La Union
| La Union | |||
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| Province | |||
Welcome Arch of La Union at the La Union-Ilocos Sur border
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Location in the Philippines |
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| Coordinates: 16°30′N 120°25′E / 16.500°N 120.417°ECoordinates: 16°30′N 120°25′E / 16.500°N 120.417°E | |||
| Country | |||
| Region | Region I | ||
| Founded | March 2, 1850 | ||
| Capital | San Fernando City | ||
| Government | |||
| • Governor | Manuel "Manoling" C. Ortega (NPC) | ||
| • Vice Governor | Aureo Nisce (NPC) | ||
| Area[1] | |||
| • Total | 1,497.70 km2 (578.27 sq mi) | ||
| Area rank | 68th out of 80 | ||
| Population (2010)[2] | |||
| • Total | 741,906 | ||
| • Rank | 37th out of 80 | ||
| • Density | 500/km2 (1,300/sq mi) | ||
| • Density rank | 10th out of 80 | ||
| Divisions | |||
| • Independent cities | 0 | ||
| • Component cities | 1 | ||
| • Municipalities | 19 | ||
| • Barangays | 576 | ||
| • Districts | 1st and 2nd districts of La Union | ||
| Time zone | PHT (UTC+8) | ||
| ZIP code | 2500 – 2520 | ||
| Dialing code | 72 | ||
| Languages | Ilokano, Pangasinan, Kankanaey, Ibaloi, Tagalog, English | ||
| Website | launion |
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La Union (Ilokano: Probincia iti La Union; Tagalog: Probinsya ng La Union; Pangasinan: Luyag na La Union), is a province of the Philippines located in the Ilocos Region in the island of Luzon. The provincial capital is San Fernando City.
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.
Contents
History[edit]
La Unión, "The Union" in Spanish, was formed in 1850 when the Spanish colonial government of Governor-General Antonio Maria Blanco merged the three southern towns of Ilocos Sur province, the nine northern towns of Pangasinan, and the western towns of Benguet to the east (Eastern Pais del Igorotes in the Cordilleras). Pangasinenses were the majority in the new province because most towns had been in the Province of Pangasinan.
On October 29, 1849, Governor General Claveria issued a "promovido" to fuse the Pangasinan-Ilokos-Cordillera areas into "La Union". On March 2, 1850, Governor General Antonio Maria Blanco signed the Superior Decreto of La Union (34th province from Cebu-1565), with Captain Toribio Ruiz de la Escalera as the first Gobernador Military y Politico. Isabella II of Spain decreed the province's creation on April 18, 1854. In 1661, Andres Malong (Pangasinan) failed to recover La Union from the Spaniards after the Battle of Agoo.[3] In 1896, the people of La Union began a revolt against the Spanish, who had called La Union “Una Provincia Modelo", ed by Manuel Tinio Y Bondoc under Emilio Aguinaldo. The Americans collaborated with the Filipinos to end the Spanish.
Dr. Lucino Almeida became the Presidente Provincial of the American regime, followed by the election of La Union’s first Civil Governor in 1901, Don Joaquin Joaquino Ortega, Grandfather of Governor Manuel C. Ortega. 9 Governors succeeded Don Joaquin before 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 and Bernardo Gapuz, 1940. Gov. Bernardo Gapuz (1940), Gov. Jorge Camacho (1941-1942) and Gov. Bonifacio Tadiar (1942-1944) thereafter succeeded these 9.[4]
On January 4, 1945, La Union was liberated by the Battle of San Fernando and Bacsil Ridge. Agaton Yaranon, 1946-1947 was succeeded by Governors: 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 and Manuel C. Ortega, 2007–present.[3]
Geography[edit]
Physical[edit]
La Union is 273 kilometres (170 mi) north of Metro Manila and 57 kilometres (35 mi) northwest of Baguio City. The land area of the province is 149,770 hectares (370,100 acres).[1]
Like most of the 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[edit]
La Union is politically subdivided into 19 municipalities and 1 component city,[5] all of which are organized into two legislative districts.[6]
