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89-569: The town's name in Ilocano translates to “no bullets” or “bullets no more.” Historically, it has been spelled as either “Balauan” or “Balaoang” in old records. According to one epic tale, early native Ilocanos bravely defended their territory, shouting “bala” (meaning “bullets” ) and “aoan” (meaning “no more” ) as they resorted to using only their bolos and bare hands, facing the challenge of running low on ammunition while fending off intruders armed with superior weaponry. Another, lighter version of

178-620: A dynamic relationship between the highland and lowland communities, contributing to a rich, interconnected cultural landscape in early La Union. A year after Adelantado Miguel Lopez de Legazpi made Manila the capital of the Philippines on June 24, 1571, the Spaniards started the colonization in Northern Luzon " to pacify the people in it ". In June 1572, conquistadores led by Juan de Salcedo , grandson of Miguel López de Legazpi , sailed up

267-677: A general attack to the ridge on 16 March 1945 and fought the Japanese defenders until the capture of Bacsil on 19 March. On the same day, the 3rd battalion captured the Reservoir Hill. The Battle of Bacsil Ridge between the Filipino soldiers and recognized guerrillas and the Japanese Forces resulted in the recapture of the city of San Fernando, La Union. Which resulted in the capture of San Fernando, La Union on 23 March 1945, and Bacnotan , La Union and

356-476: A gunshot killed the much-hated Friar Mariano Garcia of Santo Tomas a shot heard across the province, igniting the revolution in what the Spaniards once called "Una Provincia Modelo." Manuel Tinio y Bondoc , a young general allied with Emilio Aguinaldo , led the charge against the Spanish forces, ultimately driving them from La Union, although some retreated to Vigan . Following their defeat, a Revolutionary Government

445-542: A historian practicing his trade. " Scott saw his time in Marcos' prison as a validation of his Filipino nationalist beliefs. Schlagel recounts Scott saying that he " considered the time in jail behind bars to be one of the best of his life, because he was able to have long in-depth conversations with all the most prominent anti-Marcos activists. " He shared a cell with fellow historian Zeus Salazar , with whom he had many disagreements and arguments. Another notable fellow prisoner

534-595: A result of this relocation. When things returned to normal, the provincial government was relocated to San Fernando, followed by the La Union National High School. The North Provincial High School was established after the provincial high school in Bacnotan was transferred (now Bacnotan National High School). The postwar recovery period marked a return of the tobacco industry to the Ilocos Region. Ever since

623-756: A significant chapter in La Union's contribution to the broader Philippine Revolution against Spanish colonial rule. The American colonization of La Union began after the Spanish-American War in 1898 when the Philippines was ceded to the United States under the Treaty of Paris . Following the Philippine-American War (1899–1902), La Union was reorganized under American colonial administration, leading to significant political, economic, and social changes. During

712-521: A similar line to the Filipino nationalist historian Renato Constantino . Scott observed the Igorot people of the Cordillera region had preserved elements of pre-colonial culture to a greater degree, and over a wider area, than could be found elsewhere in the Philippines. He saw the resistance of Igorots to attempts by the Marcos government to develop projects in the region as a model for resistance elsewhere in

801-466: Is no longer a part of the standard history texts in the Philippines. Scott's first well known academic work is The Discovery of the Igorots . This is a history of the Cordillera mountain region over several centuries of Spanish contact, constructed from contemporary Spanish sources. Scott argues that the difficulties the Spaniards encountered extending their rule in the face of local resistance resulted in

890-512: Is pronounced on its modern town name "Balaoan". During the Spanish colonization of the Philippines , a secret society of insurrectos was organized in the municipality. Its purpose was to fight and revolt against the Spanish Government in the area. On the eve of the revolution, a traitor told the Spanish of their plan. The Spanish soldiers, without any investigation, arrested seven members of

979-500: Is rich in natural and cultural attractions, offering activities such as red clay pottery, grape picking, loom weaving, and pilgrimage tours to historic churches, alongside beautiful waterfalls and eco-tours. The population includes both the Ilocano people from the lowlands and the Igorot people from the highlands, contributing to its diverse cultural heritage. In the early history of La Union,

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1068-417: Is still lighter than the skin tone of villagers). They flocked the soldiers touching their guns, too afraid that the guns might explode accidentally, one villager asked the soldier in a local vernacular.. "Aoan bala?" ("Awan bala?" in modern spelling, meaning "No bullets?"). The soldier did not understand what the villager meant, he uttered the last word first, and remembering the last, he said "Bala-aoan", which

