
IDD : area code	+63 (0)72
ISO 3166 code	PH-LUN
Languages	Ilocano (official) Pangasinan Kankanaey Ibaloi Tagalog English
Website	www.launion.gov.ph

La Union (Tagalog pronunciation: [lɐ ʔʊˈɲon]), officially the Province of La Union (Ilocano: Probinsia ti La Union; Pangasinan: Luyag/Probinsia na La Union; Tagalog: Lalawigan ng La Union), is a province in the Philippines located in the Ilocos Region in the island of Luzon. Its capital is the City of San Fernando, which is the most populous in the province and also the regional center of the Ilocos Region.

The province is bordered by Ilocos Sur to the north, Benguet to the east, Pangasinan to the south, and to the west by the shores of the South China Sea.

History

Early History

See also: History of the Philippines (900–1565)

During the early period, the coastal plains of northwestern La Union, stretching from the town of Tagudin, Ilocos Sur and in the north to Sudipen, Bangar, Purao (now Luna & Balaoan), and Bacnotan in the south, as well as along the riverbanks of the Amburayan River, served as early settlements of the Samtoys or Ilocanos, who had a rich animistic culture and religion in La Union.

According to William Henry Scott, the northern section of La Union was a significant emporium known for the exchange of Igorot gold and gold from local mines. Merchants from various regions, including the Chinese, Japanese, Igorots, and Tagalogs, were involved in trade during this period. The goods traded included rice, cotton, gold, wax, iron, glass beads, silk (abel), honey (diro), ceramics, and stoneware jars known as burnáy.

Furthermore, the southern coastal area of La Union was known as Aroo or Agoho (modern-day Agoo). This area was part of the northern section of Caboloan (Pangasinan) and was inhabited by people of the same ethnic origin as those from Pangasinan. Their settlements included the modern coastal towns of Agoo, Alingay or Alinguey (Aringay), Caba, Santo Tomas, and Rosario.

These communities actively traded with their Ilocano, and Igorot neighbors, as well as merchants from China, Japan, and Southeast Asia, long before the colonial period. Evidence of this active trade can be seen in the porcelain and pottery excavated from the site of the Catholic church during its renovation, which are now housed in the Museo de Iloko. Later, Japanese traders and fisherfolk arrived and established settlements along La Union's coast. The coastline of La Union, with its favorable geography, provided a natural harbor for foreign vessels entering Lingayen Gulf.

In the highlands of La Union resided the Igorot people, primarily the Kankanaey and Ibaloi, who practiced headhunting as part of their warrior culture and followed animistic beliefs, worshipping nature spirits and ancestral gods. They were skilled agriculturalists and craftspeople, producing woven textiles and metalwork, which they actively traded with their lowland Ilocano and Pangasinan neighbors. This exchange fostered a dynamic relationship between the highland and lowland communities, contributing to a rich, interconnected cultural landscape in early La Union.

Spanish Colonial Era

See also: Spanish Colonial Era (Philippines)

A year after Adelantado Miguel Lopez de Legazpi made Manila the capital of the Philippines on June 24, 1571, the Spaniards started the colonization in Northern Luzon "to pacify the people in it".

In June 1572, conquistadores led by Juan de Salcedo, grandson of Miguel López de Legazpi, sailed up the Angalacan River to the Lingayen Gulf and landed in Aroo or Agoho, now known as Agoo. Upon their arrival, Salcedo's expedition encountered three Japanese ships, which they pursued to a Japanese settlement. The Spaniards demanded tribute to the Queen of Spain from both the natives and the Japanese, though some initially refused. Those who complied were permitted to remain and converted to Christianity after paying tribute. This encounter led to Agoo being referred to as "El Puerto de Japon" or the "Japanese Port," as enterprising Japanese and Chinese merchants had been trading with the local population through this port. Consequently, Agoo played a significant role in commerce with other Southeast Asian countries.

In her book “Pangasinan 1572–1800”, Rosario Mendoza-Cortes notes that La Union, particularly Agoo, served as the primary port for Japanese and Chinese traders, with Sual, Pangasinan, as its only rival. This prominence was due to the presence of a Japanese colony in Agoo. Traders at this port had access to a larger population, and its proximity to both China and Japan made it a strategic location. The principal export from the region was deer pelts, shipped to Japan. However, Agoo's importance as a port began to decline when the Spanish closed the Philippines to foreign trade. Eventually, the port was closed, prompting the Japanese to leave, but not before imparting valuable knowledge to the locals about fish farming, rice cultivation, deerskin tanning, duck breeding, and weapon production.

Furthermore, the Spanish conquistadores continued their expedition further north, encountering natives in what is now known as San Fernando City. The Spaniards demanded tribute to the Queen of Spain, but the natives requested time to go to the mountains to gather what they could offer. However, they did not return. The conquistadores then proceeded north through Atuley or Dalandan, now known as San Juan, demanding tribute from the natives, establishing Spanish rule, and converting the natives to Christianity, without further resistance until they reached a large river known as 'Purao or Puraw,' meaning 'white' in Iloco, named for the pristine appearance of the shore and river. This area is now part of Balaoan and Luna.

In Purao, the Spaniards confronted the Ilocanos, who bravely refused to pay tribute. A battle ensued, marking the first bloodshed by the Ilocanos in defiance of foreign rule. Following this conflict, the river was renamed "Darigayos," derived from the Ilocano words "dara" (blood) and "ayos" (flowed), signifying "where blood flowed." Salcedo and his men continued north toward Vigan, where they eventually established an uneasy friendship with the Ilocanos, who reluctantly accepted Spanish rule.

This encounter marked the beginning of early Spanish colonization in Northern Luzon and sparked a hundred years of resistance against Spanish rule. It also led to the establishment of new religious, cultural, and administrative institutions, resulting in the formation of pueblos, rancherias to towns that later constituted the province of La Union.

