La Union is a province of the Philippines located in the Ilocos Region in Luzon. Its capital is San Fernando City and borders Ilocos Sur to the north, Benguet to the east, and Pangasinan to the south. To the west of La Union is the South China Sea.
photo by Flair Candy / CC BY 2.0
La Union is a Spanish term for “the union” or “the united”. No other name could apply more appropriately to this province which was born out of the fusion of towns from the provinces of Ilocos Sur, Pangasinan and Benguet. The province has more than 110 kilometers of coastline. The pristine waters of strategically located coastal municipalities make the province a major fishing ground and likewise a top destination for domestic and foreign visitors. La Union is famous for its year-round surfing spots, tree houses, beaches and other natural tourist attractions.
Political Subdivisions
La Union has nineteen (19) municipalities and one component city The northern towns of Sudipen, Bangar, Luna, Balaoan, Santol, San Gabriel, Bacnotan, San Juan and San Fernando City comprise the First District. Belonging to the Second District are Bagulin, Naguilian, Burgos, Bauang, Caba, Aringay, Agoo, Tubao, Sto. Tomas, Rosario and Pugo.
Language / Dialect
Ilocano is the common dialect. The residents of the coastal barangay of Sto. Tomas and Rosario also speak Pangasinense while the cultural communities in the towns bordering the Cordillera speak Ibaloi or Kankanaey. English and Filipino remain as basic tools of instruction in schools.
Economy
Agriculture remains to be the primary industry. Cottage industries are blanketweaving, basketry, bamboocraft, pottery and broommaking. Commercial activity consists mostly of wholesale and retail business.
Location Map
