In Naguillian, La Union

At The Vegetable Farm

picking eggplants

posing among bitter gourd vines, "ampalaya" in Filipino

Transportation

Air and Sea Transport

Land Transportation

Public Utility Jeepneys (PUJs) Public Tricycles Of The City

Maps

Beach Area Map

Beach Views

Canaoay Beach Poro Point Beach

Catbangen Beach

Overlooking Wallace Air Station

Overlooking The Sea Port

At Sunset

At Dawn

La Union Botanical Garden

Satellite Views

City Proper

Airport

Seaport

Poro Point

San Fernando Attractions

Beaches

Splendid beaches adorn the city’s coastline. It can be found in eleven of the coastal barangays of the city supplementing these are resorts and wide row picnic sheds.

La Union Botanical Garden

Location: Barangay Cadaclan, San Fernando City

The Garden is situated on a hilly twenty-hectare land, eight kilometers east form the city proper of San Fernando, La Union, with fully maintained concrete roads. The first of its kind in the Philippines, a scientific garden and the center for laboratory research in Northern Luzon was inaugurated on March 2, 1996.

The Garden as main tourist destination is meant to give an accurate impression of the various plant worlds, which grow in tropical, sub-tropical and desert climates. All plants are labeled in their local and scientific names with their origin. It is a country-style garden where plant life and wildlife, ornaments and oddments go hand in hand. The resulting harmony, together with the solitude and peace naturally give the Garden a great therapeutic effect * Shade Garden : displays the shade-loving plants
* Sunken Garden : which has natural terrain of the area
* Fragrance Garden : especially for the blind
* Children’s Garden : which has natural playground
* Medicinal Garden : where dozens of herbs and medicinal plants are cultivated and neatly arrange serves also as a butterfly sanctuary that can surely catch a visitor’s eye.
* Chinese Garden : with a complete scenery of ornamental plants which leads the way up to the White Garden and a View Deck.
* Banana Area and the Garden of Native species which all could be reached through the Mabolo Avenue, lined with opposite rows of Mabolo or Kamagong, (Diospyros philippinesis), a tree specie native to the Philippines.
* Japanese Garden : which gives fitting honor to the Japanese Peace Corp Volunteers, whom planted about 1,500 mango trees in the area about twenty eight years ago.
* Arid Paradise : where several species of cacti and succulents are found.
* Friendship Garden : located just above the Picnic Ground.
* Evergreen Garden
* Palmery
* Arid Collection
* Heliconia Collection
* Small Mulbery and Pineapple Plantations
* Mango Avenue and the Bambusetum : has at least 18 bamboo specieMango Avenue and the Bambusetum : has at least 18 bamboo specie.
* Aviary : where exotic birds like talking mynah, monkeys, eagles, iguana and other friendly animals were displayed.
* Doña Corazon Ortega Orchidarium : a place of different orchid specie.

Christ the Redeemer

Location: Barangay I (Reservoir Hill)

In grateful thanksgiving to the City of San Fernando and Province of La Union, of Congressman Victor F. Ortega and Former Mayor Mary Jane C. Ortega and their family, they personally commissioned the 25 foot statue of Christ the Redeemer at Reservoir Hill, overlooking the city proper and San Fernando Bay.

This was inspired by statue of Christ the Redeemer of former Undersecretary Jose “Peping” Mabanta whose wife Belle, that he put up in his retirement home in Pililla, Rizal, similar to that in Brazil. The Ortega family thought it would be good to have similar statue at Bacsil Ridge but Mr. Mabanta suggested that it is better to put up the statue near the city proper. When Mr. Juan Go heard about this, he offered his lot for free. Mr. Juan Go and family donated the 100 sq. meter area on which the statue stands. Having a common dream, a dream of leaving a landmark that would express their gratitude for the love and support from our community.