1157-416: Is under the advocacy of the town's patron saint, St. Nicholas of Tolentino, whose feast day is celebrated on September. Balaoan's town fiesta is celebrated every December 21 to 23 of the year. Balaoan, 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

1246-452: The "Japanese Port," as enterprising Japanese and Chinese merchants had been trading with the local population through this port. Consequently, Agoo played a significant role in commerce with other Southeast Asian countries. In her book “Pangasinan 1572–1800” , Rosario Mendoza-Cortes notes that La Union, particularly Agoo, served as the primary port for Japanese and Chinese traders , with Sual, Pangasinan , as its only rival. This prominence

1335-721: The Angalacan River to the Lingayen Gulf and landed in Aroo or Agoho , now known as Agoo . Upon their arrival, Salcedo's expedition encountered three Japanese ships , which they pursued to a Japanese settlement . The Spaniards demanded tribute to the Queen of Spain from both the natives and the Japanese, though some initially refused. Those who complied were permitted to remain and converted to Christianity after paying tribute. This encounter led to Agoo being referred to as "El Puerto de Japon" or

1424-715: The Aringay-Tonglo-Balatok path, connected southwestern Cordillera with the lowlands, establishing Aringay and Agoo as key commercial centers. This trade network linked La Union to maritime routes across the Indian Ocean and South China Sea, as well as to trade with the Tagalog , Chinese , and Japanese . Goods exchanged included porcelain, silk ( abel ) , cotton, beeswax, honey, gemstones, beads, precious minerals, locally crafted burnáy (stoneware jars), and especially gold. Artifacts like porcelain and pottery, uncovered during

1513-469: The Communist Party of the Philippines . The People Power Revolution , which coincided with the publication of the book, obscured the fact that the foreword had been written while Sison was in jail. Harold Conklin 's Biographical Note and Bibliography lists 243 extant written works by Scott from 1945 until those posthumously published in 1994. Scott died unexpectedly on 4 October 1993, aged 72, at

1602-583: The Ilocos Region , including La Union, which had strong ethnic associations with the Marcos family . The Marcos administration's use of violent methods for stifling dissent thus mostly took place in other, non-Ilocano provinces, such as nearby Abra , Kalinga , and Mountain Province . Long-time second district congressman Manuel T. Cases had formed an alliance with Marcos along with the other strongman congressmen of

1691-739: The Kankanaey town of Sagada , Mountain Province . Although some of his most influential academic works—"Prehispanic Source Materials" and "Discovery of the Igorots"—are of particular interest to anthropologists, he personally rejected the description anthropologist as applying to himself. Known to his friends as "Scotty", he became a focus for pilgrimage by numerous foreign and Filipino academics, entertaining them in his book-lined study while he puffed away on his trademark cigar. The Igorot people came to think of Scott as one of their own, even eventually referring to him as "Lakay" (elder). Soon after Ferdinand Marcos declared martial law in 1972, Scott

1780-642: The National Historical Commission of the Philippines unveiled a historical marker commemorating Scott at Saint Mary's School in Sagada. La Union La Union ( Tagalog pronunciation: [lɐ ʔʊˈɲon] ), officially the Province of La Union ( Ilocano : Probinsia ti La Union ; Tagalog : Lalawigan ng La Union), is a coastal province in the Philippines situated in the Ilocos Region on

1869-471: The Philippine-American War , La Union experienced military conflicts and battles as American forces aimed to assert control over the province. The war was marked by significant abuses against the native population, including forced relocations , extrajudicial killings , and the destruction of property . These abuses led to widespread native resentment and resistance against American forces across

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1958-515: The Siete Martires . These seven young men became the first Ilocanos to be executed for their revolutionary activities or for being suspected sympathizers of the movement. On the eve of the revolution, a traitor revealed their plans to the Spanish authorities, leading to the arrest of the seven men, who were executed without investigation. Fernando Ostrea escaped death despite sustaining a thigh wound, and his miraculous survival allowed him to inform

2047-916: The St Luke's Hospital in Quezon City , following what was considered to have been a routine gall bladder operation. He was buried in the cemetery of Saint Mary the Virgin in Sagada on 10 October. In 1994, the Ateneo de Manila University posthumously gave Scott the Tanglaw ng Lahi Award for a lifetime "spent in teaching not only in the classroom, but also the outside world by means of the broad reaches of his contacts and communication, and most of all through his hundreds of published scholarly articles and inspirationals which continue to disseminate and teach honest Philippine history to succeeding generations of Filipinos." On December 8, 2021,

