The Province of La Union

Here are some

Basic facts of La Union Province

• La Union has a predominantly hilly terrain which gradually rises eastward from the shore.
• The western border is a coastal plain of raised coral and alluvia overlying older sediments.
• The province has two pronounced seasons - dry from November to April, and wet from May to October.

Let me discuss you the

Brief History of La Union Province

The province was created on March 2, 1850, out of towns then belonging to Ilocos Sur and Pangasinan.

Luciano Almeda headed the provincial government for the time during the Philippine Revolution, while General Manuel
Tinio occupied San Fernando in May 1898. After the battle on November 19, 1899, the American troops took control of the
province.

In 1901, a civil government was established in La Union. A year later, La Union ceded a narrow strip of land to
Amburayan, which later became a sub-province of the old Mountain Province.

Location

La Union Province is in the southwestern Ilocos Region in northern 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).[1]

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.

Size

La Union covers a total area of 1,497.70 square kilometres occupying the central‑southern section of the Ilocos Region in
Luzon. 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.

Economy/Products/Livelihood

La Union has a diversified economy. Although most of the people are still engaged in agriculture, the province is home to
large manufacturing enterprises such as cement, steel, and soft drinks. Tourism is also an important pillar of the local
economy and many hotels and resorts sprung up especially along the coast where many of its beaches are located. San
Fernando City is home to Poro Point Special Economic Zone. It is also the location of an airport and a world class resort.
San Juan Town has made a name as a surfing capital of the north while Bauang remains the preferred destination for
beach lovers. It is also the home of a large power plant.

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.

The main sources or the Livelihood of La Union Province are farming and fishing.

Political/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.

La Union is governed by Francisco Emmanuel "Pacoy" R. Ortega III, the chief executive, his vice governor, Mario Ortega,
and 13 board members.
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.

Terrain and Points

La Union is the gateway to the Ilocos. Also from La Union, access is made to the Mountain Provinces through Naguilian
and through Rosario at Damortis.

The terrain of La Union is rugged and hilly, tightly squeezed between the mountains and the sea, and in some places the
sea laps at the foothills. The land is drained by the Amburayan to the north and the Bauang river in the central region.

San Fernando is an international seaport. There is an airport at San Fernando. The railroad reaches up to Bacnotan. At
Damortis, the Philippine Railways has bus connections to Baguio City

Coastline/Sorrounding Bodies of Water

La Union has a long stretch of white and grey sand beaches, which have become the main attraction for thousands of local
and foreign tourists. Here, visitors can enjoy various water activities, including surfing, placing the province in the world
surfing map.

Top 5 Famous Natural Resources/Tourist Spots

La Union is famous for the beach town of San Juan, the surfing capital of Luzon’s west coast.

There is more to experience in this laidback province beyond its beautiful waves as well, including stunning natural sites,
heritage attractions, and an exciting food scene. Truly, La Union is a great place to explore for surfers and non-surfers
alike!

Because of its location near Manila, La Union is a popular weekend getaway for travelers coming from the metro. You can
experience a lot even on a short trip. It’s easy to travel in and around the province as most towns are conveniently located
along the coastal highway.

So let me show you the Top 5 Famous Natural Resources/ Tourist Spots

1. Urbiztondo Beach in San Juan

Urbiztondo Beach in San Juan is known as the Surfing Capital of Northern Philippines, with surfing seasons typically falling July to
October and November to March. This area of La Union has a reputation for having the country’s most consistent waves, and thriving
surf culture has flourished in recent years. Many places offer surfing lessons for all levels, and numerous places of lodging can also be
found throughout the coastline. Surfboards are available for rent throughout the area as well.
Beginners typically start having lessons in Bacnotan because the waves in the area are not too big, which is perfect for novice learners
or anyone who have never tried surfing before. The more advanced surfers usually go to Urbiztondo and the neighboring town of
Mona Lisa Point.
Restaurants offering local and international fare along with shops selling local handicrafts and souvenir items are also nearby.
Urbiztondo has a great selection of restaurants, with cuisines ranging from Filipino delicacies, comfort food, Mexican, Asian, and
Italian food. With its laidback vibe and artistic flair, local and foreign visitors have been coming back to Urbiztondo every year to
enjoy the beach.