The province was divided into the provinces of Ylocos, Pangasinan, and the Ygorotes (Mountain Province). It had several barrios and pueblos headed by a cabeza de barangay, gobernadorcillo, and alcalde-mayor, most of which were established by Augustinian friars in the 16th century during the early expansion phase of Spanish rule. The civil government established under the Spanish Maura Law was probably instituted in 1700. Most of the barrio and towns were once part of an encomienda administered by Spanish insulares and Mestizos, which included several rancherias and catechumens who inhabited the Igorot mountains.

Like other towns in Ylocos, the social classes were divided into two: the babaknang or agtuturay, and the cailianes. The babaknang or agtuturay were the principalia or insulares who spoke the Castilian language, while the cailianes were the natives who spoke either Iloco, Kankanai, Ibaloi, or Pangasinan. Iloko, however, served as the province's lingua franca.

Coastal settlements were frequently raided by tirongs or Moro pirates, who looted and burned villages while capturing women and children. In response, watchtowers called baluartes were build along the coast from Baratao (Bauang), San Vicente de Balanac / Pindangan (San Fernando), Dalandan (San Juan), Bacnotan, Purao (Balaoan) to Namacpacan (Luna). These towers served as defensive structures and lookout points, alerting local residents and authorities to impending threats from the sea. During the 18th and 19th centuries, these baluartes played a crucial role in safeguarding the coastal towns of La Union and other parts of the Philippines, protecting the people and securing vital trade routes.

During Spanish Colonization, a secret society of insurrectos was organized in Balaoan with the aim of revolting against the tyrranical abuses of the "Guardia Civil" and "Cora Parrocos”. Among its members were Luciano Resurreccion, Primo Ostrea, Artemio Ostrea, Fernando Ostrea, Patricio Lopez, Rufino Zambrano, and Mariano Peralta collectively known as the Siete Martires. These seven young men became the first Ilocanos to be executed for their revolutionary activities or for being suspected sympathizers of the movement.

On the eve of the revolution, a traitor revealed their plans to the Spanish authorities, leading to the arrest of the seven men, who were executed without investigation. Fernando Ostrea escaped death despite sustaining a thigh wound, and his miraculous survival allowed him to inform the local population about the tragedy. Following this incident, he was pardoned by the authorities in accordance with Spanish custom. At the time of his martyrdom, Fernando was a Cabeza de Barangay and later served as the town's vice president. As a key figure in the revolution, he guided his people in their struggles against both Spain and the United States. In honor of the seven martyrs, the Siete Martires Lodge No. 177 was established as a masonic lodge.

Formation in 1850

La Union was formed on March 2, 1850, and became the 34th province of the Philippines.

After Cebu became the first provincia in 1565, new provinces have been created by the Spaniards. Three main functions were considered so: political-civil administration, ecclesiastical governance and geographical considerations. For more than two and one-half centuries, the original llocos province remained intact until 1818 when it split into llocos Norte and Ilocos Sur. In 1846, Abra was created by Governor General Narciso Zaldua Claveria.

Governor General Claveria was a visionary administrator. He believed that combining three contiguous areas that are far from their respective provincial capitals was a viable solution to the demands of political-civil administration. He also saw the territory's agricultural and commercial growth potentials. And the kicker was the extension of Hispanic civilization and Christianity to the area. Bangar, Namacpacan (Luna) and Balaoan in the southern portion of llocos Sur was quite a distance from the cabezera of Vigan and in almost like manner, Sto. Tomas, Agoo, Aringay, Caba, Bauang, Naguilian, San Fernando, San Juan and Bacnotan were that far from Pangasinan's capital of Lingayen. The 40–45 rancherias in the depths of Central Cordillera of the Benguet (Eastern Pais del Igorotes) district bordered by the three Ilocos Sur towns and the nine of Pangasinan have even worse problems.

Thus on October 29, 1849, Governor General Claveria signed the proposal (promovido) to unite the Pangasinan-Ilocos-Cordillera areas into a new province called La Union (the official name designated by Claveria himself). For 124 days, high and important Spanish colonial officers studied and deliberated on the proposition to create La Union or not. On March 2, 1850, Governor General Antonio Maria Blanco signed the Superior Decreto that founded La Union – the 34th province since the founding of Cebu in 1565. It was classified as a gobierno politico-militar (Political-Military Government). Blanco appointed, on March 4, 1850, Captain Toribio Ruiz de la Escalera (Claveria's former trusted aide de camp) as the first Gobernador Military y Politico. La Union is the union of lands, people, cultures and resources. On April 18, 1854, Queen Isabella II of Spain issued the royal decree (real orden) from Madrid confirming Blanco's Superior Decreto.

By 1860, there was a dramatic progress in commerce and agriculture in the province primarily because of Tobacco. Spanish authorities banked on the prized leaf for further economic development. The industry was so lucrative that a Tobacco Monopoly was established. All Tobacco leaves were strictly monitored and bought exclusively by the government at a fixed price.

1898 Philippine Revolution

See also: Philippine Revolution

In 1896, growing unrest in La Union arose from years of Spanish oppression, highlighted by the torture of local priests and the execution of the Balaoan Siete Martires, torture of the native priests, Padres Adriano Garces of Balaoan, Mariano Gaerlan of San Fernando and Mariano Dacanay of Bacnotan. This discontent reached its peak on May 22, 1898, when a gunshot killed the much-hated Friar Mariano Garcia of Santo Tomas a shot heard across the province, igniting the revolution in what the Spaniards once called "Una Provincia Modelo." Manuel Tinio y Bondoc, a young general allied with Emilio Aguinaldo, led the charge against the Spanish forces, ultimately driving them from La Union, although some retreated to Vigan. Following their defeat, a Revolutionary Government was established, with Aguinaldo as president and Tinio initially serving as de facto governor, later replaced by Dr. Lucino Almeida.

On July 22, Novo-Ecijano troops, bolstered to over 600 men, arrived in San Fernando after Dagupan surrendered to General Francisco Makabulos and found the city under siege by revolutionists led by General Mauro Ortiz. The Spaniards, commanded by Colonel Jose Garcia Herrero, fortified themselves in key buildings, waiting for reinforcements. Despite Tinio's attempts at peaceful negotiation, the besieged Spanish forces refused to surrender. On July 31, after days of stalemate, Tinio launched an assault, resulting in a fierce battle that ended with the Spaniards capitulating. The surrender included 400 soldiers, 8 officers, and significant military resources.

