San Fernando, officially the City of San Fernando (; ), is a component city and the capital of the province of La Union, Philippines. It serves as the regional and administrative center of the Ilocos Region. In the highland areas, the early inhabitants included the Cordillerans (Igorot), particularly the Kankanaey people. These early communities were animist-pagan believers and were renowned for their farming, hunting and seafaring skills. The settlers also engaged in trade with neighboring communities, such as the Pangasinan, Sambal and Tagalog peoples, as well as with foreign traders from Maritime Southeast Asia, China (particularly from Fujian during the Ming Dynasty), and Japan. Japanese traders later established a trading port in Aroo (modern-day Agoo), a northern section of pre-colonial Pangasinan.
Upon reaching San Fernando, he encountered the indigenous inhabitants and demanded tribute on behalf of the Spanish Crown.
By 1759, the early settlements of San Fernando consisted of two barrios established by Augustinians friars: San Guillermo de Dalangdang, situated at the foothills of the Cordillera mountains, and San Vicente de Balanac, a coastal village. San Guillermo often became a target of headhunting by the Igorots during the blooming of flowering trees, as such acts were believed to appease their deities.
The revolution in San Fernando began on May 22, 1898, after the killing of a priest in Santo Tomas. San Fernando guerrillas stormed and burned houses and killed pro-Spanish sympathizers in the town. Women also became victims of brutal acts, with one storekeeper left mentally deranged.
American Regime (1899–1901)
After the 1898 Spanish-American War, the Philippines was ceded to the United States under the Treaty of Paris, marking the beginning of American colonization. During the Philippine-American War (1899–1902), San Fernando became a site of intense military conflict, including forced relocations, killings, and property destruction, which fueled local resistance. The town was liberated in 1945.
The Battle of Bacsil Ridge
The Battle of Bacsil Ridge which was fought in March 1945 was one of the main battles of the Philippines Campaign of the Second World War between the Filipino soldiers under the 121st Infantry Regiment, Philippine Commonwealth Army, USAFIP-NL, under the command of Russell W. Volckmann, and the Japanese Imperial forces under General Tomoyuki Yamashita.
The Battle of Bacsil Ridge ended the month-long battle for control of San Fernando. The Japanese defenders called the Hayashi Detachment, composed of 3,000 armed troops and 2,000 unarmed support forces, took hold of San Fernando and its surrounding areas and denied entry to the port of the city and a road leading to Baguio. As part of the San Fernando-Bacsil Operations, the 1st Battalion of 121st Infantry were sent to loosen the enemy positions starting late February with the assistance of the Allied Air Force.
The 1st Battalion made a general attack to the ridge on March 16, 1945 and fought the Japanese defenders until the capture of Bacsil on March 19. On the same day, the 3rd battalion captured Reservoir Hill. The Battle of Bacsil Ridge between the Filipino guerrillas and the Japanese Forces resulted in the recapture of the city of San Fernando, La Union. which resulted in the capture of San Fernando, La Union on March 23, 1945, and Bacnotan, La Union and the military offensive throughout the province ended on March 24 after two months of fighting.
Martial Law Era
thumb|218x218px|Bantayog ng mga Bayani including Armando Palabay
Although Ilocanos are perceived to have been largely silent about the authoritarian practices of Ferdinand Marcos' administration, there were still San Fernando residents willing to express their objections its various abuses.
The respective martyrdoms of Romulo (age 22) and Armando (age 21) were later honored when their names were etched on the Wall of Remembrance at the Philippines’ Bantayog ng mga Bayani, which honors the heroes and martyrs who fought the authoritarian regime.
Cityhood
On May 14, 1996, the Sangguniang Bayan of San Fernando passed Resolution No. 20, formally requesting the House of Representatives of the Philippines to convert the Municipality of San Fernando into a Component City. At that time, San Fernando had fulfilled the fundamental requirements for cityhood in accordance with the provisions of the Local Government Code of 1991. According to a certification from the Bureau of Local Government Finance, the municipality's average annual income for the calendar years 1994 and 1995, based on 1991 constant prices, was P 44,351,821.66. Additionally, the Land Management Bureau of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources certified that San Fernando covered a total land area of 10,526 hectares, exceeding the minimum requirement of 10,000 hectares.