Kasay Marine Sanctuary

• 30 hectares Kasay MPA- area designated in Barangays San Vicente and Canaoay for the rehabilitation and replenishment of fishery and other coastal resources
• 100 out of 400 coral species in the Philippines are found in the Kasay MPA
• 70-100 years olds coral growth
• Estimated 50 years old giant clam (Tridacna gigas) was found in the MPA
• Location: Barangay Canaoay

Children's Park

Location: Barangay II (City Plaza)

Engineered Sanitary Landfill

Location: Barangay Mameltac)

• 10.6 hectares landfill facility with the following features:
• 3 cells ( good for 15 years )
• leachate collection system
• wastewater treatment system
• material recovery facility
• low cost liner facility

Poro Poimt Special and Freeport Zone formerly Wallace Air Station

Location: Barangay Poro

EVENTS AND FESTIVALS

Annual City Fiesta - Date: February
The city celebrates the feast of its patron saint, Saint William the Hermit, on February 10 with much merrymaking that lasts for about a month.

Bacsil Ridge Celebration - Date: March 19
To commemorate the bravery of the Filipinos during the Battle in Bacsil Ridge in the year 1945 that led to the complete liberation of the town.

Pindangan Festival - Date: March 20
The celebration of the Founding Anniversary of San Fernando as a City ratified during a plebiscite on March 20, 1998 subsequent to Republic Act 8509, authored by then Gov. Victor F. Ortega, converting the municipality into a component city of La Union on February 13 that same year.

Ma-tzu Festival -Date: September 16
September is the feast of the Lady of Caysasay, patroness of the Filipino-Chinese, whose image journeys annually from Batangas and is enshrined at the Ma-cho Temple. TRADE FAIRS

• Rimat ti Amianan Date: December Venue: In front of the City Hall
• City Agri-Trade Fair Date: February Venue: In front of the City Hall
• Baratillo sa San Fernando Date: February Venue: Around the City Market
• Provincial Agri-Trade Fair Date: March Venue: In front of the City Hall
• Night Market Date: Every weekend Venue: In front of the City Hall

La Union Tourist Attractions and Activities

Historical Sites

Bacsil Ridge
Located 9 kilometers northeast of San Fernando town proper through the San Fernando-Bagulin Road, Bacsil Ridge was the last bastion of the retreating Japanese Imperial Army in the province. Later, the Ridge constituted the East Flank of the 121st Infantry of the United States Armed Forces in the Philippines, Northern Luzon (USAFIP, NL) during the Liberation in 1945.

Wallace Air Station
These 101 hectares of base land located at the end of Poro Point in San Fernando were acquired in 1903 for the United States Cavalry. It was the home of the 848th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron which provided logistics and administrative support to other radar detachments under its chain of command. Formally turned-over by the United States to the Republic of the Philippines on September 16, 1991, the Bases Conversion Development Authority is overseeing the plans for the conversion of the area into a prime tourism and industrial estate.

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
Built as a tribute to the heroism of the soldiers who fought during the last World War, the marker stands at the junction leading to the Poro Point.

Battle of San Fernando Marker
Situated at the northwestern portion of the Town Plaza, inscribed as an account of how the Battle was started and won, enabling the establishment of the United States Army Base at Poro Point, which was eventually used as a build up area for the projected invasion of Japan. San Fernando is 264 kilometers north of Manila.

Luna Watchtower
This rotund structure built along the shore in Luna during the pre-Spanish time was used as lookout point for impending attacks by pirates.

Baroro Bridge Marker
The siege of Baroro in Bacnotan started the operation to liberate San Fernando. This marked the first victory of the Luzon Guerillas over a Japanese armed unit before the American Liberation forces landed on Luzon. The marker stands at the southern approach of the bridge approximately 14 kilometers north of San Fernando.

USAFIP, NL Military Shrine and Park
Camp Spencer, the general headquarters of the USAFIP, NL located along Darigayos Cove in Luna, is reserved as a Military Shrine and Park by virtue of Proclamation 590 signed by President Fidel V. Ramos on June 1, 1995. Darigayos is approximately 34.2 kilometers north of San Fernando accessible through the Bitalag Junction in Bacnotan or through Balaoan.


Cultural Heritage

Museo de La Union
Located at the Provincial Capitol ground in San Fernando, the Museum showcases archaeological finds in La Union during the pre-Spanish period. The Museum is open on Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturday visit is by arrangement.

Pottery-making
Clay products are on display and produced in Taboc, San Juan utilizing the same age-old procedure in pottery-making. Taboc is about 9 kilometers away from San Fernando City.

Blanket-weaving
This age-old practice of weaving wider Ilocano blankets is a prime home industry in Bangar. Rayon, cotton and polyester combination, and the “tinagudan” are yarns used in the weaving of blankets and other products.

Basi-making
Basi, the Ilocano native wine concocted from sugar cane juice and bark of “duhat” tree for the coloring, is a home industry in Lioac, Naguilian. Utilizing the age-old process, the taste of the basi differs from one producer to another.

Museo de Iloko
The old “presidencia” of Agoo houses artifacts and other pieces of cultural importance to the Ilocanos. The Museum is open from Monday to Friday at 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturday visit is by arrangement.


Natural Formations

Bauang Beach
Lined along the fine grayish sand of Bauang Beach from Baccuit to Pagdalagan are establishments providing accommodation and other amenities. The beach is 6 kilometers south of San Fernando.

San Francisco-Canaoay-Pagudpud Beach
Tourism-related establishments dot the beach area in San Fernando.

San Juan Beach
Approximately 8 kilometers north of San Fernando, the beach stretching from Urbiztondo to Ili Norte is dotted with tourism-related establishments. The surf in the area is ideal for amateur surfing during the months of November to February.

Agoo-Damortis National Seashore Park
Declared as a National Park, the beach stretching from Sta. Rita, Agoo up to Damortis, Rosario is proposed for development as a tourist destination in La Union.


Religious Structures

Shrine of Our Lady of Charity
The Agoo Basilica enshrines the miraculous image of Our Lady of Charity. This imposing structure of Mexican-Baroque architecture is the venue of religious rites, foremost of which is the Semana Santa.

Shrine of Our Lady of Namacpacan
The century-old church of St. Catherine in Luna, formerly called Namacpacan, houses the miraculous image of Our Lady of Namacpacan, patroness of Ilocano travellers. The shrine is located at the town proper of Luna, approximately 40 kilometers northwest of San Fernando.

Agoo Apparition Site
The much publicized divine visitations of the Virgin Mary in San Antonio have established Agoo as a destination of Marian devotees.

Macho Temple
This Chinese temple believed to be the only one built with five gates sits on a promontory north of the town proper of San Fernando and overlooks the San Fernando Bay. The temple enshrines the image of the Virgin of Caysasay, the patroness of the Filipino-Chinese residents.


Man-Made

La Union Botanical and Zoological Garden
Located in Sitio Japan, Cadaclan, San Fernando, La Union. Showcased are the following: Shade Garden, Sunken Garden, Medicinal Garden, Chinese Garden, Japanese Garden, Evergreen Garden, Arid Paradise, Fragrance Garden, Fernery and Palmery.


Festivals

Agoo Semana Santa (Holy Week)
In the oldest town of La Union, the life-size statues depicting the Stations of the Cross are pulled by devotees along the processional roads during the Good Friday procession. During the Holy Week, the town people of Agoo come up with religious activities to make the occasion more meaningful and sacred.

Feast of Our Lady of Caysasay
An annual activity in La Union held every December. Sports activities, beauty contest, and painting contest are among the featured events visitors enjoy. It is also a time to give importance to Filipino balikbayans through free tours and a balikbayan night.

San Fernando City Fiesta
The city of San Fernando is the center of festivities on February 6 to 12 to honor St. William, the Hermit.

Rambak
The upland municipality of Bagulin offers trails and sites for trekking. Its terrain is predominantly hilly and mountainous with second growth forests and traversed by the winding Bagulin-Naguilian River. One passes through geological formations, scenic spots and some areas which are being threatened by environmental degradation. Trekking time starts in October. Other sites recommended for trekking activities are the Bebeco, Condura and Dacanay Reforestation in Sto. Tomas, Rosario and Pugo, respectively.


