Bayambang

Bayambang, officially the Municipality of Bayambang (Pangasinan: Baley na Bayambang; Ilocano: Ili ti Bayambang; Tagalog: Bayan ng Bayambang), is a municipality in the province of Pangasinan, Philippines. According to the 2024 census, it has a population of 129,506 people. Baymbang was previously composed of the municipalities of Bautista, Alcala, Santo Tomas, Rosales, Paniqui, Gerona and Camiling.^[1]

Etymology

According to legend, the name of the town came from the name of a plant called "balangbang" (Bauhinia acuminata) which grew in abundance during the early days. "Culibangbang" leaves were used for bulalong Iloko or sinigang. The verdant hills of Bayambang were almost fully covered by these plants.^[1]

History

Benaldo Gutierrez and Honorato Carungay claimed Bayambang was founded in the early 16th century by an Aeta named Agalet. Bayambang was inside Inirangan and Carungay but was re-located to Telbang and southern Poblacion in Old Bayambang.^[1]

Cojuangco claim

The Cojuangco's Central Azucarera de Tarlac Realty Corporation (CAT) claims ownership of 386.8-hectare estate in 12 barangays in Bayambang, including the site of the 289-hectare (710-acre) Camp Gregg Military Reservation (declared on October 13, 1903, by the US colonial government, turned over to the Philippines on March 27, 1949, and particularly to the Bureau of Lands on September 29, 1949). The Alyansa ng mga Magbubukid sa Gitnang Luson (AMGL, Peasant Alliance in Central Luzon) opposed the Cojuancos.^[1]

Geography

The Municipality of Bayambang is bounded on the north by Malasiqui, Camiling, Moncada on the south, Bautista on the east, Mangatarem on the southeast, and Urbiztondo on the west. Bayambang is the southernmost town in the province of Pangasinan. It is the gateway to Tarlac Province.^[1]

Barangays

Bayambang is politically subdivided into 77 barangays, 11 of which are urban barangays and 66 are rural barangays. Each barangay consists of puroks and some have sitios.^[1]

Local government

In accordance with the Local Government Code, Bayambang belongs to the third congressional district in the province of Pangasinan. It is governed by a mayor designated as its local chief executive and by a municipal council as its legislative body. The mayor, vice mayor and councilors are elected directly by the people via an election held every three years.^[1]

Culture

Binasuan is a traditional dance from Bayambang in which performers balance glasses partially filled with rice wine while executing a series of coordinated movements. The dance involves carrying and maneuvering the glasses while moving across the performance area.^[1]

Tourism

On November 27, 2012, the Malangsi Fish Festival was held in Bayambang and included the Kalutan ed Dalan, a street-grilling event. The municipality also holds Pista’y Baley, a local festival. Tourist attractions in Bayambang include:^[1]

Healthcare

The Julius K. Quiambao Medical and Wellness Center under The Medical City is a 100-bed regional hospital which is departmentalized to provide Tertiary Level II health care with 250 medical experts. The six-story JKQ Medical building rises along Bayambang-San Carlos Road in Barangay Asin.^[1]

Location

Bayambang is based in Ilocos Region, Pangasinan, Bayambang.^[2]

Online presence

Bayambang works in local government and places. Its website is bayambang.gov.ph.^[2]