Bagulin, officially the Municipality of Bagulin (Ilocano: Ili ti Bagulin; Filipino: Bayan ng Bagulin), is a landlocked municipality in La Union, Philippines, classified as a 5th class municipality. As of the 2020 census, it has a population of 14,428 residents. Bagulin is well-known for its broom-making industry, particularly its high-quality soft brooms.
The municipality is situated 21 kilometers (13 miles) from the provincial capital San Fernando City, and 290 kilometers (180 miles) from Metro Manila.[3]
Etymology
The name "Bagulin" is derived from the combination of the terms "Bago" and "Ulin." According to local legend, an Igorot named Bago was intrigued by a bluish crystal visible from the uplands. One day, he journeyed westward and reached the shore, where he discovered a beautiful young woman drowning in the waves. Familiar with swimming in rivers and streams, Bago swiftly came to her rescue. This encounter marked the first meeting between Bago, the courageous highlander, and Ulin, the lowland maiden. They soon fell in love, sharing dreams of their future together and discussing wedding plans. Unfortunately, Ulin's parents did not approve of their relationship. Nevertheless, the couple eloped and settled in what is now known as Bagulin. They had a son, whom they named Bagulin, after their own names. Bagulin grew up to become the first and most esteemed chieftain of the community known as "Allabok". Under his leadership, Allabok engaged in tribal warfare, achieving several victories. He was revered as a noble leader throughout his life, and after his passing, the residents, in collaboration with the Spanish authorities, decided to name the community in his honor.[5]
History
In its early history, the town traces its origins to the settlements of the Igorot people, predominantly the Kankanaeys, renowned for their prosperous agricultural practices and vibrant animistic culture, which reflect their profound ancestral heritage. By the mid-18th century, the municipality formed part of the township of Allabok, located on the moderate slopes of the mountains overlooking the South China Sea. The community was actively engaged in trade, exchanging commodities such as gold, rice, jars, wax, and woven products with neighboring groups, including the Ilocanos, Ibalois, and Pangasinans, as well as distant traders from Japan and China. The town's name is derived from a tribal leader named Bagulin, who played a significant role in a tribal war in which Allabok was involved. Under Bagulin’s leadership, the community attained several victories, and he was held in high esteem as a noble leader until his death. Subsequently, the residents, with the concurrence of the Spanish authorities, resolved to name the town in his honor.[5]
The significant transformation of Bagulin began in 1903 during the American colonial period, when a parliamentary government was instituted. This change paved the way for the establishment of institutional facilities, heralding a new era for the community marked by the introduction of education. A bamboo community hall with a cogon grass roof was constructed, symbolizing this progress. At that time, Bagulin was placed under the jurisdiction of the Mountain Province, a sub-province of Benguet. The community was subsequently relocated to Picdel, a narrow valley strip along the Naguilian-Bagulin River, providing a more suitable environment for settlement and development.
By 1918, a pivotal agreement between Governor Guzman of the Mountain Province and Governor Pio Ancheta of La Union led to Bagulin’s designation as a municipal district of Burgos within La Union, marking a significant step in its governance structure. In 1922, the Mountain Province officially relinquished Bagulin to La Union, although it continued to function as a municipal district for several more decades.
The administrative landscape of Bagulin underwent further changes in 1928 when the community center was relocated to a nearby settlement known as Suyo, which is now the present-day Poblacion. The former community center, named Nangalisan meaning “an abandoned place” in Ilocano, was left behind as settlers from Naguilian, primarily Ilocanos, moved in to improve Suyo. During this period, a bamboo chalet was constructed to serve as the administrative hall, housing a simple governance structure that comprised a mayor, a secretary-treasurer, and a policeman. This laid the groundwork for future local governance and community organization.
The long-awaited transition to full municipal status came on June 25, 1963, when Bagulin was officially converted into a regular municipality by virtue of Executive Order No. 42, issued by President Diosdado Macapagal. This momentous decision recognized Bagulin as the 20th municipality of La Union, solidifying its place in the annals of the province's history. This transition marked a new chapter in Bagulin's development, enabling it to pursue further growth and self-governance as a thriving municipality within La Union.[5]
Geography
Bagulin is situated in the eastern part of La Union, bordered by the San Gabriel to the north, City of San Fernando to the west, Burgos to the south, Naguilian to the southwest, and Kapangan, Benguet to the east. This highland municipality is characterized by its mostly hilly and mountainous, forested terrain. The Naguilian River runs through the town, and access to the lower-lying municipalities is primarily via the Naguilian-Bagulin Road. The town is accessible by vehicles and other common modes of transportation through Naguilian.
Barangays
Bagulin is divided into 10 barangays, each consisting of puroks, and some also include sitios, with most classified as rural based on the 2020 census. Each barangay is governed by a Barangay Chairman along with its Councilors. The youth are represented by the Sangguniang Kabataan, with its Councilor responsible for addressing youth-related concerns.[6]
Based on the 2020 census data from the Philippine Statistics Authority, the municipality of Bagulin has a total population of 14,428 individuals.[3] This equates to a population density of 130 residents per square kilometer (340 per square mile), with an average density of 159.3 inhabitants per square kilometer. The population is distributed between 7,564 males and 6,861 females, revealing a slightly higher proportion of males in the area.
