Bacnotan
Bacnotan, officially the Municipality of Bacnotan, is a coastal municipality in the province of La Union, Philippines. According to the, it has a population of people.
Etymology
The name Bacnotan is derived from the hispanized Iloco word "bakunutan" or "basnótan", which translates to "to flog" or "to whip" in English. Historically, the area was a vast expanse of wilderness inhabited by a group of natives governed by a rudimentary form of leadership. At one point, the town fell under the rule of a despotic chieftain who wielded absolute authority over his constituents. Under his oppressive regime, disobedience to his decrees was met with severe punishments, including public flogging.After enduring years of tyranny, the people rose against their chieftain, ultimately overthrowing him and subjecting him to the same punishment he had inflicted upon them. He was flogged to death by his own people. The act of flogging, expressed in the local dialect as bakunutan, became a defining moment in the community's history. The term bakunutan eventually evolved into a colloquial byword among the inhabitants and inspired the name of the settlement.
During the Spanish colonial period, the name Bakunutan was hispanized to Bacnotan, a modification reflected in official documents preserved in the National Archives in Manila. This etymology highlights the enduring legacy of the community's resistance and the transformative power of unity in shaping its identity.
History
Early history
During its early history, the town was a settlement of early Ilocanos, known as Samtoy, who practiced animistic culture and traditions. These early inhabitants actively engaged in trade with neighboring maritime regions in Southeast Asia, including the Pangasinenses to the south, the Igorots in the highlands, and even Chinese and Japanese traders. The exchange of goods included gold, silk, porcelain, earthen jars, honey, beeswax, and other items.Spanish Colonization
In 1572, Spanish forces led by conquistador Juan de Salcedo arrived at the settlement after landing in Dalandan. However, they did not remain long and continued their expedition northward to "pacify the people" in those areas.By 1599, the town of Bacnotan was formally established as part of the Ilocos province and was initially named “Bakunutan.” During the administration of Governor-General José Basco in 1785, Bacnotan became part of Pangasinan. When the province of La Union was created in 1850, Bacnotan was among the first 12 towns that constituted the newly formed province.
Historically, Bacnotan was a vast wilderness inhabited by native people governed by a rudimentary system. At one point, the town was ruled by a despotic chieftain who exerted absolute control over his constituents, with severe punishments, including flogging, meted out for disobedience. After enduring years of tyrannical rule, the people revolted, overthrowing and flogging the chieftain to death. The term "basnutan," meaning "to flog" in the local dialect, became a common expression among the inhabitants and eventually inspired the town's name. During the Spanish colonial period, the name was modified to "Bacnotan," as evidenced by historical documents preserved at the National Archives in Manila.
In October 1849, Governor-General Narciso Clavería issued a decree creating La Union province by merging towns from Pangasinan, Ilocos Sur, and the Cordillera. This was formalized on March 2, 1850, by Governor-General Antonio María Blanco, with Bacnotan, as one of the founding towns. The province’s creation was confirmed by Queen Isabella II on April 18, 1854.
The town's history is linked with the deeds of heroic men who fought, bled, and died for their own native land. At the turn of the century, during the Spanish–American War, Dumarang, was a scene of carnage and plunder.
American Colonization
American forces led by General Samuel Baldwin Marks Young in pursuit to Emilio Aguinaldo set foot on La Union soil on November 20, 1899, Filipino guerrillas were prepared for action, with the town becoming a center of resistance led by Guerrilla Unit No. 3 under the leadership of Captain Angeles Bunder General Manuel Tinio. The unit operated in Bacnotan and nearby areas, including San Juan, Santol and Balaoan. These guerrilla efforts played a crucial role in resisting American forces and defending the town's autonomy during the conflict.By 1901, La Union including the town was fully under American control. Throughout the American colonial government, they introduced several public services in the area. A public education system was established, with American teachers known as Thomasites sent to assimilate Filipinos into American culture. Public hospitals were also built, and a local governance system was introduced, allowing Filipinos to elect their own leaders for the first time. These developments marked significant changes in Bacnotan's social, educational, and political landscape during the American occupation.
