History
The City of San Fernando, the heart of La Union and its capital since 1850, is a progressive center that serves as a melting pot of history, culture, and modern development. Founded in 1786 and named after King Ferdinand of Spain, the city traces its roots to a coastal settlement called Pindangan, an Ilocano word meaning "a place for sun-drying fish," formed when two vulnerable communities moved inland to escape pirate raids and attacks from the mountains. A local priest later suggested renaming the town San Fernando, honoring both the Spanish king and himself, Fr. Fernando Rey.
From this beginning rose a community shaped by resilience, having faced anti-Spanish revolts, American occupation, and fierce resistance during World War II. In 1998, San Fernando was granted cityhood through Republic Act 8509, becoming the first city in La Union and the administrative capital of Region I. Today, it stands as a growing destination known for attractions such as the Pindangan Ruins, La Union Botanical Garden, and Ma-Cho Temple.
Profile
San Fernando City is a 24-hour major transit point as well as origin and destination of buses plying the Manila to Laoag City route. It is very accessible due to its strategic location. Commuters and motorists will find their visit relaxing, thanks to its excellent roads and bridges. Only 270 kilometers north of Metro Manila, or a five to six-hour drive by land, it hosts the majority of national government agencies as the administrative capital of Region I.