History
Bacnotan is one of the original twelve towns of La Union, officially joining the province upon its creation in 1850. First founded in 1599 as part of Ilocos Sur, Bacnotan later became part of Pangasinan in 1785 before transitioning to La Union.
Local lore suggests its name came from "bakunuttan," meaning "to flog," a term associated with the overthrow of a harsh tribal chieftain. Bacnotan played key roles in resistance efforts during both the Spanish-American War and World War II, notably at Baroro Bridge.
Post-war, the town briefly served as the provincial capital and became the site of major developments like the cement industry in Quirino and the founding of Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University in Sapilang, making Bacnotan a hub of education and industry in northern La Union.
Profile
Bacnotan is located 284 kilometers away from Manila. It is a major transit area for the Manila-Ilocos bus route 24/7. There are also jeeps and tricycles for short trips within the municipality.
Home to the National Apiculture Research, Training and Development Institute (NARTDI), it has made Bacnotan a pilot area for support, instruction, research and production on beekeeping. Based at the Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University (DMMMSU) Main Campus, it came into existence by virtue of RA 9151 which then La Union 1st District Congressman and former Governor Manuel C. Ortega authored. Also located at DMMMSU is the Sericulture Research Development Institute which produces quality silk.
In Barangay Carcarmay stands the towering La Union Centennial Tree which was planted way back in 1896 as certified by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
From December 27 to 30, the town celebrates its annual town fiesta which is highlighted by the Honey Festival. Parochial fiestas include September 29, feast of St. Michael the Archangel and May 1, feast of St. Joseph the Worker.
Quick facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Land area | 6,507 hectares |
| Population | 38,430 |
| Number of barangays | 47 |
| Classification | First Class Municipality |
| Average annual income | Php 60,335,000.00 |
Government
- HDHon. Divina C. Fontanilla
Mayor
- HFHon. Francisco Angelito L. Fontanilla
Vice Mayor
- HSHon. Sharon A. Fontanilla
Sangguniang Bayan Member
- HJHon. Jane Alminiana-Gonzales
Sangguniang Bayan Member
- HMHon. Michael U. Fontanilla
Sangguniang Bayan Member
- HGHon. Gregorio C. Oreiro
Sangguniang Bayan Member
- HTHon. Tomas Joaquin B. Ortega
Sangguniang Bayan Member
- HFHon. Federico R. Corpuz
Sangguniang Bayan Member
- HFHon. Franklin N. Almodovar
Sangguniang Bayan Member
- HCHon. Christopher F. Panelo
Sangguniang Bayan Member
- HMHon. Marvin B. Cardinez
Sangguniang Bayan Member
- HAHon. Aian Zedrick G. Fontanilla
Sangguniang Bayan Member
47 barangays
Bacnotan has 47 barangays.
- 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
- Nangalisan
- Nagatiran
- Nagsaraboan
- Nagsimbaanan
- Narra
- Ortega
- Paagan
- Pandan
- Pang-pang
- Poblacion
- Quirino
- Raois
- Salincob
- San Martin
- Santa Cruz
- Santa Rita
- Sapilang
- Sayoan
- Sipulo
- Tammocalao
- Ubbog
- Oya-oy
- Zaragosa
Festival
Named after the Ilocano word "diro," meaning honey, the Diro Festival symbolizes unity and community spirit in Bacnotan. It features street dances, civic parades, and cultural performances that showcase the town's colorful traditions and creativity. As one of Bacnotan's major celebrations, it brings the people of Bacnotan together in a shared expression of heritage and local pride.
The Feast of Saint Joseph the Worker is a significant religious occasion in Bacnotan that brings the community together in prayer and thanksgiving. Through a solemn Mass at the Saint Joseph the Worker Parish in Quirino, often led by the bishop, the celebration depicts the town's reverence for its patron saint, who serves as a role model of perseverance, labor, humility, and faith.
As one of the oldest towns in La Union, Bacnotan upholds the Feast of Saint Michael the Archangel as a long-standing Catholic tradition. Celebrations include a series of religious rites like Masses, processions, and devotional prayers dedicated to the archangel, revered as the town's heavenly guardian. The event draws families and parishioners together as an embodiment of its community connection and spiritual values. Over the years, the feast has become a meaningful expression of Bacnotan's faith.