2136-704: The US Navy , serving throughout World War II until 1946. In 1946, Scott joined the Episcopal Church mission in China. He taught and studied in Shanghai , Yangzhou , and Beijing until 1949. With the general expulsion of foreigners from China in 1949, he followed some of his teachers to Yale University where he enrolled, graduating in 1951 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Chinese language and literature. Immediately upon graduation he

2225-489: The principalia or insulares who spoke the Castilian language , while the cailianes were the natives who spoke either Iloco , Kankanai , Ibaloi , or Pangasinan . Iloko, however, served as the province's lingua franca . Coastal settlements were frequently raided by tirongs or Moro pirates , who looted and burned villages while capturing women and children. In response, watchtowers called baluartes were build along

2314-421: The 2020 census, La Union had a population of 822,352, resulting in a density of 550 inhabitants per square kilometer or 1,400 per square mile. The province had 538,730 registered voters as of 2022. The province official language is Iloco (Ilocano), as declared by the provincial government of La Union. La Union is renowned for its picturesque coastal towns, popular surfing spots, and pristine beaches. The province

2403-625: The Hayashi Detachment, composed of 3,000 armed troops and 2,000 unarmed support forces, took hold of San Fernando and its surrounding areas which denied entry to the port of the city and a road leading to Baguio . As part of the San Fernando-Bacsil Operations, the 1st Battalion of 121st Infantry were sent to loosen the enemy positions starting late February with the assistance of the Allied Air Force. The 1st Battalion made

2492-482: The Ilocanos, who reluctantly accepted Spanish rule. This encounter marked the beginning of early Spanish colonization in Northern Luzon and sparked a hundred years of resistance against Spanish rule. It also led to the establishment of new religious, cultural, and administrative institutions, resulting in the formation of pueblos, rancherias to towns that later constituted the province of La Union. Before its formation,

2581-631: The Ilocos Region, and his successor Jose D. Aspiras was also a close associate of Marcos who was made Minister of Tourism after Martial Law was declared. But there were still La Union natives who were willing to object to the authoritarian practices and abuses of the Marcos administration , despite personal risk. This included San-Fernando-raised student activists Romulo and Armando Palabay , UP Students and La Union National High School alumni who were imprisoned for their protest activities, tortured at Camp Olivas in Pampanga, and later separately killed before

2670-548: The Japanese 4th Tank Regiment and the 47th Infantry Regiment under the command of Col. Isamu Yanagi, supported by a massive flotilla of navy ships tried to land in Agoo to make it one of three major beachheads for the Japanese Invasion of Lingayen Gulf , although weather dispersed their forces and made them deploy on a wide stretch of beach that ranged from Poro Point (San Fernando) to as far south as Damortis. These forces later met

2759-472: The Japanese to leave, but not before imparting valuable knowledge to the locals about fish farming, rice cultivation, deerskin tanning, duck breeding, and weapon production. Furthermore, the Spanish conquistadores continued their expedition further north, encountering natives in what is now known as San Fernando City . The Spaniards demanded tribute to the Queen of Spain , but the natives requested time to go to

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2848-625: 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. William Henry Scott (historian) William Henry Scott (born Henry King Ahrens ; July 10, 1921 – October 4, 1993) was a historian of the Cordillera Central and pre-Hispanic Philippines . William Henry Scott was born on 10 July 1921, in Detroit, Michigan , where he

2937-491: The Philippine Tobacco Flue-Curing and Redrying Corporation (PTFCRC) in 1951 and recruiting farmers from throughout Region 1 to produce tobacco. The following year, La Union Congressman Manuel T. Cases filed a bill to "limit the importation of foreign leaf tobacco," which was eventually signed by President Elpidio Quirino as Republic Act 698. This allowed Stonehill's investments to make a handsome profit, and

3026-554: The Philippines gained full independence in 1946. While the American period contributed to the modernization of La Union, it also left a complex legacy of colonial influence, dependency, and abuses against the native population. The memory of resistance and the struggle for identity during this time remains a significant aspect of La Union’s historical narrative, shaping the province's path toward self-determination and national pride. Nine other equally able governors followed Don Joaquin before

3115-494: The Philippines – Northern Luzon (USAFIP-NL) under the command of Major Diego Sipin, were tasked to make the northward advance to Bauang. The 2nd Battalion, 121st Infantry, USAFIP-NL reinforce the other battalions in the efforts to capture San Fernando. Meanwhile, combat units from the “B” company, 1st Battalion, 121st Infantry, USAFIP-NL attacked the defensive lines in Bauang to aid the 1st Battalion, 130th Infantry (US) in its advance from

3204-533: The Spanish Maura Law was probably instituted in 1700. Most of the barrio and towns were once part of an encomienda administered by Spanish insulares and Mestizos , which included several rancherias and catechumens who inhabited the Igorot mountains. Like other towns in Ylocos, the social classes were divided into two: the babaknang or agtuturay , and the cailianes . The babaknang or agtuturay were

3293-522: The Study of Philippine History . A revised and expanded second edition was published in 1984. He debunked the Kalantiaw legend in this book. Datu Kalantiaw was the main character in a historical fabrication written by Jose E. Marco in 1913. Through a series of failures by scholars to critically assess Marco's representation, the invented legend was adopted as actual history. As a result of Scott's work, Kalantiaw

3382-537: The benefits of submitting to American rule". Views like these resonated with the progressive nationalist opposition to Marcos. Scott held a bachelor's degree from Yale University , a master's degree from Columbia University , and a Doctor of Philosophy degree from the University of Santo Tomas in 1968. Scott's dissertation was published that year by the University of Santo Tomas Press as Prehispanic Source Materials for

3471-468: The besieged Spanish forces refused to surrender. On July 31, after days of stalemate, Tinio launched an assault, resulting in a fierce battle that ended with the Spaniards capitulating. The surrender included 400 soldiers, 8 officers, and significant military resources. After securing San Fernando, the Tinio Brigade advanced to Balaoan, where they faced stubborn resistance from entrenched Spanish troops in

3560-400: The coast from Baratao ( Bauang ), San Vicente de Balanac / Pindangan (San Fernando), Dalandan (San Juan), Bacnotan , Purao (Balaoan) to Namacpacan (Luna). These towers served as defensive structures and lookout points, alerting local residents and authorities to impending threats from the sea. During the 18th and 19th centuries, these baluartes played a crucial role in safeguarding

3649-564: The coastal plains along the northwestern part of the region, extending from Tagudin, Ilocos Sur in the north to Sudipen , Bangar , Purao (now Luna & Balaoan ), and Bacnotan in the south, as well as the areas surrounding the Amburayan River , were home to the Samtoys or Ilocanos . These early settlers had a vibrant animistic culture and religion. The southern coastline, historically known as Aroo or Agoho (present-day Agoo ),

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3738-542: The coastal towns of La Union and other parts of the Philippines, protecting the people and securing vital trade routes. During Spanish Colonization, a secret society of insurrectos was organized in Balaoan with the aim of revolting against the tyrannical abuses of the " Guardia Civil " and " Cora Parrocos ”. Among its members were Luciano Resurreccion , P rimo Ostrea, Artemio Ostrea, Fernando Ostrea, Patricio Lopez, Rufino Zambrano, and Mariano Peralta collectively known as

3827-522: The commonwealth defence forces—consisting of the 26th Cavalry Regiment ( Philippine Scouts ), the Philippine 21st Division, the Philippine 11th Division, and the newly formed Philippine 71st Division—in what would later be called the Battle of Rosario . Battle of Bacnotan Invading Japanese soldiers arrived at Bacnotan on December 21, 1941, during the early days of World War II . On January 4, 1945,

3916-502: The convent. Despite the local populace's support, the siege lasted five days and claimed over 70 Filipino lives. Witness Camilo Osías noted that many local katipuneros were incorporated into the Tinio Brigade after this ordeal. The rebels then moved to Bangar , successfully besieging the Spanish forces, which resulted in a decisive victory on August 7, leading to the surrender of 87 Spaniards after just four days of fighting with minimal Filipino casualties. This string of victories marked

4005-423: The country. He did not support the view that the Igorots are intrinsically different from other Filipinos, or the view that the Cordillera should become an ethnic preserve. Scott was scathing of views that divide Filipinos into ethnic groups, describing Henry Otley Beyer 's wave migration theory as representing settlement by "wave after better wave" until the last wave which was "so advanced that it could appreciate

4094-598: The depths of Central Cordillera of the Benguet ( Eastern Pais del Igorotes ) district bordered by the three Ilocos Sur towns and the nine of Pangasinan have even worse problems. Thus on October 29, 1849, Governor General Claveria signed the proposal (promovido) to unite the Pangasinan - Ilocos - Cordillera areas into a new province called La Union (the official name designated by Claveria himself). For 124 days, high and important Spanish colonial officers studied and deliberated on

