La Union, officially known as the Province of La Union, is a province situated in the Ilocos Region on the island of Luzon in the Philippines. Its capital and regional center is the City of San Fernando.
La Union shares its borders with Ilocos Sur to the north, Benguet to the east, Pangasinan to the south, and is bounded by the South China Sea to the west.
Demographics
Population by Age Group – La Union (2015 Census):
1. Age Groups and Populations:
- The age group with the highest population: 5 to 9 years old, totaling 75,059 individuals.
- The age group with the lowest population: 75 to 79 years old, comprising 10,108 individuals.
2. Age Group Aggregates:
- Young Dependents (aged 14 and below): Make up about 28.36% of the total population, with 223,070 individuals.
- Economically Active Population (aged 15 to 64): Represents a significant 64.88% of the population, totaling 510,389 individuals.
- Old Dependents (aged 65 and over): Account for 6.76% of the total population, equivalent to 53,194 individuals, and consist of senior citizens.
3. Age Dependency Ratios:
- Among the population of La Union, there are 44 youth dependents (aged 14 and below) for every 100 individuals in the working age population.
- There are 10 aged/senior citizens (aged 65 and over) for every 100 of the working population.
- Overall, there are 54 dependents (combining young and old-age) for every 100 of the working population. These ratios provide insights into the population’s dependency on different age groups.
4. Median Age:
- The median age of La Union in 2015 was 27 years. This statistic indicates that half of the entire population was younger than 27, while the other half was older than 27. It provides a vital measure of the age distribution within the province.
This structured format provides a clear overview of the age distribution and dependency ratios in La Union based on the 2015 Census data.
| Name | City/ Municipality | Population (2020) | Population (2015) | Annual Population Growth Rate (2015‑2020) | Area (km2) | Density (2020), per km2 | Brgy count |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Agoo | municipality | 66,028 | 63,692 | 0.76% | 52.84 | 1,250 | 49 |
| Aringay | municipality | 50,380 | 47,458 | 1.27% | 84.54 | 596 | 24 |
| Bacnotan | municipality | 44,388 | 42,078 | 1.13% | 78.18 | 568 | 47 |
| Bagulin | municipality | 14,428 | 13,456 | 1.48% | 107.33 | 134 | 10 |
| Balaoan | municipality | 40,339 | 39,188 | 0.61% | 68.70 | 587 | 36 |
| Bangar | municipality | 38,041 | 35,947 | 1.20% | 37.36 | 1,018 | 33 |
| Bauang | municipality | 78,449 | 75,032 | 0.94% | 73.15 | 1,072 | 39 |
| Burgos | municipality | 9,006 | 8,067 | 2.35% | 70.80 | 127 | 12 |
| Caba | municipality | 23,119 | 22,039 | 1.01% | 46.31 | 499 | 17 |
| Luna | municipality | 37,318 | 35,802 | 0.88% | 42.90 | 870 | 40 |
| Naguilian | municipality | 52,189 | 54,221 | -0.80% | 104.60 | 499 | 37 |
| Pugo | municipality | 19,337 | 19,690 | -0.38% | 62.84 | 308 | 14 |
| Rosario | municipality | 60,278 | 55,458 | 1.77% | 73.98 | 815 | 33 |
| San Fernando | city (CC), capital, regional center | 125,640 | 121,812 | 0.65% | 102.72 | 1,223 | 59 |
| San Gabriel | municipality | 18,943 | 18,172 | 0.88% | 129.87 | 146 | 15 |
| San Juan | municipality | 40,507 | 37,188 | 1.82% | 57.12 | 709 | 41 |
| Santo Tomas | municipality | 40,846 | 39,092 | 0.93% | 64.00 | 638 | 24 |
| Santol | municipality | 14,166 | 12,476 | 2.71% | 93.70 | 151 | 11 |
| Sudipen | municipality | 17,187 | 17,056 | 0.16% | 97.59 | 176 | 17 |
| Tubao | municipality | 31,763 | 28,729 | 2.14% | 50.75 | 626 | 18 |
| La Union Total | 822,352 | 786,653 | 0.94% | 1,499.28 | 548 | 576 | |
Economy
La Union is a province in the Philippines known for its diversified economy, which encompasses various sectors, including service, manufacturing, and agriculture. The province has several factors contributing to its economic diversity and growth:
Service Sector: The service industry plays a significant role in La Union’s economy. This sector includes businesses such as retail, hospitality, healthcare, education, and other service-oriented enterprises. The province likely benefits from tourism, with visitors enjoying its beautiful beaches, scenic spots, and cultural attractions.
Manufacturing Sector: La Union has a manufacturing sector, which includes various industries such as food processing, textiles, and other production activities. Manufacturing contributes to job creation and economic development in the province.
Agricultural Sector: Agriculture is a vital component of La Union’s economy. The province’s fertile land and favorable climate make it suitable for various crops such as rice, corn, tobacco, and fruits. Fishing is also an important activity along its coastal areas.
Port of San Fernando: The Port of San Fernando serves as a crucial shipping point, connecting La Union to other parts of the Philippines and facilitating trade. Its increasing activity suggests a growing import and export business in the province.
Wallace Air Station: The conversion of the former American airbase, Wallace Air Station, into a business and industrial area has likely attracted investments and commercial activities. This transformation has likely contributed to the economic development of La Union by providing space for various businesses and industries.
Tourism
La Union is a popular destination for tourists, especially those looking to surf. The province is home to several surfing spots, including San Juan, Bauang, and Urbiztondo. These beaches are known for their consistent waves and are suitable for surfers of all levels.
Aside from surfing, La Union also has several historical landmarks and cultural attractions. The Ma-Cho Temple in San Fernando is a Taoist temple that was built in the 1970s. It features intricate carvings and colorful murals that depict Chinese mythology.
The Baluarte Watchtower in Luna is another popular tourist spot. It is a centuries-old stone tower that was built by the Spanish to protect the province from pirates and other invaders. The tower offers panoramic views of the surrounding area and is a great place to watch the sunset.