2. Tangadan Falls
Located in the town of San Gabriel, La Union, Tangadan Falls is a two-tier waterfall that flows into the Baroro River, with the water
coming in from the Cordillera Mountain Ranges. The lower cascade of the falls has a width of 100 feet and a 40 foot drop, with a
natural catch basin pool that is great for a quick dip on a hot summer’s day.
The upper cascade has a shorter waterfall with a deeper pool basin which is ideal for jumping off the side of the cliff. Of the two, the
lower cascade features a more majestic and dramatic waterfall and is widely photographed for its striking image. The cold spring
water is a refreshing respite from heat and a welcome break after the scenic trek en route to the waterfall.
Wear sturdy walking shoes along with your swimsuit on your visit to Tangadan Falls, because you’ll be doing some light trekking
along the way. There’s an option to go on a one-hour trek and another one where you can be dropped off at the trailhead of the falls in
San Gabriel, a relatively shorter 20-minute walk to the falls.

3. Poro Point and Lighthouse

Poro Point is a coastal landform on an elevated point of land that extends about 3.2KM into the West Philippine Sea.
Historically called the San Fernando Point, it is found along the boundary of San Fernando Bay near the international
seaport. Its most striking features are the white cliffs found along it western coastline with the peninsula overlooking the
Lingayen Gulf that extends up to Santiago Island in Bolinao.

Poro Point’s location makes it the ideal site for navigational purposes, and this is why it has been used as a navigational
aid since 1885, with the Lighthouse as its main point of reference. Built during the Spanish colonial period, the Lighthouse
is a cylindrical tower made of French prefabricated steel that stands 6 meters in height.

The lighthouse was converted into US reservation during the American colonial period, but the original structure was
replaced in 1979 with a concert tower that stands 38 meters tall. In 1991, the former American facility was returned back
to the Philippine government, and the lighthouse became the headquarters of the Philippine Navy, and the station named
as Naval Station Ernesto Ogbinar.

4. Ma-Cho Temple (Taoist Temple)

The Ma-Cho Temple’s architecture cuts a striking image across the La Union skyline. Nestled on top of a hill at an
elevation of 70 above sea level along Quezon Avenue in San Fernando, the highest point offers a panoramic view of the
West Philippine Sea and San Fernando harbor. It is the first Taoist temple in the Philippines that was built in 1975 to
honor the Chinese sea-goddess Mazu.

The magnificent temple is an 11-tiered attraction with interiors filled with Chinese decorations and Taiwanese art, and its
most popular attraction is the Spider Dome, a structure that features 13 tiers of interlinking wooden carvings of images of
saints. Other colorful attractions to visit include the Bell Tower, the Drum Tower, Bamboo Garden, Lian Thing Pagoda,
and the Majestic Five Door Gate. Other awe-inspiring structures such as two circular pools and other beautifully designed
edifices made up of Chinse themes and motifs of lions, dragons, and deities.

The Taoist temple is a place of worship and welcomes anyone regardless of religious affiliation, race or creed. Visitors are
encouraged to meditate and find solace in this magnificently designed place of worship.

5. Immuki Island

Immuki island is made up of a series of smalls lagoons filled with pools of water held together by corals. It has three
crystal clear pools that are perfect to dip into on a hot, sunny day. Located in Barangay Paraoir in Balaoan, La Union, it is
the type of place for visitors looking for a quiet, natural environment that is away from the usual crowd of noisy tourists.

Getting there is an adventure in itself: from San Juan, La Union, you will make your way to McArthur Highway and then
make a turn toward Bacnotan town via the Bacnotan-Luna-Balaoan Road and head toward Balaoan town. Follow the
coastal road toward Luna until reaching Barangay Paraoir.

Before entering Immuki island, you will need to register at the barangay hall near the Paraoir National Highschool and
then follow a paved pathway toward a beach. From the beach, you will wade through roughly 250 meters distance to
reach one of the lagoons in Immuki island. Walking past the shallow water is possible in the low tide - otherwise, a raft
may be rented nearby.

Bring aqua slippers to protect your feet from sharp corals, and enjoy the turquoise pools with water so clear you don’t
need a snorkeling mask to see the reef fish. This hidden paradise won’t stay hidden for long as it is already attracting
many local tourists.

The Province of Pangasinan

Here are some

Basic facts of the Province of Pangasinan

• The province of Pangasinan is on the island of Luzon. Its capital is Lingayen. There are 2.5 million Filipinos living
in Pangasinan, of which 1.5 million speak the Pangsinan language.
• The name Pangasinan means "land of salt." (The word for "salt" is asin.) Pangasinan is a major producer of salt in
the Philippines.
• Hundred Islands National Park is a marine park in the Lingayen Gulf off the coast of Alaminos City.
• Pangasinan is the birthplace of former Philippine president Fidel V. Ramos and Speaker Jose de Venecia, Jr.

Let me discuss you the

Brief History of the Province of Pangasinan

Pangasinan was among the earliest political and administrative units in the Philippines. It was officially conquered and
colonized by D. Martin de Goiti in 1571. On April 5, 1572, Pangasinan was made an encomienda by the Spanish royal
crown to receive instruction on the Catholic Faith, which means that Pangasinan was organized under one leadership and
has identity before the Spanish royal court. Eight years later, in 1580, Pangasinan was organized into a political unit under
an alkalde mayor who at that time has authority as head of the province or provincial government with judicial function
indicating that Pangasinan has become a province. To commemorate the day when Pangasinan became an encomienda
and the year it became a province, Pangasinan celebrates April 5, 1580 as the official founding day of the Province of
Pangasinan. At that time, its territorial jurisdiction included the Province of Zambales and parts of La Union and Tarlac.
By the middle of the 19th century however, the northern towns of Agoo to Bacnotan were separated from the province
and became parts of La Union. The provincial territory was further diminished in 1875 with the annexation of Paniqui
and other towns south of it to Tarlac.

Location

Pangasinan is located on the west central area of the island of Luzon in the Philippines. It is bordered by La Union to the
north, Benguet and Nueva Vizcaya to the northeast, Nueva Ecija to the southeast, and Zambales and Tarlac to the south.
To the west of Pangasinan is the South China Sea. The province also encloses the Lingayen Gulf.

Size

The Province of Pangasinan has a total land area of 5,451.01 square kilometres (2,104.65 sq mi). According to the 2020
census, it has a population of 3,163,190 people. The official number of registered voters in Pangasinan is 1,651,814.

Economy/Products/Livelihood

The province's economy is mainly agricultural due to its vast fertile plains. More than 44 percent of its agricultural area is
devoted to crop production. Aside from being one of the Philippine's rice granaries, Pangasinan is also a major producer
of coconut, mango and eggplant, Pangasinan is the richest province in Ilocos Region of the Philippines.

Pangasinan is a major fish supplier in Luzon, and a major producer of salt in the Philippines. It has extensive fishponds,
mostly for raising bangus or "milkfish", along the coasts of the Lingayen Gulf and the South China Sea. Pangasinan's
aquaculture includes oyster and sea urchin farms.

Salt is also a major industry. In salt evaporation ponds seawater is mixed with sodium bicarbonate until the water
evaporates and the salt remains. This is their ancient tradition inspired from Egypt.

Political/Government

The current governor of Pangasinan is Amado "Pogi" Espino, III, son of former governor Amado T. Espino, Jr., and the
current vice governor is Mark Ronald Lamibino, son of Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA) and Presidential
Adviser for Northern Luzon Raul Lambino. Among those who served as Governor of Pangasinan include Francisco
Duque Jr., former Secretary of Department of Health (Philippines), Conrado Estrella, secretary of Department of Agrarian
Reform during the presidency of Ferdinand Marcos, Tito Primicias, Vicente Millora and Daniel Maramba.

The governor of Pangasinan is the highest political office in the province of Pangasinan, Philippines. Along with the
Governor of Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur and La Union, he sits in the Regional Development Council of Ilocos Region.

Terrain and Points

The terrain of the province, as part of the Central Luzon plains, is typically flat, with a few parts being hilly and/or
mountainous. The northeastern municipalities of San Manuel, San Nicolas, Natividad, San Quintin and Umingan have
hilly to mountainous areas, situated at the tip of the Cordillera mountains. The Zambales mountains extend to the
province's western towns of Labrador, Mabini, Bugallon, Aguilar, Mangatarem, Dasol, and Infanta forming the
mountainous portions of those towns.

