Luna, La Union

Luna Namacpacan
Municipality
Municipality of Luna
Santa Catalina de Alejandria Church and Baluarte Watch Tower
Flag Seal
Map of La Union with Luna highlighted
OpenStreetMap
Luna Location within the Philippines
Coordinates: 16°51′N120°23′E / 16.85°N 120.38°E / 16.85; 120.38
Country	Philippines
Region	Ilocos Region
Province	La Union
District	1st district
Named for	Juan Luna Antonio Luna
Barangays	40 (see Barangays)
Government   [1]
• Type	Sangguniang Bayan
•  Mayor	Rachel N. Pinzon
•  Vice Mayor	Oscar B. Reyes
•  Representative	Pablo C. Ortega
•  Municipal Council	Members Imee V. Villa Alex A. Nuval Teofilo A. Nievera Jr. Madonna A. Nera Delfin G. Canaoay II Robert Jeffrey N. Nobleza Albino N. Reyes Sr. Richard N. Flores
•  Electorate	25,135 voters (2022)
Area [2]
• Total	42.90 km2 (16.56 sq mi)
Elevation	10 m (30 ft)
Highest elevation	169 m (554 ft)
Lowest elevation	0 m (0 ft)
Population  (2020 census) [3]
• Total	37,318
• Density	870/km2 (2,300/sq mi)
•  Households	9,756
Economy
•  Income class	3rd municipal income class
•  Poverty incidence	8.73 % (2021) [4]
•  Revenue	₱ 127.2 million (2020)
•  Assets	₱ 243.8 million (2020)
•  Expenditure	₱ 147.4 million (2020)
•  Liabilities	₱ 36.95 million (2020)
Service provider
• Electricity	La Union Electric Cooperative (LUELCO)
Time zone	UTC+8 (PST)
ZIP code	2518
PSGC	013310000
IDD  :  area code	+63 (0)72
Native languages	Ilocano Tagalog
Website	www.luna.gov.ph

Luna, officially the Municipality of Luna (Ilocano : Ili ti Luna; Filipino : Bayan ng Luna), is a costal municipality in the province of La Union, Philippines, known for its pristine pebble beaches and historical sites. ^[5] According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 37,318 people. ^[3]

Etymology

The Town of Luna was formerly called Namacpacan. “Namacpacan” is an Iloco word which means “one who had given food.”

The town was named in honor of the Luna brothers, Antonio Luna, and Juan Luna whose mother, Laureana Novicio y Ancheta, was a native of the town. The surname Luna is of Latin origin, derived from the word lūna, meaning "moon," which symbolizes light and guidance. This etymology may be connected to the significant legacy and influence of the Luna family.

History

The early history of the town, traces back to the coastal cove area along the Darigayos, which was initially settled by the Samtoys (Ilocanos). In 1572, Spanish conquistador Juan de Salcedo arrived at a pristine, white bay area known as Purao (now part of Luna and Balaoan), which means "white" in Ilocano. Salcedo attempted to persuade the natives to pay tribute to Spain, but the locals resisted foreign rule. This led to a confrontation, resulting in the first bloodshed by the Ilocanos in defiance of the Spanish. The battle ended with the defeat of the natives, and in the aftermath, the river "Purao" was renamed "Darigayos"—a combination of the Ilocano words dara (blood) and ayos (flowed), signifying "where blood flowed." ^[6]

By 1578, the settlement became a visita of Purao, now part of Balaoan, and was located along the camino real, the main road connecting Vigan to Manila. Travelers often stopped to rest and refresh themselves, and local families offered food and shelter, leading to the area being known for hospitality. The settlement grew over time, and on November 25, 1690, Namacpacan was formally established as a town and parish, with St. Catherine of Alexandria as its patroness. Since then, the town's patronal fiesta has been celebrated every November 25. The original town site was located in Darigayos, near a small cove that served as a harbor for sea-going vessels. In 1741, the parish was moved to its current location. ^{[5] [7]}

The Our Lady of Namacpacan

Luna became well-known, especially among Catholic devotees, due to the miracles attributed to the image of Our Lady of Namacpacan. In 1871, a galleon traveling from Mexico to deliver a statue of the Blessed Virgin to the Immaculate Conception Seminary in Vigan sought shelter from a storm in Darigayos. Once the storm subsided, the galleon could not resume its journey because the sea became rough and unnavigable. The statue was brought to the local convent, and when attempts to move it failed, Fray Camilo Naves, an Augustinian priest, interpreted this as a sign that the Virgin wished her statue to remain in Namacpacan. The parishioners contributed generously, even selling portions of their fields, to raise funds for the purchase of the statue from Spain. An altar was built to house the statue of Our Lady of Namacpacan. ^[5]

On October 18, 1906, under the leadership of Governor Joaquin Luna and Namacpacan Mayor Primitivo Resurreccion Novicio, the town's name was officially changed from Namacpacan to Luna by virtue of Philippine Commission Act No. 1543. This was the first name change since the creation of La Union as a province in 1850. The change was made in honor of the Luna brothers—Antonio Luna, the general, and Juan Luna, the painter—whose mother, Doña Laureana Novicio Luna, was a native of the area. ^[5]

Darigayos Map circa 1902

During World War II, in the later stages of the Japanese occupation, the general headquarters of the United States Armed Forces in the Philippines, Northern Luzon (USAFIP-NL), was transferred from Alibangsay, Bagulin, to Darigayos. A military camp, named after Private Grafton Spencer of the United States Army, was established at Camp Spencer. It was here that the USAFIP-NL planned operations and strategies for the capture of General Yamashita. Camp Spencer also served as the site where Yamashita was held prisoner before his execution at the Los Baños Prisoner of War Camp. ^[5]

Additionally, Darigayos was the landing site for the United States Navy submarine USS GAR, which unloaded 25 tons of ammunition, arms, communication equipment, and supplies for the USAFIP-NL. This operation, coordinated by Major Parker Calvert of the USAFIP-NL in collaboration with Filipino-American forces and the people of Luna, took place just seven kilometers from a Japanese garrison in Balaoan. ^[5]

Geography

The municipality has a land area of 42.90 square kilometers (16.56 square miles), with a population density of 870 inhabitants per square kilometer (2,300 inhabitants per square mile). Luna is located 34 kilometers (21 miles) from the provincial capital, the City of San Fernando, and 303 kilometers (188 miles) from Manila. The town is bordered by Balaoan to the south and east, Bangar to the north, and the South China Sea to the west.

Barangays

Luna is politically subdivided into 40 barangays.  ^[8] Each barangay consists of puroks and some have sitios.

• Alcala (poblacion)
• Ayaoan
• Barangobong
• Barrientos
• Bungro
• Busel-Busel
• Cabalitocan
• Cantoria No. 1
• Cantoria No. 2
• Cantoria No. 3
• Cantoria No. 4
• Carisquis
• Darigayos
• Magallanes (poblacion)
• Magsiping
• Mamay
• Nagrebcan
• Nalvo Norte
• Nalvo Sur
• Napaset
• Oaqui No. 1
• Oaqui No. 2
• Oaqui No. 3
• Oaqui No. 4
• Pila
• Pitpitac
• Rimos No. 1
• Rimos No. 2
• Rimos No. 3
• Rimos No. 4
• Rimos No. 5
• Rissing
• Salcedo (poblacion)
• Santo Domingo Norte
• Santo Domingo Sur
• Sucoc Norte
• Sucoc Sur
• Suyo
• Tallaoen
• Victoria (poblacion)