Following a thorough review and careful assessment of the Sangguniang Bayan of San Fernando's petition, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of La Union adopted Resolution No. 425-96, endorsing the cityhood bid to the House of Representatives.
House Bill No. 7594, entitled "An Act Converting the Municipality of San Fernando, La Union into a Component City to be Known as the City of San Fernando," was sponsored by Congressman Victor F. Ortega (1st District, La Union) and approved by the House of Representatives. The Senate subsequently approved the bill, sponsored by Senators Vicente Sotto III and Juan Flavier. On February 13, 1998, Republic Act No. 8509 was signed into law by President Fidel V. Ramos. Finally, on March 20, 1998, the residents of San Fernando overwhelmingly voted in favor of the law during a plebiscite, fulfilling the long-held aspiration for San Fernando to attain cityhood.
Geography
The City of San Fernando is located in the province of La Union, Philippines, and is situated near the central part of the province. It lies between the South China Sea to the west and the foothills of the Cordillera Central mountain range to the east. The city has a total land area of 10,526 hectares.
The city's topography is characterized by predominantly hilly terrain that gradually rises eastward from the coastal plains. It is traversed by several rivers and creeks, including the Carlatan and Catbangen rivers. The landscape also features scrublands, grasslands, wetlands, and is in proximity to seven mountains. San Fernando is bordered to the north by the municipality of San Juan, to the south by Bauang along the Pagdalagan River, to the east by Bagulin along the Balili River, and to the southeast by Naguilian.
Within its jurisdiction, the Kasay Marine Protected Area stands out as a notable environmental feature. Situated along the southwest coastal area of Barangays Canaoay and San Vicente, this 30-hectare sanctuary was established in 2004. It boasts pristine white sand and serves as a crucial site for the rehabilitation and replenishment of fisheries and coastal resources. The area is renowned for its ecological significance, housing 50-year-old giant clams (Tridacna gigas) and coral formations estimated to be 70 to 100 years old.
San Fernando is situated from the capital city of Manila.
Barangays
The city of San Fernando is divided into 59 barangays, which are organized into 12 districts. These barangays include 14 coastal, 31 inland, and 14 upland areas, and are further categorized into 34 rural and 25 urban barangays.
- Abut
- Apaleng
- Bacsil
- Bangbangolan
- Bangcusay
- Barangay I (Poblacion)
- Barangay II (Poblacion)
- Barangay III (Poblacion)
- Barangay IV (Poblacion)
- Baraoas
- Bato
- Biday
- Birunget
- Bungro
- Cabaroan (Negro)
- Cabarsican
- Cadaclan
- Calabugao
- Camansi
- Canaoay
- Carlatan
- Catbangen
- Dallangayan Este
- Dallangayan Oeste
- Dalumpinas Este
- Dalumpinas Oeste
- Ilocanos Norte
- Ilocanos Sur
- Langcuas
- Lingsat
- Madayegdeg
- Mameltac
- Masicong
- Nagyubuyuban
- Namtutan
- Narra Este
- Narra Oeste
- Pacpaco
- Pagdalagan
- Pagdaraoan
- Pagudpud
- Pao Norte
- Pao Sur
- Parian
- Pias
- Poro
- Puspus
- Sacyud
- Sagayad
- San Agustin
- San Francisco
- San Vicente
- Santiago Norte
- Santiago Sur
- Saoay
- Sevilla
- Siboan-Otong
- Tanqui
- Tanquigan
Climate
The City has a Type I climate, characterized by distinct dry and wet seasons. The wet season typically commences in mid-May and concludes at the end of October, while the dry season occurs from December to early May.
Demographics
Population
The population of the City of San Fernando was recorded at 124,809 people, according to the 2024 Census of Population and Housing, with an annual growth rate of −0.16% observed from 2020 to 2024. This accounts for 15.28% of the total population of La Union and 2.37% of the overall population of the Ilocos Region. Consequently, the city's population density is calculated at 1,223 individuals per square kilometer (or 3,168 individuals per square mile).
