Burgos, La Union
Burgos
Disdis | |
|---|---|
| Municipality of Burgos | |
   Church of Our Lady of Fatima, Town Proper along Naguilian Road and Municipal Hall | |
 Flag  Seal | |
 Map of La Union with Burgos highlighted | |
OpenStreetMap  | |
.svg)  Burgos Location within the Philippines | |
| Coordinates: 16°31′30″N 120°27′30″E / 16.525°N 120.4583°E | |
| Country | Philippines |
| Region | Ilocos Region |
| Province | La Union |
| District | 2nd district |
| Named for | José Burgos |
| Barangays | 12 (see Barangays) |
| Government | |
| • Type | Sangguniang Bayan |
| • Mayor | Delfin C. Comedis Jr. |
| • Vice Mayor | Annie A.Patinglag |
| • Representative | Dante S. Garcia |
| • Municipal Council | Members |
| • Electorate | 6,733 voters (2022) |
| Area | |
• Total | 70.80 km2 (27.34 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 336 m (1,102 ft) |
| Highest elevation | 1,010 m (3,310 ft) |
| Lowest elevation | 21 m (69 ft) |
| Population (2020 census)[3] | |
• Total | 9,006 |
| • Density | 130/km2 (330/sq mi) |
| • Households | 2,145 |
| Economy | |
| • Income class | 5th municipal income class |
| • Poverty incidence | 10.69 |
| • Revenue | ₱ 69.93 million (2020) |
| • Assets | ₱ 243.4 million (2020) |
| • Expenditure | ₱ 76.96 million (2020) |
| • Liabilities | ₱ 19.51 million (2020) |
| Service provider | |
| • Electricity | La Union Electric Cooperative (LUELCO) |
| Time zone | UTC+8 (PST) |
| ZIP code | 2510 |
| PSGC | |
| IDD : area code | +63 (0)72 |
| Native languages | Ilocano Tagalog |
| Website | www |
Burgos, officially the Municipality of Burgos (Ilocano: Ili ti Burgos; Filipino: Bayan ng Burgos), is a municipality in La Union, Philippines, named after the Filipino martyr Father Jose Burgos. It is the least populated municipality in the province, with a population of 9,006 according to the 2020 census.[3]
The town is known for its production of colored soft brooms made from tiger grass.[5]
Etymology
[edit]
The town of Burgos was named after Padre José Burgos, a Filipino priest, educator, and nationalist who was a prominent figure in the Philippine movement for independence from Spanish colonial rule and a member of the GOMBURZA. According to local tradition, Padre Burgos sought refuge in the town while fleeing Spanish persecution and officiated a mass at Sitio Domingo in Agpay, leaving a lasting influence on the community, which subsequently named the town in his honor.[6]
History
[edit]The early history of town, is closely tied to its Cordilleran (Igorot) inhabitants, including the Ibalois (Mangatibekbek) from Atok and Kapangan in Benguet, and the Kankanaeys (Mangalkali) from Mountain Province in the foothills of the Cordillera Central. These early settlers actively participated in trade along the Aringay Trail, an ancient gold trading route that connected the southwestern Cordillera to the lowlands of northwestern Luzon. Goods such as gold, silk, textiles, rice, porcelain, wax, and earthenware were exchanged with neighboring lowland Ilocano (Samtoy) and Pangasinan communities, as well as with foreign merchants from China, Japan, and Maritime Southeast Asia.[6]
The roots of the settlement trace back to a swampy region known as "Desdes" or "Disdis," a Nabaloi word meaning "to roll up pants or sleeves," which reflected the area's swampy nature. The name referred to the locals' need to wade through the numerous springs, creeks, and rivers that meandered through the region. In the Iloco language, "Desdes" also means "big spring," emphasizing the importance of water sources in shaping the area's identity.[7]
During the Spanish colonial period in the 1700s, a group of immigrants from Ilocos and Pangasinan settled along the shores of La Union and began migrating to the town of Bauang. Due to population growth, they followed the river's winding path in search of new land and eventually discovered a fertile valley along the riverbank, which they named Naguilian. They continued eastward following the river, to the highland and eventually established the settlement that became present-day Burgos.
At this time, the area was divided into two major rancheria settlements: Rancheria Disdis in the northwest and Rancheria Galiano in the south. Despite their diverse origins, these groups coexisted peacefully, creating a strong sense of community. The integration of highland and lowland cultures contributed to a unique identity that would persist for years.[6]
On February 18, 1839, Naguilian was separated from Bauang, with portions of Burgos, including "Disdis" (later called "Stancia" by the Spaniards) and areas along the southwestern bank of the Naguilian River, becoming part of the new town. These areas were predominantly inhabited by Igorots.
For much of its early history, the area was part of larger administrative territories in Benguet.[6] However, in 1903, the Philippine Commission passed Act No. 662, which realigned the boundaries between La Union and Benguet. As a result, Rancheria Disdis became part of La Union, while Rancheria Galiano remained under Benguet's jurisdiction. Over the next few decades, the borders were redrawn, and by 1920, the area of Disdis was returned to La Union.[7]
The formation of Burgos as a distinct administrative entity occurred on November 27, 1925, through Executive Order No. 54 issued by Governor-General Leonard Wood. This order created the Municipal District of Burgos under the province of La Union, comprising several barrios: Pappa, Bilis Northwest, Ribsuan, Libtong Norte, and Bayabas West.[6] The district was named in honor of Father Jose Burgos, a Filipino martyr who, according to local accounts, sought refuge in the area while fleeing Spanish persecution and officiated a mass at Sitio Domingo in Agpay, leaving a lasting impression on the community.[7]
The first municipal president of the district was Don Polon Bentrez, widely regarded as the founder of Burgos. He oversaw the construction of a simple town hall made of bamboo and cogon grass in Barrio Ribsuan (now part of Naguilian). One of his notable contributions was the distribution of land to early settlers, fostering stability and growth in the community.[7] Tragically, his leadership was cut short in 1929 when he sustained fatal injuries during a boundary inspection in Bantay Siam, a remote area in Barrio Libtong. After his death, his vice president, Don Cornelio Abenes, assumed leadership until 1930, when Don Juan Abellada became the first elected municipal district mayor.[6]
In the 1930s, new barrios were established, including Cauayan, Tumapoc, Linuan, Delles, and Central. When Barrio Ribsuan was later annexed to Naguilian, the seat of government moved to Central. By the late 1960s, the seat of governance was once again relocated, this time to New Poblacion, to accommodate the town's growth and administrative needs. Around the same time, more barrios were formed, including Agpay, Dalacdac (from Cauayan), Imelda (from Libtong), New Poblacion (from Bilis), and Upper Tumapoc (from Tumapoc).[6]
In 1960, Burgos officially transitioned from a municipal district to a regular municipality, solidifying its place as an independent community within La Union.[6]
Geography
[edit]
Burgos, is a highland and landlocked municipality characterized by predominantly hilly terrain, spanning a total land area of 7,082 hectares. The municipality is bordered to the north by Bagulin, to the south and west by Naguilian, and to the east by Sablan in Benguet. The Naguilian River runs through the town, with 11.40 kilometers of riverbanks.
Land classification in Burgos includes 2,307.93 hectares of Alienable and Disposable (A&D) land. In terms of land use, the municipality has 2,263.93 hectares dedicated to agriculture, 43.51 hectares of bare land, 24.11 hectares of grasslands, 114.79 hectares of wetlands, 536.59 hectares of forest areas (507.59 hectares of which are public forests), and 48.81 hectares of built-up areas.
Burgos is located 29 kilometers (18 miles) from the provincial capital, San Fernando City, 28 kilometers (17 miles) from Baguio City, and 278 kilometers (173 miles) from Metro Manila.
Barangays
[edit]Burgos is politically subdivided into 12 barangays, with 9 upland barangays and 3 lowland barangays. Each barangay is further divided into puroks, and some have sitios. Each barangay is led by a Chairman and its Councilors, while the Sangguniang Kabataan, represented by its Councilor, focuses on youth representation.
- Agpay
- Bilis
- Caoayan
- Dalacdac
- Delles
- Imelda
- Libtong
- Linuan
- New Poblacion
- Old Poblacion
- Lower Tumapoc
- Upper Tumapoc
Climate
[edit]The town experiences a Type I climate as defined by the Köppen Climate Classification, which features a clear division between wet and dry seasons. The wet season typically starts around mid-May and continues until late October, while the dry season lasts from December through early May. Heavy rainfall is brought by the Southwest Monsoon (SWM) during the wet season, whereas the Northeast Monsoon (NEM) leads to drier conditions as it moves over the Cordillera Mountains.
| Climate data for Burgos, La Union | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Mean daily maximum °C (°F) | 28 (82) |
29 (84) |
30 (86) |
31 (88) |
29 (84) |
29 (84) |
27 (81) |
27 (81) |
27 (81) |
28 (82) |
29 (84) |
28 (82) |
29 (83) |
| Mean daily minimum °C (°F) | 18 (64) |
19 (66) |
21 (70) |
23 (73) |
23 (73) |
23 (73) |
23 (73) |
23 (73) |
23 (73) |
22 (72) |
20 (68) |
19 (66) |
21 (70) |
| Average precipitation mm (inches) | 42 (1.7) |
48 (1.9) |
74 (2.9) |
110 (4.3) |
269 (10.6) |
275 (10.8) |
362 (14.3) |
325 (12.8) |
330 (13.0) |
306 (12.0) |
126 (5.0) |
61 (2.4) |
2,328 (91.7) |
| Average rainy days | 11.2 | 12.0 | 17.1 | 21.2 | 27.1 | 26.8 | 28.1 | 27.0 | 26.0 | 24.5 | 17.7 | 12.4 | 251.1 |
| Source: Meteoblue[8] | |||||||||||||
Demographics
[edit]| Year | Pop. | ±% p.a. |
|---|---|---|
| 1903 | 8 | — |
| 1918 | 2,256 | +45.66% |
| 1939 | 1,774 | −1.14% |
| 1948 | 1,348 | −3.01% |
| 1960 | 2,124 | +3.86% |
| 1970 | 3,160 | +4.05% |
| 1975 | 3,570 | +2.48% |
| 1980 | 4,149 | +3.05% |
| 1990 | 5,410 | +2.69% |
| 1995 | 6,086 | +2.23% |
| 2000 | 6,748 | +2.24% |
| 2007 | 8,261 | +2.83% |
| 2010 | 7,850 | −1.84% |
| 2015 | 8,067 | +0.52% |
| 2020 | 9,006 | +2.19% |
| Source: Philippine Statistics Authority[9][10][11][12] | ||
According to the 2020 Philippine Statistics Authority census, the population of Burgos, La Union, is recorded at 9,006 individuals.[3] The population density is calculated at 130 inhabitants per square kilometer, or 340 inhabitants per square mile. The official language of the town is Iloco, while Ibaloi and Kankanaey are also spoken among the residents. The growth rate for the town is 1.63% with the largest age group is children aged 5 to 9, while the senior population (70 years and above) is the smallest.[5]
In terms of religious affiliation, Christianity is the predominant faith, with Roman Catholics being the majority, followed by Iglesia ni Cristo and various other denominations. The literacy rate within Burgos stands at 98.83%. The total number of households in the town is 1,596.[5]
The labor force consists of 5,491 individuals. The poverty incidence in Burgos is reported at 53.15%, with the magnitude of poor families at 34.82% and the magnitude of the poor population at 37.18%.[5]
The town has 8 public elementary schools, and 3 public secondary schools
Public Elementary Schools in Burgos:[13]
- Agpay Elementary School
- Bilis Elementary School
- Burgos Central Elementary School
- Delles Elementary School
- Libtong Integrated School
- Linuan Elementary School
- Tumapoc Elementary School
- Upper Tumapoc Elementary School
Public Secondary Schools in Burgos:[14]
- Burgos National High School
- Burgos National High School - Annex
- Libtong Integrated School
Economy
[edit]Agriculture
[edit]Burgos economy is predominantly centered around agriculture, with the town's fertile land supporting a wide range of crops. Key agricultural products include rice, root crops, tobacco, corn, pineapples, bananas, and various highland vegetables such as cabbage, carrots, and potatoes. These crops are essential to the livelihoods of many residents and serve as the primary source of income. Livestock farming, with poultry, pigs, and cattle being raised alongside crops. Additionally, fishing specifically aquaculture, trade, and small-scale industries supplement agricultural activities, contributing to the town's overall economic framework.[5]
Industry
[edit]
Burgos is widely known for its soft broom industry, where local artisans craft colorful brooms made from tiger grass, which grows abundantly in the area. The production of these brooms is not just an economic activity but also a cultural tradition, celebrated during the Boyboy Festival held annually from February 21 to 23. Apart from brooms, Burgos is also famous for its traditional rice wine (Tapey), which is locally produced and widely consumed, and for native delicacies like binudbudan. The town has a variety of locally grown fruits available in markets, contributing to local trade. Additionally, handcrafted products such as bamboo, wood, and basket items are made and sold, showcasing the town’s rich cultural heritage in craftsmanship.[5]
Employment
[edit]Agriculture remains the primary source of employment in Burgos, with approximately 96% of the population involved in agricultural activities, whether directly or indirectly. This heavy reliance on agriculture highlights the town's rural economy. Meanwhile, the industrial and services sectors contribute relatively less to employment, with industry accounting for 1.8% and services contributing 2.06% of the workforce. The town faces challenges in diversifying its job market, with a higher concentration of workers in the agricultural sector. The poverty incidence rate in Burgos stands at 10.69% according to the 2021 census, which underscores the economic vulnerabilities faced by many residents.[5]
Economic Development
[edit]In terms of economic development, Burgos faces both opportunities and challenges. According to the 2024 DTI Cities and Municipalities Competitive Index, the town ranks 161st overall with a score of 4.18. However, Burgos has performed relatively well in certain areas, such as local economic growth (60th place) and cost of living (20th place), suggesting that the town has potential for future economic improvements. The town has made strides in productivity (ranked 166th) and the presence of business and professional organizations (44th), indicating progress in supporting business development and financial services. Despite these advances, there are notable challenges in safety compliance (ranked 223rd) and employment generation (ranked 180th), which could hinder further development if not addressed. Continuous efforts are being made to foster a conducive business environment, improve infrastructure, and diversify sources of income.[15]
Poverty incidence of Burgos
10
20
30
40
50
2006
40.80 2009
26.20 2012
16.70 2015
10.11 2018
4.03 2021
10.69 Source: Philippine Statistics Authority[16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23] |
Tourism
[edit]Burgos is primarily a transit town but offers notable attractions that make it a worthwhile stop for travelers. Among its most famous sites are the Bolikewkew Rice Terraces, which are known for their scenic beauty and cultural significance, and Imelda Lake, a tranquil spot that draws visitors for relaxation. Dalacdac Dam also attracts those interested in nature and outdoor activities. Although tourism is not yet a dominant industry, the town's natural beauty, including lush foliage and cool climate, provides ample opportunities for eco-tourism. The cool climate of Burgos, one of the coolest in the province, is an added draw for hikers and nature enthusiasts, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a refreshing escape in a serene environment.[5]
Government
[edit]Local government
[edit]Burgos, belonging to the second 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.
Elected officials
[edit]| Position | Name |
|---|---|
| Congressman | Dante S. Garcia |
| Mayor | Delfin C. Comedis, Jr. |
| Vice-Mayor | Annie A. Patinglag |
| Councilors | Mario C. Martinez |
| Efren A. Hidalgo | |
| Marlon C. Gumba | |
| Dante C. Cabinto | |
| Betty Jean L. Arsitio | |
| Domingo G. Abansi | |
| Alano N. Gascon | |
| Daniel N. Nisperos |
Major roads
[edit]Gallery
[edit]
|
References
[edit]- ^ Municipality of Burgos | (DILG)
- ^ "2015 Census of Population, Report No. 3 – Population, Land Area, and Population Density" (PDF). Philippine Statistics Authority. Quezon City, Philippines. August 2016. ISSN 0117-1453. Archived (PDF) from the original on May 25, 2021. Retrieved July 16, 2021.
- ^ a b c Census of Population (2020). "Region I (Ilocos Region)". Total Population by Province, City, Municipality and Barangay. Philippine Statistics Authority. Retrieved 8 July 2021.
- ^ "PSA Releases the 2021 City and Municipal Level Poverty Estimates". Philippine Statistics Authority. 2 April 2024. Retrieved 28 April 2024.
- ^ a b c d e f g h "Profile | Burgos, La Union". Retrieved 2025-01-05.
- ^ a b c d e f g h "History | Burgos, La Union". Retrieved 2024-10-10.
- ^ a b c d Provincial Government of La Union. "Municipality of Burgos History".
- ^ "Burgos: Average Temperatures and Rainfall". Meteoblue. Retrieved 26 April 2020.
- ^ Census of Population (2015). "Region I (Ilocos Region)". Total Population by Province, City, Municipality and Barangay. Philippine Statistics Authority. Retrieved 20 June 2016.
- ^ Census of Population and Housing (2010). "Region I (Ilocos Region)" (PDF). Total Population by Province, City, Municipality and Barangay. National Statistics Office. Retrieved 29 June 2016.
- ^ Censuses of Population (1903–2007). "Region I (Ilocos Region)". Table 1. Population Enumerated in Various Censuses by Province/Highly Urbanized City: 1903 to 2007. National Statistics Office.
- ^ "Province of La Union". Municipality Population Data. Local Water Utilities Administration Research Division. Retrieved 17 December 2016.
- ^ Provincial Government of La Union. "Province of La Union - LIST OF PUBLIC ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS" (PDF). launion.gov.ph. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2023-01-28. Retrieved 2025-01-04.
- ^ Provincial Government of La Union. "Province of La Union - LIST OF SECONDARY PUBLIC SCHOOLS" (PDF). launion.gov.ph. Retrieved 2025-01-04.
- ^ "Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Index". CMCI. Retrieved 2024-10-10.
- ^ "Poverty incidence (PI):". Philippine Statistics Authority. Retrieved December 28, 2020.
- ^ "Estimation of Local Poverty in the Philippines" (PDF). Philippine Statistics Authority. 29 November 2005.
- ^ "2003 City and Municipal Level Poverty Estimates" (PDF). Philippine Statistics Authority. 23 March 2009.
- ^ "City and Municipal Level Poverty Estimates; 2006 and 2009" (PDF). Philippine Statistics Authority. 3 August 2012.
- ^ "2012 Municipal and City Level Poverty Estimates" (PDF). Philippine Statistics Authority. 31 May 2016.
- ^ "Municipal and City Level Small Area Poverty Estimates; 2009, 2012 and 2015". Philippine Statistics Authority. 10 July 2019.
- ^ "PSA Releases the 2018 Municipal and City Level Poverty Estimates". Philippine Statistics Authority. 15 December 2021. Retrieved 22 January 2022.
- ^ "PSA Releases the 2021 City and Municipal Level Poverty Estimates". Philippine Statistics Authority. 2 April 2024. Retrieved 28 April 2024.
- ^ "2019 National and Local Elections" (PDF). Commission on Elections. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2020-10-06. Retrieved March 6, 2022.
External links
[edit]
- Philippine Standard Geographic Code
- Philippine Census Information
- Local Governance Performance Management System
Places adjacent to Burgos, La Union | |
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