Special Interests

Surfing
The surf fronting Monaliza in Urbiztondo, San Juan is the best site for board surfing from November to February. Surf boards can be hired at the Surf Camp nearby. Other recommended sites are in Carlatan and Wallace in San Fernando.

Trekking
Large flat reef at 40 feet with sharp drop-offs to the north and west sides characterize the Fagg Reef located at 330 degrees, approximately 2 miles from the tip of Poro Point. The best area is to the north, drop in and drift with the current to the north where the coral heads are big enough for 10 divers to crawl under. Sharks, barracuda, sea snakes, Moray eels, and other friendly sea creatures adorn the area where visibility is excellent most of the time.

Scuba Diving - Fagg Reef
This is, without doubt, the most famous site in the area. Situated a 40 min boat trip away from La Union, the reef is actually part of the shelf that marks the divide between The Lingayan Gulf and The South China Sea. The site may also be referred to as The Tanks as three WW2 M10 tanks were dropped off a barge at the end of the war and came to rest on a ledge part of the way down the drop-off at 39m. As a result, they have become home to a wide and diverse range of marine life.

Scuba Diving Research Reef
Adjacent to the Bauang Beach, the Research Reef has several tunnels, caverns, and crevices. Beginners must beware of narrow caverns that extend quite far.

source: Department of Tourism

History

The City of San Fernando is situated in the mountainous area at almost the mid-section of La Union along the China Sea. It was founded in 1786 and made the “cabecera” or provincial capital on the same day that La Union became province in 1850.

During the Spanish times, a settlement was a place where there were about 200 families. Around this area, there were two settlements, San Vicente de Balanac and San Guillermo de Dalangdang, San Vicente de Balanac was along the coast and during summer, when the sea was calm and perfect for sailing, pirates would come and plunder the settlement, taking along with them the women and children leaving behind them a trail of blood. San Guillermo de Dalangdang, however, was at the foothills of the Cordillera mountains, and during summer, when the fire trees were in bloom, the populace was attacked by headhunters who saw in the red flowers of fire trees, a sign of the gods asking for human offerings.

In 1759, an Augustinian priest, Father Jose Torres, convinced the two settlements to come together to a place not so near the sea and not so near the mountains so they will not be plagued by their annual problems. They chose the area called Pindangan, meaning, a place where they dry fish and in this place, they built in a church with San Guillermo the Hermit as the patron saint. In 1765, the newly assigned priest, however, suggested to the inhabitants that they change the name of Pindangan to San Fernando, after the Catholic King of Spain, retaining San Guillermo as their patron saint. The name of the parish priest was Father Fernando Rey, Rey being the Spanish word for King. This was also the time of Diego Silang, and as we know, Silang would travel to and from Manila on his white horse and was killed on May 28, 1763. When an earthquake destroyed the church at Pindangan, renamed San Fernando, the parish priest decided not to rebuild in the same place because during the rainy season, the church was transferred until it found its present place, and it is now called the Cathedral of St. William the Hermit, of the Diocese of San Fernando, La Union.

On May 1786, the Ministerio de San Fernando was established. However, due to lack of priests during the period 1792 to 1831, San Fernando became a “visita” of Bauang and San Juan. In 1831, Father Juan Sorolla, the parish priest of Bauang in 1829, was assigned in San Fernando.

According to historical records, the construction of the present church started in 1817 by Father Simon Torrado with Father Sorolla as its first parish priest.

San Fernando has grown slowly from the time it was founded. This slow growth maybe attributed to the fact that travels during those days was long and tedious. Sectionalism was rampant because education was not widely diffused. Intermingling of the people was limited to neighboring towns. Only the well-to-do and the powerful obtained their education and this too, was limited as it was then the policy of the Spaniards to deny education to the masses. In spite of this backward policy, the people improved economically, educationally and spiritually. An offshoot of this improvement was the revolt of the people against the Spaniards which assumed in greater proportions when the Spaniards became abusive. Although the people were subservient to the ruling power, there were fateful prohibitions that cut deep into the private life of the people which found outlet in the form of uprisings and occasional revolts to give vent to their pent-up emotions. The climax came in 1896 when the country was swept by a widespread revolt. In 1898, the Spanish garrison in San Fernando was attacked by Filipino insurgents under the leadership of General Manuel Tinio and Mauro Ortiz. In the end, the Filipinos prevailed over the Spaniards.