Coastline/Sorrounding Bodies of Water

The coastal areas of Pangasinan, especially the Lingayen Gulf, are a rich and major fishing ground in Northern Luzon. It
encompasses a total length of 285.66 linear kilometers which is about 40.34% of the region’s total length of coastline
(708.165 kms) and 0.80% of the Philippine coastline (36,289 kms).

The province has fourteen (14) coastal municipalities/cities comprising of 123 barangays, with the Municipality of Anda
having the longest coastline covering an approximately 55.794 kms or about 19.5% of the total province’s coastline.

Top 5 Famous Natural Resources/Tourist Spots

Pangasinan is home to many natural wonders, including caves, waterfalls, mountains, hills, and, of course, its famous
white sand beaches. The province’s coast is not only an attraction but also a source of livelihood for those who farm salt
from its rich salt beds.

In fact, the province’s name is derived from the word “panag-asinan,” which means “where salt is made.” This doesn’t
necessarily mean their food is salty though—two famous dishes from the province are tupig and puto calasiao, two
different kinds of sweet rice cakes.

So let me show you the Top 5 Famous Natural Resources/ Tourist Spots

1. Hundred Island
The Hundred Islands are among the most popular Alaminos, Pangasinan tourist spots. It features more than 120 mushroom-like
islands, each with different features to offer.
The most popular of these are the so-called Governor Island, Quezon Island, and Children’s Island. Among them, you can find white
beaches and a bat’s cave.
Location/Jump-Off: Alaminos, Pangasinan province
Best Things to Do: Island Hopping, Swimming, Snorkeling, Helmet Diving, Banana Boat Riding, Helmet Diving, Ziplining, Wall
Climbing, Rappelling

2. Dasoland Family Adventure Park

If you want to try picking fresh fruits and vegetables, this is one of the ideal tourist spots in Pangasinan.
Mangoes are the primary crops, but you can also find other fruits such as dragon fruit, rambutan, coconut, and many more. Livestock
and poultry are also taken care of here.
Location/Jump-off: Brgy San Vicente, Dasol, Pangasinan province
Best Things to Do: Fruit Picking, Horseback Riding, Biking, Swimming, Boating, Sightseeing

3. Bolinao Falls
Bolinao Falls is a series of several cascades of which Bolinao Falls 1 and Bolinao Falls 2 are the most popular. They are among the
most famous tourist spots in Pangasinan, aside from its beaches.
Bolinao Falls 1 measures around 20 feet and has a cold and blue-green basin. Here, you can go swimming, cliff jumping, and bamboo
rafting.
Bolinao Falls 2, on the other hand, is more popular and touristy because of its enchanting beauty. It has a shorter cascade, but its basin
is wide, and there are plenty of pockets of deep pools around.
The falls are among the most visited Bolinao tourist spots.
Location/Jump-off: Bolinao, Pangasinan province

4. Our Lady of Manaoag Shrine

A popular pilgrimage site, the shrine of Our Lady of Manaoag houses a miraculous image of the Virgin Mary. This makes it a perfect
spot for prayer, and reflection, especially for Catholics.Many devotees attribute miracles to the Blessed Virgin Mary, thus, thousands
of others troop here every year.
Mass is celebrated almost every day. Aside from spiritual activities, you can try a local delicacy here called Manaoag Tupic, a sticky
rice cake mixed with coconut milk. The church is one of the most frequented Manaog, Pangasinan tourist spots.
Location/Jump-off: Manaoag, Pangasinan

5. Enchanted Cave
Enchanted Cave is known for its stunning aquamarine spring water inside. It is a well-lit and ventilated cave, thus, giving the pool a
turquoise look. The pool is deep, but don’t worry; there are life vests available for non-swimmers.
If you’re done enjoying the cave, you can explore coral rocks and gardens outside. Hammocks are also installed to give you a platform
for relaxation.
Location/Jump-off: Brgy Patar, Bolinao, Pangasinan
THM 3

Total Quality Management

Capiña, Judy Ann L.