After securing San Fernando, the Tinio Brigade advanced to Balaoan, where they faced stubborn resistance from entrenched Spanish troops in the convent. Despite the local populace's support, the siege lasted five days and claimed over 70 Filipino lives. Witness Camilo Osías noted that many local katipuneros were incorporated into the Tinio Brigade after this ordeal. The rebels then moved to Bangar, successfully besieging the Spanish forces, which resulted in a decisive victory on August 7, leading to the surrender of 87 Spaniards after just four days of fighting with minimal Filipino casualties. This string of victories marked a significant chapter in La Union's contribution to the broader Philippine Revolution against Spanish colonial rule.

American Invasion Era

See also: American colonial era in the Philippines

The American colonization of La Union began after the Spanish-American War in 1898 when the Philippines was ceded to the United States under the Treaty of Paris. Following the Philippine-American War (1899–1902), La Union was reorganized under American colonial administration, leading to significant political, economic, and social changes.

During the Philippine-American War, La Union experienced military conflicts and battles as American forces aimed to assert control over the province. The war was marked by significant abuses against the native population, including forced relocations, extrajudicial killings, and the destruction of property. These abuses led to widespread native resentment and resistance against American forces across the province, reflecting their strong desire for independence and resistance to foreign control. Local leaders emerged, organizing guerrilla warfare and skirmishes in rural areas, mobilizing their communities against the colonial authorities and highlighting the harsh realities of American imperialism.

After the Americans successfully took over the province, the American administration implemented democratic processes that were given equal importance, facilitating the election of La Union's first Civil Governor in 1901, Don Joaquín Joaquino Ortega, marking a significant step in local governance. One of the most notable contributions of American colonization was the establishment of a highly centralized public school system in 1901, using English as the medium of instruction. This effort involved bringing 600 teachers from the U.S., known as the Thomasites, to educate Filipino students. The Thomasites were deployed at several public schools, notably in San Fernando, Bacnotan, Luna, Balaoan, Bauang, Naguilian, Agoo, and Rosario. Additionally, agricultural reforms focused on increasing the production of cash crops like tobacco, sugar, and abaca, benefiting La Union's primarily agricultural economy while reinforcing colonial dependence on the export market.

The American colonial government also established an Insular Government in La Union, which aimed to provide a framework for local administration and governance while maintaining overall control from the central government. This included local elections and the establishment of municipal governments, allowing Filipinos to participate in their governance.

In 1935, the Philippines transitioned to the Philippine Commonwealth, which provided greater autonomy and self-governance while still under U.S. oversight. This period allowed La Union to experience more local political engagement and development initiatives, although it ultimately reinforced colonial structures that limited true self-governance until the Philippines gained full independence in 1946.

While the American period contributed to the modernization of La Union, it also left a complex legacy of colonial influence, dependency, and abuses against the native population. The memory of resistance and the struggle for identity during this time remains a significant aspect of La Union’s historical narrative, shaping the province's path toward self-determination and national pride.

Nine other equally able governors followed Don Joaquin before the outbreak of World War II: Joaquín Luna 1904–1907, Sixto Zandueta 1908–1919, Pío Ancheta 1919–1922, Thomas de Guzmán 1922 1923, 1928–1931, Juan Lucero 1923–1929, Mauro Ortiz 1931–1934, Juan Rivera 1934–1937, Francisco Nisce 1937–1940 and Bernardo Gapuz 1940. Just as when the Filipinos were awaiting independence, as promised by the Americans under the Tydings-Mcduffie Law, World War II exploded.

Japanese occupation era

See also: World War II in the Philippines and Japanese Invasion of Lingayen Gulf

La Union had great strategic significance for both Allied and Japanese forces. The Filipinos fought side by side with the Americans. Amid the chaos and anarchy, three provincial chieftains rose to the occasion to lead the people of La Union, Gov. Bernardo Gapuz (1940), Gov. Jorge Camacho (1941–1942) and Gov. Bonifacio Tadiar (1942–1944).

Battle of Rosario (Japanese Invasion of Lingayen Gulf)

On December 22, 1941, the Japanese 4th Tank Regiment and the 47th Infantry Regiment under the command of Col. Isamu Yanagi, supported by a massive flotilla of navy ships tried to land in Agoo to make it one of three major beachheads for the Japanese Invasion of Lingayen Gulf, although weather dispersed their forces and made them deploy on a wide stretch of beach that ranged from Poro Point (San Fernando) to as far south as Damortis. These forces later met the commonwealth defence forces—consisting of the 26th Cavalry Regiment (Philippine Scouts), the Philippine 21st Division, the Philippine 11th Division, and the newly formed Philippine 71st Division—in what would later be called the Battle of Rosario.

Bacnotan

Invading Japanese soldiers arrived at Bacnotan on December 21, 1941, during the early days of World War II. On January 4, 1945, the tides of war changed in La Union as Filipino-American soldiers captured Baroro Bridge in Bacnotan, a strategic bridge that connects the rest of Northern Luzon to San Fernando. The victory ensured the liberation of La Union. It was followed by the historic Battle of San Fernando and Bacsil Ridge. Defeated, the Japanese Imperial Army retreated to Baguio where they joined their comrades and made their last stand.

The Battle of Bacsil Ridge

The Battle of Bacsil Ridge was fought in March 1945 was one of the continued main battles of the Philippines Campaign of the Second World War are between the Filipino soldiers under the 121st Infantry Regiment, Philippine Commonwealth Army, USAFIP-NL, under the command of Russell W. Volckmann, and the Japanese Imperial forces under by General Tomoyuki Yamashita.