Then the Americans came. Spain fell in ruins, victims of her own greed and ambition. San Fernando experienced naval bombardment of the Americans as well as actual fighting on land when General Gregorio del Pilar commanded the rearguard of General Emilio Aguinaldo to cover the latter’s retreat. In a short while, Aguinaldo and his officers and soldiers were captured by the Americans. Peace and order were restored. A democratic form of government took the place of that once proud despotic government of Spain. The people of San Fernando took advantage of all the Americans could teach politically and economically. San Fernando progressed with the rest of the towns in the province.

In 1941, the Japanese came. Japanese planes bombed San Fernando. The guerillas of the 21st Infantry became active and engaged a do or die battle against the Japanese Imperial Forces. A bloody fighting took place in Barrio Bacsil until the town was liberated in 1945.

The destruction of property in San Fernando was appalling. Only few houses remained standing in what was once a thriving town of beautiful houses. Thus, from the nibbles of war, San Fernando rose until it became the administrative capital of Region I.

In May 14, 1996, the Sangguniang Bayan of San Fernando passed Resolution No. 20 requesting the House of Representatives, Congress of the Philippines for the conversion of the Municipality of San Fernando into a Component City. That time, the municipality of San Fernando had satisfactorily met the basic requirements for its conversion into Cityhood pursuant to the provisions of the Local Government Code 1991. In a certification issued by the Bureau of Local Government Finance, the average annual income of San Fernando for calendar years 1994, and 1995 based on 1991 constant prices was P 44,351,821.66. Further, in a certification by the Land Management Bureau of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the land area of San Fernando is 10,526 hectares, well above the minimum requirement of 10,000 hectares.

The Sangguniang Panlalawigan of La Union, after a comprehensive study and judicious evaluation of the petition of the Sangguniang Bayan of San Fernando, adopted Resolution No. 425-96 endorsing its cityhood bid to the House of Representatives, Congress of the Philippines.

Upon the sponsorship of the Congressman Victor F. Ortega (1st District- La Union) at the House of Representatives, House Bill 7594 (Act Converting the Municipality of San Fernando, La Union into a Component City to be known as City of San Fernando) was approved.

The petition was likewise approved at the Upper House through the sponsorship of Senators Vicente Sotto III and Juan Flavier. On February 13, 1998, Republic Act 8509 was signed into law by President Fidel V. Ramos and finally on March 20, 1998, the residents of San Fernando manifested their resounding YES in the Plebiscite that ratified said law, thus, the fulfillment of the dream for San Fernando to become a city.

Located some 8 kilometers from the city proper, on a forest mountain is nestled the La Union Botanical Garden – a green spot on the map that is probably the only one of its kind in the country. The 10 hectare garden located at Barngay Cadaclan is a display of varied species of living plants and a sanctuary of varieties of wild animals. Clean and green are the bywords of the garden which provide the visitors maximum satisfaction and a healthful promenade.

The City of San Fernando is now the seat of national government agencies in Region I and center of trade, commerce, financial and educational institutions, among others. From a deep rooted potential of stable community governance to the best gift of Mother Nature- a seaport community governance to the best gift of Mother Nature- a seaport responsive to international shipping, an airport with viable capacity to accommodate international air traffic, natural terrain conducive to tourism development and a people endowed with cultural and virtuous heritage of industry, spirituality, nationalism and aspiration for growth, peace and prosperity, the City of San Fernando has emerged as the booming Metropolis of the North.