In the 2022 elections, the voting age population (18 years and over) accounted for 69.71 percent of the household population or 76,555 registered voters, as reported by the Commission on Elections. Other religious groups present in the city include Islam, Taoism, Buddhism, and Hinduism, as well as various Christian denominations such as Aglipayan Church, Jehovah's Witnesses, the Pentecostal Church of God Asia Mission, the Bible Baptist Church, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the United Church of Christ in the Philippines, and the Seventh-day Adventist Church. While Filipino and English are also official languages, English serves as the primary medium of instruction in the city schools and government. Other regional languages spoken in the city include Pangasinan, Kankanaey, Ibaloi, Cebuano, Waray-waray, and others.
Ethnicity
The majority of the city's population consists of Ilocanos, as the city has historically been a center of Ilocano culture. Other ethnolinguistic groups present include the indigenous Bago (Bag-o) and Kankanaey peoples from the highland areas of the city. Additionally, the city is home to various other groups such as Tagalog, Pangasinan, and Cordilleran (Igorot) communities, including Ibaloi, Tinguian, and Ifugao. Other Filipino ethnolinguistic groups, such as Kapampangan, Cebuano (Bisayan), Hiligaynon, Waray, and Maranao, are also present. The city is also home to international ethnic communities, including Chinese, Indian, American, and Arab residents.
Education
The San Fernando City Schools Division Office governs the educational institutions within the city. There are two schools district office which govern the operations of private and public elementary and high schools. These are San Fernando I Schools District Office, and San Fernando II Schools District Office.
The city has 58 educational institutions, comprising 28 public elementary schools, 8 public high schools (junior and senior high schools or integrated schools), and 22 private schools offering various levels of education from elementary to senior high school, based on the 2022 Department of Education (DepEd) Masterlist of Schools as of the 2021–2022 school year. The city is also home to one state university campus, the Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University-Mid La Union Campus (DMMMSU-MLUC), which provides education to children and young adults in the area. Vocational education is also present in city with Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).
The city had posted a literacy rate of 99.48 percent as of 2020. Among those with academic degree, females (57.97%), outnumbered males (44.03%).
- Adventist School
- Bangbangolan Elementary School
- Baraoas Elementary School
- BHC Educational Institution (Elementary)
- Bright Beginnings Learning Center
- Bungro Elementary School
- Cadaclan Elementary School
- Canaoay Elementary School
- Catbangen Central School
- Capitol Church Nursery Kindergarten School
- Champions Academy
- Christ the King College (Elementary)
- Dallangayan Elementary School
- Dalumpinas Elementary School
- Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University (Elementary)
- Felkris Academy (Elementary)
- Gifted Learning Centre (Elementary)
- Ilocanos Elementary School
- Jesus Reigns Christian Academy
- La Finn's Scholastica (Elementary)
- La Union Bible Baptist Academy (Elementary)
- La Union Bright Beginning Learning Center
- La Union Cultural Institute – a private non-sectarian Chinese-Filipino basic education institution offering pre-elementary, elementary, junior, and senior high school programs.
- Lingsat Integrated School (Elementary)
- Mameltac Elementary School
- Masicong Elementary School
- Nagyubuyuban Integrated School (Elementary)
- Pao Elementary School
- Pagudpud Integrated School (Elementary)
- Parparya Elementary School
- Puspus Elementary School
- Sacyud Elementary School
- Sagayad Elementary School
- Saint John Bosco College (Elementary)
- Saint Louis College (Elementary)
- San Agustin (Poro) Elementary School
- San Lorenzo Science School (Elementary)
- San Fernando North Central School
- San Fernando South Central Integrated School (Elementary)
- Santiago Elementary School
- Sevilla Elementary School
- Sibuan-Otong Integrated School (Elementary)
- St. Jude Montessori Educational Center (Elementary)
- St. William Parish Nursery Kindergarten School
- Tanquigan Elementary School
- Union Christian College (Elementary)
- Villa Cherry Montessori
- Vineyard Christian Academy (Elementary)
Secondary schools
These are the list of private and public high schools.
