Bacnotan

Bacnotan, officially the Municipality of Bacnotan (Ilocano: Ili ti Bacnotan; Filipino: Bayan ng Bacnotan), is a coastal municipality in the province of La Union, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 44,388 people.
The name Bacnotan is derived from the hispanized Iloco word "bakunutan" or "basnótan", which translates to "to flog" or "to whip" in English. Historically, the area was a vast expanse of wilderness inhabited by a group of natives governed by a rudimentary form of leadership. At one point, the town fell under the rule of a despotic chieftain who wielded absolute authority over his constituents. Under his oppressive regime, disobedience to his decrees was met with severe punishments, including public flogging.
After enduring years of tyranny, the people rose against their chieftain, ultimately overthrowing him and subjecting him to the same punishment he had inflicted upon them. He was flogged to death by his own people. The act of flogging, expressed in the local dialect as bakunutan, became a defining moment in the community's history. The term bakunutan eventually evolved into a colloquial byword among the inhabitants and inspired the name of the settlement.
During the Spanish colonial period, the name Bakunutan was hispanized to Bacnotan, a modification reflected in official documents preserved in the National Archives in Manila. This etymology highlights the enduring legacy of the community's resistance and the transformative power of unity in shaping its identity.
During its early history, the town was a settlement of early Ilocanos, known as Samtoy, who practiced animistic culture and traditions. These early inhabitants actively engaged in trade with neighboring maritime regions in Southeast Asia, including the Pangasinenses to the south, the Igorots in the highlands, and even Chinese and Japanese traders. The exchange of goods included gold, silk, porcelain, earthen jars (burnay), honey, beeswax, and other items.
In 1572, Spanish forces led by conquistador Juan de Salcedo arrived at the settlement after landing in Dalandan (now San Juan). However, they did not remain long and continued their expedition northward to "pacify the people" in those areas.
By 1599, the town of Bacnotan was formally established as part of the Ilocos province and was initially named “Bakunutan.” During the administration of Governor-General José Basco in 1785, Bacnotan became part of Pangasinan. When the province of La Union was created in 1850, Bacnotan was among the first 12 towns that constituted the newly formed province.
Historically, Bacnotan was a vast wilderness inhabited by native people governed by a rudimentary system. At one point, the town was ruled by a despotic chieftain who exerted absolute control over his constituents, with severe punishments, including flogging, meted out for disobedience. After enduring years of tyrannical rule, the people revolted, overthrowing and flogging the chieftain to death. The term "basnutan," meaning "to flog" in the local dialect, became a common expression among the inhabitants and eventually inspired the town's name. During the Spanish colonial period, the name was modified to "Bacnotan," as evidenced by historical documents preserved at the National Archives in Manila.
In October 1849, Governor-General Narciso Clavería issued a decree creating La Union province by merging towns from Pangasinan, Ilocos Sur, and the Cordillera (La Montañosa). This was formalized on March 2, 1850, by Governor-General Antonio María Blanco, with Bacnotan, as one of the founding towns. The province’s creation was confirmed by Queen Isabella II on April 18, 1854.
The town's history is linked with the deeds of heroic men who fought, bled, and died for their own native land. At the turn of the century, during the Spanish–American War, Dumarang (now known as Quirino), was a scene of carnage and plunder.
American forces led by General Samuel Baldwin Marks Young in pursuit to Emilio Aguinaldo set foot on La Union soil on November 20, 1899, Filipino guerrillas were prepared for action, with the town becoming a center of resistance led by Guerrilla Unit No. 3 under the leadership of Captain Angeles Bunder General Manuel Tinio. The unit operated in Bacnotan and nearby areas, including San Juan, Santol and Balaoan. These guerrilla efforts played a crucial role in resisting American forces and defending the town's autonomy during the conflict.
By 1901, La Union including the town was fully under American control. Throughout the American colonial government, they introduced several public services in the area. A public education system was established, with American teachers known as Thomasites sent to assimilate Filipinos into American culture. Public hospitals were also built, and a local governance system was introduced, allowing Filipinos to elect their own leaders for the first time. These developments marked significant changes in Bacnotan's social, educational, and political landscape during the American occupation.
During the first days of World War II, invading Japanese forces reached Bacnotan on December 21, 1941 by Colonel Kanno and General Shizuichi Tanaka's detachments before invading the Lingayen Gulf
On January 4, 1945, the tides of war changed in La Union as Filipino and American soldiers captured the strategic Baroro Bridge in Bacnotan, which connects the rest of Northern Luzon to San Fernando. It was followed by the historic Battle of San Fernando and Bacsil Bridge. The victory ensured the liberation of La Union Province by joint Filipino and American troops at the end of World War II.