LOCAL CHIEF EXECUTIVES (No records available from 1786-1894)

• 1895-1898 - Don Blas Tadiar
• 1899-1901 - Don Paulino Alviar
• 1901-1903 - Don Gaspar Flores
• 1904-1905 - Don Edilberto Aquino
• 1906-1907 - Don Francisco Z. Flores
• 1908-1909 - Don Urbano Martinez
• 1910-1911 - Don Jose Hidalgo
• 1912-1914 - Don Anastacio Casuga
• 1915-1918 - Don Juan Salanga
• 1919-1921 - Don Ulpiano Flores
• 1922-1928 - Don Pedro R. Flores
• 1928 (Mar-Oct) - Don Francisco Galvez
• 1928-1930 - Don Evaristo Galvez
• 1931-1933 - Don Angel Salanga
• 1934-1936 - Don Lauro Casuga
• 1936-1939 - Don Paulino Flores
• 1942-1944 - Don Juan Salanga
• Mar 1945-1946 - Don Modesto Aquino
• 1946-1955 - Don Lorenzo L. Dacanay
• 1956-1959 - Hon. Godofredo G. Rilloraza
• 1960-1971 - Don Lorenzo L. Dacanay
• 1972-1980 - Hon. Antonio Feraren
• 1980 (Jan-Mar 3) - Hon. Joaquin T. Ortega
• 1980 (Mar 3-Nov 30, 1987) - Hon. Justo O. Orros, Jr.
• Dec 2-6, 1987 - Hon. Rufo T. Colisao,OIC
• Dec 7, 1987- Feb 1, 1988 - Hon. Angel Salanga,OIC
• 1988-1998 - Hon. Manuel C. Ortega
• May 10 - June 30, 1998 - Hon. Benedicto Z. Rivera, OIC
• July 1, 1998 - 2007 - Hon. Mary Jane C. Ortega
• July 1, 2007 - present - Hon. Pablo C. Ortega

City Profile

POLITICAL BOUNDARIES
North	Municipality of San Juan
South	Municipality of Bauang
East	Municipalities of Bagulin and Naguilian
West	South China Sea
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS AND SUBDIVISIONS
Land Area	106.88 sq. km.
Climate	Wet and Dry Season
Number of Barangays	59
DEMOGRAPHICS
Population	115,494 *
Growth Rate	2.27%
Population Density	1,081 persons/sq.km
Households	24,139 **
Major Dialects/Languages	Ilocano, Filipino and English
Religion	Predominantly Roman Catholic
Literacy Rate	97.77%
EMPLOYMENT AND DEVELOPMENT FINANCE
Labor Force	29,937
Labor Force Participation Rate	54.22%
Employment Rate	94.73%
Poverty Incidence	14.60% ***
Classification	Class C Component City
Average Annual LGU Income	P 253,154,737.43
Number of Banks	31 (Rural Banks, Government and Universal Banks- including branches)
Number of Cooperatives	129
AGRICULTURE/FOOD SUFFICIENCY
Rice	29%
Fish	108%
Livestock	32%
Fruits	71%
Vegetables	97%
BUSINESS ESTABLISHMENTS
Trading	44%
Services	53%
Manufacturing	3%
INDUSTRIES	Commercial, Trading Center and Manufacturing
RESOURCES	Marine
TRADITIONAL PRODUCTS	Corn, rice, livestock, tobacco, vegetables, mango, marine and fresh water fish
INFRASTRUCTURE AND UTILITIES
Road Network	189.946 Kilometers ****
Bridges	39 bridges or 628.89 Lineal Meters ****
Airport	1 (Domestic)
Seaport	1 (International)
Power	all barangays electrified
Water	97.03% households with potable water; 1 water district
Telecommunication	100% postal and telegraph coverage; 11,404 telephone connections
SOCIAL SERVICES
Number of Hospitals / Clinics	5 (Government and Private)
Number of Schools	32 (Public) & 55 (Private)
TOURIST ATTRACTIONS	Botanical Garden, Bacsil Bridge, Pindangan Ruins, Macho Temple, Heroes’ Hill, Tomb of Unknown Soldier, Poro Point Board Walk
CITY FIESTA	January 28 to February 15
PATRONAL FIESTA	February 10 (St. William the Hermit)
Note: *	NSO Projection
**	PPDO Projection
***	NCSB
****	National, Provincial, Municipal and Barangay

Around The City

San Fernando Cityscape

City Plaza

Overlooking Quezon Avenue

CSI Mall in Biday