- Bangbangolan National High School
- BHC Educational Institution
- Christ the King College (High School)
- Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University (High School)
- Dr. Quintin Balcita Sr. National High School
- Gifted Learning Centre
- La Finn's Scholastica
- La Union Bible Baptist Academy
- La Union Cultural Institute – a private non-sectarian Chinese-Filipino basic education institution offering pre-elementary, elementary, junior, and senior high school programs.
- La Union National High School - Sacyud Annex
- La Union National High School
- Lingsat Integrated School
- Nagyubuyuban Integrated School
- Pagudpud Integrated School
- Pao National High School
- Saint John Bosco College (High School)
- Saint Louis College (High School)
- San Fernando City National Vocational High School
- San Fernando City SPED High School
- San Fernando South Central Integrated School
- San Lorenzo Science School
- Sibuan-Otong Integrated School
- St. Jude Montessori Educational Center
- Union Christian College (High School)
- Vineyard Christian Academy
Higher educational institutions
These are the list of Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) situated in the city.
- AMA Computer College
- CICOSAT Colleges
- Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University
- Northern Philippines College of Maritime, Science and Technology
- Saint John Bosco College
- Saint Louis College
- Union Christian College
- Lorma College
Economy
The city's economy is driven by three primary sectors: agriculture, industry, and services, with the service sector playing a dominant role. The city of San Fernando is classified as a third-income class city, with a poverty incidence of 5.09% as of 2020. In 2022, the city's revenue increased by 22.11%, reaching PHP 1.195 billion. Its total assets also grew by 20.67%, amounting to PHP 2.661 billion. Equity rose by 15.89% to PHP 2.241 billion, while expenditures decreased by 7.00% to PHP 891.10 million. Meanwhile, the city's liabilities increased to PHP 420.28 million.
In 2024 the City Government of San Fernando, La Union ranked 9th Overall Most Competitive Local Government Unit under the Component Cities Category in the Cities and Municipalities Competitive Index (CMCI) 2024 of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
Agriculture
The city maintains a primarily agricultural economy, with key crops including rice, legumes, leafy vegetables, root crops, fruit trees, corn, and tobacco. Fishing along the coastline provides an additional source of income for many residents, while aquaculture is also practiced in barangays near the Carlatan Lagoon, as well as in Catbangen and Madayegdeg.
The agricultural output of San Fernando illustrates diverse levels of food sufficiency, with rice at 31.91%, corn at 47%, root crops at 87.73%, legumes at 106.75%, fruits at 60.49%, and vegetables at 127.55%. Livestock production is also significant, yielding reported quantities of 3,584 kg of hogs, 2,266 kg of cattle, 1,545 kg of carabaos, 2,060 kg of goats, and a notable 21,644 chickens.
The mayor and other city officials hold office at the San Fernando City Hall, while the Sangguniang Panlungsod convenes in the Don Mariano Marcos Building, located adjacent to the city hall.
Each 59 barangay, the smallest political unit of the city, is governed by a set of elected officials, including a Punong Barangay (Barangay Captain) and a Sangguniang Barangay (Barangay Councils) composed of councilors. Additionally, the youth are represented by the Sangguniang Kabataan, which elected by voters aged 15 to 30 years old, is the ex officio eighth member is led by a chairman and its own council. Like other local officials, barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan officials are elected 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 San Fernando City Council<br>(2022-2025)
! Position
! Name
|-
|District Representative<br />(1st Legislative District of the Province of La Union)
| style="text-align:center;" | Francisco Paolo P. Ortega V
|-
|Chief Executive of the City of San Fernando
| style="text-align:center;" | Mayor Hermenegildo A. Gualberto
|-
|Presiding Officer of the City Council of San Fernando
| style="text-align:center;" | Vice Mayor Alfred Pablo R. Ortega
|-
| rowspan="12" |Members of the City Council
| style="text-align:center;" | Kyle Marie Eufrosito Y. Nisce
|-
| style="text-align:center;" | Pablo C. Ortega
|-
| style="text-align:center;" | Lucia Esperanza O. Valero
|-
| style="text-align:center;" | Jonathan Justo A. Orros
|-
| style="text-align:center;" | Edwin H. Yumul
|-
| style="text-align:center;" | Janwell E. Pacio
|-
| style="text-align:center;" | Rodolfo M. Abat
|-
| style="text-align:center;" | Arnel A. Almazan
|-
| style="text-align:center;" | Aldrine R. Jucar
|-
| style="text-align:center;" | John H. Orros
|-
| style="text-align:center;" | Mark Anthony A. Ducusin
|-
| style="text-align:center;" | Quintin L. Balcita Jr.