After the war, Bacnotan became the provisional seat of the provincial government, since San Fernando was then in ruins. As a consequence of this transfer, the La Union National High School was also moved to Bacnotan. When things went back to normal, the provincial government was again moved to San Fernando and the La Union National High School followed afterward. The transfer of the provincial high school in Bacnotan resulted in the establishment of the North Provincial High School (now Bacnotan National High School.)
In 1949, the vast mineral deposits of limestone used in portland cement production were noticed in Barrio Dumarang (now Quirino) by a mining engineer who was then a municipal councilor at that time. Because of the desire to create economic activity, the municipal council, through the efforts of this mining engineer, invited potential investors to set up a Portland cement plant. Within a year, a cement plant called Cebu Portland Cement (CEPOC), was established. On May 11, 1957, CEPOC, a government-owned corporation, was sold to the privately owned Bacnotan Consolidated Industries (BCI). BCI is the manufacturer of "Union Cement". In 2004, BCI was sold to Holcim Cement.
On June 18, 1960, the La Union Agricultural School was established. Nestling at the foot of the mountains of Barangay Sapilang, the agricultural school progressed and was later named Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University. Its campus occupies an area of about 6 square kilometers.
Bacnotan is a coastal municipality bordered to the north by the municipality of Balaoan, to the east by San Gabriel, to the south by San Juan, and to the west by the South China Sea. Situated 283 kilometers (176 miles) north of Metro Manila and 14 kilometers (8.7 miles) north of City of San Fernando, the provincial capital of La Union
The topography of the town is characterized by hilly and mountainous terrain rising gradually eastward. The western side of Bacnotan is defined by a long stretch of black sand beaches facing the South China Sea, indicative of the area's abundant magnetite deposits. Certain parts of the coastline also feature pebble and limestone formations. These beaches, which span approximately 16 kilometers, are well-suited for various recreational activities such as fishing, boating, swimming, snorkeling, diving, and surfing. While San Juan is widely known as a popular destination for serious surfers, the waves in Bacnotan's Quirino area have also gained recognition for being excellent for surfing.
The eastern boundary of Bacnotan is characterized by predominantly mountainous terrain forming part of the foothills of the Central Cordillera. This area features vast forests and rolling hills and serves as the home of indigenous groups, primarily the Bago and Kankanaey people. The region's natural resources and biodiversity contribute significantly to its cultural and environmental importance.
The Baroro River, located along the southern boundary of Bacnotan, is the town's primary waterway. This river supports various activities, including freshwater fishing, aquaculture, and recreation, while also contributing to the local ecosystem.
Bacnotan is politically subdivided into 47 barangays. Each barangay consists of puroks and some have sitios.
The climate in Bacnotan is dry from November to May and wet from mid-May to October. The south-west monsoon brings an abundant rainfall experienced during the wet season. The relatively dry season is caused by the north-east monsoon passing over the Cordillera Mountain Range. Average temperature is 27.2 °C (81.0 °F).
The household population of Bacnotan as of the 2020 Census of Population and Housing, was recorded at 44,374 persons. This figure reflects an increase of 2,420 individuals from the population of 41,954 recorded in 2015. The number of households in the municipality also rose significantly, reaching 11,675 in 2020, which was an increase of 1,712 from the 9,963 households recorded in 2015. The population density of Bacnotan is approximately 580 inhabitants per square kilometer, which is equivalent to 1,500 inhabitants per square mile. Sixty years ago, in 1960, the population of Bacnotan was recorded at only 15,859 persons, which was less than one-third of the population recorded in the 2020 Census.
Among the 41 barangays in Bacnotan, Barangay Poblacion was recorded as the most populous barangay, comprising 8.16 % of the total municipal population. Barangay Baroro was the second most populous barangay, contributing 6.59 % of the total population. Barangay Cabaroan followed, with a population share of 4.62 %, while Barangay Bitalag contributed 3.62 %, Barangay Tammocalao contributed 3.27 %, and Barangay Cabarsican contributed 3.15 % of the total population. The remaining barangays in the municipality each contributed less than 3.0 % to the total population.
Among these barangays, Barangay Bagutot was recorded as the least populated barangay in 2020, contributing only 0.59 % of the total municipal population. In the 2015 Census, Barangay Pang-pang was recorded as the least populated barangay, with a population share of 0.47 %.
The sex ratio in Bacnotan, La Union, remained consistent at 102 males for every 100 females in 2020. Of the total household population of 44,374 recorded in 2020, males accounted for 50.53 %, while females comprised 49.47 %. Among children aged 0 to 14 years, the sex ratio was recorded at 108 males for every 100 females. For the working-age population, or those aged 15 to 64 years, the sex ratio was recorded at 104 males for every 100 females. Among the elderly population, or those aged 65 years and over, the sex ratio was significantly lower, with only 65 males for every 100 females.
The median age of Bacnotan’s population increased to 30.37 years in 2020, up from 28.58 years in 2015, indicating an aging population.