4183-745: The election of La Union's first Civil Governor in 1901, Don Joaquín Joaquino Ortega , marking a significant step in local governance. One of the most notable contributions of American colonization was the establishment of a highly centralized public school system in 1901, using English as the medium of instruction. This effort involved bringing 600 teachers from the U.S., known as the Thomasites , to educate Filipino students. The Thomasites were deployed at several public schools, notably in San Fernando, Bacnotan, Luna, Balaoan, Bauang, Naguilian, Agoo, and Rosario . Additionally, agricultural reforms focused on increasing

4272-451: The end of the tobacco monopoly, tobacco production had declined in the Ilocos as filipinos started shifting from locally made cigars to foreign made cigarettes. But after reading a feature article series by Maximo Soliven which explained why Virginia tobacco would grow well on Ilocos soil, businessman Harry Stonehill was convinced to invest extensively in rebuilding the industry, establishing

4361-521: The establishment of municipal governments, allowing Filipinos to participate in their governance. In 1935, the Philippines transitioned to the Philippine Commonwealth , which provided greater autonomy and self-governance while still under U.S. oversight. This period allowed La Union to experience more local political engagement and development initiatives, although it ultimately reinforced colonial structures that limited true self-governance until

4450-450: The first Gobernador Military y Politico. La Union is the union of lands, people, cultures and resources. On April 18, 1854, Queen Isabella II of Spain issued the royal decree (real orden) from Madrid confirming Blanco's Superior Decreto . By 1860, there was a dramatic progress in commerce and agriculture in the province primarily because of Tobacco. Spanish authorities banked on the prized leaf for further economic development. The industry

4539-432: The highlands of La Union resided the Igorot people, primarily the Kankanaey and Ibaloi , who practiced headhunting as part of their warrior culture and followed animistic beliefs , worshipping nature spirits and ancestral gods. They were skilled agriculturalists and crafts, producing woven textiles, gold and metalwork, which they actively traded with their lowland Ilocano and Pangasinan neighbors. This exchange fostered

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4628-648: The inhabitants of the region being classified as a 'savage' race separate to the more tractable lowland Filipinos. Scott adopted a similar approach in Cracks in the Parchment Curtain in which he tries to glean a picture of pre-colonial Philippine society from early Spanish sources. This project was criticized by the Asianist Benedict Anderson who argued that it yielded a vision of Philippine society filtered through "late medieval" Spanish understanding. Scott

4717-618: The island of Luzon . The province's capital, the City of San Fernando , is the most populous city in La Union and serves as the regional center of the Ilocos Region. Bordered by Ilocos Sur to the north, Benguet to the east, and Pangasinan to the south, with the South China Sea to the west, La Union is located 273 kilometers (170 miles) north of Metro Manila and 57 kilometers (35 miles) northwest of Baguio City . The province spans an area of 1,497.70 square kilometers (578.27 square miles). As of

4806-492: The local population about the tragedy. Following this incident, he was pardoned by the authorities in accordance with Spanish custom. At the time of his martyrdom, Fernando was a Cabeza de Barangay and later served as the town's vice president. As a key figure in the revolution, he guided his people in their struggles against both Spain and the United States. In honor of the seven martyrs, the Siete Martires Lodge No. 177

4895-544: The military offensive throughout the province ended on 24 March after two months of fighting. Liberation of Bauang The Liberation of Bauang , La Union was part of the San Fernando-Bascil operations aimed to liberate the province of La Union and open one of the roads to Baguio. Units from Rosario, La Union including elements of the 2nd Battalion, 121st Infantry of the United States Army Forces in

4984-460: The mountains to gather what they could offer. However, they did not return. The conquistadores then proceeded north through Atuley or Dalandan , now known as San Juan , demanding tribute from the natives, establishing Spanish rule, and converting the natives to Christianity , without further resistance until they reached a large river known as 'Purao or Puraw ,' meaning ' white ' in Iloco , named for

5073-495: The newly-rebuilt local industry to bloom. Stonehill was later deported a decade later, in the 1960s, for tax evasion and bribery of government officials, in what would later be called the Stonehill scandal , but the tobacco industry continued to grow. Although economically affected by the rapid peso devaluation brought about by unbridled election spending heading into the 1969 presidential elections , political life in La Union