Table Legend:
† Provincial capital and component city
Municipality
| Municipality or city |
Legislative district[6] |
Land area (km2)[6] |
Population (2010)[5] |
Pop. density (per km2) |
No. of barangays |
ZIP code | Income class |
Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Agoo | 2nd | 52.84 | 60,596 | 1146.8 | 49 | 2504 | 1st | |
| Aringay | 2nd | 84.54 | 44,949 | 531.7 | 24 | 2503 | 2nd | |
| Bacnotan | 1st | 76.60 | 40,307 | 526.2 | 47 | 2515 | 1st | |
| Bagulin | 2nd | 107.33 | 12,590 | 117.3 | 10 | 2512 | 5th | |
| Balaoan | 1st | 68.70 | 37,910 | 551.8 | 36 | 2517 | 1st | |
| Bangar | 1st | 37.36 | 34,522 | 924 | 33 | 2519 | 3rd | |
| Bauang | 2nd | 73.15 | 70,735 | 967 | 39 | 2501 | 1st | |
| Burgos | 2nd | 70.80 | 7,850 | 110.9 | 12 | 2510 | 5th | |
| Caba | 2nd | 46.31 | 21,244 | 458.7 | 17 | 2502 | 4th | |
| Luna | 1st | 42.90 | 35,380 | 824.7 | 40 | 2518 | 3rd | |
| Naguilian | 2nd | 104.60 | 48,407 | 462.8 | 37 | 2511 | 1st | |
| Pugo | 2nd | 62.84 | 16,518 | 262.9 | 14 | 2508 | 5th | |
| Rosario | 2nd | 73.98 | 52,679 | 712.1 | 33 | 2506 | 1st | |
| San Fernando † | 1st | 102.72 | 114,963 | 1119.2 | 59 | 2500 | 3rd | |
| San Gabriel | 1st | 129.87 | 16,628 | 128 | 15 | 2513 | 4th | |
| San Juan | 1st | 57.12 | 35,098 | 614.5 | 41 | 2514 | 2nd | |
| Santo Tomas | 2nd | 64.00 | 35,999 | 562.5 | 24 | 2505 | 4th | |
| Santol | 1st | 93.70 | 12,007 | 128.1 | 11 | 2516 | 4th | |
| Sudipen | 1st | 97.59 | 16,531 | 169.4 | 17 | 2520 | 4th | |
| Tubao | 2nd | 50.75 | 26,993 | 531.9 | 18 | 2509 | 4th | |
| La Union Total[A] |
1st - 2nd | 1,497.70 | 741,906 | 495.4 | 576 | 2500 – 2520 | 1st[A] |
- A All total figures include the component city of San Fernando[1]
Barangays[edit]
La Union has a total of 576 barangays comprising its 19 municipalities and 1 city.[5]
The most populous barangay in the province is Sevilla in the City of San Fernando with a population of 10,612 in the 2010 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 170.[5]
Demographics[edit]
| Population census of La Union | ||
|---|---|---|
| Year | Pop. | ±% p.a. |
| 1990 | 548,742 | — |
| 1995 | 597,442 | +1.61% |
| 2000 | 657,945 | +2.09% |
| 2007 | 720,972 | +1.27% |
| 2010 | 741,906 | +1.05% |
| Source: National Statistics Office[2] | ||
The province is predominantly Ilokano (over 90% based on recent census data) and Roman Catholic. Minority communities of Pangasinense live in the south of the province, Igorots in the Cordillera foothills, and Tagalog people in urban areas. In September 2012, the province of La Union passed an ordinance recognizing Ilokano (Iloko) as an official provincial language, alongside Filipino and English, as national and official languages of the Philippines, respectively. It is the first province in the Philippines to pass an ordinance protecting and revitalizing a native language. San Fernando City serves as the administrative, educational, and financial center of the region.
Economy[edit]
La Union is known for its softbroom industry. The economy is diversified with service, manufacturing, 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.
The main livelihood of the people are: hand-woven blankets (Inabel), softbrooms, baskets, pottery, rice wine (tapuey), sugarcane wine (basi), sugarcane vinegar, wood craft, bamboo craft, native rice cakes, antique-finish furniture, dried fish, honey, and mushroom.
Education[edit]
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.[7][8]
Tourism[edit]
La Union is the surfing capital of Northern Luzon. Tourism to the province is driven by airlines and passenger coach bus lines like regionally owned Farinas Transit Company, Viron Transit, Dominion Bus Lines and Partas.
Tourists often flock to the beaches of Bauang, or to the more secluded ones further north for snorkeling, surfing or other water sports; the more northerly beaches near San Juan specifically cater to both local surfers as well as portions of the world surfing circuit.
