Bacnotan

Bacnotan
Municipality
Municipality of Bacnotan
Bacnotan Municipal Hall, St. Michael the Archangel Parish Church & Town center
Flag of Bacnotan
Flag
Official seal of Bacnotan
Seal
Nicknames: 
Honey Capital of the North
Cement Capital of the North
Map of La Union with Bacnotan highlighted
Map of La Union with Bacnotan highlighted
Interactive map of Bacnotan
Bacnotan is located in Philippines
Bacnotan
Bacnotan
Location within the Philippines
Coordinates: 16°43′11″N 120°20′53″E / 16.719689°N 120.348086°E / 16.719689; 120.348086
CountryPhilippines
RegionIlocos Region
ProvinceLa Union
District 1st district
Founded1599
Barangays47 (see Barangays)
Government
 
 • TypeSangguniang Bayan
 • MayorFrancisco Angelito L. Fontanilla
 • Vice MayorDivina C. Fontanilla
 • RepresentativeFrancisco Paolo P. Ortega V
 • Municipal Council
Members
  • Jane A. Gonzales
  • Edijer F. Valmonte
  • Olga Jane C. Panelo
  • Virgilio C. Antolin
  • Franklin N. Almodovar
  • Francisco H. Fontanilla Jr.
  • Federico R. Corpuz
  • Tomas Joaquin B. Ortega
 • Electorate27,733 voters (2025)
Area
 • Total
76.60 km2 (29.58 sq mi)
Elevation
22 m (72 ft)
Highest elevation
238 m (781 ft)
Lowest elevation
0 m (0 ft)
Population
 (2024 census)
 • Total
45,203
 • Density590.1/km2 (1,528/sq mi)
 • Households
11,675
Economy
 • Income class1st municipal income class
 • Poverty incidence
5.28
% (2023)
 • Revenue₱ 391.8 million (2024)
 • Assets₱ 102.1 million (2024)
 • Expenditure₱ 303.5 million (2024)
 • Liabilities₱ 69.07 million (2024)
Service provider
 • ElectricityLa Union Electric Cooperative (LUELCO)
Time zoneUTC+8 (PST)
ZIP code
2515
PSGC
0103303000
IDD : area code +63 (0)72
Native languagesIlocano
Tagalog
Websitewww.bacnotan.gov.ph

Bacnotan, officially the Municipality of Bacnotan (Ilocano: Ili ti Bacnotan; Filipino: Bayan ng Bacnotan), is a municipality in the province of La Union, Philippines. According to the 2024 census, it has a population of 45,203 people.

Etymology

The name Bacnotan may come from the word "bakunuttan", which means "to flog".

History

Around 1571, the Spaniards occupied Ilokos Province. In February 2, 1818, the Real Cedula separated the region into two parts: Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur. Bacnotan is part of the Ilocos Sur around the time. Around 1846 to 1849, La Union was established, and that province included Bacnotan.

Geography

The Municipality of Bacnotan is surrounded by Balaoan from the North, San Gabriel from the east, and San Juan from the south, and West Philippine Sea from the west.

Barangays

As of 2020, Bacnotan is politically subdivided into 47 barangays. Each barangay consists of puroks and some have sitios.

  • Agtipal
  • Arosip
  • Bacqui
  • Bacsil
  • Bagutot
  • Ballogo
  • Baroro
  • Bitalag
  • Bulala
  • Burayoc
  • Bussaoit
  • Cabaroan
  • Cabarsican
  • Cabugao
  • Calautit
  • Carcarmay
  • Casiaman
  • Galongen
  • Guinabang
  • Legleg
  • Lisqueb
  • Mabanengbeng 1st
  • Mabanengbeng 2nd
  • Maragayap
  • Nagatiran
  • Nagsaraboan
  • Nagsimbaanan
  • Nangalisan
  • Narra
  • Ortega
  • Oya-oy
  • Paagan
  • Pandan
  • Pang-pang
  • Poblacion
  • Quirino
  • Raois
  • Salincob
  • San Martin
  • Santa Cruz
  • Santa Rita
  • Sapilang
  • Sayoan
  • Sipulo
  • Tammocalao
  • Ubbog
  • Zaragosa

Climate

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).

Climate data for Bacnotan, La Union
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Mean daily maximum °C (°F) 31
(88)		 31
(88)		 33
(91)		 33
(91)		 32
(90)		 31
(88)		 30
(86)		 30
(86)		 30
(86)		 31
(88)		 31
(88)		 31
(88)		 31
(88)
Mean daily minimum °C (°F) 21
(70)		 22
(72)		 23
(73)		 25
(77)		 26
(79)		 26
(79)		 26
(79)		 26
(79)		 25
(77)		 24
(75)		 23
(73)		 22
(72)		 24
(75)
Average precipitation mm (inches) 42
(1.7)		 48
(1.9)		 74
(2.9)		 110
(4.3)		 269
(10.6)		 275
(10.8)		 362
(14.3)		 325
(12.8)		 330
(13.0)		 306
(12.0)		 126
(5.0)		 61
(2.4)		 2,328
(91.7)
Average rainy days 11.2 12.0 17.1 21.2 27.1 26.8 28.1 27.0 26.0 24.5 17.7 12.4 251.1
Source: Meteoblue

Demographics

The household population of Bacnotan as of the 2024 Census of Population and Housing, was recorded at 45,203 people.

Population census of Bacnotan
YearPop.±% p.a.
1903 8,883—    
1918 11,619+1.81%
1939 11,678+0.02%
1948 13,793+1.87%
1960 15,859+1.17%
1970 21,031+2.86%
1975 23,126+1.92%
1980 24,800+1.41%
1990 29,568+1.77%
1995 32,634+1.87%
2000 35,419+1.77%
2007 38,743+1.24%
2010 40,307+1.45%
2015 42,078+0.82%
2020 44,388+1.13%
2024 45,203+0.44%
Source: Philippine Statistics Authority
Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University - North La Union Campus

Education

As of 2020-2021, in the public sector, there are 16 elementary schools, 1 public secondary school, and 1 public integrated school that offers K to 12 education. In the private sector, there are 2 private elementary schools and 1 private secondary school. There is 1 state university for higher education.

Economy

Poverty incidence of Bacnotan (%)

5
10
15
20
25
30
2000
23.56
2003
20.54
2006
18.60
2009
21.07
2012
8.95
2015
5.26
2018
1.46
2021
6.52
2023
5.28

Source: Philippine Statistics Authority

Government

Local government

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.[citation needed]

Elected officials

Members of the Municipal Council
(2019–2022)
Position Name
Congressman Pablo C. Ortega
Mayor Francisco Angelito L. Fontanilla
Vice-Mayor Divina C. Fontanilla
Councilors Jane A. Gonzales
Edijer F. Valmonte
Olga Jane C. Panelo
Virgilio C. Antolin
Franklin N. Almodovar
Francisco H. Fontanilla Jr.
Federico R. Corpuz
Tomas Joaquin B. Ortega

Notable personalities

Bacnotan has produced notable personalities in various endeavors. Some of them are as follows:

References

  1. ↑  Municipality of Bacnotan | (DILG)
  2. ↑ "2015 Census of Population, Report No. 3 – Population, Land Area, and Population Density" (PDF). Philippine Statistics Authority. Quezon City, Philippines. August 2016. ISSN 0117-1453. Archived (PDF) from the original on May 25, 2021. Retrieved July 16, 2021.
  3. ↑ "2024 Census of Population (POPCEN) Population Counts Declared Official by the President". Philippine Statistics Authority. 17 July 2025. Retrieved 18 July 2025.
  4. ↑ "881 Cities and Municipalities Recorded Poverty Incidence of 20 Percent or Lower in 2023". Philippine Statistics Authority. 6 February 2026. Archived from the original on 3 June 2026. Retrieved 7 February 2026.
  5. ↑ "Municipality of Bacnotan". Provincial Government of La Union. Retrieved 2026-03-30.
  6. ↑ "Bacnotan, La Union". Provincial Government of La Union. Retrieved 2026-03-30.
  7. ↑ Meimban, Adriel Obar (1997). La Union : the making of a province, 1850-1921. A.O. Meimban. ISBN 9789719183211.
  8. ↑ "La Union History". Provincial Government of La Union. Retrieved 2026-03-30.
  9. 1 2 "Luzon: Reg. I: Ilocos Region: La Union:". Philippine Tourism and Statistics. Retrieved 2026-03-31.
  10. ↑ "Bacnotan: Average Temperatures and Rainfall". Meteoblue. Retrieved 26 April 2020.
  11. ↑ "2024 Census of Population (POPCEN) Population Counts Declared Official by the President". Philippine Statistics Authority. 17 July 2025. Retrieved 18 July 2025.
  12. ↑ "2024 Census of Population (POPCEN) Population Counts Declared Official by the President". Philippine Statistics Authority. 17 July 2025. Retrieved 18 July 2025.
  13. ↑ Census of Population (2015). "Region I (Ilocos Region)". Total Population by Province, City, Municipality and Barangay. Philippine Statistics Authority. Retrieved 20 June 2016.
  14. ↑ Census of Population and Housing (2010). "Region I (Ilocos Region)" (PDF). Total Population by Province, City, Municipality and Barangay. National Statistics Office. Retrieved 29 June 2016.
  15. ↑ Censuses of Population (1903–2007). "Region I (Ilocos Region)". Table 1. Population Enumerated in Various Censuses by Province/Highly Urbanized City: 1903 to 2007. National Statistics Office.
  16. ↑ "Province of". Municipality Population Data. Local Water Utilities Administration Research Division. Retrieved 17 December 2016.
  17. ↑ "Masterlist of Schools" (PDF). Department of Education. January 15, 2021. Retrieved April 19, 2025.
  18. ↑ "Poverty incidence (PI):". Philippine Statistics Authority. Retrieved December 28, 2020.
  19. ↑ "Estimation of Local Poverty in the Philippines" (PDF). Philippine Statistics Authority. 29 November 2005. Archived from the original (PDF) on 3 February 2021. Retrieved 4 August 2012.
  20. ↑ "2003 Small Area Estimates of Poverty (Full Report)" (PDF). Philippine Statistics Authority. 11 March 2009. Archived from the original (PDF) on 21 May 2025. Retrieved 4 August 2012.
  21. ↑ "2006 City and Municipal Level Poverty Estimates". Philippine Statistics Authority. 3 August 2012. Archived from the original on 21 May 2025. Retrieved 4 August 2012.
  22. ↑ "PSA Releases the 2012 Municipal and City Level Poverty Estimates". Philippine Statistics Authority. 31 May 2016. Archived from the original on 21 September 2019. Retrieved 1 June 2016.
  23. ↑ "PSA Releases the 2015 Municipal and City Level Poverty Estimates". Philippine Statistics Authority. 10 July 2019. Archived from the original on 24 February 2020. Retrieved 11 July 2019.
  24. ↑ "PSA Releases the 2018 Municipal and City Level Poverty Estimates". Philippine Statistics Authority. 15 December 2021. Archived from the original on 15 January 2022. Retrieved 16 December 2021.
  25. ↑ "PSA Releases the 2021 City and Municipal Level Poverty Estimates". Philippine Statistics Authority. 2 April 2024. Archived from the original on 3 April 2024. Retrieved 3 April 2024.
  26. ↑ "881 Cities and Municipalities Recorded Poverty Incidence of 20 Percent or Lower in 2023". Philippine Statistics Authority. 6 February 2026. Archived from the original on 3 June 2026. Retrieved 7 February 2026.
  27. ↑ "2019 National and Local Elections" (PDF). Commission on Elections. Retrieved March 5, 2022.
  28. ↑ Bacnotan, PRA.gov.ph, Retrieved 17 March 2016