Balungao


Balungao, officially the Municipality of Balungao, is a municipality in the province of Pangasinan, Philippines. According to the, it has a population of people.

History

Early settlers

The town of Balungao was first inhabited by nomadic people who found their way to the area from the Ilocos region through San Fabian, Pangasinan. They were farmers looking a place in which to settle and engage in agriculture to survive. Its origin is evident in the fact that Balungao is one of the Ilocano-speaking towns in the province where the primary language is Pangasinense. Some Tagalogs from Bulacan & Nueva Ecija also migrated into the town after some time.

Foundation

Balungao was originally called Panaclaban and was a part of Cuyapo town in the adjacent province of Nueva Ecija until the latter part of 18th century. It was annexed to the town of Rosales, Pangasinan in the early part of 19th century because of its geographic location. It officially became an independent municipality in 1815, and, along with Rosales, was transferred to Pangasinan.
On April 25, 1993, Balungao Mayor Jose C. Peralta was assassinated while he was attending Mass with his family at the local church.

Geography

The Municipality of Balungao is located in the south-eastern part of the province bordering the province of Nueva Ecija to the south. It is partially urban community with an area of.
Balungao is situated from the provincial capital Lingayen, and from the country's capital city of Manila.

Barangays

Balungao is politically subdivided into 20 barangays. Each barangay consists of puroks and some have sitios.
  • Angayan Norte
  • Angayan Sur
  • Capulaan
  • Esmeralda
  • Kita-kita
  • Mabini
  • Mauban
  • Poblacion
  • Pugaro
  • Rajal
  • San Andres
  • San Aurelio 1st
  • San Aurelio 2nd
  • San Aurelio 3rd
  • San Joaquin
  • San Julian
  • San Leon
  • San Marcelino
  • San Miguel
  • San Raymundo

    Climate

Demographics

Economy

Government

Local government

Balungao, belonging to the sixth congressional district of the province of Pangasinan, 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

PositionName
CongressmanMarlyn Primicias-Agabas
MayorMaria Theresa R. Peralta
Vice-MayorPhilipp D. Peralta
CouncilorsJohn Willie "Kuya Will" B. Mina
CouncilorsJose T. "Jops" Peralta III
CouncilorsDarius A. "Cardo" Nava
CouncilorsBeatriz D. "Bating" Ligero
CouncilorsGerry G. "Ger" Luna
CouncilorsKrisanto M. "Kris" Luna
CouncilorsRoderick M. "Ago" Soriano
CouncilorsRoozemond S. "Ice Mango" Peralta

Tourism

Mount Balungao

Mount Balungao is an extinct volcano, ASL located in the municipality of Balungao. Its volcanic past is manifested by its physical profile and the presence of hot and cold springs. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology lists Mount Balungao as an inactive volcano.

Balungao Hilltop Adventure

Balungao opened its doors to adventure travel tourism with the opening of Balungao Hilltop Adventure on September 8, 2011. Located at the foot of Mount Balungao, the resort was constructed by the municipal government of Balungao and boasts the 2nd longest Zip-line in the Philippines at long. The Balungao Hilltop Adventure also offers ATV or quad bike adventure, bungee trampoline, biking, mountain climbing, and the refurbished hot and cold spring swimming pools.
It originally started as the Mt. Balungao Hot and Cold Springs Resort under the administration of then Mayor Jose G. Peralta Jr. It was not until 2011, under the administration of the Mayor Philipp G. Peralta, that it was repackaged for adventure travelers.

Longest zipline in Pangasinan

Balungao Hilltop Adventure offers a Zip Line with a length which could last from 15 seconds to a minute depending on your weight and your position when you are suspended at the Zip Line. It begins from a Hill, overlooking the valley passing through another hill down to the Balungao Hot and Cold Spring Resort. It is considered as the longest Zip line in Pangasinan

Education

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

Primary and elementary schools

  • Balungao Central School
  • Capulaan Elementary School
  • Don Francisco D. Toliao Elementary School
  • Esmeralda Elementary School
  • Irenio L. Guieb Sr. Elementary School
  • Kita-Kita Elementary School
  • Mabini Elementary School
  • Mauban Elementary School
  • Pugaro Elementary School
  • Rajal-Angayan Elementary School
  • San Andres Elementary School
  • San Aurelio Elementary School
  • San Aurelio 3rd Elementary School
  • San Joaquin Elementary School
  • San Julian Elementary School
  • San Leon Elementary School
  • San Marcelino Elementary School
  • San Raymundo Elementary School
  • UCCP N-K and Grade School

    Secondary schools

  • Balungao Central High School
  • Balungao National High School
  • Rajal-Angayan National High School
  • Remnant International School
  • San Aurelio National High School
  • San Leon National High School