The Battle of Bacsil Ridge ended the month-long battle for control of San Fernando. The Japanese defenders called the Hayashi Detachment, composed of 3,000 armed troops and 2,000 unarmed support forces, took hold of San Fernando and its surrounding areas which denied entry to the port of the city and a road leading to Baguio. As part of the San Fernando-Bacsil Operations, the 1st Battalion of 121st Infantry were sent to loosen the enemy positions starting late February with the assistance of the Allied Air Force.

The 1st Battalion made a general attack to the ridge on 16 March 1945 and fought the Japanese defenders until the capture of Bacsil on 19 March. On the same day, the 3rd battalion captured the Reservoir Hill. The Battle of Bacsil Ridge between the Filipino soldiers and recognized guerrillas and the Japanese Forces resulted in the recapture of the city of San Fernando, La Union. Which resulted in the capture of San Fernando, La Union on 23 March 1945, and Bacnotan, La Union and the military offensive throughout the province ended on 24 March after two months of fighting.

Liberation of Bauang

The Liberation of Bauang, La Union was part of the San Fernando-Bascil operations aimed to liberate the province of La Union and open one of the roads to Baguio. Units from Rosario, La Union including elements of the 2nd Battalion, 121st Infantry of the United States Army Forces in the Philippines – Northern Luzon (USAFIP-NL) under the command of Major Diego Sipin, were tasked to make the northward advance to Bauang. The 2nd Battalion, 121st Infantry, USAFIP-NL reinforce the other battalions in the efforts to capture San Fernando. Meanwhile, combat units from the “B” company, 1st Battalion, 121st Infantry, USAFIP-NL attacked the defensive lines in Bauang to aid the 1st Battalion, 130th Infantry (US) in its advance from the south. Bauang was first liberated on 19 March 1945, followed by the declaration of the end of operations at La Union on 24 March 1945. On January 4, 1945, La Union was liberated by the Battle of San Fernando and Bacsil Ridge.

As San Fernando was in ruins at the time, Bacnotan became the provisional seat of the province administration after the war. The La Union National High School was also relocated to Bacnotan as a result of this relocation. When things returned to normal, the provincial government was relocated to San Fernando, followed by the La Union National High School. The North Provincial High School was established after the provincial high school in Bacnotan was transferred (now Bacnotan National High School).

Postwar era

See also: Tobacco production in the Philippines and Stonehill scandal

The postwar recovery period marked a return of the tobacco industry to the Ilocos Region. Ever since the end of the tobacco monopoly, tobacco production had declined in the Ilocos as filipinos started shifting from locally made cigars to foreign made cigarettes. But after reading a feature article series by Maximo Soliven which explained why Virginia tobacco would grow well on Ilocos soil, businessman Harry Stonehill was convinced to invest extensively in rebuilding the industry, establishing the Philippine Tobacco Flue-Curing and Redrying Corporation (PTFCRC) in 1951 and recruiting farmers from throughout Region 1 to produce tobacco. The following year, La Union Congressman Manuel T. Cases filed a bill to "limit the importation of foreign leaf tobacco," which was eventually signed by President Elpidio Quirino as Republic Act 698. This allowed Stonehill's investments to make a handsome profit, and the newly-rebuilt local industry to bloom. Stonehill was later deported a decade later, in the 1960s, for tax evasion and bribery of government officials, in what would later be called the Stonehill scandal, but the tobacco industry continued to grow.

During the Marcos Dictatorship

See also: Martial law under Ferdinand Marcos, Armando Palabay, Human rights abuses of the Marcos dictatorship, and Bantayog ng mga Bayani

Although economically affected by the rapid peso devaluation brought about by unbridled election spending heading into the 1969 presidential elections, political life in La Union was not significantly impacted by Ferdinand Marcos’ declaration of Martial Law in 1972.

The powerful family factions which had dominated La Union politics since before the American colonial era largely remained in place, although the family of Congressman Jose D. Aspiras became much more prominent after he became Marcos’ Tourism Minister. The main political change was the increased power of regional and provincial offices of national agencies, whose directors were answerable directly to Marcos.

This technique used by Marcos to consolidate political power did not get much resistance in the Ilocos Region, including La Union, which had strong ethnic associations with the Marcos family. The Marcos administration's use of violent methods for stifling dissent thus mostly took place in other, non-Ilocano provinces, such as nearby Abra, Kalinga, and Mountain Province. Long-time second district congressman Manuel T. Cases had formed an alliance with Marcos along with the other strongman congressmen of the Ilocos Region, and his successor Jose D. Aspiras was also a close associate of Marcos who was made Minister of Tourism after Martial Law was declared.

But there were still La Union natives who were willing to object to the authoritarian practices and abuses of the Marcos administration, despite personal risk. This included San-Fernando-raised student activists Romulo and Armando Palabay, UP Students and La Union National High School alumni who were imprisoned for their protest activities, tortured at Camp Olivas in Pampanga, and later separately killed before the end of Martial Law. Romulo (age 22) and Armando (age 21) were posthumously honored when their names were etched on the Wall of Remembrance at the Philippines' Bantayog ng mga Bayani, which honors the heroes and martyrs who fought the authoritarian regime.

Agoo, La Union, native Antonio L. Mabutas had become Archbishop of Davao by the time of Martial Law, and spoke actively against the human rights abuses of that time, particularly the torture and killings of church workers. The pastoral letter he wrote against Martial law, “Reign of Terror in the Countryside,” is notable for having been the first pastoral to be written against Marcos' martial law administration, and even doubly notable because Mabutas was considered a conservative within the Catholic church hierarchy in the Philippines.

Contemporary

1990 Luzon earthquake

Main article: 1990 Luzon earthquake

La Union was severely hit by the 1990 Luzon earthquake. Five municipalities in La Union were affected: Agoo, Aringay, Caba, Santo Tomas, and Tubao with a combined population of 132,208. Many buildings, including the Agoo Municipal hall, the Museo de Iloko, the parish church of Aringay, and the Basilica Minore of our Lady of Charity, collapsed or were severely damaged. 100,000 families were displaced when two coastal villages sank due to liquefaction. The province suffered many casualties leaving 32 people dead.

