• Source: San Fernando, La Union

San Fernando, officially the City of San Fernando (Ilocano: Siudad ti San Fernando; Pangasinan: Syudad na San Fernando; Filipino: Lungsod ng San Fernando), is a 3rd class component city and the capital of the province of La Union, Philippines. It is a coastal city consisting of fifty-nine (59) barangays and covers an area of 105.26 square kilometers. According to the 2020 census, the city has a population of 125,642. San Fernando serves as the gateway to trade and commerce to the North and the culture and heritage of Ilocandia.
The City is the regional and administrative capital of Ilocos Region, hosts several regional and field offices of national government agencies, regional branches of government financial institutions, and various government-owned and controlled corporations. The city is home to some of the region’s premier educational and medical institutions, including the Ilocos Training and Regional Medical Center, recognized as the core of public health and medical care in Ilocos Region.
It is one of the two capital cities named San Fernando, the other being San Fernando, Pampanga in Central Luzon.




History






= Early History

=

San Fernando has a rich history that traces back to its early days as a settlement of Samtoy (Ilocano) communities situated along its coastal shores and riverbanks. This area was part of the northern section of Caboloan, where these communities practiced animistic beliefs and were known for their gold mines, farming and seafaring. They actively engaged in trade with neighboring groups, including the Pangasinenses, Igorots, Chinese, and Japanese.




= Spanish Regime

=

In June 1572, Spanish conquistador Juan de Salcedo arrived in San Fernando after successfully pacifying the native and Japanese settlers in Aroo or Agoho (Agoo), which he had named "El Puerto de Japon" due to its status as a Japanese trading post. Upon reaching San Fernando, Salcedo encountered the natives and demanded tribute for the Queen of Spain. The natives requested time to gather the tribute from the mountains but never returned. Salcedo then continued northward, ultimately establishing Vigan as the center of Spanish governance and influence in Northern Luzon, where the efforts to convert natives to Christianity began.
By 1759, the early settlements of San Fernando comprised two barrios: San Guillermo de Dalangdang, nestled at the foothills of the Cordillera mountains, and San Vicente de Balanac, a coastal village. San Guillermo frequently fell victim to headhunting Igorots during the blooming of the Albor trees (fire tree), as they believed sacrifices were essential to appease their gods. Meanwhile, during the calm summer months, San Vicente de Balanac was raided by Tirongs and Moro pirates, who abducted women and children, leaving destruction in their wake.
In response to these relentless attacks, Father Jose Torres, an Augustinian priest, urged the remaining populations of both barrios to unite for their protection. In 1762, they established a new settlement called Pindangan, characterized by a massive church named after the Ilocano term "pindang," which means to dry fish. The name "Pindangan" thus referred to the place where fish were dried. Unfortunately, the church was later destroyed by a significant earthquake.
In 1764, Don Santiago Olarte was appointed as Pindangan’s first Gobernadorcillo, a title equivalent to the modern-day mayor. Instead of rebuilding the church in the same location, the Franciscans opted to move it during the rainy season until they found a suitable place. This church eventually became known as the Cathedral of St. William the Hermit, part of the Diocese of San Fernando, La Union.
On May 6, 1786, Pindangan was officially renamed and founded as "Ministerio de San Fernando" by Fr. Fernando Rey, in honor of King Ferdinand of Spain. However, due to a shortage of priests between 1792 and 1831, San Fernando became a “visita” of Bauang and San Juan. It was not until 1831 that Father Juan Sorolla, who had served as the parish priest of Bauang in 1829, was assigned to San Fernando, further solidifying its religious significance.



San Fernando as the Cabecera

On October 29, 1849, Governor General Narciso Zaldua Claveria issued a promovido that unified eight northern towns of Pangasinan, three southern towns of Ilocos Sur south of the Amburayan River, and eight western settlements of Eastern Pais del Igorotes in the Cordilleras to form the province of La Union. On March 2, 1850, Governor General Antonio Maria Blanco signed the Superior Decreto establishing La Union, designating San Fernando as its capital or cabecera. Captain Toribio Ruiz de la Escalera was appointed as the first Gobernador Militar y Politico.
The creation of La Union was officially ratified by a Royal Decree from Queen Isabella II of Spain on April 18, 1854. By the late 19th century, an influx of settlers from the Ilocos provinces led to San Fernando being predominantly inhabited by Ilocanos and Ilocanized Pangasinenses.




= Philippine Revolution (1896-1998)

=

On September 10, 1896, shortly after the Cry of Pugad Lawin, a significant event unfolded in San Fernando when Spanish authorities uncovered a conspiracy against the colonial government. Leading the crackdown was Fray Rafael Redondo, the Vicar Forane of San Fernando, who acted swiftly against suspected revolutionaries. Among the first arrested was Dr. Lucino Almeida, a respected community figure targeted for his alleged involvement in the revolutionary movement, which had gained momentum following the events of Pugad Lawin and the increasing influence of the Katipunan, led by Andrés Bonifacio.
On September 17, 1896, three native coadjutor priests from La Union, including Padre Mariano Gaerlan of San Fernando, were tortured for their alleged participation in a conspiracy against the Spanish colonial government, deepening the people's resentment toward Spanish rule.