|}
List of chief executives
- 1895–1898 — Paulino Alviar
- 1899–1901 — Blas Tadiar
- 1901–1903 — Urbano Martínez
- 1904–1905 — Edilberto Aquino
- 1906–1907 — Francisco Z. Flores
- 1908–1909 — Angel Salanga
- 1910–1911 — José Hidalgo
- 1912–1914 — Anastacio Casuga
- 1915–1918 — Juan Salanga
- 1919–1921 — Ulpiano Flores
- 1922–1928 — Pedro R. Flores
- 1928 — Francisco Galvez
- 1928–1930 — Evaristo Galvez
- 1931–1933 — Gaspar Flores
- 1934–1936 — Lauro Casuga
- 1936–1939 — Paulino Flores
- 1942–1944 — Juan Salanga
- 1945–1946 — Modesto Aquino
- 1946–1955 — Lorenzo L. Dacanay
- 1956–1959 — Godofredo G. Rilloraza
- 1960–1971 — Lorenzo L. Dacanay
- 1972–1980 — Antonio Feraren
- 1980 — Joaquin T. Ortega
- 1980–1987 — Justo O. Orros Jr.
- 1987 — Rufo T. Colisao
- 1987–1988 — Angel Salanga
- 1988–1998 — Manuel C. Ortega
- 1998–2007 — Mary Jane C. Ortega
- 2007–2016 — Pablo C. Ortega
- 2016–Present — Hermenegildo A. Gualberto
Annual Community Events
The City of San Fernando, like many other regions in the Philippines, celebrates its festivities with great enthusiasm. The city's annual fiesta takes place from January 28 to February 15, featuring a trade fair near the city hall. Additional celebrations occur in March to commemorate its cityhood.
- Pindangan Festival: Held annually during the cityhood anniversary, this festival features a street dance competition showcasing three significant socio-historical elements of the city's identity: the Pindangan Ruins, the merging of two historical settlements that formed the town, and the traditional fish preservation technique known as "pindang." Participants are categorized into groups from primary, secondary, and tertiary schools, as well as contingents from barangays and districts.
- Commemoration of Bacsil Ridge: This event honors the heroism displayed during the recapture of Bacsil during World War II. On March 19, 1945, the 121st Infantry of USAFIP defeated Japanese forces, leading to the liberation of Bacsil Ridge. Three days later, the town of San Fernando was freed.
- Ma-tzu Festival: A unique religious celebration blending Chinese and Roman Catholic traditions, this festival honors Ma-tzu, the Chinese goddess of the sea, and the Virgin of Caysasay, who is revered by the Filipino-Chinese community as the reincarnation of Ma-tzu. Ma-tzu is believed to provide protection and guidance to fishermen and sailors.
- Rabii ti Pammadyaw: This event recognizes outstanding individuals who have brought honor to the city through excellence in their respective fields.
- Grand People's Parade: Also known as the Parade of Lights, this parade takes place along the city's major thoroughfares. Participants include drum and lyre groups, beauty pageant contestants, and others. Awards are given for the best float, costume, and choreography.
- Fiesta ti Baybay: A sea craft competition paired with traditional games like "palosebo" and "Laro ng Lahi." In 2023, this event was held in Barangay Ilocanos Sur.
Tourism
The City of San Fernando offers a diverse array of attractions, including pristine beaches, scenic waterfalls, historical sites dating back centuries, churches and temples, leisure parks, shopping malls, and numerous renowned hotels and restaurants, all of which contribute to its appeal as a premier tourist destination.
