Municipality of Agoo

Established in 1578, Agoo is considered the oldest town in La Union and was formerly part of Pangasinan. The town's name is believed to have come from the pine-like "aroo" trees that once lined its riverbanks.

Agoo played a significant role in early evangelization efforts in Northern Luzon, with Franciscan missionaries founding a church dedicated to St. Francis of Assisi. Over time, other religious orders such as the Augustinians contributed to the community's development by introducing education, religious practices, and construction techniques.

One notable religious structure is the church that was later elevated to the status of Basilica Minore of Our Lady of Charity in 1981. Agoo also witnessed conflict during the Japanese occupation in World War II, including tragic events in Barangay Macalva. In the postwar years, the town experienced continued growth and infrastructure development, supported by various civic leaders who helped promote its cultural and historical significance.

Like most of the LGUs in the Province located along the National Highway, Agoo, being a picture of sustainable progress and development, has become a town that never sleeps. Buses bound for Baguio City coming from Metro Manila, Western Pangasinan and Olongapo City and vice versa via Aspiras Highway have kept the Agoo Town Center busy 24 hours a day. Adding more economic activities are buses going to Ilocos Sur and Norte from Manila and back along the National Highway. Agoo is around 236 kilometers away from Manila, requiring about four and a half hours drive by land. Jeepney terminals located at the town proper offer transportation for those going to the interior areas of Tubao, Pugo and Santo Tomas towns. Its tricycles lined at the main town crossing also offer 24-hour transportation service.

While in Agoo, visitors can get a taste of the luscious Dinengdeng which is commonly sold in local eateries. To promote the Iloco delicacy, every 6th of May is designated as Dinengdeng Festival, where more than 100 recipes of the popular Iloco meal are showcased. A fast food chain, Filipino and Chinese restaurants, hotels and a shopping center are conveniently located in the Poblacion area to cater the needs of travelers and guests. For those who want to see more of Agoo, a number of resorts, mostly along the coastal barangays, Museo de Iloko, Eagle of the North, Plaza de la Virgen, Agoo People's Center and Square, and Plaza Tree House are highly suggested.

On top of being the Cleanest and Greenest Municipality of La Union in 2010, Agoo was also a recipient of the 2009 UNESCO Confucius Prize for Literacy Award for its Continuing Education and Lifelong Learning Programme.

Agoo's overall development may not be completed without mentioning the continuing devotion of the people to their faith. The countless miracle stories attributed to Apo Caridad which includes the dramatic rise of Agoo from the rubble of the July 1990 Killer Quake and religious structures such as Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto, Basilica of Our Lady of Charity and Plaza de la Virgen have made the town a major religious center of the north. Our Lady of Charity's feast day is celebrated every 4th of May.

Agoo has 49 barangays: