Municipal Profile

Bacnotan, Officially the Municipality of Bacnotan (Ilocano: Ili ti Bacnotan, Filipino: Bayan ng Bacnotan), is a First (1st) class municipality in the Province of La Union, Philippines. Bacnotan is also the seat of the beekeeping industry in the province.

Surfing has become quite popular as well, surfers having discovered that there is a surfable break beside the Holcim Cement Factory. While there are no surfboard rentals yet, instructors from the nearby town of Urbiztondo have been known to bring their students to Bacnotan for lessons. The sand bottom causes an inconsistency in wave quality but is usually reliable for learning.

Schools in Bacnotan include the Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University, the North Provincial High School(now known as Bacnotan National High School), the Bacnotan Elementary, other elementary schools located in various barangays, and a prep-school operated by the United Church of Christ in the Philippines. Home to the National Apiculture Research, Training and Development Institute (NARTDI), it has made Bacnotan a pilot area for support, instruction, research and production on beekeeping. Based at the Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University (DMMMSU) Main Campus, it came into existence by virtue of RA 9151 which then La Union 1st District Congressman now Governor Manuel C. Ortega authored. Also located at DMMMSU is the Sericulture Research Development Institute which produces quality silk.

In Barangay Carcarmay stands the towering La Union Centennial Tree which was planted way back in 1896 as certified by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. Like a giant green parachute, its long branches and large trunk never fails to wow visitors. For those looking for challenging adventure, the Arosip Ecotrail is the perfect place. After a 30-minute ride from poblacion and a descending hike, tourists are greeted by Zim-sim-ug Twin Falls, Pad-tok Falls and Tekdag-aso Falls. For those looking for more accessible swimming area, Guinabang Falls and Sa-pilang Falls and its pristine beaches can also be considered.

From May 1 to 8, the town celebrates its annual town fiesta which is highlighted by the Honey Festival. Parochial Fiestas include September 29, feast of St. Michael the Archangel and May 1, feast of St. Joseph the Worker.