Climate

Climate data for Luna, La Union
Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Year
Mean daily maximum °C (°F)	30 (86)	31 (88)	33 (91)	34 (93)	32 (90)	31 (88)	30 (86)	30 (86)	30 (86)	31 (88)	31 (88)	31 (88)	31 (88)
Mean daily minimum °C (°F)	20 (68)	21 (70)	23 (73)	25 (77)	26 (79)	26 (79)	25 (77)	25 (77)	25 (77)	23 (73)	22 (72)	21 (70)	24 (74)
Average precipitation mm (inches)	27 (1.1)	31 (1.2)	40 (1.6)	71 (2.8)	207 (8.1)	237 (9.3)	286 (11.3)	261 (10.3)	261 (10.3)	254 (10.0)	88 (3.5)	46 (1.8)	1,809 (71.3)
Average rainy days	9.4	9.3	12.7	17.0	25.4	26.8	27.4	26.1	25.0	21.0	15.5	10.6	226.2
Source: Meteoblue [9]

Demographics

Population census of Luna

Year	Pop.	±% p.a.
1903	11,116	—
1918	13,542	+1.32%
1939	14,624	+0.37%
1948	17,258	+1.86%
1960	18,595	+0.62%
1970	22,767	+2.04%
1975	24,065	+1.12%
1980	25,081	+0.83%
1990	28,308	+1.22%
1995	29,974	+1.08%
2000	32,259	+1.59%
2007	35,372	+1.28%
2010	35,380	+0.01%
2015	35,802	+0.23%
2020	37,318	+0.82%
Source: Philippine Statistics Authority [10] [11] [12] [13]

In the 2020 census, the population of Luna, La Union, was 37,318 people, ^[3] with a density of 870 inhabitants per square kilometre or 2,300 inhabitants per square mile.

Economy

The economy of Luna, La Union is primarily based on agriculture, with rice farming and fishing being the main sources of livelihood for its residents. Rice is cultivated two to three times a year in some areas, and in between cropping seasons, locals grow vegetables and root crops. Fishing, particularly along the coastal areas, is the second most important occupation, with various kinds of fish, seaweed, and shellfish found abundantly in Luna's seawater.

In addition to farming and fishing, Luna is known for its stone-picking industry, which serves as the primary source of income for 14 of its barangays. These stones are sold not only locally but also exported overseas.

The town also has a thriving small-scale industry producing traditional Ilocano products, including basi (sugarcane wine), sukang Iloko (sugarcane vinegar), and bugguong (fermented fish). Luna is also recognized for its famous Ilocano delicacies such as bibingka (rice cake) and tupig (grilled rice cake), which are popular among both locals and visitors. Additionally, the Damili (pottery) industry, producing clay products such as burnay (earthen jar) and dalikan (earthen stove), is active in Barangay Barrientos.

Tourism also plays a role in the local economy, with attractions such as the Bahay na Bato, Baluarte Watchtower and the Namacpacan Church drawing visitors to the town.

Poverty incidence of Luna

5 10 15 20 25 30 2006 23.50 2009 24.72 2012 12.07 2015 5.95 2018 3.25 2021 8.73 Source: Philippine Statistics Authority [14] [15] [16] [17] [18] [19] [20] [21]

Government

Local government

Main article: Sangguniang Bayan

Luna, 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.

Elected officials

Members of the Municipal Council
(2019–2022) ^[22]

Position	Name
Congressman	Pablo C. Ortega
Mayor	Gary N. Pinzon
Vice-Mayor	Romeo L. Resurreccion
Councilors	Decson C. Galvez
	Imee V. Villa
	Zaldy Ramirez
	Beverly M. Kim
	Albino N. Reyes Sr.
	Robert Jeffrey N. Nobleza
	Alex A. Nuval
	Richard N. Flores

Tourist attractions

Shrine of Our Lady of Namacpacan

Baluarte, an old Spanish watch tower

Luna is also known for its pebble beaches, particularly in Nalvo Sur and Darigayos. Beach shades, cottages and resorts are found in these barangays. The municipality is also known for its native delicacies and pottery products which are comparable to San Juan's.

The town is a pilgrimage site as it enshrines the Apo Baket Namacpacan, a wooden Marian image.

On the beach of barangay Victoria rests the ruins of an old Spanish watchtower, locally named as Balauarte. The tower was intended to guard the shores of the town primarily from Muslim and pirate attacks during the Spanish period. During World War II, the tower served as the communication tower post for a temporary airfield for the USAFIP-NL forces. Due to years of quarrying within the site of the tower (1980 to 2000), the coastline receded and sea waves severely damaged the foundation of the tower, which eventually caused major damage to its structure. At present, efforts were initiated to preserve the tower from further damage.

Education

Luna has Public Elementary schools in each barangay except Barangobong. There are 6 public high schools (Luna National Science High School - Central in Barangay Barrientos, LNHS - Rimos and Cantoria Annex; and Oanari National High School) Bungro-Sucoc Integrated School in Bungro, Luna Technical Vocational High School and 1 Private High School (Santa Catalina Academy).

Gallery

• 
  Municipal hall
• 
  Luna town center overlooking the Santa Catalina de Alejandria Church
• 
  Police station
• 
  Town center
• 
  Luna Sports Center
• 
  Street view

References

1.   Municipality of Luna | (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. Census of Population (2020). "Region I (Ilocos Region)". Total Population by Province, City, Municipality and Barangay. Philippine Statistics Authority . Retrieved 8 July 2021.
4. "PSA Releases the 2021 City and Municipal Level Poverty Estimates". Philippine Statistics Authority. 2 April 2024. Retrieved 28 April 2024.
5. "Luna, La Union - Provincial Government of La Union". Provincial Government of La Union. Archived from the original on 2024-04-25. Retrieved 2024-12-28.
6. "About CSF History". City Government of San Fernando, La Union. June 2019. Archived from the original on 2023-09-21. Retrieved 2024-12-28.
7. Mamaril, Vice. "PAGWANAWANAN: A GLIMPSE OF THE PAST". Provincial Government of La Union Website.
8. "Province: La Union". PSGC Interactive. Quezon City, Philippines: Philippine Statistics Authority . Retrieved 12 November 2016.
9. "Luna: Average Temperatures and Rainfall". Meteoblue. Retrieved 26 April 2020.
10. Census of Population (2015). "Region I (Ilocos Region)". Total Population by Province, City, Municipality and Barangay. Philippine Statistics Authority . Retrieved 20 June 2016.
11. 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.
12. 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.
13. "Province of La Union". Municipality Population Data. Local Water Utilities Administration Research Division. Retrieved 17 December 2016.
14. "Poverty incidence (PI):". Philippine Statistics Authority. Retrieved December 28, 2020.
15. "Estimation of Local Poverty in the Philippines" (PDF). Philippine Statistics Authority. 29 November 2005.
16. "2003 City and Municipal Level Poverty Estimates" (PDF). Philippine Statistics Authority. 23 March 2009.
17. "City and Municipal Level Poverty Estimates; 2006 and 2009" (PDF). Philippine Statistics Authority. 3 August 2012.
18. "2012 Municipal and City Level Poverty Estimates" (PDF). Philippine Statistics Authority. 31 May 2016.
19. "Municipal and City Level Small Area Poverty Estimates; 2009, 2012 and 2015". Philippine Statistics Authority. 10 July 2019.
20. "PSA Releases the 2018 Municipal and City Level Poverty Estimates". Philippine Statistics Authority. 15 December 2021. Retrieved 22 January 2022.
21. "PSA Releases the 2021 City and Municipal Level Poverty Estimates". Philippine Statistics Authority. 2 April 2024. Retrieved 28 April 2024.
22. "2019 National and Local Elections" (PDF). Commission on Elections. Retrieved March 5, 2022.

External links

• Philippine Standard Geographic Code
• Philippine Census Information
• Local Governance Performance Management System