Pugo (), officially the Municipality of Pugo (; Pangasinan: Baley na Pugo; ), is a landlocked municipality in the province of La Union, Philippines. According to the , it has a population of people.

Etymology

Two prominent theories on the origin of the name "Pugo" is reflect both the natural environment and the linguistic heritage of the area.

left|thumb|205x205px|[[Quail bird locally known as pugo]]

The first theory traces the name back to the Spanish colonial period when the area, then known as Ranchería Tulosa, was a well-known hunting ground for the quail bird specifically the Luzon buttonquail (Turnix worcesteri), an endemic bird species locally called "pugo" in the Iloco language. These birds were abundant in the forested and grassy plains of the region, which attracted hunters. Over time, hunters began to refer to the area as Ranchería Pugo.

The second theory suggests that the name "Pugo" comes from the Pangasinan word meaning "islet." While the town itself is not an island, the term is thought to describe the large rock beds and boulders found in the Tapuacan River. These geological formations, resembling small islets, are a distinctive feature of the river that flows through the town, shaping its unique landscape.

History

Early history

The narrow plain along the Ifugao River, surrounded by the foothills of the Cordillera Central mountains, was home to an early settlement of indigenous peoples, primarily the Ibaloi. These people migrated from the inner parts of Benguet and formed small communities alongside the ethnic Pangasinan. The region thrived with a vibrant animist-pagan culture and religion.

The rivers in the area played a crucial role as pathways along the gold trail known as the Aringay-Tonglo-Balatok gold trail. The Ifugao River, in particular, flowed into a delta that led to a key trading settlement, Alinguey (now Aringay).

They settled, cultivated lands for agriculture, and improved the settlement. Intermarriage between the Ilocano settlers and the Pangasinan-speaking and other natives led to cultural assimilation, resulting in the population becoming predominantly Ilocanized in culture and language.

On October 1849, Governor-General Narciso Clavería issued a decree creating La Union province by merging towns from Pangasinan, Ilocos Sur, and the Cordillera (La Montañosa). This was formalized on March 2, 1850, by Governor-General Antonio María Blanco, with Ranchería Tulosa, a ranchería of San Isidro de Tubao and a barrio of Agoo and Aringay, as a founding town. The province’s creation was confirmed by Queen Isabella II on April 18, 1854.

By the 1880s, the Ranchería Tulosa, then part of Barrio San Isidro de Tubao and still a visita of Agoo, was known as a hunting ground for quail birds, locally referred to as pugo. By 1883, quail hunters renamed the area Ranchería Pugo due to the abundance of the bird. On July 20, 1885, Tubao was officially established as a town through a Superior Decreto by Governor Federico Francia, recognizing Tubao as the "nuevo pueblo de Tubao." During this time, Ranchería Pugo became a barrio under the jurisdiction of Tubao. Guerrilla Unit No. 5, under the leadership of Captain Santiago Fontanilla, operated in the area and its neighboring towns of Agoo, Aringay, Santo Tomas, and Rosario. On November 20, 1899, American forces led by General Samuel Baldwin Marks Young, the American commander in Northern Luzon, arrived in La Union. Guerrilla warfare ensued in pursuit of General Emilio Aguinaldo and his forces, leading to decisive battles in La Union, including in Pugo.

By 1901, La Union was fully under American control. In 1909, Barrio Pugo, together with seven other barrios (Ambangonan, Dagupan, Maoasoas, Enmistampa, San Luis, Cuenca, and Saytan), was annexed to Mountain Province as per Executive Order No. 11, with Barrio Pugo serving as the seat of government.

On February 4, 1920, Pugo, which was then a municipal district of Benguet, was restored to La Union, along with other barrios and sitios previously annexed to Mountain Province. This was in accordance with Section 2 of Act No. 2877, series 1920, enacted by the Philippine Senate and House of Representatives.

Geography

The Municipality of Pugo is an inland, landlocked town located at the foot of the Santo Tomas Mountain Range, along the southeastern side of La Union province. It is bordered by Tubao to the north and northwest, Rosario to the south and southeast, and Tuba to the east. Primarily an agricultural town, Pugo is rich in natural resources and scenic landscapes.

Pugo is situated from the provincial capital San Fernando, and from the country's capital city of Manila.

Topography

The town's topography is predominantly hilly and mountainous, as it is nestled at the foothills of the Mount Santo Tomas (Cordillera Central) a stratovolcano. Lush and peaceful forests cover much of the area, with the terrain rising gradually eastward. Rural areas in the town are characterized by alluvial plains. Pugo is traversed by several creeks, natural springs, and rivers, including the Ifugao (Aringay) River, Bued River, Nagbukel River, and Tapuacan River. The Tapuacan River, located in Barangay Cares, is renowned as the cleanest inland river in northern Luzon and the Ilocos Region.

Barangays

Pugo is politically subdivided into 14 barangays, which include both upland and lowland communities. Each barangay is further divided into smaller administrative units called "puroks," and some have "sitios" as well.

