Bagulin, officially the Municipality of Bagulin (; ), is a landlocked, Highland municipality in La Union, Philippines. According to the , it has a population of people.

Bagulin is well-known for its broom-making industry, particularly its high-quality soft brooms.

Etymology

The name Bagulin originates from a local folklore about Bago and Ulin. According to folklore, Bago, an Igorot highlander, traveled westward from the uplands after observing a bluish crystal near the coast. Upon reaching the area, he encountered Ulin, a lowland maiden, who was struggling in the waves. Displaying courage, Bago rescued her, and the two fell in love.

Despite their cultural differences and the disapproval of Ulin's family, Bago and Ulin eloped and settled in the area now known as Bagulin. They had a son, whom they named Bagulin, combining their names as a symbol of their union. This milestone recognized Bagulin as the 20th municipality of La Union, solidifying its place in the province's history.

| date = 26 April 2020

Demographics

Based on the 2020 census data from the Philippine Statistics Authority, the municipality of Bagulin has a total population of 14,428 individuals. 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.

Ethnicity and language

Bagulin is predominantly home to Indigenous Peoples (IPs), specifically the Bago and Kankanaey groups, who make up 85% of the total population, amounting to 11,539 individuals. 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.

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.

Education

The Bagulin Schools District Office governs all private and public schools within the municipality of Bagulin. It oversees the management and operations of all educational institutions.

The municipality has 13 public elementary schools and 5 public secondary schools.

Primary and elementary schools

  • Alibangsay Elementary School
  • Baay Integrated School
  • Bagulin Central Elementary School
  • Cambaly Elementary School
  • Cardiz Elementary School
  • Dagup Integrated School
  • Libbo Elementary School
  • Lower Wallayan Elementary School
  • Papayo Elementary School
  • Pila Elementary School
  • Sinabugan Elementary School
  • Tagudtud Elementary School
  • Tio-angan Elementary School
  • Upper Wallayan Elementary School

Secondary schools

  • Baay Integrated School
  • Cambaly National High School
  • Dagup Integrated School
  • Suyo National High School
  • Tagudtud National High School

Economy

Agriculture

Bagulin’s economy is primarily driven by agriculture, with residents cultivating a variety of crops such as rice, corn, vegetables, root crops, and fruit-bearing trees like mangoes and bananas. The town’s cooler climate also supports the growth of highland crops, including cabbage, carrots, snap beans, potatoes, and taro. Livestock farming, particularly poultry, pigs, and cattle, supplements local incomes, further diversifying the town’s agricultural base.

Industries

Bagulin is renowned for its soft broom industry, producing brooms made from tiger grass, which is abundant in the town. This product has gained recognition as a local specialty and serves as the town’s "One Town, One Product" (OTOP). In addition to soft brooms, Bagulin is also known for producing tapuy, a traditional rice wine, as well as basketry made from bamboo and wood carving. These industries highlight the town’s rich craftsmanship and agricultural heritage, contributing to its unique cultural identity and local economy.

Government

Local government

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.

Elected officials

<!--NOTE: Update needed by June 30, 2022 after oath-taking of the declared winners in the May 9, 2022 local elections.-->

{| class="wikitable" style="line-height:1.20em; font-size:100%;"

|+ Members of the Municipal Council<br>(2019–2022)

|-

! Position

! Name

|-

| Congressman

| style="text-align:center;" | Sandra Y. Eriguel

|-

| Mayor

| style="text-align:center;" | Virgilio C. Flor

|-

|Vice-Mayor

| style="text-align:center;" | Jaime A. Lictao

|-

|rowspan=8| Councilors

| style="text-align:center;" | Ferdinand D. Tumbaga

|-

| style="text-align:center;" | Eduardo R. Compas

|-

| style="text-align:center;" | Warton E. Sacpa

|-

| style="text-align:center;" | Joel E. Nang-is

|-

| style="text-align:center;" | Natalia R. Mazon

|-

| style="text-align:center;" | Robeo B. Sallatic

|-

| style="text-align:center;" | Prescila D. Dumaguing

|-

| style="text-align:center;" | Juanito C. Badbadaoi

|-

|}

National Cultural Treasure

The town is home to one National Cultural Treasure of the Philippines, which is the Burial Caves of Sitio Alabok in Barangay Cambaly.

<gallery widths="200" heights="150">

File:FvfBagulin0115 39.JPG|Municipal hall

File:FvfBagulinLU0279 07.JPG|Police station

File:FvfBagulinLU0279 25.JPG|Landscape

File:FvfBagulinLU0076 24.JPG|Street view

File:FvfLaUnion0031 19.JPG|Welcome Arch

File:FvfBagulin0115 37.JPG|Town Proper

File:FvfBagulinLU0076 10.JPG|Tiger grass, used for making soft brooms

File:FvfBagulinLU0279 04.JPG|Town Plaza

File:FvfBagulinLU0241 19.JPG|Bagulin River

</gallery>

References

  • Municipality of Bagulin
  • [ Philippine Standard Geographic Code]
  • Philippine Census Information
  • Local Governance Performance Management System