A year after Adelantado Miguel Lopez de Legazpi made Manila the capital of the Philippines on

June 24, 1571, the Spaniards started the colonization of Ilokos. In June, 1572, the conquistadores
led by Juan Salcedo (grandson of Legazpi) landed in Agoo, then a part of Pangasinan called “el
puerto de Japon” because enterprising Japanese merchants have been trading with the natives
through this port.

The Spaniards marched up north without any resistance. They had their first taste of the
Ilokanos’ bravery and fighting heart during a historic battle in Purao (literally, “white” and
maybe due to the white sands of the beach) now known as Balaoan. The Spaniards befriended
the Ilokanos who reluctantly acceded to be under Spanish rule.

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 Ilokos province remained intact until 1818
when it split into Ilokos Norte and Ilokos 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 and Balaoan in the southern portion of Ilokos 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
district bordered by the three Ilokos 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-Ilokos-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 political-military
government (gobierno politico-militar). 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.

By 1896, the people of La Union had enough of the Spanish atrocities. The torture of the native
priests, Padres Adriano Garces of Balaoan, Mariano Gaerlan of San Fernando and Mariano
Dacanay of Bacnotan; the execution of Balaoan’s Siete Martires, majority of whom are ancestors
of Board Member Joaquin C. Ostrea, Jr.; the persecution of Masons, whose membership
included the elite natives; and others have all the more agitated the people to unite and fight their
masters for three centuries. On May 22, 1898, a shot from a revolver killed the much-hated Friar
Mariano Garcia of Santo Tomas, it was a shot heard in the whole province which eventually
ignited the revolution in what the Spaniards used to call, “Una Provincia Modelo.”

Led by Manuel Bondoc Tinio, a boy general under the command of General Emilio Aguinaldo,
the Spaniards were finally defeated in La Union, some of whom escaped and sought refuge in
Vigan. With the help of the Americans, the Filipinos were finally freed from Spain only to find
out later that they will be subjected to a new colonial rule.

A Revolutionary Government was established with Aguinaldo as President. Tinio acted as “de
facto governor” of La Union but was later on replaced by Dr. Lucino Almeida as Presidente
Provincial. During the American occupation, Dr. Almeida was reappointed as provincial chief,
only to be convicted and exiled after his revolutionary connections were discovered. In defense
of their hard-fought freedom, the people of La Union resisted American power and maintained
their allegiance to Aguinaldo. Due however to the superior American military firepower, the
whole province and the whole archipelago, were finally subdued and pacified.

The Americans prioritized education during their rule. Schools were massively constructed and
public education attracted the Filipinos. Democracy, which was given equal importance,
facilitated the election of La Union’s first Civil Governor in 1901 in the person of Don Joaquin
Joaquino Ortega, Grandfather of Governor Manuel C. Ortega. Nine other equally able governors
followed Don Joaquin before the outbreak of World War II:

Joaquin Luna 1904 - 1907

Sixto Zandueta 1908 - 1919

Pio Ancheta 1919 - 1922, 1931

Thomas de Guzman 1922 - 1923, 1928 - 1931

Juan Lucero 1923 - 1929

Mauro Ortiz 1931 - 1934

Juan Rivera 1934 - 1937

Francisco Nisce 1937 - 1940

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. The Filipinos gallantly fought side by side with
the Americans. Amidst all 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).

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 City where they joined their comrades and made their last stand. From the ashes of war,
La Union underwent massive reconstruction and rehabilitation. Patient and hardworking, the
people of La Union marched on to progress and development led by a new breed of innovative,
highly competent and down to earth governors.

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 “Titing” Ortega 1988 - 1992

Justo O. Orros 1992 - 2001

Victor F. Ortega 2001 - 2007

Manuel C. Ortega 2007 - 2016

Francisco Emmanuel R. Ortega III 2016 – present

1st DISTRICT OF LA UNION
SUDIPEN

Sudipen is the northernmost town of the Province of La Union separated by the

Amburayan river from the province of Ilocos Sur. Originally, Sudipen was a barrio of Bangar,
La Union. In 1906, a noted community leader from Pias, Salcedo, Ilocos Sur named Bartolome
Laoagan Apusen succeeded in organizing it to a township of the sub-province of Lepanto,
Amburayan. Ten years later in 1916, the township became a municipal district of the province of
La Union. Finally, on August 17, 1947, Sudipen was reclassified as a regular sixth class
municipality of the Province of La Union. Today, Sudipen is elevated into a fifth class
municipality.

