La Union Travel Guide

La Union is located in the southwestern part of Region I and stretches over a length of 102 kilometers from North to South between 120 decree 16' and 120 decree 35' longtitude and 160 decree15' latitude.

It is bounded on the north by Ilocos Sur, on the south by Pangasinan, on the east by Benguet, and on the west by the China Sea.

La Union has 19 municipalities and 1 city which are subdivided into 576 barangays. 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.  

Climate

The climate condition prevailing in La Union is dry from November to April and wet from May to October. The southwest monsoon brings about the abundant rainfall experienced during the wet season. The relatively dry season is caused by the northeast monsoon passing over the Cordillera Mountains. The average temperature is 27.21 decree celcius.

Population
 

Population of the province in 1990 was 584,742 with a density of 368 persons for every square kilometer. The population is concentrated in the coastal municipalities. The capital town of San Fernando registered the most with 84,949. The preliminary population count in 1995 recorded a 2.02% increase in the population of La Union while San Fernando increased by 7.71%.

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 Kankaney. English and Filipino remain as basic tools of instruction in schools.

Major Industries

The biggest Cement Industry of the North is located in Bacnotan. It is formerly known as Bacnotan Cement Corporation now Holcim AG. But, agriculture remains to be the primary industry. Cottage industries are blanket weaving, basketry, bamboocraft, pottery, and broommaking. Commercial activity consists mostly of wholesale and retail business. 

Natural Tourist Attractions

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

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.