5162-426: The original llocos province remained intact until 1818 when it split into llocos Norte and Ilocos Sur . In 1846, Abra was created by Governor General Narciso Zaldua Claveria. Governor General Claveria was a visionary administrator. He believed that combining three contiguous areas that are far from their respective provincial capitals was a viable solution to the demands of political-civil administration. He also saw

5251-629: The outbreak of World War II: Joaquín Luna 1904–1907, Sixto Zandueta 1908–1919, Pío Ancheta 1919–1922, Thomas de Guzmán 1922 1923, 1928–1931, Juan Lucero 1923–1929, Mauro Ortiz 1931–1934, Juan Rivera 1934–1937, Francisco Nisce 1937–1940 and Bernardo Gapuz 1940. Just as when the Filipinos were awaiting independence, as promised by the Americans under the Tydings-Mcduffie Law , World War II exploded. The Japanese invasion of La Union during World War II

5340-457: The people of La Union. Under Japanese rule, the province endured strict military controls, forced labor, food shortages, and widespread violence. Yet, resistance movements emerged, with many locals engaging in guerrilla warfare to oppose the occupation. This period underscores the resilience and unwavering spirit of La Union's people in the face of great adversity. Battle of Rosario (Japanese Invasion of Lingayen Gulf) On December 22, 1941,

5429-551: The pristine appearance of the shore and river. This area is now part of Balaoan and Luna . In Purao, the Spaniards confronted the Ilocanos, who bravely refused to pay tribute. A battle ensued, marking the first bloodshed by the Ilocanos in defiance of foreign rule. Following this conflict, the river was renamed "Darigayos," derived from the Ilocano words "dara" (blood) and "ayos" (flowed), signifying "where blood flowed." Salcedo and his men continued north toward Vigan , where they eventually established an uneasy friendship with

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5518-434: The production of cash crops like tobacco, sugar, and abaca, benefiting La Union's primarily agricultural economy while reinforcing colonial dependence on the export market. The American colonial government also established an Insular Government in La Union, which aimed to provide a framework for local administration and governance while maintaining overall control from the central government. This included local elections and

5607-519: The proposition to create La Union or not. On March 2, 1850, Governor General Antonio Maria Blanco signed the Superior Decreto that founded La Union – the 34th province since the founding of Cebu in 1565. It was classified as a gobierno politico-militar (Political-Military Government). Blanco appointed, on March 4, 1850, Captain Toribio Ruiz de la Escalera (Claveria's former trusted aide de camp) as

5696-429: The province was divided among the provinces of Ylocos and Pangasinan , as well as the rancherias of eastern Pais del Igorotes (Benguet). It had several barrios and pueblos headed by a cabeza de barangay , gobernadorcillo , and alcalde-mayor , most of which were established by Augustinian friars in the 16th century during the early expansion phase of Spanish rule. The civil government established under

5785-478: The province, reflecting their strong desire for independence and resistance to foreign control. Local leaders emerged, organizing guerrilla warfare and skirmishes in rural areas, mobilizing their communities against the colonial authorities and highlighting the harsh realities of American imperialism . After the Americans successfully took over the province, the American administration implemented democratic processes that were given equal importance, facilitating

5874-461: The provincial capital of La Union and the regional capital of Region I. Balaoan is 299 kilometres (186 mi) north of Metro Manila . Barangay Paraoir is Balaoan's pristine coastal community on the South China Sea . Balaoan can be reached from Manila using the MacArthur Highway , or by airplane via Canaoay Airport in San Fernando City . Its land area of 6,870 hectares (17,000 acres) consists mostly of agricultural lands. It occupies 4.3% of

5963-417: The renovation of the Catholic church and now housed in the Museo de Iloko , testify to this trade activity. Japanese merchants and fishermen later arrived, forming settlements along La Union’s coast actively traded with their Ilocano, and Igorot neighbors, as well as merchants from China, and Southeast Asia . The region’s natural harbors along Lingayen Gulf made it a welcoming point for foreign vessels. In

6052-539: The secret society and executed them the same night. Only one, Fernando Ostrea, escaped with leg wounds. He informed the people about what had happened. In memory of the seven Martyrs, a masonic lodge, Siete Martires Lodge No. 177, was organized. Balaoan is one of the oldest municipalities in La Union, having been founded in 1704. Its first Capitan is Ignacio Duldulao. Balaoan is situated north of Bacnotan , south of Bangar , east of Luna and west of Santol . Located 30 kilometres (19 mi) north of San Fernando City ,