Bamboo basket was one of the major industries in the area. Although production for the
past few years declined, the LGU aimed to bring back the industry through the OTOP Program.
An OTOP Council was created through Executive Order No. 28 - 2005 issued by Mayor
Alexander O. Buquing. The OTOP Council is tasked to develop and promote their bamboo
basket.
SANTOL

Located in the eastern mountainous area of La Union at the boundary of Ilocos Sur,
Santol is the perfect get-away destination. It can be accessed from Balaoan through a smoothly
ascending and meandering road that is ideal for biking and motorcycling enthusiasts, while its
verdant and unspoiled surroundings will be a treat for nature-lovers.

Tiger grass (Thysanolaena maxima) is a minor forest product that thrives well in the
mountainous areas of Santol. Matured grass flowers are the main raw material in softbroom
making and used in the manufacture of various display items. Its flower stalks are also used as
adornment of picture frames. It is also used as giveaways to visitors and tourists who drop by the
town. Sales generated from tiger grass provide a source of extra income to families. It is the
major non-food commodity crop of the municipality. A total of 130 hectares is planted with tiger
grass benefiting 216 farmers distributed mainly in the upland barangays Puguil, Ramot,
Tubaday, Sasaba and Sapdaan and some parts of Mangaan and Lettac Sur.
SAN JUAN

San Juan, with its rolling waves and delightful beach scenes, has become a household
name in the surfing and tourism industry. A haven for local and foreign surfers alike, surf lessons
are readily available wherein first-timers can be taught the basics in just an hour. The coastline of
Urbiztondo Beach is often to be found alive with activities such as skimboarding, frisbee and
beach volleyball. The La Union Surfing Break, scheduled every end of October, has continually
attracted tourists, surfers, college students, beach-lovers, and party-goers, contributing to the
rising popularity of this holiday destination.

Yellow Corn is one of the most important crops in the Municipality of San Juan. It is
used as a raw material for food and industrial products such as starch, corn oil, beverages gluten,
snacks and the like. It also constitutes about 50% of the feeds for the local livestock and poultry
industries.
SAN GABRIEL

With the highest percentage of agricultural land in La Union’s District I, San Gabriel is the prime
producer of highland vegetables in the province. From this municipality, one can have a taste of
fresh upland vegetables such as cucumber, cabbage and carrots; fruits such as lanzones and
rambutan; the native delicacy Imbagkal; Tapey (rice wine). Superior soft brooms and baskets
are also sold in the municipality.

San Gabriel can be reached via provincial roads from Bacnotan and San Juan or minor roads
from Santol and Bagulin. Take a rejuvenating visit to the Highland Vegetable Plantations of
Barangay Amontoc and Apayao. Hike and mountain bike on San Gabriel’s challenging terrains.
Explore Liang Digo and Liang Labaan Natural Caves and be mystified by their wooden coffins
of unknown origin. Swim on the clear and invigorating waters of Lon-oy Spring, Lineng Pool,
Ba’kes Falls, Kattebegan Falls and Tangadan Falls – hailed for having the cleanest inland body
of water in La Union.

The Kankanaeys formerly called the town Baka-Burnotan. This is after the game likened to tug-
of-war that local folks and people from nearby sitios often played. With the introduction of
Christianity, the native populace embraced St. Gabriel the Archangel as their patron saint,
thereby christening the municipality after his name. San Gabriel holds its patronal fiesta every
March 25 and town fiesta every April 19-21.

San Gabriel, La Union

OTOP: Soft Broom

Description:

The broom making industry is the alternative source

of livelihood next to farming in this upland
municipality, Tiger grass, the main raw material for
brooms, grows abundantly in this town. Towards the
development of the industry, the LGU of San
Gabriel has allotted a space in the farmer’s center as
a bulk-buying center for brooms and has made
available funds for micro-lending to tiger grass
farmers.
LUNA

Approximately 297 kilometers away from Manila which corresponds to a six and a half hour
driving, this coastal town can be reached via the Bacnotan-Luna-Balaoan Provincial Road.
Jeepneys located near the San Fernando City Public Market serve commuters as early as six in
the morning until seven in the evening. For those riding buses plying the Manila-Ilocos Route,
they can get off at Balaoan Town Crossing and take tricycles, which ply 24 hours a day bound
for Luna.

Built in 1915, its Municipal Hall was recently improved and restored to maintain its antique
stature. Its grounds also underwent landscaping and massive lighting to jive with the Spanish-
inspired Architecture of Luna.The town’s original name is Namacpacan, an Iloco word which
means “one who had given food” due to the generosity of the locals of sharing their food to
travelers going north during the Spanish times. On October 18, 1906, during the incumbency of
Gov. Joaquin Luna and Namacpacan Mayor Primitivo Resurreccion Novicio, the name of the
town was changed to Luna by virtue of Philippine Commission Act No. 1543. The change was
based on the request of the Municipal Council which was subsequently approved and endorsed
by the Provincial Board of La Union, in honor of Doña Laureana Novicio Luna, a native of the
locality and mother of the famous Luna brothers, Antonio the General and Juan the Painter.

Luna, La Union

OTOP: Pebbles

Description:

Varying in colors, sizes and shapes, the famous Luna

pebbles reflect magnificently during sunset. These
are sold in Metro Manila and exported abroad. Since
time immemorial their abundance has become a
wonder --- with the stones coming endlessly from
the sea.
BANGAR

Originally part of Ilocos, this coastal town of La Union is located north of Balaoan Town and
south of the Municipality of Sudipen in the province’ 1st Cong- ressional District. As a major
transit area for the Manila-Ilocos Bus Route, Bangar can be reached anytime of the day.
Tricycles are available at the Town Plaza for trips to the barrios.

Visitors and buyers wishing to buy Inabel products are able to see the actual weaving of the
Ilocano product. Passed on from generation to generation, most loom weavers still use the
manual traditional weaving technique using antique wooden weaving equipment. Buyers may
even request for personalized weaving design which include their names. A couple of metal craft
shops specializing in bolos and agricultural implement are also located along the national
highway for the convenience of customers.

Due to the fame brought by the two local products, an Abel-Panday Festival is held every
December 26 and 27 which is highlighted by a street-dancing competition. Every July 25, locals
celebrate the Feast Day of their Patron, Saint Christopher. The Parish Church is a must to see
attraction, other than its intricate ceiling murals, it also takes pride for being one of the few
churches in the country with three belfries.

Bangar, La Union

OTOP: Handloom weaving

Description:

Handloom weaving is a process where thread that makes

up the warp and weft are interwoven in an upright loom
by one or two weavers. Handloom woven products are
blankets, pillowcases and towels. Handloom woven
products are widely accepted in the Philippines.
Wholesalers from other regions come to the place to buy
products. Handloom weaving had been the main pre-
occupation of the people of Bangar for a long time. It is
here where the exquisitely hand-woven blankets, towels
and pillow cases emanate. Bangar has been known to be
the weaving center of Ilocandia.
BALAOAN

Situated north of Bacnotan, South of Bangar, Sudipen and Santol on the East and Bacnotan on
the South, Balaoan is approximately 300 kilometers north of Metro Manila. The town can be
reached from Manila using the MacArthur Highway, or via plane landing in Canaoay Airport in
San Fernando City.

Having its former name as “Puraw”, Balaoan was founded in 1704 and originally a part of Ilocos
Sur. The town's present name “Bala-aoan” originated during the Spanish colonial era through the
answer of a Spanish Soldier when asked if their guns are loaded or not. Balaoan is one of the
oldest municipalities in La Union. Balaoan holds its Parochial Fiesta every September 9 & 10
and Panagyaman Festival on December 18-22 of the year.

