LA UNION

La Unión, "The Union" in English, was formed in 1850 when the Spanish colonial government of
Governor-General Antonio Maria Blanco merged the three southern towns of Ilocos
Sur province, and villages of the Eastern Pias del Igorotes in Cordilleras

Capital: San Fernando City ,  which also serves as the regional center of the whole Ilocos
Region

It occupies the the central-southern section of the Ilocos Region in Luzon

Comprises 19 municipalities and 1 component city

The Port of San Fernando operates as an increasingly active shipping point, and the
former American airbase 

Aringay

This 500 meter tunnel, 7.6 meters wide, and with a depth of 4.5 meters, was made in 1913
during the American regime. Intended for the trains of the Philippine National Railways (PNR)
bound for Baguio City, it was later abandoned by the Commonwealth Govenment because of
the impending Second World War. Similar structures could also be found in Tuba, Benguet,
which were supposed to be part of the ambitious railway system.

Bagulin

The lower cascade of Tangadan Falls is its main icon, towering at around 50 feet and width of
about 100 feet, it has a deep natural catch basin perfect for quick dip. The upper level has a
smaller drop but bigger and deeper pool ideal for cliff jumping. Further upstream is Kapandagan
Falls, an offbeat yet equally majestic waterfalls that requires at least an hour more of trekking.

Burgos

The Bolikewkew Rice Terraces is recognized to be the greatest identity of the 2000-year old
historical “Hagdan-hagdang Palayan of Banaue” or which is known as Banaue Rice Terraces
(referred to by Filipino as the Eighth Wonder of the World).

Caba
The name "Kemalugong/Kimmallugong " is an Ilocano term from the rootword " Kallugong "
means hat. The clouds surrounding the top part of the mountain give people the impression that
it is wearing a hat.

Naguilian

Formerly called Burayok Falls, the falls is just about seven kilometers away from the town
proper. Tuddingan Falls is a simple place for nature lovers. This 70-feet waterfalls is made
picturesque because of the beautifully layered rock strata from which it flows down to a catch-
basin that is ideal for swimming.

Santol

This mystic body of water in the town of Santol is said to be a dwelling place for spirits guarding
the forests, thus its name. Visitors to this place need to say their prayers first before exploring
the 20 meter-deep natural pool where the falls plunge into.

San Fernando

San Fernando is the financial, industrial and political center of the province,

Tourist Spot :

Dubbed as the Santorini of Asia,

Thunderbird Resorts and Casino is the only resort in the north with 5 star hotel amenities

San Gabriel

it is the largest municipality by land area in the province of La Union

San Gabriel is an agricultural town they were engaged mainly in highland farming as their
means of livelihood. They produced rice, corn, sweet potatoes and other root crops. Tiger grass
are also abundant in San Gabriel, which harvests materials for soft broom production  and serve
as their main product

Tourist Attraction

Tangadan Falls

towering at around 50 feet and width of about 100 feet

 is a two-tier cascade along Baroro River with cold water emanating from the hinterland of the
province adjacent to the Cordillera Mountain Range.

Bacnotan

Economic activities in Bacnotan mostly involve farming, fishing, bee-keeping, pebble extraction,
tourism and Portland cement manufacture. Bacnotan is the seat of the beekeeping industry in
La Union. Surfing has become quite popular as well, surfers having discovered that there is a
surfable break beside the Holcim Cement Factory

Tourist Spot

Immuki Island has become a prime swimming spot amidst slightly eerie but beautiful dead
corals and mangroves. he island’s unique name was derived from the unusual shape of its main
lagoon, which resembles a woman’s external genitalia when viewed from above.

Bauang : Fruit basket and beach capital of the North

This municipality is promoting its own variety of fruits and has envisioned itself to become a
major tourist attraction in Northern Luzon. The grape industry of Bauang takes the lead in the
agri-tourism strategy of the town with increased demand expected for the town’s other produce
like dragon fruit, papaya and guapples or guavas as big as apples.

San Juan Surfing Capital of the North

San Juan is considered to be the Surfing Capital of the Northern Philippines, and is known for
its consistent intermediate quality surf and two surfing seasons from July to October and
November to March. The place San Juan La Union is located in the east part of the Philippines
and is a perfect spot to watch the sunset.

Tourist spot

Urbiztondo Surfing Area

 La Union has waves that can reach 8 to 10ft on a good swell. The district has waves for all
levels of surfers, whether you are just learning the ropes or are honing your skills for competition

Luna  Pebble Capital of the North

The town of Luna in La Union is known for pebbly beaches and stone-picking is one of its
booming industries. Standing prominently along the beach is the ruin of the centuries-old
watchtower which played a significant figure in the province's history.

Tourist Attraction

"Bahay na Bato," was made from the stones and pebbles found along the beaches of the
municipality. It showcases sculpted or carved arts and crafts made from stones and driftwoods.
Korean artist Vong Kim  is the main sculptor of the place.

Bangar

The name Bangar derives from the bangar tree (Sterculia foetida), which was once abundant in
the general area of the present town. The bangar tree is notable for the foul odor that emanates
from its flowers.

AGOO, LA UNION

1.Minor Basilica of Our Lady of Charity

 The parish was founded in 1578 by Franciscan friars, Fray John Baptist Lucarelli of
Pesaro, Italy and Fray Sebastián de San Francisco of Baesa, Spain.
 Basilica Minore of Our Lady of Charity is noted for its Mexican Baroque architectural
feature. A rosette stained glass window upon the Basilica’s facade is a marked contrast
to the gray color of the front wall. Amid the statues of Saints Peter and Paul statues at
the main door are carved Hebrew scripts, which is a short form of the Ten
Commandments.
 Basilica Minore of Our Lady of Charity is noted for its Mexican Baroque architectural
feature. A rosette stained glass window upon the Basilica’s facade is a marked contrast
to the gray color of the front wall. Amid the statues of Saints Peter and Paul statues at
the main door are carved Hebrew scripts, which is a short form of the Ten
Commandments.
 Lady of Charity’s feast day is celebrated every May 4
 The innumerable miraculous accounts attributed to Apo Caridad in the Basilica’s altar,
which includes the quick recovery of Agoo from the destruction of the July 1990 massive
quake, has made Agoo a major religious center in northern Luzon.

2. EAGLE of the North

  Located few meters from the entry point of Jose D. Aspiras Highway (formerly Marcos
Highway) that connects La Union to Baguio City is a giant concrete statue of an eagle
with wings widespread ready to take its flight and known as "EAGLE OF THE NORTH".
 The eagle was designed and built by Anselmo Day-ag and it was completed in May 31,
1982.
 The eagle of the north was constructed to compliment the “ecological endowment” of
Marcos Highway.
 According to one Local Guide review on Google Maps the Eagle of the North signifies
travelers that you are near “Baguio City”. To accurately put it though, you are near the
entrance to the roads leading to Baguio City like the new Tubao-Nangalisan Road or the
more popular Marcos Highway.

STO. TOMAS, LA UNION

Shrine of Nuestra Señora del Mar Cautiva Parish Church

 Known as Virgen of the Sea, patron saint of the town fishermen, whose Feast Day is
celebrated every 26th of April at Poblacion.

 "Matutina" through the China Sea is held yearly on July, where the 3 images are inserted
in 3 boxes and delivered to Santo Tomas by sailboat.
 In Bolinao, Pangasinan, Jolo pirates seized the "Matutina" and threw the 3 boxes of the
statues into the sea, after severing the left forearm of the Virgin Mary.
 Nuestra Señora del Mar Cautiva statue was enthroned at the Church on July 19, 1845
amid innumerable miracles, conversions, healing, including safe and easy childbirth.

PUGO, LA UNION

PUGAD
 PUGAD (bird’s nest) is one of the recreations and adventure landmarks in Pugo. It is a
picturesque site with 3 hectares of green forests, lush mountain and clean river. It is 300
meters away from Marcos Highway.
 Zip Line Adventure - Pugo's Pugad has the longest zip line (380 meters) in Luzon, the
second in the Philippines.

SUDIPEN

 The Amburayan Bridge in Sudipen is the longest bridge in Region 1 that connects La
Union an Ilocos Sur
Intake Dam

 An irrigation facility that is built during the era of Japanese colonizers. It was built from
1920-1925.
  Japanese made it during the World War II. Today, it helps a lot of farmers in Sudipen
because it serves as a big aid in irrigating their farms.

 It was constructed at the edge of a mountain where the Amburayan River flows.

TRADITION

Gol-gol

Refers to a ritual performed by Ilocano wherein the family members of the dead wash their hair
with water mixed with Arutang (rice stalks), sugarcane vinegar, gawwod (betel nut) und Pindis
rolled virginis tobacco)