People and culture

Ninety-three percent of the population is Ilocano and is overwhelmingly Roman Catholic. There are communities of Pangasinense in the south, Igorots in the Cordillera foothills, and Chinese in the city.

La Union is highly literate[citation needed], with San Fernando City as the administrative, educational, and financial center of the region.

he economy is diversified with service, manufacturing, and agricultural industries spread throughout the province. The Port of San Fernando operates as an increasingly active shipping point, and the former American airbase Wallace Air Station, having been converted into a business and industrial area, helps to facilitate such commercial activity.

Tourism to the province is driven by airlines andpassenger coach bus lines like regionally ownedFarinas Transit Company, Viron Transit, Dominion Bus Lines and Partas.

Tourists often flock to the beaches of Bauang, or to the more secluded ones further north for snorkeling, surfing or other water sports; the more northerly beaches near San Juan specifically cater to both local surfers as well as portions of the world surfing circuit.

Public transport in the Philippines is plentiful and easy to get associated withranging from the plague like tricycle fraternity,to the Air-Con Bus System, but my favorite by far is the ever "reliable"

Jeepney fleet. A place to get involved with the everyday living of thelocal lifestyle at a bargain price.Jeepneys are the heart and soul of the transport system here and with a little knowledgeyou can go a long way.From San Fernando in and around the Super Market area,in the middle of town is the initial boardingpoint for most local destinations.

Jeepneys cue on designated street corners waitingfor passengers till they have there fill, then when full, and by act of "God" they manage to squeeze at least 2 more passengers in before heading to your favorite beach or refreshment station. Payment is simple and is past down the line to a highly skilled driver, who with one hand on the wheel and one hand blindly searching for fares behind his head, he manages to complete money changes, calculate what's in the till, wave to his mates and deliver you safely to your port of call.Fares are now displayed in most jeepneys and from

the Sebay resort to town the cost is approx 7 peso

Tricycles

are the mosquito fleet of the transport system and an integral part of daily life. Fares range from as low as 10 peso for a short ride around town or about 50 peso from the market back to the surf camp, fares should be negotiated before departure to avoid the possibility of paying "foreigner tax" if you now what l mean. Most riders are courteous and helpful and will slow down if asked politely, they can also be hired on a hourly or daily rate, but shop around to

see what you can bargain for.

Buses

 

Buses are also plentiful in the Philippines with many independent operators going to every part of Luzon, from Manila you can catch an aircon bus to San Fernando make sure its La Union province as there is another San Fernando north of Manila. Fairs are cheap and cost only about 300 peso for the 6-8 hour ride, or alternately" Fly the Bus" leaves from the Swagman Hotel every morning to Angeles and there from the Dau terminal you can catch a bus heading north to Vigan or Laoag both pass through San Fernando. Buses can be hailed like jeepney's from anywhere and will stop anywhere to drop you off. Just a word of warning beware of guys wanting to carry your baggage at terminals as they expect a tip and have many tricks to relieve you of your money, usually the conductor will collect fares after you leave.Buses have designated pit stops along the way so you can powder you nose or get something to eat every couple of hours. Air con buses can be quite cold and a light jacket may be of some use. Surf boards are ok as they will take any luggage they can fit on board. Just let the conductor know that you want to get off at the Sebay resort it is very well known and is right next

door to the Surf camp and other accommodation places.

How to get here

Public Bus Services.

Philippine Rabbit have terminals in San Fernando (La Union) and start off from Manila via Dau. Also Dominion and Partas run from Manila with stops once at Dau and San Fernando - they will drop you off at your resort. Costs are inexpensive a couple of hundred peso or so at most. But, the journey is long and many are over crowded and no Air Con - Partas has a new fleet of European styled buses.

Be a little warned though, even though many have AC and even some with Movies the trip can be very long and arduous as they stop frequently for pick ups and drop offs. At which point be very sure and hand luggage you have is safe and secure. From Dau expect the trip to take 5-6 hours to Bauang and San Fernando. Philippine Rabbit's stop off points are poor and CR facilities dirty. If going by bus, we advise Partas.

Fly the Bus.

By far the better option than ordinary public bus services. Swagman Fly the Bus runs to La Union (Bauang) and Baguio City 3 times a week. Departing Angeles and stopping at hotels along Bauang and Baguio City. Cost is P500 to Bauang, (P900 rtn) and P600 to Baguio City. (P1000 rtn. The Fly the bus service are often a van to Subic and La Union/Baguio. Vans are supposed to seat 12.

But, some seating (fold down) is very uncomfortable for long trips. No smoking is allowed. With pick ups and drop off's at hotels at all locations, and usually one stop for comfort rooms, travel time should take around 5 hours from Angeles.

Private Car Hire. Not the most inexpensive way to travel but, by far the most comfortable and probably the most secure. There are many private hire firms in and around Angeles for example, that can provide you with a car or van with driver to take you there. Beeline Travel can do both La Union (Bauang) Baguio City and beyond by both car and private van.

In addition if on a short vacation (mini break) and you want to go sightseeing and cover both the beach resorts and Baguio City for a small additional fee to cover food and accommodation a special daily rate can be arranged.