Sea urchin may just be a local delicacy and an exotic fare for food lovers but to the Balaoan
fisher folks along its coastal waters here, this edible marine resource now housed in fish cages
along the coastal areas of Barangays Paraoir and Almeida are now a veritable treasure trove
more precious than gold because its growing commercial production now assures regular added
income. Tourists and vacationers can also rent boats for them to actually take a closer look on the
harvesting process of the famous “Maratangtang”, a favorite delicacy among the Ilocanos. A
Picnic to Apaleng Park or Coconut Garden and a visit to Lourdes Grotto sums up the PINK tour
to Balaoan!

Balaoan, La Union

OTOP: Sea Urchin

Description:

Sea urchin may just be a local delicacy and an exotic fare

for food lovers but to the Balaoan fisher folks along its
coastal waters here, this edible marine resource now
housed in fish cages along the coastal areas of Barangays
Paraoir and Almeida are now a veritable treasure trove
more precious than gold because its growing commercial
production now assures regular added income for the
residents here who rely mainly on limited marine catches
and seasonal farm produce for their existence.
BACNOTAN

Some 284 kilometers away or five and a half hour drive from Manila, it is a major transit area for
the Manila-Ilocos Bus Route 24/7. There are also jeeps and tricycles for short trips within the
municipality.

Home to the National Apiculture Research, Training and Development Institute (NARTDI), it
has made Bacnotan a pilot area for support, instruction, research and production on beekeeping.
Based at the Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University (DMMMSU) Main Campus, it
came into existence by virtue of RA 9151 which then La Union 1st District Congressman now
Governor Manuel C. Ortega authored. Also located at DMMMSU is the Sericulture Research
Development Institute which produces quality silk.

From December 27 to 30, the town celebrates its annual town fiesta which is highlighted by the
Honey Festival. Parochial Fiestas include September 29, feast of St. Michael the Archangel and
May 1, feast of St. Joseph the Worker.

Bacnotan, La Union

OTOP: Mushroom

Description:

Oyster Mushroom or pleurotus ostreatus is a common

mushroom prized for its edibility. The Latin Pleurotus
(sideways) refers to the sideways growth of the stem with
respect to the cap while the Latin ostreatus (and the
English common name, oyster) refers to the shape of the
cap which resembles the bivalve of the same name. The
municipality of Bacnotan invested in their Isang Bayan,
Isang Produkto, Isang Milyon Fund to the Mushroom
Industry. They selected the Oyster Mushroom over the
Banana Mushroom for its high yield and marketability.
SAN FERNANDO

24-hour major transit point as well as origin-destination of buses plying the Manila-Laoag City
route, San Fernando City is very accessible due to its strategic location. Commuters and
motorists will find their visit relaxing, thanks to its excellent roads and bridges. Only 270
kilometers north of Metro Manila which translate to a five to six-hour drive by land, it hosts to
majority of national government agencies as the Administrative Capital of Region I.

Visitors can comfortably explore the city, especially its tourist attractions like the Botanical
Garden, La Union Science Centrum, Bacsil Ridge, Pindangan Ruins, Ma-Cho Temple, Heores’
Hill, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Christ the Redeemer, Capitol Complex and Thunderbird
Entertainment Complex, with its wide array of transportation facilities. Jeepneys ply the major
commercial and industrial centers of the city as well as the far-flung barangays. Tricycles are
also available 24 hours a day, ready to take you to your desired destination. The city plaza, other
than the private bus terminals, serves as the main loading and unloading zone of most public
utility vehicles.

