Pangasinan

Pangasinan is a province in the Philippines located in the Ilocos Region (Region I) on the western coast of Luzon, facing Lingayen Gulf. The provincial capital is Lingayen, and the province includes major urban centers such as Dagupan City, Urdaneta City, San Carlos City, and Alaminos. It is bordered by La Union to the west and by provinces in the central and northern parts of Luzon. The landscape ranges from coastal plains along the gulf to river valleys and upland areas, with the Agno and Bolinao rivers among its notable waterways.

Economy and resources are diverse, with agriculture as a backbone. Key crops include rice and corn, complemented by fruit production and livestock. Fishing and salt production along the Lingayen Gulf are important, and Dagupan City is renowned for the milkfish industry (bangus). Tourism contributes to the economy through sites such as Hundred Islands National Park in Alaminos, Bolinao’s beaches, and Patar Beach in the town of Bolinao. Cultural and religious attractions include the Our Lady of Manaoag Church in Manaoag, a major pilgrimage site.

Demographics center on the Pangasinan language, with Filipino and English widely used in education and government. The population is predominantly Pangasinan-speaking, with Ilocano and Tagalog communities present. The name Pangasinan derives from the local word asin, meaning salt, reflecting historical salt production in the region.

History and governance: the area has long been inhabited by Pangasinan-speaking communities and was organized as a Spanish-era province in the late 16th century, with Lingayen serving as the capital. The province participated in national events such as the Philippine Revolution and later periods of American and Philippine governance. Education and infrastructure have expanded in the modern era, including public and private universities and regional development programs.