A car cost P3200 withBeeline to Bauang or Baguio City. A Van costs P3800. You set the time of departure. You can stop off along the way and buy something from the many side stalls. And you can smoke. A van is ideal if there are 4 in your group or more. Beeline do not recommend having more than 8 in these 12 seater vans for comfort purposes.

From Manila allow 6-7 hours to travel to Bauang or Baguio City. From Angeles approximately 4 hours. Allowing for good traffic conditions and minimum

amount of stops. Travel distance is approximately 190klms.

The City of San Fernando is situated in the mountainous area at the middle province of La Union. It was founded in 1786 and made the "cabecera" (capital) on the same day that La Union became province in 1850.

During the Spanish period, a settlement was a place where there were about 200 families. Around this area, there were two settlements, San Vicente de Balanac and San Guillermo de Dalangdang, San Vicente de Balanac is located in the coast and sea pirates would visit and plunder the settlement. San Guillermo

de Dalangdang, was located at the foothills of the Cordillera mountains and the community were in constant threat from various native headhunting groups.

In 1759, an Augustinian priest, Friar José Torres, convinced the two settlements to come together to a place not so near the sea and not so near the mountains so they will not be plagued by their annual problems. They chose the area called Pindangan, meaning, a place where they dry fish and in this place, they built in a church with San Guillermo the Hermit as the patron saint. In 1765, the newly assigned priest, however, suggested to the inhabitants that they change the name of Pindangan to San Fernando, after the Catholic King of Spain, retaining San Guillermo as their patron saint. The name of the parish priest was Friar Fernando Rey. This was also the period of Diego Silang.

An earthquake destroyed the church at Pindangan and renamed San Fernando, the priest decided not to rebuild in the same place because during the rainy season, the church was transferred until it found its present place, and it is now called the Cathedral of Saint William the Hermit, of the Diocese of San Fernando, La Union.

On May 1786, the Ministerio de San Fernando was established. However, due to lack of priests during the period of 1792 to 1831, San Fernando became a "visita" (visit) of Bauang and San Juan. In 1831, Friar Juan Sorolla, the parish priest of Bauang in 1829, was assigned in San Fernando. According to Philippine historical records, the construction of the church started in 1817 by Friar Simon Torrado with Friar Sorolla as its first town priest.

During the Philippine Revolution in 1896, the Spanish garrison in San Fernando were attacked by Filipino insurgents under the leadership of Manuel Tinio and Mauro Ortíz.

After the Spanish-American War, San Fernando experienced naval bombardment of American soldiers during the Philippine-American War, as well as actual fighting on land when Gregorio del Pilarcommanded the rearguard of Emilio Aguinaldo to cover the latter’s retreat. Aguinaldo and his soldiers were captured by United States troops.

In 1941, San Fernando was invaded by Japanese planes. The rebel army of the 21st Infantry became active and engaged in battle with the Japanese Army. The province were liberated by the United States and Philippine Commonwealth army in 1945.

[edit]Present-day

On May 14, 1996, the Sangguniang Bayan of San Fernando passed Resolution No. 20 requesting the House of Representatives, Congress of the Philippines for the conversion of the Municipality of San Fernando into a Component City. That time, the municipality of San Fernando had satisfactorily met the basic requirements for its conversion into Cityhood pursuant to the provisions of the Local Government Code 1991. In a certification issued by the Bureau of Local Government Finance, the average annual income of San Fernando for calendar years 1994, and 1995 based on 1991 constant prices was P 44,351,821.66. Further, in a certification by the Land Management Bureau of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the land area of San Fernando is 10,526 hectares, well above the minimum requirement of 10,000

hectares. The Sangguniang Panlalawigan of La Union, after a comprehensive study and judicious evaluation of the petition of the Sangguniang Bayan of San Fernando, adopted Resolution No. 425-96 endorsing its cityhood bid to the House of Representatives, Congress of the Philippines.

Upon the sponsorship of the Congressman Victor F. Ortega (1st District- La Union) at the House of Representatives, House Bill 7594 (Act Converting the Municipality of San Fernando, La Union into a Component City to be known as City of San Fernando) was approved.

The petition was approved at the Upper House through the sponsorship of Senators Vicente Sotto III andJuan Flavier. On February 13, 1998, Republic Act 8509 was signed into law by President Fidel V. Ramosand finally on March 20, 1998, the residents of San Fernando manifested their approvement in the Plebiscite that ratified the fulfillment of the dream for San Fernando to become a city.

Located about 8 kilometers from the main city, on a forest mountain is nestled the La Union Botanical Garden. The 20 hectare garden located at Cadaclan is a display of varied species of living plants and a sanctuary of varieties of wild animals and nature.