In terms of age structure, the population is broken down into three major groups: 27.7% (4,002 individuals) belong to the younger age group of 0-14 years old, indicating a relatively youthful population. The majority of the population, 65.4% (9,438 people), fall within the working-age group of 15-64 years old, which is a significant proportion of the population and reflects the labor force potential of the municipality. Meanwhile, the elderly population aged 65 and above accounts for 6.8% (985 individuals), a smaller yet important demographic group. Notably, the age group with the highest concentration is 10-19 years old, comprising 2,697 individuals, indicating a substantial number of adolescents and young adults in Bagulin.[12]
Ethnically, Bagulin is predominantly home to Indigenous Peoples (IPs), specifically the Kankanaey group, who make up 85% of the total population, amounting to 11,539 individuals.[13] This cultural distinction highlights the deep-rooted indigenous heritage and traditions within the community. The languages commonly spoken in Bagulin include Iloco and Kankanaey, reflecting the cultural diversity and multilingual nature of the municipality.
In terms of religion, Roman Catholicism is the dominant faith in the area, underscoring the strong Catholic influence on the town’s social and cultural life. The religious landscape is an integral aspect of the town's identity, shaping community events, traditions, and social practices.
Economy
Bagulin, La Union's economy is largely driven by agriculture, with residents cultivating crops such as rice, corn, vegetables, and fruit-bearing trees like mangoes and bananas. Highland crops, including sweet potatoes and taro, also thrive in the town's cooler climate. In addition to farming, livestock production, particularly poultry, pigs, and cattle, provides supplemental income. One of Bagulin’s major products is the soft broom, made from tiger grass, which is widely produced and recognized as a local specialty. The town's natural landscapes have spurred the growth of eco-tourism, attracting visitors for hiking and other outdoor activities. Despite these strengths, Bagulin faces challenges, including limited infrastructure and market access. However, efforts are underway to boost agriculture, support small businesses, and promote tourism to drive economic growth.
According to the 2024 DTICities and Municipalities Competitive Index, Bagulin presents a mixed performance in economic and infrastructure indicators. In terms of Economic Dynamism, the town ranks well in Employment Generation, securing the 20th spot among 5th to 6th class municipalities, signaling effective job creation. It also ranks moderately in Cost of Living (50th), reflecting its affordability. However, the town ranks lower in Active Establishments (161st) and Local Economy Growth (99th), indicating fewer businesses and slower economic expansion.[14]
On the infrastructure front, Bagulin excels in Education and LGU Investment, both ranked 9th, showcasing strong local government investment in these areas. Additionally, its Health Infrastructure ranks 14th, highlighting another strength. Despite these successes, the town struggles with Distance to Ports (142nd) and Availability of Basic Utilities (222nd), suggesting challenges in accessing essential services and transportation, which may hinder business operations and overall development.
Bagulin, belonging to the second 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.
La Union, officially the Province of La Union, is a coastal province in the Philippines situated in the Ilocos Region on the island of Luzon. The province's capital, the City of San Fernando, is the most populous city in La Union and serves as the regional center of the Ilocos Region.
Aringay, officially the Municipality of Aringay, is a second class municipality in the province of La Union, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 50,380 people.
San Fernando, officially the City of San Fernando, is a 3rd class component city and the capital of the province of La Union, Philippines. It is a coastal city consisting of fifty-nine (59) barangays and covers an area of 105.26 square kilometers. According to the 2020 census, the city has a population of 125,642. San Fernando serves as the gateway to trade and commerce to the North and the culture and heritage of Ilocandia.
Adams, officially the Municipality of Adams, is a 5th class municipality in the province of Ilocos Norte, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 2,189 people.
Alilem, officially the Municipality of Alilem, is a 4th class municipality in the province of Ilocos Sur, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 7,361 people.
Caoayan, officially the Municipality of Caoayan, is a 4th class municipality in the province of Ilocos Sur, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 19,574 people.
Gregorio del Pilar, officially the Municipality of Gregorio del Pilar is a 5th class municipality in the province of Ilocos Sur, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 4,472 people.
Santa Cruz (, officially the Municipality of Santa Cruz, is a 1st class municipality in the province of Ilocos Sur, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 41,366 people.
Sigay, officially the Municipality of Sigay, is a 5th class municipality in the province of Ilocos Sur, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 2,552 people, making it the least populated municipality in the province.
Suyo, officially the Municipality of Suyo, is a 4th class municipality in the province of Ilocos Sur, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 10,766 people.
Tagudin, officially the Municipality of Tagudin, is a 2nd class municipality in the province of Ilocos Sur, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 41,538 people.
Balaoan, officially the Municipality of Balaoan, is a 1st class municipality in the province of La Union, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 40,339.
Burgos, officially the Municipality of Burgos, is a 5th class municipality in La Union, Philippines, named after the Filipino martyr Father Jose Burgos. It is the least populated municipality in the province, with a population of 9,006 according to the 2020 census. The town is known for its production of colored soft brooms made from tiger grass.
Naguilian, officially the Municipality of Naguilian, is a 1st class municipality in the province of La Union, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 52,189 people.
Luna, officially the Municipality of Luna, is a 3rd class municipality in the province of La Union, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 37,318 people.
San Gabriel , officially the Municipality of San Gabriel, is a 4th class municipality in the province of La Union, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 18,943 people.
San Juan, officially the Municipality of San Juan, is a 2nd class municipality in the province of La Union, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 40,507 people.
Santol, officially the Municipality of Santol, is a 4th class municipality in the province of La Union, Philippines. According to the 2024 census, it has a population of 5,381 people.
Sudipen , officially the Municipality of Sudipen, is a 4th class municipality in the province of La Union, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 17,187 people.
Naguilian, officially the Municipality of Naguilian, is a 4th class municipality in the province of Isabela, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 33,788 people.
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