6141-424: The south. Bauang was first liberated on 19 March 1945, followed by the declaration of the end of operations at La Union on 24 March 1945. On January 4, 1945, La Union was liberated by the Battle of San Fernando and Bacsil Ridge. As San Fernando was in ruins at the time, Bacnotan became the provisional seat of the province administration after the war. The La Union National High School was also relocated to Bacnotan as

6230-450: The story involves the local inhabitants teasing patrolling Spanish soldiers by asking if their guns had bullets with the phrase “ Aoan Bala? ” This phrase eventually morphed into “ Bala-oan ,” which also translates to “ no bullets? ” or “bullets no more.” As this new term caught on among the locals, the town became known as the place where the Spanish guns had “ no bullets ” or “ bullets no more .” According to William Scott , "Balaoan itself

6319-500: The territory's agricultural and commercial growth potentials. And the kicker was the extension of Hispanic civilization and Christianity to the area. Bangar , Namacpacan ( Luna ) and Balaoan in the southern portion of llocos Sur was quite a distance from the cabezera of Vigan and in almost like manner, Sto. Tomas , Agoo , Aringay , Caba , Bauang , Naguilian , San Fernando , San Juan and Bacnotan were that far from Pangasinan's capital of Lingayen . The 40–45 rancherias in

6408-557: The tides of war changed in La Union as Filipino-American soldiers captured Baroro Bridge in Bacnotan, a strategic bridge that connects the rest of Northern Luzon to San Fernando . The victory ensured the liberation of La Union. It was followed by the historic Battle of San Fernando and Bacsil Ridge. Defeated, the Japanese Imperial Army retreated to Baguio where they joined their comrades and made their last stand. The Battle of Bacsil Ridge The Battle of Bacsil Ridge

6497-479: The total area of the province. Balaoan is politically subdivided into 36 barangays .   Each barangay consists of puroks and some have sitios . In the 2020 census, the population of Balaoan was 40,339 people, with a density of 590 inhabitants per square kilometre or 1,500 inhabitants per square mile. The dominant language spoken in Balaoan is Ilocano . Poverty incidence of Balaoan Source: Philippine Statistics Authority The church of Balaoan

6586-520: Was a pivotal moment in the province's history, given its strategic importance to both Allied and Japanese forces. In December 1941, Japanese troops landed in Agoo, swiftly securing control over the area by early 1942. Despite the overwhelming challenges, Filipinos, alongside American forces, mounted resistance against the occupation. During this turbulent period, Governors Bernardo Gapuz, Jorge Camacho, and Bonifacio Tadiar played key roles in leading and supporting

6675-547: Was a young Butch Dalisay , who is said to have put caricature versions of both Scott and Salazar in his book "Killing Time in a Warm Place." As an American citizen Scott could have easily left the Philippines, but he declined, and so faced deportation proceedings. Marcos' outward commitment to legal formalities resulted in Scott being put on trial for subversion. In court, "resoundingly supported and defended by friends, students, and colleagues, and by Scott's own brilliant testimony", he

6764-407: Was an emporium for the exchange of Igorot gold." Balaoan, formerly "Puraw" (meaning "white') was originally part of Ilocos Sur . The town's present name originated during the Spanish colonial era. A group of Spanish soldiers were on patrol and went on to rest on a sitio. The villagers were curious about the soldiers because of their unusual descent and fair skin color (others have olive skin, which

6853-684: Was arrested as a subversive and placed in military detention. Because several of the boys Scott had taught and sponsored in the years he had lived in Sagada had joined the anti-Marcos opposition, Scott was accused of being a communist sympathizer. The government forces who had broken into his house and arrested him had also found copies of Mao's writings in his bookshelf, and cited this as "evidence" of his communist leanings. Colleague Stuart Schlagel recounts Scott's response: " For heaven's sake, I teach Asian history, and anyone who does that must be familiar with Mao's work! It doesn't mean I have abandoned Christianity and democratic politics; it just means I am

6942-402: Was aware of this limitation, but argued Spanish records provided glimpses of Filipino society and native reaction to colonial dominion, often incidental to the intention of the Spanish chronicler, which were the cracks in the Spanish parchment curtain. One of Scott's last full scale books was Ilocano Responses to American Aggression . The foreword was written by Jose Maria Sison , the head of