The City of San Fernando is now the seat of national government agencies in Region I and center of trade, commerce, financial and educational institutions and among others. It is a high class province and exhibited a seaport responsive to international shipping, an airport with viable capacity to accommodate international flights, natural terrain conducive to tourism

development. The City of San Fernando has emerged as a wealthy Metropolis of the Northern Philippines. In 2010 the police of San Fernando demonstrated the ability to use computer technology when they apprehended suspected serial killer Mark Dizon.[2]

[edit]San Fernando chief executives

1895-1898 - Blas Tadiar

1899-1901 - Paulino Alviar

1901-1903 - Gaspar Flores

1904-1905 - Edilberto Aquino

1906-1907 - Francisco Z. Flores

1908-1909 - Urbano Martínez

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 - Angel Salanga

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–present - Pablo C. Ortega

Barangays

The San Fernando City is divided into 59 barangays.

Abut

Apaleng

Bacsil

Bangbangolan

Carlatan

Catbangen

Dallangayan Este

Dallangayan Oeste

Pagudpud

Pao Norte

Pao Sur

Parian

Bangcusay

Barangay I (Pob.)

Barangay II (Pob.)

Barangay III (Pob.)

Barangay IV (Pob.)

Baraoas

Bato

Biday

Birunget

Bungro

Cabaroan (Negro)

Cabarsican

Cadaclan

Calabugao

Camansi

Canaoay

Dalumpinas Este

Dalumpinas Oeste

Ilocanos Norte

Ilocanos Sur

Langcuas

Lingsat

Madayegdeg

Mameltac

Masicong

Nagyubuyuban

Namtutan

Narra Este

Narra Oeste

Pacpaco

Pagdalagan

Pagdaraoan

Pias

Poro

Puspus

Sacyud

Sagayad

San Agustin

San Francisco

San Vicente

Santiago Norte

Santiago Sur

Saoay

Sevilla

Siboan-Otong

Tanqui

Tanquigan

[edit]City Charter

REPUBLIC ACT NO. 8509

An Act converting the Municipality of San Fernando, La Union, into a Component City to be known as the City of San Fernando.

February 13, 1998 – Signed by His Excellency President Fidel V. Ramos

March 20, 1998 – Plebiscite Ratifying the Conversion of the Municipality into a City

Republic Act No. 8509 originated in the House of Representatives as House Bill No. 75 94 sponsored by Cong. Victor F. Ortega of the First District of La Union

[edit]Awards and recognition

[edit]2011

Urban Partnership for Sustainable Upliftment, Renewal, Governance & Empowerment

Jaime V. Ongpin Foundation, Inc.

Best LGU City in Region I

2nd Runner Up, LGPMS 2009

Regional Level

[edit]2010

2010 Best FITS Center, Region I

Best Zero Waste Management Project

Implementer on Zero-Basura

Outstanding Performance, Quality of Life Category

Philippine Cities Competitiveness Ranking Project 2009 Performance

Outstanding Performance, The Entrepreneurs’ Award for Most Honest and Transparent in its Dealings

Philippine Cities Competitiveness Ranking Project 2009 Performance

Outstanding Performance, The Entrepreneurs’ Award for Most Supportive to MSMEs

Philippine Cities Competitiveness Ranking Project 2009 Performance

Special Award, For Best in Documentation

Philippine Cities Competitiveness Ranking Project 2009 Performance

[edit]2009

Building Environmentally Sustainable Transport

Tricycle Sector Management Project

Most Functional Community Learning Center

[edit]2008

Most Business Friendly City in the Philippines

AIM One of the Most Competitive Small City in the Philippines

[edit]2007

PASADA Award

[edit]2006

AIM No. 1 Most Competitive City Small Cities Category

ISA – Dream City Award

DA Huwarang Palengke Award

Best Comfort Room of Wet Market

1st Runner-up Child-Friendly Award Regional Level

Clean & Green City Regional Finalist

Best Hybrid Rice Program - Regional

[edit]2005

Institute of Solidarity in Asia - Fellowship Award

TB DOTS (National)

Literacy Award(3rd Place National )

Rafael Salas Award (population)

Green Banner – Nutrition(Regional)

Child-Friendly Cities (Regional Winner)

[edit]2004

Most Outstanding City Mayor for Social Services(National)

Asin Law Best Implementor (National)\

Most Competitive Small City

AIM Pinoy Cities on the Rise (2nd Most Competitive City National Level)

3rd Place Literacy Awards (National)

Child-Friendly Cities (National Finalist)

Green Banner –Nutrition (1st Place Regional)

[edit]2003

Konrad Adenauer Medal of Excellence (KAME)

Special Recognion and Meritorious Award

Stiftung & LOGODEF

1st Runner Up Most Competitive Small City – Pinoy Cities on the Rise (AIM)

2nd Place National Rafael Salas Population and Development and Improvement Award

Cleanest & Greenest City (2nd Runner Up National)

National Literacy Award (4th Place Outstanding LGU Category)

Kristal Award “ASIN LAW”

(Dept. of Health Center for Health Development – Ilocos)

Child-Friendly Cities

(Regional Winner)

(National Finalist)

[edit]2002

3rd Most Competitive Small Sized City of San Fernando

Philippine Cities Competitiveness Ranking

[edit]2000

Recognition of Excellence

Special Recognition of Partnership with World Bank

Under the City Development Strategy

HABITAT Scroll of Honor

Child Friendly City of Region I