The dependency ratio—the number of dependents (young and old) per 100 working-age persons—dropped from 51 in 2015 to 48 in 2020:
Of the household population aged 10 years and over in Bacnotan, 43.90 % were recorded as married. A total of 36.56 % of this population group were recorded as never married, with males comprising 54.64 % of the never-married population and females comprising 45.36 %. The percentage of the population who were widowed was recorded at 5.97 %, while 11.72 % of the population were in common-law or live-in arrangements. A total of 1.85 % of the population were recorded as annulled or separated.
The average household size in Bacnotan decreased from 4.2 persons in 2015 to 3.8 persons in 2020. The number of households in 2020 was recorded at 11,675, which was an increase of 1,712 from the 9,963 households recorded in 2015.
The 2020 Census of Population and Housing revealed that a total of 44,154 persons in Bacnotan had their births registered with the Local Civil Registry Office (LCRO). This figure represents 99.50 % of the total household population in the municipality in 2020. Among the population with registered births, males accounted for 50.56 %, or 22,323 individuals, while females comprised 49.44 %, or 21,831 individuals.
Bacnotan is served by the Bacnotan District Hospital, which was established in 1975. This hospital is the main healthcare facility in the municipality, providing medical services to residents.
The majority of the population in Bacnotan are Ilocano, with indigenous groups such as the Bago and Kankanaey residing primarily in the upland areas. Iloco is the primary language spoken in Bacnotan and serves as the official language of the province. English and Filipino are also commonly used in government, while English serves as the primary medium of instruction in schools.
The majority of Bacnotan’s residents identify as Roman Catholic. Various other Christian denominations, including Iglesia ni Cristo, Protestant groups, Aglipayan Church, Pentecostal and Jehovah’s Witnesses, also have a significant presence in the municipality. Smaller communities of individuals practicing Islam and Buddhism are also present.
Of the household population aged five years and over, 23.31 % had attended or completed elementary education. A total of 38.95 % of the population had reached or completed high school, while 10.36 % were college undergraduates. In addition, 18.06 % of the population had attained academic degrees. Among those with academic degrees, females comprised 57.42 %, while males made up the remaining 42.58 %. Among individuals who had pursued post-baccalaureate courses, females accounted for 64.00 %, while males comprised 36.00 %.
The literacy rate in Bacnotan was recorded at 99.42 % among the household population aged five years and over. The literacy rate among males was slightly higher at 50.35 %, compared to 49.65 % among females.
Bacnotan has 18 public elementary schools, 2 public secondary schools and 1 state university which is Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University which provide accessible education to its residents.
Public Elementary Schools in Bacnotan:
Public Secondary Schools in Bacnotan:
Poverty incidence of Bacnotan
Bacnotan a first-class income municipality in La Union, with a poverty incidence of 6.52%. In 2020, the municipality recorded a revenue of ₱236.5 million, assets of 1,216 million, expenditure of ₱ 201.5 million, and liabilities of 112.7 million. The economy of Bacnotan is primarily based on agriculture, fishing, industry, and tourism, with significant contributions from the manufacture of Portland cement.
Farming serves as the backbone of the town’s economy, with rice, tobacco, corn, and various fruits and vegetables as the main agricultural products. Fishing, particularly aquaculture, is also a vital economic activity, with the Baroro River supporting the cultivation of tilapia, hito (catfish), and bangus (milkfish), providing livelihood and sustenance for the community.
Bacnotan is recognized as the center of the beekeeping industry in La Union, and it is also known for its traditional products such as basi (sugarcane wine) and sukang Iloko (sugarcane vinegar). Other local industries include basketry and pebble extraction, which utilize the town’s abundant natural resources.
The presence of the Holcim Cement Factory underscores Bacnotan's role in the cement manufacturing industry, which leverages the extensive limestone deposits found in Quirino (formerly Dumarang). A mining engineer from Bacnotan also identified deposits of coal and traces of natural gas in the area, further highlighting the town's mineral wealth.
Tourism is an emerging economic driver, with Bacnotan’s natural attractions drawing visitors. Surfing has become increasingly popular, particularly near the Holcim Cement Factory, where a surfable break has been discovered. Although the sand bottom creates some inconsistency in wave quality, it is generally reliable for beginners learning the sport.
Surfing instructors from neighboring towns, such as Urbiztondo, often bring students to Bacnotan for lessons. However, the local surfing infrastructure remains underdeveloped, with no surfboard rental services currently available.
This diverse mix of agriculture, industry, and tourism continues to shape the economic landscape of Bacnotan.
Bacnotan, belonging to the first congressional district of the province of La Union, is governed by a mayor designated as its local chief executive and by a municipal council as its legislative body in accordance with the Local Government Code. The mayor, vice mayor, and the councilors are elected directly by the people through an election which is being held every three years.
Bacnotan has produced notable personalities in various endeavors. Some of them are as follows: