TOURIST ATTRACTIONS*

La Union, situated on the northwestern coast of the Philippines, is the gateway to the rich cultural heritage of the Ilocano people. The capital, San Fernando City, is located 270 km north of Manila and is about an hour's drive from Baguio City. The province combines natural beauty, pristine beaches, cool upland eco-parks, and unspoiled countryside scenery with business and urban convenience.

* La Union Tours are available. Kindly inquire at the Front Office.

CHURCHES AND RELIGIOUS STRUCTURES

Centuries-old churches and religious structures have been preserved in many towns in La Union because of its overwhelming Roman Catholic population, and these are some notable examples:

Agoo Apparition Site

Marian devotees flock to this site due to the much-publicized divine visitations of the Virgin Mary.

Macho Temple

Overlooking the San Fernando Bay, the Macho Chinese temple is believed to be the only one of its kind built with five gates that sit on the promontory north of the town proper of San Fernando.

Pindangan Ruins

The Pindangan Ruins feature the oldest church in La Union that was built in 1786.

Shrine of Our Lady of Charity

The Shrine of Our Lady and Charity is an imposing structure of Mexican-Baroque architecture that is the venue for many religious rites, foremost of which is the Semana Santa.

Shrine of Our Lady of Namacpacan

The Shrine of Our Lady of Namacpacan is a century-old church of St. Catherine in Luna that houses the miraculous image of Our Lady of Namacpacan, patroness of Ilocano travelers.

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CULTURAL AND HISTORICAL SITES

Having withstood the rigors of foreign occupation by the Spaniards, Americans, and Japanese, La Union is the location of many historic landmarks that signify its brave struggle for liberation and its thrust to preserve cultural heritage.

Bacsil Ridge

The Bacsil Ridge was the last bastion of the retreating Japanese Imperial Army in the province. Later, the Ridge constituted the East Flank of the 121st Infantry of the United States Armed Forces in the Philippines, Northern Luzon (USAFIP, NL) during the Liberation in 1945.

Baroro Bridge Marker

This marks the first victory of the Luzon Guerillas over a Japanese armed unit before the American Liberation forces landed on Luzon. The marker stands at the southern approach of the bridge approximately 14 kilometers north of San Fernando.

Battle of San Fernando Marker

Situated at the northwestern portion of the Town Plaza, the Battle of San Fernando Marker accounts how the United States was able to establish its Army Base at Poro Point. The base was eventually used as an assembly area for the Americans' projected invasion of Japan.

Luna Watchtower

The Luna Watchtower is a rotund structure built along Luna shore during the pre-Spanish time and was used as lookout point for impending attacks by pirates.

Museo de Iloko

The old “presidencia” of Agoo houses artifacts and other pieces of cultural importance to the Ilocanos. The Museum is open from Monday to Friday at 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturday visits are by special arrangement.

Museo de La Union

Located at the Provincial Capitol ground in San Fernando, the Museum showcases archaeological finds in La Union during the pre-Spanish period. The Museum is open on Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturday visits are by special arrangement.

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

The Tomb of the Unknown Solider is a tribute to the heroism of the soldiers who fought during the last World War and stands at the junction leading to Poro Point.

USAFIP, NL Military Shrine and Park

Camp Spencer, the general headquarters of the USAFIP, NL located along Darigayos Cove in Luna, is reserved as a Military Shrine and Park. Darigayos is approximately 34.2 kilometers north of San Fernando and is accessible through the Bitalag Junction in Bacnotan or through Balaoan.

Wallace Air Station

The 101-hectare base located at the end of Poro Point in San Fernando was acquired by the United States Cavalry in 1903 and was formally turned over to the Republic of the Philippines on September 16, 1991.

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LOCAL INDUSTRIES

Tourists seeking unique experiences may want to visit the various local industries that make up the La Union economy

Pottery-making

Clay products on display and produced in Taboc, San Juan were produced using age-old pottery-making techniques. Taboc is about 9 kilometers away from San Fernando City.

Blanket-weaving

The traditional practice of weaving wider Ilocano blankets is a prime home industry in Bangar. Rayon, cotton-polyester, and “tinagudan” are yarns used in weaving blankets and other products.

Basi-making

Basi, the Ilocano native wine concocted from sugar cane juice and bark of “duhat” tree, is made in Lioac, Naguilian. The taste of the basi differs from one producer to another.

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NATURAL ATTRACTIONS AND MUST-DOS

Experience La Union's more popular natural attractions, including its conservation sites.

Agoo-Damortis National Seashore Park

Declared as a National Park, the beach stretching from Sta. Rita, Agoo up to Damortis, Rosario is proposed for development as a tourist destination in La Union.

Bauang Beach

Lined along the fine grayish sand of Bauang Beach from Baccuit to Pagdalagan are establishments providing accommodation and other amenities. The beach is 6 kilometers south of San Fernando.

Kasay Marine Sanctuary

The 30-hectare sanctuary is dedicated towards the rehabilitation and replenishment of fishery and other coastal resources.

La Union Botanical and Zoological Garden

The La Union Botanical and Zoological Garden features various plants that grow in tropical, sub-tropical, and desert climates. Located in Sitio Japan, Cadaclan, it showcases the following: Shade Garden, Sunken Garden, Medicinal Garden, Chinese Garden, Japanese Garden, Evergreen Garden, Arid Paradise, Fragrance Garden, Fernery, and Palmery.

San Francisco-Canaoay-Pagudpud Beach

Tourism-related establishments dot the beach area in San Fernando.

San Juan Beach

Approximately 8 kilometers north of San Fernando, the beach stretching from Urbiztondo to Ili Norte is ideal for amateur surfing from November to February.

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[Sources: www.sanfernandocity.gov.ph; travelmart.net]