The Philippine Revolution erupted in 1898, sparking a nationwide movement for independence. On July 22, 1898, Filipino insurgents, led by General Manuel Tinio, General Mauro Ortiz, and Major Joaquin Alejandrino, attacked the Spanish garrison in San Fernando with over 600 men. The Spanish, commanded by Colonel Jose Garcia Herrero, fortified key buildings and awaited reinforcements. Despite Tinio's attempts at peaceful negotiation, the Spanish forces refused to surrender. After several days of deadlock, Tinio launched an assault on July 31, resulting in a fierce battle that culminated in the Spaniards' surrender. This event marked the signing of the Actas de Capitulaciones (Acts of Surrender). San Fernando became the 13th of 29 towns and cities to witness the Spanish capitulation, with 400 soldiers, eight officers, and substantial military resources surrendering. After a century of Spanish colonization, San Fernando was finally liberated, and for the first time since its founding on March 2, 1850, a Filipino assumed authority over the Casa Real.




= American Regime (1899-1901)

=

After the Spanish-American War of 1898, the Philippines was ceded to the United States under the Treaty of Paris, marking the beginning of American colonization. Following the Philippine-American War (1899–1902), San Fernando, La Union, became a focal point of military conflicts as American forces sought to gain control. The town witnessed significant abuses, including forced relocations, killings, and property destruction, which only deepened the people's resentment and fueled resistance. Despite this, San Fernando eventually came under American administration, leading to significant political, economic, and social transformations.
One notable military event was the naval bombardment by American forces. This occurred as General Gregorio del Pilar led a rear-guard action to cover General Emilio Aguinaldo's retreat. However, Aguinaldo and his soldiers were eventually captured. After these events, peace and order were restored, and the American democratic form of governance replaced the oppressive Spanish colonial rule. The people of San Fernando, like many others in the Philippines, took advantage of the opportunities the Americans introduced, both politically and economically, leading to the town's progress.
On August 1, 1899, a U.S. merchant ship, the “Saturmus”, attempted to dock in San Fernando but was captured by revolutionary forces. Following this, the U.S. Navy retaliated on August 7, bombarding San Fernando and reducing much of the town to ruins. In November of that same year, President Emilio Aguinaldo passed through La Union, while on November 21, General Samuel Baldwin Marks Young led the U.S. Expeditionary Forces to occupy San Fernando, marking the official start of American occupation in La Union.
By May 1, 1901, the surrender of the General Manuel Tinio Brigade signaled the end of the Philippine-American War in La Union. Later that year, on August 14, Governor General William Howard Taft arrived at San Fernando Harbor, greeted by Don Joaquin Ortega and other local officials. Taft's visit marked the introduction of American civil governance in the province. Just days later, on August 17, Don Joaquin Ortega was declared the first Civil Governor of La Union.
Under American rule, agriculture and education thrived, with the introduction of American teachers playing a crucial role in these developments. Despite the progress made under the new government, the era was not without tragedy on November 8, 1901, Colonel Juan M. Gutierrez, a native of La Union, became the last top-ranking Filipino officer publicly hanged by the Americans in San Fernando. The American regime brought a new era of political and social change to San Fernando, replacing Spanish rule with democratic ideals while fostering significant economic development, though at the cost of local resistance and loss.




= World War II

=
In the Second World War, the last battle of San Fernando was fought during the Japanese occupation at Barangay Bacsil. The Bacsil Ridge Monument was built on the site in the city, the north-eastern portion of the town plaza. The victory enabled the establishment of the United States Army Base, Base M at Poro Point (a buildup area for the Japan invasion) and a US Navy Base. 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

=

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. This included San Fernando-raised student activists Romulo and Armando Palabay, UP Students and La Union National High School alumni who were imprisoned for their protest activities in San Fernando, tortured at Camp Olivas in Pampanga, and later separately killed before the end of Martial Law. 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 and Congress 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 and Congress.
House Bill 7594, titled "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 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, located in La Union, is strategically positioned between the South China Sea to the west and highlands to the east. The city is characterized by its flowing creeks and rivers, including the Carlatan and Catbangen, as well as its proximity to various mountains. It shares its northern boundary with the municipality of San Juan, while Bauang is situated to the south, to the east is bordered by Bagulin and southeast by Naguilian. 
The total land area of the city encompasses 10,272 hectares (25,380 acres), which is divided into 34 rural and 25 urban barangays. The barangays include 14 coastal, 31 inland, and 14 upland areas. The terrain of San Fernando is predominantly hilly, and it experiences 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.
San Fernando City is located 269 kilometers (167 miles) from Metro Manila.