Japanese Occupation
During the first days of World War II, invading Japanese forces reached Bacnotan on December 21, 1941 by Colonel Kanno and General Shizuichi Tanaka's detachments before invading the Lingayen GulfOn January 4, 1945, the tides of war changed in La Union as Filipino and American soldiers captured the strategic Baroro Bridge in Bacnotan, which connects the rest of Northern Luzon to San Fernando. It was followed by the historic Battle of San Fernando and Bacsil Bridge. The victory ensured the liberation of La Union Province by joint Filipino and American troops at the end of World War II.
After the war, Bacnotan became the provisional seat of the provincial government, since San Fernando was then in ruins. As a consequence of this transfer, the La Union National High School was also moved to Bacnotan. When things went back to normal, the provincial government was again moved to San Fernando and the La Union National High School followed afterward. The transfer of the provincial high school in Bacnotan resulted in the establishment of the North Provincial High School
Post-war Era
In 1949, the vast mineral deposits of limestone used in portland cement production were noticed in Barrio Dumarang by a mining engineer who was then a municipal councilor at that time. Because of the desire to create economic activity, the municipal council, through the efforts of this mining engineer, invited potential investors to set up a Portland cement plant. Within a year, a cement plant called Cebu Portland Cement, was established. On May 11, 1957, CEPOC, a government-owned corporation, was sold to the privately owned Bacnotan Consolidated Industries. BCI is the manufacturer of "Union Cement". In 2004, BCI was sold to Holcim Cement.On June 18, 1960, the La Union Agricultural School was established. Nestling at the foot of the mountains of Barangay Sapilang, the agricultural school progressed and was later named Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University. Its campus occupies an area of about 6 square kilometers.
Geography
The Municipality of Bacnotan is a coastal municipality bordered to the north by the municipality of Balaoan, to the east by San Gabriel, to the south by San Juan, and to the west by the South China Sea.Bacnotan is situated from the provincial capital San Fernando, and from the country's capital city of Manila.
Topography
The topography of the town is characterized by hilly and mountainous terrain rising gradually eastward. The western side of Bacnotan is defined by a long stretch of black sand beaches facing the South China Sea, indicative of the area's abundant magnetite deposits. Certain parts of the coastline also feature pebble and limestone formations. These beaches, which span approximately 16 kilometers, are well-suited for various recreational activities such as fishing, boating, swimming, snorkeling, diving, and surfing. While San Juan is widely known as a popular destination for serious surfers, the waves in Bacnotan's Quirino area have also gained recognition for being excellent for surfing.The eastern boundary of Bacnotan is characterized by predominantly mountainous terrain forming part of the foothills of the Central Cordillera. This area features vast forests and rolling hills and serves as the home of indigenous groups, primarily the Bago and Kankanaey people. The region's natural resources and biodiversity contribute significantly to its cultural and environmental importance.
The Baroro River, located along the southern boundary of Bacnotan, is the town's primary waterway. This river supports various activities, including freshwater fishing, aquaculture, and recreation, while also contributing to the local ecosystem.
Barangays
Bacnotan is politically subdivided into 47 barangays. Each barangay consists of puroks and some have sitios.- Agtipal
- Arosip
- Bacqui
- Bacsil
- Bagutot
- Ballogo
- Baroro
- Bitalag
- Bulala
- Burayoc
- Bussaoit
- Cabaroan
- Cabarsican
- Cabugao
- Calautit
- Carcarmay
- Casiaman
- Galongen
- Guinabang
- Legleg
- Lisqueb
- Mabanengbeng 1st
- Mabanengbeng 2nd
- Maragayap
- Nagatiran
- Nagsaraboan
- Nagsimbaanan
- Nangalisan
- Narra
- Ortega
- Oya-oy
- Paagan
- Pandan
- Pang-pang
- Poblacion
- Quirino
- Raois
- Salincob
- San Martin
- Santa Cruz
- Santa Rita
- Sapilang
- Sayoan
- Sipulo
- Tammocalao
- Ubbog
- Zaragosa
Climate