Natural Sceneries[edit]
- La Union Surfing Area in San Juan
- Beaches
- La Union Centennial Tree in Bacnotan
- Bolikewkew Rice Terraces in Burgos
- Amburayan River
- Bambana Natural Cove Formation in Bacnotan
- Tapuacan River
- Arosip Ecotrail in Bacnotan
- La Union Botanical Garden
Historical[edit]
- La Union Provincial Capitol in San Fernando City
- Baluarte Watch Tower in Luna
- Pindangan Ruins in San Fernando City
- Centennial Tunnel in Aringay
- World War II Vintage Canon
- Bacsil Ridge.[9]
Religious[edit]
- Ma-Cho Temple
- Basilica Minore of Our Lady of Charity in Agoo
- Our Lady of Namacpacan in Luna
- Cathedral of St. William the Hermit
- St. Christopher Parish in Bangar
- St. John the Baptist Parish
- Sts. Peter & Paul Parish in Bauang
- St. Michael, the Archangel Parish
Structures[edit]
- Museo de Iloko in Agoo
- Museo de San Juan
- Thunderbird Resorts (Philippines)
- Freedom Park /Heroes Hill
- Poro Point Boardwalk
- La Union Medical Center in Agoo
- Eagle of the North Park in Agoo
- Imelda Garden in Agoo
- Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers
- Hanging Bridge in Bagulin
Provincial Government and politics[edit]
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 branch.
The executive branch is composed of the governor for the provinces, mayor for the cities and municipalities, and the barangay captain for the barangays.Local Government Code of the Philippines, Book III, Department of Interior and Local Government official website.
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 Sanguniang 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[edit]
La Union is governed by Manuel C. Ortega, the Chief Executive, his Vice-Governor, Aureo Augusto Nisce and 13 Board Members.[10]
Court system[edit]
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 over-all jurisdiction in the populace of the province and towns, respectively.[11]
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;[12]
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.
Notable people[edit]
- Diego Silang (1730–1763) - was a revolutionary leader
- Luna Brothers (Juan Luna and Antonio Luna) - Their mother is a native of Luna, La Union
- Magnolia Antonino (1915–2010) - was a Senator of the Philippines
- Camilo Osias (1889–1976) - was a Filipino politician, twice for a short time President of the Senate of the Philippines.
- William Penn Duvall (1847–1920)
- Bryan Termulo (born 1988) - his mother is from San Fernando, La Union
- Gloria Diaz (born 1951) - Miss Philippines 1969, Miss Universe 1969
- Vice Ganda (born 1976) - Actor, host, singer and comedian. His mother is from La Union
- JB Magsaysay (born 1980) - Pinoy Big Brother (season 1) housemate; Actor, public servant and businessman
- Jessica Soho (born 1964) - broadcast journalist
Image gallery[edit]
References[edit]
- ^ a b c "List of Provinces". PSGC Interactive. Makati City, Philippines: National Statistical Coordination Board. Retrieved 30 July 2013.
- ^ a b "Population and Annual Growth Rates for The Philippines and Its Regions, Provinces, and Highly Urbanized Cities" (PDF). 2010 Census and Housing Population. National Statistics Office. Retrieved 30 July 2013.
- ^ a b La Union Profile: La Union History - Province of La Union :: Official Website
- ^ La Union Profile: Gallery of Governors - Province of La Union :: Official Website
- ^ a b c d "2010 Census of Population and Housing: Total Population by Province, City, Municipality and Barangay:as of May 1, 2010" (PDF). National Statistics Office (Philippines). Retrieved 18 October 2014.
- ^ a b c "Province: La Union". Philippine Statistics Authority - National Statistical Coordination Board. Retrieved 1 January 2015.
- ^ La Union Profile: Quick Facts - Province of La Union :: Official Website
- ^ La Union Profile: Educational Services - Province of La Union :: Official Website
- ^ Tourism - Province of La Union :: Official Website
- ^ Government: Elected Officials - Province of La Union :: Official Website
- ^ Philippine Laws, Statutes And Codes - Chan Robles Virtual Law Library
- ^ THE JUDICIARY REORGANIZATION ACT OF 1980 (B. P. BLG. 129) - CHAN ROBLES VIRTUAL LAW LIBRARY
External links[edit]
| Wikimedia Commons has media related to La Union. |
- Official Website of the Provincial Government of La Union
- Philippine Standard Geographic Code
- Philippine Census Information
- History of La Union
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Ilocos Sur | |||
| South China Sea | Benguet | |||
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| Lingayen Gulf | Pangasinan |
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