2010s tourism boom

See also: Tarlac–Pangasinan–La Union Expressway and Manuel Arguilla

From the mid-2000s to the early 2010s, an influx of entrepreneurs began putting up establishments such as boho-chic-style art hostels and third-wave coffeeshops in San Juan and Agoo. They were initially attracted to the already-established surfing scene of Barangay Urbiztondo in San Juan, but eventually envisioned business in the province as an alternative to the stresses of city-based employment. This coincided with the phase-by-phase opening of the Tarlac–Pangasinan–La Union Expressway (TPLEX), which made La Union more accessible to tourists from Metro Manila.

Alongside the rising influence of social media outlets Twitter and Instagram, these factors led to a drastic tourism boom that made San Juan—previously been seen as just one of the Philippines' many surfing venues—a major backpacker's destination whose attractions centered on surfing and art.

San Juan began to be featured prominently in independent films such as Jay Abello's 2015 film Flotsam and JP Habac's 2017 film I'm Drunk, I Love You, and the province began to be referred to by the colloquial initialism “ElYu.”

Among Philippines literary circles, the town of Bauang has also become a pilgrimage site of sorts for celebrating the life of and works of writer and World War II martyr Manuel Arguilla, with writers visiting the author's hometown to experience the landscapes that inspired him, and which featured prominently in his stories. The most prominent event celebrating Arguilla was the 2017 run of the Taboan Literary Festival, a celebration of Philippine literature which changes venues every year, organized by the National Commission on Culture and the Arts during every National Arts Month in February. Among the prominent artists who spoke about Arguilla at the festival were writer-academic Butch Dalisay and National Artist of the Philippines for literature Bienvenido Lumbera.

Geography

Landscape in Rosario

La Union covers a total area of 1,497.70 square kilometres (578.27 sq mi) occupying the central‑southern section of the Ilocos Region in Luzon. The province is bordered by Ilocos Sur to the north, Benguet to the east, Pangasinan to the south, and to the west by the South China Sea.

La Union is 273 kilometres (170 mi) north of Metro Manila and 57 kilometres (35 mi) northwest of Baguio. The land area of the province is 149,770 hectares (370,100 acres).

Like most of the Ilocos Region, the province is squeezed in by the Cordillera mountain range to the east and the South China Sea to the west. Yet, unlike other portions of Luzon and the Philippines' two other island groupings, the Visayas and Mindanao, La Union experiences a rather arid and prolonged dry season with little precipitation to be expected between the months of November and May.

Administrative divisions

La Union comprises 19 municipalities and 1 component city, all of which are organized into two legislative districts.

Political map of La Union

•  †  Provincial capital and component city
•   Municipality

City or municipality		District	Population			±% p.a.	Area		Density		Barangay	Coordinates[A]
			(2020)		(2015)		km2	sq mi	/km2	/sq mi
Agoo		2nd	8.0%	66,028	63,692	0.69%	52.84	20.40	1,200	3,100	49	16°19′20″N 120°21′58″E
Aringay		2nd	6.1%	50,380	47,458	1.14%	84.54	32.64	600	1,600	24	16°23′45″N 120°21′19″E
Bacnotan		1st	5.4%	44,388	42,078	1.02%	78.18	30.19	570	1,500	47	16°43′18″N 120°20′59″E
Bagulin		2nd	1.8%	14,428	13,456	1.34%	107.33	41.44	130	340	10	16°36′27″N 120°26′15″E
Balaoan		1st	4.9%	40,339	39,188	0.55%	68.70	26.53	590	1,500	36	16°49′15″N 120°24′09″E
Bangar		1st	4.6%	38,041	35,947	1.08%	37.36	14.42	1,000	2,600	33	16°53′37″N 120°25′22″E
Bauang		2nd	9.5%	78,449	75,032	0.85%	73.15	28.24	1,100	2,800	39	16°31′35″N 120°19′45″E
Burgos		2nd	1.1%	9,006	8,067	2.12%	70.80	27.34	130	340	12	16°31′11″N 120°26′36″E
Caba		2nd	2.8%	23,119	22,039	0.92%	46.31	17.88	500	1,300	17	16°25′52″N 120°20′38″E
Luna		1st	4.5%	37,318	35,802	0.79%	42.90	16.56	870	2,300	40	16°51′10″N 120°22′35″E
Naguilian		2nd	6.3%	52,189	54,221	−0.72%	104.60	40.39	500	1,300	37	16°31′56″N 120°23′45″E
Pugo		2nd	2.4%	19,337	19,690	−0.34%	62.84	24.26	310	800	14	16°19′13″N 120°28′02″E
Rosario		2nd	7.3%	60,278	55,458	1.60%	73.98	28.56	810	2,100	33	16°13′46″N 120°29′16″E
San Fernando	†	1st	15.3%	125,640	121,812	0.59%	102.72	39.66	1,200	3,100	59	16°36′52″N 120°18′57″E
San Gabriel		1st	2.3%	18,943	18,172	0.79%	129.87	50.14	150	390	15	16°40′27″N 120°24′04″E
San Juan		1st	4.9%	40,507	37,188	1.64%	57.12	22.05	710	1,800	41	16°40′12″N 120°20′14″E
Santo Tomas		2nd	5.0%	40,846	39,092	0.84%	64.00	24.71	640	1,700	24	16°17′04″N 120°23′19″E
Santol		1st	1.7%	14,166	12,476	2.45%	93.70	36.18	150	390	11	16°46′22″N 120°27′35″E
Sudipen		1st	2.1%	17,187	17,056	0.15%	97.59	37.68	180	470	17	16°54′27″N 120°27′52″E
Tubao		2nd	3.9%	31,763	28,729	1.93%	50.75	19.59	630	1,600	18	16°20′49″N 120°24′45″E
Total				822,352	786,653	0.85%	1,499.28	578.88	550	1,400	576	(see GeoGroup box)
^ Coordinates mark the city/town center, and are sortable by latitude.

Barangays

La Union has a total of 576 barangays comprising its 19 municipalities and 1 city.

The most populous barangay in the province is Sevilla in the City of San Fernando with a population of 11,316 in the 2020 census. If cities are excluded, Central East (Poblacion) in the municipality of Bauang has the highest number of inhabitants, at 4,249. Caggao in Bangar has the lowest with only 192.

Further information: List of barangays in La Union

Demographics

Population census of La Union

Year Pop. ±% p.a. 1903 137,847 —     1918 178,400 +1.73% 1939 207,701 +0.73% 1948 237,340 +1.49% 1960 293,330 +1.78%	Year Pop. ±% p.a. 1970 373,682 +2.45% 1975 414,635 +2.11% 1980 452,578 +1.77% 1990 548,742 +1.95% 1995 597,442 +1.61%	Year Pop. ±% p.a. 2000 657,945 +2.09% 2007 720,972 +1.27% 2010 741,906 +1.05% 2015 786,653 +1.12% 2020 822,352 +0.88%
Source: Philippine Statistics Authority

The population of La Union in the 2020 census was 822,352 people, with a density of 550 inhabitants per square kilometre or 1,400 inhabitants per square mile.

The province is predominantly Ilocano (over 90% based on recent census data) and Roman Catholic. Communities of Pangasinans thrive mostly in the southwestern portion of the province while Cordillerans live in the Cordillera foothills. La Union was originally and predominantly Pangasinan during Spanish rule, but flock of settlers from the Ilocos provinces pushed their way south so that by the end of the 19th century, La Union was home to mostly Ilocanos and Ilocanized Pangasinenses. In September 2012, the province of La Union passed an ordinance recognizing Ilocano (Iloko) as an official provincial language alongside Filipino and English, as national and official languages of the Philippines, respectively..

Small populations of indigenous Cordilleran peoples, mostly Ibaloi, Kankanaey, and Bago, live in ancestral domain areas in the mountainous parts of Sudipen, Santol, San Gabriel, Bacnotan, Tubao, Pugo, Bagulin and Burgos. They have experienced historical displacement, such as the when they were expelled from the Mount Shontoug area in Pugo to make way for the construction Marcos bust.

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority report in 2012, the province has the longest life expectancy in the country at 78.3 years.

Economy

Poverty incidence of La Union

5 10 15 20 25 30 2006 25.99 2009 29.29 2012 18.50 2015 17.53 2018 4.43 2021 6.60 Source: Philippine Statistics Authority

Paddy fields in Naguilian.

View of San Fernando City, the provincial capital

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, La Union had a Human Development Index (HDI) of 0.687 in 2012; 0.615 in 2009; and 0.587 in 2006.

Currently, 80% of the income of the province comes from San Juan due to its tourism.

Industries and products

La Union's economy is diversified with service, cottage industries, and agricultural industries spread throughout the province. The Port of San Fernando operates as an increasingly active shipping point, and the former American airbase Wallace Air Station, having been converted into a business and industrial area, helps to facilitate such commercial activity.

La Union is known for its indigenous textile dried fish, woodcarving, and soft broom industries, as well as its booming tourism sector.

The major products of the province include hand-woven blankets (Inabel), soft brooms, baskets, pottery, rice wine (tapuey), sugarcane wine (basi), sugarcane vinegar (sukang Iloco), wood craft, bamboo craft, native rice cakes, antique-finish furniture, dried fish, coconuts, sea urchins, malunggay and pebble stones.

Culture

The province of La Union has a 93% llocano population that is overwhelmingly Roman Catholic. Its culture and traditions are rooted on Ilocano culture and traditions, which have evolved extensively and distinctively over the decades with the influences of neighboring provinces. Pangasinan communities can be found in southern, Igorot tribes, primarily the Ibaloi, Kankanaey, and Bago/Bag-o tribes found in La Union's Cordilleran foothills, and Chinese in the city.

La Union was the birthplace of at least two of the most revered figures in Philippine art – writer and World War II hero Manuel Arguilla and National Artist of the Philippines for Music Lucrecia Kasilag.

Abel weaving (Panagabel)

The municipality of Bangar is known for its local loom-weaving industry, which produces the Abel Iloko cloth, a traditional Ilocano fabric that the town has been producing for centuries. Abel is the Ilocano word for weave, and inabel refers to any type of woven fabric. However, in the world of weaving, inabel is specifically used to refer to textiles that are distinctly Ilocano in origin.

Basi winemaking

The tradition of making basi is still prevalent and relevant in the municipality of Naguilian, where it has been practiced for centuries. Basi is a fermented alcoholic beverage made from unas (sugarcane) that, if fermented for a longer time period, turns into sukang Iloco. Basi is the "One Town, One Product" of Naguilian, and the Basi Festival is held annually. Unlike in Ilocos and Pangasinan, the method of making basi in Naguilian is distinct. The Naguilian method entails the preparation of bubod or starter, as well as the 24-hour binubudan (steamed rice plus starter), boiling sugarcane juice, and additives such as one-year-old duhat bark, tangal bark, and green guava leaves.

Even before the arrival of the Spaniards, drinking basi was an important part of Ilocano culture, from marriage to childbirth to death. It is a part of their rituals, traditions, and daily life. That is why, on September 16, 1807, the Basi Revolt, which lasted 13 days in Piddig, Ilocos Norte, occurred when the Spanish rulers effectively prohibited private production of basi wine. The series of unrest also led the colonial government to divide the province into the now Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur.

Festivals (Fiestas)

Festivals in the Philippines are vibrant, large, and celebrated with a lot of pomp and show. Every month and every city has its own vibrancy bursting forth from their festivals for at least a week, if not more. Each town in La Union has its own fiesta, and the people of La Union have a strong celebration game. Aside from that, there are several other special festivals held throughout La Union each year:

Pindangan Festival

A festival that commemorates the founding anniversary of San Fernando as a city, which was ratified in a plebiscite on March 20, 1998. Pindangan is an Ilocano term for a location "where meat is sun-dried". The area was named "Pindangan" because the locals used to make a lot of sun-dried meat (with salt) to preserve it.

Sillag Festival

Summer festival in La Union, Sillag Poro Point Festival of Lights. Sillag is an Ilocano word meaning "moonbeam" or "illumination" from the Moon. The festival was anchored on that theme of lights, with various activities kicking of as soon as the sun goes down at Poro Point.

Diro Festival

Diro is an Ilocano word for "honey" that represents unity and oneness for Bacnoteñans. It is also "One Town, One Product" of Bacnotan under the DTI program. Officers and staff from the Head Office and the Bacnotan branch participated in the float parade and distributed giveaways to the residents.

Dinengdeng Festival

The Dinengdeng Festival is the official festivity event of the municipality of Agoo. It is held annually in summer in celebration of a dish by which its name is derived from. Dinengdeng is the Ilocano term for any vegetable-simmered dish. Usually cooked in a banga, a local term for a cooking clay pot being used by the descendants of the local settlers in the ancient times.

Tinungbo Festival

An annual celebration in the town of Pugo. The Tinungbo festival took its name from the local dialect tinungbo, which is an indigenous way of cooking rice and fresh water and other local delicacies light young bamboo internode, locally called as tubong, grilled over charcoal or low fire.

Timpuyog Festival

A festival celebrated at the town of Caba, shat showcases its One Town product bamboo crafts. Timpuyog is an Ilocano word for "unity, teamwork, cooperation" or "solidarity".

Baggak Festival

Every month of January, the town of Bauang comes alive to stage this colorful festival. Typically baggak means "morning star" in Ilocano and stands for the dawning of a new day. During this event, it portrays the Ilocano spirit of unity and diversity of culture.

Daing Festival

The town of Santo Tomas is known for its Damortis dried fish (daing stalls along the national highway) local trade, and exports. Daing Festival is held every April 20, followed by the annual town Fiesta every April 24 and 25.

Basi Festival

Held every third week of February in the town of Naguilian to celebrate the basi traditional wine made from sugarcane which is its namesake. The festival mainly promotes Basi as a local product and the usual activities include street dancing, sport events, agri-trade fair & other amusement games.

La Union Foundation Anniversary celebrations

Held around March, festivity for the La Union Foundation Anniversary celebrates the formation of the province in 1850. One of its highlights is the Miss La Union or Mutia ti La Union contest.

In its 174th Foundation Anniversary, Governor Raphaelle Veronica Ortega-David, a licensed pilot, on March 2–3, 204, led the Second La Union Hot Air Balloon Show at Poro Point bay-walk in San Fernando, La Union. Other activities include La Union Static Display and the La Union Car Show will and drift show.

Provincial government and politics

Provincial Capitol

Legislative Building

Bulwagan ng Katarungan (Regional Trial Courts, in San Fernando

Just as the national government, La Union provincial government is divided into three branches: executive, legislative, and judiciary. The judicial branch is administered solely by the Supreme Court of the Philippines. The LGUs have control of the executive and legislative branches.

The executive branch is composed of the governor for the provinces, the mayor for the cities and municipalities, and the barangay captain for the barangays.

The legislative branch is composed of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (provincial assembly) for the provinces, Sangguniang Panlungsod (city assembly) for the cities, Sangguniang Bayan (town assembly) for the municipalities, Sangguniang Barangay (barangay council), and the Sangguniang Kabataan for the youth sector.

The seat of government is vested upon the mayor and other elected officers who hold office at the City Hall of San Fernando. The Sangguniang Bayan is the center of legislation, stationed in the Speaker Pro-Tempore Francisco I. Ortega Building, the Legislative Building at the back of the Capitol.

Elected officials

La Union is governed by Raphaelle Veronica Ortega-David, the chief executive, her vice governor, Mario Ortega, and 13 board members.

Governors

American period:

• Lucino Almeida (1901)
• Don Joaquin Joaquino Ortega (1901–1904)
• Joaquin Luna (1904–1907)
• Sixto Zandueta (1907–1909)
• Francisco Zandueta (1909–1912)
• Mauro Ortiz (1912–1916)
• Tomas de Guzman (1916)
• Mauro Ortiz (1916–1918)
• Pio Ancheta (1918–1921)
• Thomas de Guzman (1922–1923)
• Juan Lucero (1923–1928)
• Thomas de Guzman (1928–1931)
• Pio Ancheta (1931)
• Mauro Ortiz (1931–1934)
• Juan Rivera (1934–1937)
• Francisco Nisce, (1937–1940)
• Bernardo Gapuz (1940)

Japanese occupation:

• Jorge Camacho (1941–1942)
• Bonifacio Tadiar (1942–1944)

Postwar and present era:

• Agaton Yaranon (1946–1947)
• Doroteo Aguila (1948–1951)
• Juan Carbonell (1952–1955)
• Bernardo Gapuz (1956–1959)
• Eulogio de Guzman, (1960–1967)
• Juvenal Guerrero (1968–1977)
• Tomas Asprer, (1977–1986)
• Robert V. Dulay (1986–1987)
• Joaquin Ortega (1988–1992)
• Justo O. Orros (1992–2001)
• Victor F. Ortega, (2001–2007)
• Manuel C. Ortega (2007–2016)
• Francisco Emmanuel R. Ortega III, (2016–2022)
• Raphaelle Veronica Ortega-David (2022–present)

Court system

The Supreme Court of the Philippines recognizes La Union (inter alia) regional trial courts and metropolitan or municipal trial courts within the province and towns that have an overall jurisdiction in the populace of the province and towns, respectively.