A visit to the city won’t be complete without a taste of the sumptuous local Halo-Halo, genuine
Chinese Cuisine and Seafood Restaurants. Experience also the city’s nightlife with its wide
choice of bars, folk houses and videoke houses.Guests who are always on the go can grab a
souvenir at the La Union Trade Center which is aptly located along the National Highway beside
the City Hall. SEAIR also flies from Manila to San Fernando City and vise-versa every Monday,
Wednesday and Friday. For those who wish to extend their stay, the city offers a wide array of
hotels and motels suited for their budget.
City of San Fernando, La Union

OTOP: Soft Broom

Description:

Softbroom is manufactured from tiger grass that grows

abundantly in the eastern part of the city. For years, soft
brooms which are produced from five upland municipalities
of La Union including three barangays of the city are sold
popularly in Baguio. It can be that the kind of soil and just the
right climate makes tiger grass adopt well only in such places.
40-50% of the total land area of barangays Nagyubuyuban,
Pacpaco and Baraoas are planted with tiger grass.
2ND DISTRICT OF LA UNION
TUBAO

Formerly a barrio of the municipalities of Agoo and Aringay, Tubao was a “visita” of the Parish
of Agoo. The early settlers in this barrio called it San Isidro de Tubao in honor of its Patron Saint
Isidore, the farmer whose feast is celebrated every May 14 & 15 of the year. The Parish Church
is also a must see attraction for its American-inspired Architecture which resembles the Baguio
Cathedral. Tubao became a town on July 20, 1885 by virtue of a Spanish Superior Decreto.

Discovering Tubao is approximately five hour drive from Manila. Vacationers may stop over at
Rosario, La Union. From Rosario, another 30 minute ride via tricycle or jeepney to Tubao town
proper. The Tubao Adventure starts with a sneak peek of Masalip Dam at Brgy. Magsaysay, the
Sangbay Falls at Rizal and the Mini Hydro Electric Power Plant at Brgy. Halog East.

Known as the “Home of Native Tobacco”, Tubao is famous for its tobacco cigars which local
and foreign fellows truly patronize. Aside from tobacco, Green Corn also marks Tubao. Tourists
love the taste of the processed green corn, which is Chichacorn and Banana Chips, which are
perfect “pasalubong” to relatives and friends.

Tubao, La Union

OTOP: Green Corn

Description:

Green corn is being planted in the Municipality of Tubao as a

cash crop after rice. Due to its maturity of 60-70 days after
planting, the farmers can plant two crops of corn per year.
Marketing of farmers produce is done thru “pakyaw” system
whereby buyers come to see the area. The buyer will be
responsible for harvesting and packaging. On the second crop
where demand of green corn is lower, farmers will let their
corn get matured. This will be processed into “cornik” and
other recipes. Others will mill it, consumed as substitute to
rice and processed into different kinds of cake.
SANTO TOMAS

Unlike other coastal towns in the province which are lined with beach resorts, Sto. Tomas
utilizes its coastal area primarily for fishing, affirming the locals’ value of hard work. Known for
their fishing skills, the men would give their catch to their wives who are expert in dried fish
processing which explains the long line of daing stalls along the national highway. It also affirms
their deep faith to Senora Virgen del Mar Cautiva also known as Virgen of the Sea, the patron
saint of fishermen. Her Feast Day is celebrated every 26th of April. Other notable events include
the feast of the Holy Guardian Angel which falls on the 2nd of October; Daing Festival held
every April 20; and annual town fiesta every April 24 and 25.

Located south of Agoo and North of Rosario, it is approximately 230 kilometers or around four-
hour drive away from Manila. Passed by the 24 hour Manila-Ilocos Route, tricycles located at
the welcome arch near the national highway serve as the main form of public transportation
within the municipality which are available anytime of the day.

When in Sto. Tomas, a visit to the Municipal Hall located on top of a hill never fails to amaze
guests with its breathta-king view of the town’s coastal area. One should also not miss to get a
taste of local rice cakes which includes Bibingka, Nilatekan and Patopat. Sto. Tomas is the future
home of the Bureau of Fire Protection’s (BFP) Regional Office in the Ilocandia.

Santo Tomas, La Union

OTOP: Dried Fish (Daing)

Description:

Dried fish, locally known as daing is abundantly found along

the streets of Barangay Damortis. Various kinds of dried fish
such as pingka, dalag baybay, sapsap, ipusan, monamon, tuyo
and the like are sold to locals and tourists alike. Daing is not
only served as a viand but also considered as a finger food or
pulutan.