7031-599: Was christened Henry King Ahrens . His family, of Dutch-Lutheran descent, soon returned to Bethlehem , Pennsylvania , where Scott spent his boyhood. In 1936, Scott won a three-year scholarship to the Episcopalian-affiliated Cranbrook School in Michigan , United States, where he excelled academically and became interested in pursuing a career as an archeologist. In 1939, after graduating, he changed his name to William Henry Scott. In 1942, Scott joined

7120-409: Was due to the presence of a Japanese colony in Agoo. Traders at this port had access to a larger population, and its proximity to both China and Japan made it a strategic location. The principal export from the region was deer pelts , shipped to Japan. However, Agoo's importance as a port began to decline when the Spanish closed the Philippines to foreign trade. Eventually, the port was closed, prompting

7209-399: Was established as a masonic lodge. La Union was formed on March 2, 1850, and became the 34th province of the Philippines. After Cebu became the first provincia in 1565, new provinces have been created by the Spaniards. Three main functions were considered so: political-civil administration, ecclesiastical governance and geographical considerations. For more than two and one-half centuries,

7298-593: Was established, with Aguinaldo as president and Tinio initially serving as de facto governor, later replaced by Dr. Lucino Almeida. On July 22, Novo-Ecijano troops, bolstered to over 600 men, arrived in San Fernando after Dagupan surrendered to General Francisco Makabulos and found the city under siege by revolutionists led by General Mauro Ortiz . The Spaniards, commanded by Colonel Jose Garcia Herrero , fortified themselves in key buildings, waiting for reinforcements. Despite Tinio's attempts at peaceful negotiation,

7387-537: Was exonerated with the court dismissing the charges in 1973. Scott was given "a memorable and triumphant welcome back in Sagada" following his acquittal. He continued to be critical of the Marcos regime. The high level of esteem in which he was held protected him from further prosecution, although his situation remained precarious until the lifting of martial law. One particular article written by Scott, titled "The Igorot Defense of Northern Luzon" first published in May 1970,

7476-693: Was fought in March 1945 was one of the continued main battles of the Philippines Campaign of the Second World War are between the Filipino soldiers under the 121st Infantry Regiment, Philippine Commonwealth Army , USAFIP-NL, under the command of Russell W. Volckmann , and the Japanese Imperial forces under by General Tomoyuki Yamashita . The Battle of Bacsil Ridge ended the month-long battle for control of San Fernando . The Japanese defenders called

7565-603: Was not significantly impacted by Ferdinand Marcos ’ declaration of Martial Law in 1972 . The powerful family factions which had dominated La Union politics since before the American colonial era largely remained in place, although the family of Congressman Jose D. Aspiras became much more prominent after he became Marcos’ Tourism Minister. The main political change was the increased power of regional and provincial offices of national agencies, whose directors were answerable directly to Marcos. This technique used by Marcos to consolidate political power did not get much resistance in

7654-587: Was often tagged by the dictatorship's military forces as "subversive," although it was actually about incidents which took place from 1576 to 1896, the Spanish colonial era. It was even cited as "subversive material" during the trial of Father Jeremias Aquino . Of this common error by the military, Scott remarked: "Since nobody who ever read the article could find it subversive, one doesn't know whether to laugh or cry." He criticized US colonial rule and continuing US involvement in Philippine politics after independence, especially US support for Marcos. In this he pursued

7743-546: Was part of the northern territory of Caboloan , or Pangasinan , a sovereign pre-colonial Philippine polity with vibrant culture and tradition, and shared ethnic ties with the Pangasinan people. This area included the modern coastal towns of Agoo, Aringay (formerly Alingay or Alinguey ), Caba , Santo Tomas , and Rosario . Historian William Henry Scott noted that La Union was a notable trading hub, particularly for Igorot gold and local gold. The trade route, known as

7832-588: Was recalled to active duty and served in the navy for eighteen months during the Korean War . In 1953, he was appointed lay missionary in the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States of America . As the Episcopal Church became well established in the Cordillera mountain region of Northern Luzon during the US colonial period, it was here that Scott settled. He spent much of the remainder of his life in

7921-594: Was so lucrative that a Tobacco Monopoly was established. All Tobacco leaves were strictly monitored and bought exclusively by the government at a fixed price. In 1896, growing unrest in La Union arose from years of Spanish oppression, highlighted by the torture of local priests and the execution of the Balaoan Siete Martires, torture of the native priests, Padres Adriano Garces of Balaoan , Mariano Gaerlan of San Fernando and Mariano Dacanay of Bacnotan . This discontent reached its peak on May 22, 1898, when

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