Bacnotan
Municipality
Municipality of Bacnotan
St. Michael the Archangel Parish Church, Bacnotan Municipal Hall & Town center
Flag Seal
Nicknames:  Honey Capital of the North Cement Capital of the North
Map of La Union with Bacnotan highlighted
OpenStreetMap
Bacnotan Location within the Philippines
Coordinates: 16°43′11″N 120°20′53″E / 16.719689°N 120.348086°E / 16.719689; 120.348086
Country	Philippines
Region	Ilocos Region
Province	La Union
District	1st district
Founded	1599
Barangays	47 (see Barangays)
Government  [1]
• Type	Sangguniang Bayan
• Mayor	Francisco Angelito L. Fontanilla
• Vice Mayor	Divina C. Fontanilla
• Representative	Pablo C. Ortega
• Municipal Council	Members Jane A. Gonzales Edijer F. Valmonte Olga Jane C. Panelo Virgilio C. Antolin Franklin N. Almodovar Francisco H. Fontanilla Jr. Federico R. Corpuz Tomas Joaquin B. Ortega
• Electorate	27,909 voters (2022)
Area [2]
• Total	76.60 km2 (29.58 sq mi)
Elevation	22 m (72 ft)
Highest elevation	238 m (781 ft)
Lowest elevation	0 m (0 ft)
Population  (2020 census)[3]
• Total	44,388
• Density	580/km2 (1,500/sq mi)
• Households	11,675
Economy
• Income class	1st municipal income class
• Poverty incidence	6.52 % (2021)[4]
• Revenue	₱ 236.5 million (2020)
• Assets	₱ 1,216 million (2020)
• Expenditure	₱ 201.5 million (2020)
• Liabilities	₱ 112.7 million (2020)
Service provider
• Electricity	La Union Electric Cooperative (LUELCO)
Time zone	UTC+8 (PST)
ZIP code	2515
PSGC	013303000
IDD : area code	+63 (0)72
Native languages	Ilocano Tagalog
Website	www.bacnotan.gov.ph

Bacnotan, officially the Municipality of Bacnotan (Ilocano: Ili ti Bacnotan; Filipino: Bayan ng Bacnotan), is a coastal municipality in the province of La Union, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 44,388 people.^[3]

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.^[5]

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.^[5]

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.

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 (burnay), honey, beeswax, and other items.^[6]

In 1572, Spanish forces led by conquistador Juan de Salcedo arrived at the settlement after landing in Dalandan (now San Juan). 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 12 towns that constituted the newly formed province.^[5][7]

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.^[5] 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.^[5][7]

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 (now known as Quirino), was a scene of carnage and plunder.^[7]

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 Gulf^[5]

On 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.^[7]

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.^[5] 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 (now Bacnotan National High School.)^[7]

In 1949, the vast mineral deposits of limestone used in portland cement production were noticed in Barrio Dumarang (now Quirino) 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.^[5] Within a year, a cement plant called Cebu Portland Cement (CEPOC), was established. On May 11, 1957, CEPOC, a government-owned corporation, was sold to the privately owned Bacnotan Consolidated Industries (BCI). BCI is the manufacturer of "Union Cement". In 2004, BCI was sold to Holcim Cement.^[7]

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.^[5]

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. Situated 283 kilometers (176 miles) north of Metro Manila and 14 kilometers (8.7 miles) north of City of San Fernando, the provincial capital of La Union

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.

Bacnotan is politically subdivided into 47 barangays. Each barangay consists of puroks and some have sitios.

The climate in Bacnotan is dry from November to May and wet from mid-May to October. The south-west monsoon brings an abundant rainfall experienced during the wet season. The relatively dry season is caused by the north-east monsoon passing over the Cordillera Mountain Range. Average temperature is 27.2 °C (81.0 °F).

The household population of Bacnotan, La Union, as of the 2020 Census, was recorded at 44,374 persons, reflecting an increase of 2,420 individuals from the 2015 population of 41,954. The number of households also rose to 11,675 in 2020, up by 1,712 from 9,963 households in 2015. The population density is approximately 580 inhabitants per square kilometer (1,500 inhabitants per square mile).^[9][3]

Bacnotan is predominantly Roman Catholic, with the presence of various other Christian denominations, including Iglesia ni Cristo, Protestant groups, and Jehovah's Witnesses. Islam and Buddhism also have a presence in the town, albeit on a smaller scale.^[10]

The majority of the population consists of Ilocano people, with indigenous groups such as the Bago and Kankanaey primarily residing in the upland areas. Ilocano (Iloco) is the primary language spoken in the town and serves as the official language of the province. English and Filipino are used in government and business, while English is the primary medium of instruction in schools.

Bacnotan is served by Bacnotan District Hospital, which was established in 1975, as its main healthcare facility.

The town has an extensive network of public elementary schools, including;^[11]

• Bacnotan Elementary School,
• Arosip Elementary School,
• Baroro Elementary School,
• Bitalag Integrated School,
• Cabaroan Elementary School,
• Carcarmay Elementary School,
• Central Elementary School,
• Galongen Elementary School,
• Guinabang Elementary School
• Mabanengbeng Elementary School
• Nangalisan Elementary School
• Ortega Elementary School
• Oya-oy Elementary School
• Paratong Elementary School
• Quirino Elementary School
• Salincob Elementary School
• Sta. Cruz Elementary School, and
• Zaragoza Elementary School.

Additional elementary schools are located in various barangays, and there is a prep school operated by the United Church of Christ in the Philippines.

Public secondary education is provided by Bacnotan National High School (formerly North Provincial High School) and Bitalag Integrated School.^[12] Private secondary schools include South Ilocandia College of Arts, Technology and Trade, Lord of Zion Divine School, Inc., St. Anthony Montessori Educational Network, Sta. Veronica College, and Stella Maris Academy.

Higher education is available at the Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University, a state university located in the town, which serves as a key educational institution in the region.

The economy of Bacnotan is primarily based on agriculture, fishing, industry, and tourism, with significant contributions from the manufacture of Portland cement.

Farming serves as the backbone of the town’s economy, with rice, tobacco, corn, and various fruits and vegetables as the main agricultural products. Fishing, particularly aquaculture, is also a vital economic activity, with the Baroro River supporting the cultivation of tilapia, hito (catfish), and bangus (milkfish), providing livelihood and sustenance for the community.

Bacnotan is recognized as the center of the beekeeping industry in La Union, and it is also known for its traditional products such as basi (sugarcane wine) and sukang Iloko (sugarcane vinegar). Other local industries include basketry and pebble extraction, which utilize the town’s abundant natural resources. The presence of the Holcim Cement Factory underscores Bacnotan's role in the cement manufacturing industry, which leverages the extensive limestone deposits found in Quirino (formerly Dumarang). A mining engineer from Bacnotan also identified deposits of coal and traces of natural gas in the area, further highlighting the town's mineral wealth.^[17]

Tourism is an emerging economic driver, with Bacnotan’s natural attractions drawing visitors. Surfing has become increasingly popular, particularly near the Holcim Cement Factory, where a surfable break has been discovered. Although the sand bottom creates some inconsistency in wave quality, it is generally reliable for beginners learning the sport. Surfing instructors from neighboring towns, such as Urbiztondo, often bring students to Bacnotan for lessons. However, the local surfing infrastructure remains underdeveloped, with no surfboard rental services currently available.^[17]

This diverse mix of agriculture, industry, and tourism continues to shape the economic landscape of Bacnotan.

Poverty incidence of Bacnotan

Bacnotan, 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 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.

Bacnotan has produced notable personalities in various endeavors. Some of them are as follows:

• Erlinda Fadera-Basilio — Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Philippines to the United Nations and other International Organizations in Geneva, Switzerland; first woman Vice President of the UN Human Rights Council. Currently Philippine ambassador to China, Mongolia and North Korea.^[27]
• Fr. Bienvenido Nebres — longest-serving university president of Ateneo de Manila University

• 
  Bacnotan Public Market
• 
  Town plaza
• 
  Centennial Tree
• 
  Town Proper
• 
  Saint Michael the Archangel Parish Church
• 
  Street view

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Bacnotan.

• Philippine Standard Geographic Code
• Philippine Census Information
• Local Governance Performance Management System