  • Ambalite
  • Ambangonan
  • Cares
  • Cuenca
  • Duplas
  • Maoasoas Norte
  • Maoasoas Sur
  • Palina
  • Poblacion East
  • Poblacion West
  • San Luis
  • Saytan
  • Tavora East
  • Tavora Proper

Climate

Pugo experiences a Type I climate as defined by the Köppen Climate Classification, which features a clear division between wet and dry seasons. The wet season typically starts around mid-May and continues until late October, while the dry season lasts from December through early May. Heavy rainfall is brought by the Southwest Monsoon (SWM) during the wet season, whereas the Northeast Monsoon (NEM) leads to drier conditions as it moves over the Cordillera Mountains.

Demographics

Based on the 2020 Census of Population and Housing, Pugo recorded a total population of 19,337 persons as of May 2020. This figure reflects a decrease of 353 persons compared to the 19,690 persons recorded in the 2015 Census.

The population decreased by an average of 4 persons per year for every 1,000 individuals, resulting in an annual population growth rate (PGR) of -0.38% from 2015 to 2020. In 2020, the household population was 19,333 persons, which was 303 persons lower than the 19,636 household population recorded in 2015.

Of the population aged 5 years and over in Pugo, 24.89% attended or completed elementary education, 43.96% completed high school, 10.52% were college undergraduates, and 13.27% were academic degree holders. Among those with academic degrees, 58.03% were females, and 41.97% were males. Similarly, more females (70.00%) than males (30.00%) pursued post-baccalaureate courses.

Primary and elementary schools

  • Ambalite Elementary School
  • Ambangonan Elementary School
  • Cuenca Elementary School
  • Maoasoas Elementary School
  • Maoasoas Elementary School - Annex
  • Palina Elementary School
  • Palina Elementary School - Annex
  • Pugo Central School
  • San Luis Elementary School
  • Tavora Elementary School
  • UCCP Nursery Kindergarten

Secondary schools

  • Cuenca National High School
  • La Union Special School for Culture and Arts
  • Maoasoas National High School
  • Pugo Central National High School
  • San Luis National High School
  • Saytan Integrated School

Economy

Pugo is a fifth-class income municipality in La Union, with a poverty incidence of 10.03%. In 2020, the municipality recorded a revenue of ₱110.2 million, assets of ₱449.1 million, expenditure of ₱74.32 million, and liabilities of ₱56.23 million. The town is steadily progressing by relying on agriculture, cottage industries, and services, while also embracing its potential as a gateway to eco-tourism and trade.

Agriculture

Pugo is widely recognized for its agricultural products, particularly rice, corn, tobacco, root crops, fruits, and vegetables. Agriculture remains the backbone of the local economy, with limited tracts of fertile land dedicated to crop production. Farmers in the area also practice diverse farming techniques to maintain sustainability and ensure a steady supply of produce for both local consumption and regional markets.

Livestock and Poultry

Livestock farming is a significant part of Pugo’s economy, where residents engage in raising various animals such as poultry, particularly quail eggs and meat, along with cattle, swine, carabao, and goats. The presence of small-scale livestock farms supports the local supply of meat, local dairy products, and other animal-based goods. The town’s livestock sector also plays a critical role in providing employment opportunities and contributing to local trade and commerce.

Industries

The town is renowned for its woodcarving industry, which produces high-quality furnishing products such as chairs, tables, cabinets, and home decor. This craft reflects the town’s long-standing tradition of woodworking, which has been passed down through generations. Additionally, basketry and the making of other woven products from bamboo also thrive in Pugo, where skilled artisans craft various items like baskets, bags, and mats. These industries not only contribute to the local economy but also attract interest from visitors and buyers from outside the region.

Small-Scale Businesses

Pugo’s economy is further supported by a range of small-scale businesses in the town proper, including retail stores, trading establishments, and a growing number of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). These businesses offer essential products and services to both residents and tourists, enhancing the town’s economic vitality. Many of these small businesses are family-owned and help stimulate employment, providing a steady income stream for local households..

Tourism

Pugo is also embracing its tourism potential with a focus on agri-tourism and eco-tourism. The town is home to notable tourist spots such as Tapuacan River, Kukukob Falls, and Sangbay Falls, which attract visitors seeking to experience nature and local agricultural practices. These attractions offer opportunities for sustainable tourism that benefit the local economy while preserving the environment.

Government

Local government

Just as the national government, the municipal government of Pugo is divided into three branches: executive, legislative, and judiciary. The judicial branch is administered solely by the Supreme Court of the Philippines. The LGUs have control of the executive and legislative branches.

The executive branch is composed of the mayor and the barangay captain for the barangays.Local Government Code of the Philippines, Book III, Department of the Interior and Local Government official website.

The legislative branch is composed of the Sangguniang Bayan (town assembly), Sangguniang Barangay (barangay council), and the Sangguniang Kabataan for the youth sector.

The seat of Government is vested upon the Mayor and other elected officers who hold office at the Pugo Town Hall. The Sangguniang Bayan is the center of legislation, stationed in Pugo Legislative Building.