= Barangays

=
A barangay is the smallest administrative unit in the Philippines, functioning as a local government division within cities and municipalities. The City of San Fernando is divided into 59 barangays,  organized into 12 districts.[1] Each barangay is led by elected officials, including a Barangay Captain and a Barangay Council composed of councilors. Additionally, the Sangguniang Kabataan, representing the youth, is headed by a chairman and its own council. These officials are elected every three years.




= Climate

=




Demographics



The City of San Fernando population is recorded at 125,640 as according to the 2020 census conducted by the Philippine Statistics Authority with an annual growth rate of 0.65% observed from 2015 to 2020. This figure represents 15.28% of the overall population of La Union and 2.37% of the total population of the Ilocos Region. As a result, the population density is calculated to be 1,223 individuals per square kilometer (or 3,168 individuals per square mile). The barangay with the highest population is Sevilla, housing 11,316 residents, followed by Catbangen with 9,638, Lingsat with 7,528, and Poro with 6,797 individuals.
The gender distribution in the city is nearly equal, with males accounting for 49.9% (62,134) of the population and females comprising 50.1% (62,360). In terms of age distribution, 25% of the population (31,088 individuals) is aged 0-14 years, while 67.4% (83,971 individuals) falls within the working-age category of 15-64 years. Senior citizens aged 65 and above represent 8% (9,435 individuals) of the total population. The population pyramid reflects a balanced gender distribution, predominantly featuring individuals within the working-age group.
In the 2022 elections, the City of San Fernando had 76,555 registered voters, as reported by the Commission on Elections. The principal language spoken in the city is Iloco, which serves as its official language; however, smaller communities also communicate in Tagalog, Kankanaey, Pangasinan, Bago, English and Bisaya. Additionally, the highland barangays are home to a small community of Indigenous Peoples, specifically the Kankanaey.
Religiously, the city is predominantly Christian, with Roman Catholicism as the most widely practiced faith, followed by Iglesia ni Cristo. The city also accommodates a variety of other religious affiliations, including Jehovah’s Witnesses, the Pentecostal Church of God Asia Mission, the Bible Baptist Church, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Islam, the United Church of Christ in the Philippines, and the Seventh-day Adventist Church.




Economy



The City of San Fernando maintains a primarily agricultural economy, with key crops including rice, legumes, leafy vegetables, root crops, fruit trees, corn, and tobacco. Fishing activities along the coastline provide an additional source of income for many residents. 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.
Regarding economic activity, San Fernando City is home to 9,129 registered businesses. The financial sector is bolstered by 47 banking institutions, which encompass universal, commercial, thrift, rural, and microfinance banks, as documented by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) in 2018. The financial statements of the city government for the same year reflect a revenue of Php 778,822,666.43 and expenditures amounting to Php 608,973,969.57.
The infrastructure in the city is well-developed, featuring a road network that extends 237.42 km, along with one domestic airport and one international seaport. All barangays in the city have access to electricity, and a single water district provides essential services to the community. Telecommunications are facilitated by four mobile service providers.
In the sectors of health and education, San Fernando has established a comprehensive network of 292 health facilities, which includes one public hospital and four private hospitals, in addition to 79 public clinics and 203 private clinics. The city prioritizes education, hosting a total of 11 universities and colleges, along with various public and private educational institutions at different levels: 16 secondary schools, 18 elementary schools, 26 preschools, and 64 public day care centers. These facilities exemplify the city’s commitment to improving the quality of life for its residents through accessible health and education services.[2]




Government






= Local Government

=

San Fernando, belonging to the first congressional district of the province of La Union, is governed by a mayor designated as its local chief executive and by a city 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.
The mayor and other elected officers hold office at the city hall of San Fernando. The city council, the Sangguniang Panlungsod, is housed in the Don Mariano Marcos Building beside the city hall.




= Elected officials

=




= List of chief executives

=




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 [3] (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)[4]
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, actor
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
Bobby Ortega (1939-2017), Filipino police officer and Baguio City polician
Jessica Soho, journalist, narrator and magazine TV host




Sister cities


Ansan, South Korea
Coatzacoalcos, Mexico
Naga, Camarines Sur
Valenzuela City




References






External links



Official website
R.A. 8508 – "Charter of the City of San Fernando."
Philippine Standard Geographic Code
Philippine Census Information
Local Governance Performance Management System

Kata Kunci Pencarian:

• Kota San Fernando, La Union
• Katedral San Fernando de La Union
• Keuskupan San Fernando de La Union
• Kota San Fernando
• La Union
• Ilocos
• Basilika Bunda Amal Kasih, Agoo
• Isabel dari Kastila
• Pertempuran Bessang Pass
• Pembagian administratif Filipina
• San Fernando, La Union
• La Union
• San Fernando Cathedral (La Union)
• San Fernando, Pampanga
• San Fernando
• Roman Catholic Diocese of San Fernando de La Union
• Ferdinand III of Castile
• San Fernando Airport (Philippines)
• Ilocos Region
• San Fernando Valley