- Poro Point
- Poro Point Special Economic and Freeport Zone [http://www.poropointfreeport.org/about.html] (formerly American Military Base – Wallace Air Station)
- Thunderbird Resorts
- Boardwalk
- The La Union Botanical Garden (8 kilometers from the city) – is a 10 hectare garden (Barangay Cadaclan), the home of various species of rare plants and a sanctuary of wild animals.
- Battle of Bacsil Ridge Marker
- Pindangan Ruins (Barangay Parian)
- Hobbitat Forest Park
- Poro Point Baywalk (Barangay Poro)
- Seven Hills
- Capitol Hill (Barangay II) home of the Provincial Capitol
- Pagoda Hill also known as Filipino-Chinese Friendship Park or Chinese Pagoda (Barangay II)
- Heroes’ Hill & Freedom Park Stairway (153 steps) located at the eastern portion of Capitol Hill
- Bethany Hill (Barangay II)
- Mirador Hill (Barangay II)
- Mariner's Hill (Barangay Catbangen)
- Miracle Hill (Barangay Pagdaraoan)
- Christ the Redeemer (25-foot statue, Reservoir Hill, Barangay I)
- Poro Point Lighthouse
- Moro Watch Tower (Barangay Carlatan)
- La Union Science Centrum & Museum (LUSCM has 5 Galleries: Kadaklan Burial Site and Environmental Gallery, Museum, Dark Room, Main Science Gallery and Portable Planetarium (Barangay Cadaclan)
- Ma-Cho Temple
- Tomb of Unknown Soldier (Barangay Madayegdeg)
- Cathedral of St. William the Hermit (Barangay II, Poblacion)[http://www.sanfernandocity.gov.ph/city/history.php]
- Kasay Marine Sanctuary: 30 hectares MPA, featuring the 50 years old Giant clam or Tridacna gigas (Barangay Canaoay)
- Children's Park (Barangay II, City Plaza)
- 10.6 hectares Engineered Sanitary Landfill (Barangay Mameltac)
- La Union Trade Center (beside the City Hall)
Notable personalities
- Armando Palabay, human rights activist and martyr honored at the Bantayog ng mga Bayani
- Ashley Ortega, actress
- Roger Casugay, Filipino surfer
- Clare R. Baltazar, National Scientist of the Philippines for Systematic Entomology
- Lucrecia Kasilag, composer, Dean of the Philippine Women's University College of Music and Fine Arts (1953–1977), president of the Cultural Center of the Philippines (1976–1986), awardee of the Order of National Artists of the Philippines
- Alejo Mabanag, Filipino senator from 1953 to 1959 and 30th Secretary of Justice of the Philippines from 1959 to 1961
- Bobby Ortega (1939–2017), Filipino police officer and Baguio City policeman
- Jessica Soho, journalist, narrator and magazine TV host
Sister cities
- Ansan, South Korea
- Coatzacoalcos, Mexico
- Naga, Camarines Sur
- Valenzuela City
Gallery
<gallery widths="200" heights="150">
File:San Fernando City Hall, La Union, Jan 2024.jpg|City Hall along Francisco Ortega Highway
File:San Fernando Town Plaza, La Union, Jan 2024.jpg|Town Plaza along Quezon Avenue
File:CSFLU Pagoda Temple (Aguila Road, San Fernando, La Union; 02-24-2023).jpg|Pagoda Temple along Aguila Road
File:9862City Proper San Fernando, La Union 44.jpg|City Footbridge along Gen. Luna Street
File:CSFLU skyline, Manila North Road (San Fernando, La Union)(2018-11-25).jpg|The City Skyline
File:9862City Proper San Fernando, La Union 07.jpg|City Town Plaza
File:Ma-Cho Taoist Temple - tower (San Fernando, La Union)(2018-11-25).jpg|Ma-Cho Temple tower
File:705Sevilla, San Fernando, La Union 65.jpg|Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers
File:9862City Proper San Fernando, La Union 11.jpg|G.E. Antonio Memorial Hall along Gen. Luna Street
</gallery>
References
External links
- R.A. 8508 – "Charter of the City of San Fernando."
- [ Philippine Standard Geographic Code]
- Philippine Census Information
- Local Governance Performance Management System