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;" | Priscilla M. Martin

|-

|Vice-Mayor

| style="text-align:center;" | Jose B. Basallo

|-

|rowspan=8| Councilors

| style="text-align:center;" | Mixico V. Dulay

|-

| style="text-align:center;" | Michelle R. Boadilla-Lales

|-

| style="text-align:center;" | Winston C. Boado

|-

| style="text-align:center;" | Rex A. Fernandez

|-

| style="text-align:center;" | Juvenal R. Basallo

|-

| style="text-align:center;" | Bryan T. Balloguing

|-

| style="text-align:center;" | Armand H. Malamion

|-

| style="text-align:center;" | Rogelio E. Labayo

|-

|}

Tourism

thumb|Tapuakan River

thumb|Kultura Splash Wave

thumb|Holy Family Parish Church

Pugo promotes itself as the "Eco-adventure Destination of La Union", with attractions such as PUGAD (Pugo Adventure) and Kultura Splash Wave along Marcos Highway.

Nature and Man Made Adventure

With the opening of the PUGAD Pugo Adventure Park in Sitio Kagaling of Barangay Palina, the town now offers extreme adventure. It offers 3 Zip Lines with its famous 380 meters long 200 feet high Super Man Zip Line 1. It also has Swimming Pools, Cottages, Conference Halls, Hanging Bridge, Clean River, Rappeling Area, Wall Climbing, Ropping, ATV Rides, Paint Ball Area, Trekking, and view of the Water Falls.

10 minutes away from Pugad Pugo Adventure is the "Travellers Inn". It offers villas, rooms, and even water adventure parks.

Scenic spots in Pugo include Tapuakan Resort, the Nagbukel, and the hot springs of Cares. Tapuakan Resort features rest areas where the people can enjoy the natural slides of the river. It was recently awarded as the clearest inland body of water for 2008 making it for 2 consecutive years. It also has a hot spring where tourists and the Pugonians go often as they believe that the spring can heal certain skin and pulmonary diseases. Nagbukel is found at Barangay Ambangonan, and many people also go there despite its remote location.

PUGAD

PUGAD (bird's nest) is one of the recreation and adventure landmarks in Pugo. It is a picturesque site with 3 hectares of green forests, lush mountains, and a clean river. It is 300 meters away from Marcos Highway.

  • Zip Line Adventure - Pugo's Pugad has the longest zip line (380 meters) in Luzon, the second in the Philippines.

Tapuacan River

Tapuacan River (also known as Pugo - Cleanest Inland River of the North, Region I) is located in Barangay Cares (the smallest/inlet town which is situated at the foot of the Santo Tomas mountains range and about an hour away from Baguio passing through the Aspiras, formerly Marcos Highway leading to the Ilocandia Region). The natural scenery is also a 1-hour ride from San Fernando City and around 4–5 hours drive from Manila.

Kultura Splash Wave

Pugo's Kultura Splash Wave is a prime resort (Km. 21 Marcos Highway, Barangay Cares). It has attractions: Lap pool, Pool Kiddie, Dolphin pools, 4 Giant Slides with Dropzone, Water Factory, Aerial Zip Lines, Wall Climbing, Sky Walker.

Marcos Bust

A concrete Bust of Ferdinand Marcos built from 1978 to 1980 using government funds. The monument was controversial as the land used were grabbed from the indigenous Ibaloi people, who were against the Marcos conjugal dictatorship. The monument was built upon the orders of then incumbent President Ferdinand Marcos in a park that he named after himself. The park's land was also land-grabbed from the Ibaloi people. The monument was destroyed in December 2002 by treasure hunters. The destroyed bust is considered "a monument to evil, warning people never to become what this man was" for the future.

Holy Family Parish Church

As of 2012, the 1909 Holy Family Parish Church of Pugo (canonically erected in 1909), celebrates its fiesta every Last Sunday of December. It is under the jurisdiction of the Diocese of San Fernando de La Union (Dioecesis Ferdinandopolitana ab Unione, Suffragan of Lingayen – Dagupan, which was created on January 19, 1970, and erected on April 11, 1970, comprising the Civil Province of La Union, under the Titular, St. William the Hermit, February 10). The heritage church is under a diocese of the Latin Catholic Church in the Philippines from the Archdiocese of Nueva Segovia. Its Parish Priest is Fr. Crispin N. Reyes.

The Pugo Church is under the Vicariate of St. Francis Xavier with Vicar Forane, Fr. Joel Angelo Licos. The Holy Family Parish was built in the year 1909-1911 by the Belgian Missionary for the people of Pugo, La Union.

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

File:7110Pugo, La Union Town Proper 21.jpg|Municipal Hall

File:7110Pugo, La Union Town Proper 29.jpg|Pugo Legislative Building

File:PugoLaUnionjf981.JPG|Town center and welcome arch

File:TapuakanRiverandResortjfPugojf982.JPG|Pugo rural landscape

File:6673Pugo, La Union Town Proper 22.jpg|Town Proper

File:7110Pugo, La Union Town Proper 51.jpg|Police Station

File:PugoLaUnionjf1023 04.JPG|Town plaza

File:6673Pugo, La Union Town Proper 10.jpg|Pugo Evacuation Center

File:7037Pugo, La Union Town Proper 22.jpg|Public Market

</gallery>

References

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