Batas Pambansa Blg. 129, "The Judiciary Reorganization Act of 1980", as amended, created Regional, Metropolitan, Municipal Trial and Circuit Courts. The Third Judicial Region includes RTCs in La Union xxx Sec. 14. Regional Trial Courts. (a) Fifty-seven Regional Trial Judges shall be commissioned for the First Judicial Region. Nine branches (Branches XXVI to XXXIV) for the province of La Union, Branches XXVI to XXX with seats at San Fernando, Branches XXXI and XXXII at Agoo, Branch XXXIII at Bauang, and Branch XXXIV at Balaoan;

The law also created Metropolitan Trial Courts in each metropolitan area established by law, a Municipal Trial Court in each of the other cities or municipalities, and a Municipal Circuit Trial Court in each circuit comprising such cities and/or municipalities as are grouped together pursuant to law: three branches for Cabanatuan City; in every city which does not form part of a metropolitan area, there is also a Municipal Trial Court with one branch, except as provided: Two branches for San Fernando, La Union;

The courts of law are stationed in Halls of Justices of the Province and towns. In La Union, the Regional Trial Court is stationed at the Bulwagan ng Katarungan or Halls of Justice in San Fernando, La Union and other Regional Trial Courts in Bauang and Agoo, La Union.

Education

La Union has 333 public elementary schools, 56 private elementary schools, 79 public high schools, 51 private secondary schools, 20 Colleges and 5 State Universities.

Colleges:

• Saint Louis College La Union
• Union Christian College
• AMA Computer College – La Union Campus
• Lorma Colleges
• CICOSAT Colleges
• Northern Philippines College for Maritime Science and Technology
• STI College La Union
• Saint John Bosco College of Northern Luzon
• Sea and Sky Colleges
• La Finn's Scholastica
• Sta. Veronica Colleges
• South Ilocandia College of Arts and Technology
• La Union College of Science and Technology
• La Union Christian Comprehensive College
• Agoo Computer Colleges
• Polytechnic College of La Union
• Philippine Central College of Arts, Science and Technology

Universities:

• Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University-MID La Union Campus (MLUC)
• Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University-North La Union Campus Don (NLUC)
• Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University-South La Union Campus (SLUC)
• Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University-Open Uviversity

Notable people

• Diego Silang (December 16, 1730 – May 28, 1763) – Filipino Revolutionary
• Magnolia Antonino (1915–2010) – former Senator of the Philippines
• Manuel Arguilla (1911–1944) – writer, patriot, and martyr
• Jose D. Aspiras – 1st Secretary of the Department of Tourism and former congressman
• Fortunato Abat (1925–2018) – 20th Secretary of the Department of National Defense (DND), Ambassador to the People's Republic of China, and Commanding General of the Philippine Army.
• Clare R. Baltazar (1927-2024) – National Scientist of the Philippines for Systematic Entomology
• Edward Barber — Filipino-British actor and host who came to prominence in 2016 Pinoy Big Brother: Lucky 7, 4th placed. from Aringay, La Union.
• Rolando Joselito Bautista – retired Filipino lieutenant general and 26th Secretary of Social Welfare and Development
• Carlo Biado (born 1983) — Filipino Athlete and professional pool player “2021 US Open Pool Grand Champion”. from Rosario, La Union.
• Rafael Buenaventura – Governor of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas
• Carina Cariño — Miss Millennial 2017 1st Runner up, Binibining Pilipinas La Union. from Agoo, La Union.
• Roger Casugay — Filipino surfer who competed for the Philippines at the 2019 Southeast Asian Games gold medalist. He is the first Filipino to receive the Pierre de Coubertin Act of Fair Play Award of the International Fair Play Committee in recognition of saving a competitor in longboard semifinals of the 2019 Southeast Asian Games. from the City of San Fernando, La Union.
• Anacleto Diaz (1878–1945) – 31st Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines
• Gloria Diaz (born 1951) – Miss Philippines 1969, Miss Universe 1969, Actress, from Aringay, La Union.
• Samuel Gaerlan – 187th Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines
• Coleen Garcia — is a Filipino actress, host, and model. from the City of San Fernando, La Union.
• Cheska Garcia Kramer — is a Filipino actress and model. from Bauang, La Union
• Paolo Gallardo — Mister Grand International 2019 2nd Runner-up. from the City of San Fernando, La Union.
• Lucrecia Roces Kasilag (1918 2008) – National Artist of the Philippines for Music
• Mario Lopez — 185th Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines
• Antonio Mabutas – Agoo-born first bishop of Diocese of Laoag and the second Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Davao, historically noted as the first Roman Catholic Archbishop to write a pastoral letter to criticize human rights violations under the Marcos dictatorship.
• JB Magsaysay (born 1980) – Pinoy Big Brother (season 1) housemate; actor, public servant, and businessman. from San Juan, La Union.
• José B. Nísperos (1887–1922) First Asian and Filipino to win US Medal of Honor
• Doña Laureana Novicio Luna y Ancheta (July 4, 1836 – August 18, 1906) — Mother of Antonio Luna and Juan Luna.
• Bienvenido Nebres (born 1940) – academic, National Scientist of the Philippines for Mathematics, former Provincial Superior of the Society of Jesus in the Philippines
• Ashley Ortega — is a Filipino-German actress well known for her roles in Dormitoryo and My Destiny on GMA Network. She is formerly a co-host of the variety show Wowowin. from the City of San Fernando, La Union.
• Camilo Osias (1889–1976) – Filipino politician, 6th and 8th President of the Senate of the Philippines.
• Wenceslao Padilla – Filipino Scheut priest who from 2 August 2003 was the Apostolic prefect of the Apostolic Prefecture of Ulaanbaatar, a diocese of the Roman Catholic Church in Mongolia.
• Armando "Mandrake" Ducusin Palabay (1953–1974) - Filipino student leader and activist from San Fernando La Union, honored at the Philippines' Bantayog ng mga Bayani as a martyr of the resistance against the Marcos dictatorship.
• Jessica Soho — Multi-awarded (Asia Journalist of All Times, Peabody Award) Filipina broadcast journalist dubbed as the Asia's Powerhouse Journalist and known as the host of the news magazine program Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho on GMA Network and formerly anchored the newscast State of the Nation with Jessica Soho on GMA News TV.
• Vice Ganda – Singer, actor, comedian and host. from San Juan, La Union.

External links

• Media related to La Union at Wikimedia Commons
• Geographic data related to La Union at OpenStreetMap
• Official Website of the Provincial Government of La Union
• Philippine Standard Geographic Code