La Union
La Union, located in the Ilocos Region (Region I), is a thriving province known for its rich history, diverse economy, and scenic coastal landscapes. With a land area of 1,497.70 km², it serves as a gateway to Northern Luzon and is bordered by Ilocos Sur to the north, Benguet to the east, Pangasinan to the south, and the West Philippine Sea to the west. San Fernando City, the provincial capital, is also the regional center of Ilocos Region. As of the 2020 census, La Union has a population of approximately 822,000, distributed across 19 municipalities and one component city.
The province experiences a tropical climate, with a dry season from November to April and a wet season from May to October. Agriculture remains a key sector, with rice, corn, tobacco, and vegetables being the primary crops. The fisheries sector is also significant, supporting both marine and inland fishing, as well as aquaculture production of tilapia and milkfish. In addition to agriculture, La Union has a growing tourism industry, particularly in San Juan, which is dubbed the “Surfing Capital of the North.” Other notable attractions include the Ma-Cho Temple in San Fernando, the Pindangan Ruins, Tangadan Falls in San Gabriel, and the historic Baluarte Watchtower in Luna.
The province also supports a dynamic manufacturing and trade sector, including handicrafts, furniture-making, and food processing. The service industry, particularly in retail, hospitality, and business, continues to expand. Infrastructure development has been a priority, with well-connected highways such as the Manila North Road and TPLEX enhancing accessibility. San Fernando City hosts a port and an airport, facilitating trade and travel. With continuous improvements in public services, education, healthcare, and tourism facilities, La Union maintains a balance between economic growth and cultural preservation, making it one of the most progressive provinces in Northern Luzon.
Agricultural Sector
La Union’s agricultural sector is a cornerstone of its economy, with a focus on crop cultivation, fisheries, and emerging agri-tourism. To enhance agricultural productivity, the provincial government has invested in modernizing farming practices.
In October 2024, over PHP 15 million worth of agricultural machinery was distributed to 82 farmers’ cooperatives, associations, learning sites, and farm schools across La Union. This initiative aims to equip local farmers with the tools necessary to improve efficiency and yield.
Fisheries Sector
La Union’s fisheries sector has experienced a downward trend in recent years. In 2023, the total fisheries production was recorded at 11,298.92 metric tons, a 13.02% decrease from the 12,990.65 metric tons produced in 2022.
Aquaculture remains the dominant contributor, accounting for 59.69% of the total fisheries output in 2023, with a production volume of 6,744.52 metric tons. Municipal fisheries followed, contributing 34.35% (3,881.00 metric tons) to the province’s total fisheries production.
Poverty Situation
In the first semester of 2021, La Union experienced a significant increase in poverty levels compared to 2018. The poverty incidence among families rose to 10.7%, up from 3.7% in the first half of 2018. This indicates that approximately 1 in 10 families had incomes below the poverty threshold. Similarly, the poverty incidence among individuals climbed to 13.9% from 5.2% over the same period, translating to about 116,000 residents living below the poverty line. The poverty threshold for a family of five was estimated at an average of PHP 11,510 per month during this time.
The subsistence incidence, representing individuals whose incomes were insufficient to meet basic food needs, was recorded at 3.9%, affecting roughly 32,300 people. For a family of five, the monthly food threshold averaged PHP 8,045.
Project Profile
DA
The SAAD program in La Union aims to uplift marginalized farmers and fisherfolk by providing:
- Rice, Corn, and Vegetable Production Support – Distribution of high-quality seeds, fertilizers, and other essential farm inputs to improve crop yields and food security.
- Livestock Distribution – Provision of goats, poultry, and cattle to serve as an alternative source of income for farmers.
- Farm Mechanization Projects – Supply of small agricultural machinery, and small post-harvest facilities to enhance farming efficiency.
- Training Programs on Sustainable Farming and Agribusiness – Conducting capacity-building activities to educate beneficiaries on climate-resilient farming, proper animal husbandry, and value-adding opportunities.
| Year Covered | Municipality | Barangay | Project | Association | Members | Input Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Barlig | Gawana (Pob.) | Tilapia Culture in Pond | Barlig Farmers' &fisherfolks' Association Incorporated | 68 | 604,167.00 |
| 2023 | Besao | Kin-Iway (Pob.) | Tilapia Culture in Pond | Golinsan Farmers' &fisherfolk's Association Incorporated | 49 | 604,167.00 |
| 2023 | Paracelis | Poblacion | Tilapia Culture in Pond | Paracelis "uggadiw"farmers' &fisherfolks' Association Incorporated | 63 | 604,167.00 |
| 2023 | Sabangan | Gayang | Tilapia Culture in Pond | Ugugbo Farmers And Irrigators Association Inc. | 52 | 604,167.00 |
| 2023 | Sadanga | Poblacion | Tilapia Culture in Pond | Adawshat Integrated Farmers &fisherfolk Association | 72 | 604,167.00 |
| 2023 | Sagada | Poblacion (Patay) | Tilapia Culture in Pond | Pide Ulnos Kabiyagan Organization | 82 | 604,167.00 |
| 2024 | Barlig | Chupac | Tilapia Culture in Pond | Barlig Farmer's & Fisherfolks' Association | 23 | 570,860.00 |
| 2024 | Besao | Banguitan | Tilapia Culture in Pond | Golinsan Fisherfolk & Farmers Association Incorporated | 23 | 285,430.00 |
| 2024 | Paracelis | Poblacion | Tilapia Culture in Pond | Paracelis "uggadiw" Farmers And Fisherfolk Association Inc | 23 | 285,430.00 |
| 2024 | Sabangan | Gayang | Tilapia Culture in Pond | Ug-ugbo Farmers Irrigators Association Inc. | 23 | 285,430.00 |
| 2024 | Sadanga | Belwang | Tilapia Culture in Pond | Adawshat Sadanga Integrated Farmers And Fisherfolk Association | 23 | 285,430.00 |
| 2024 | Sagada | Madongo | Tilapia Culture in Pond | Madongo Farmers And Fisherfolk Organization | 8 | 99,280.00 |
| 2024 | Sagada | Pide | Tilapia Culture in Pond | Pide Ulnos Kabiagan Organization | 15 | 186,150.00 |
| 2025 | Barlig | Chupac | Tilapia Culture in Pond | Barlig Farmer's & Fisherfolks' Association | 23 | 293,526.00 |
| 2025 | Besao | Banguitan | Tilapia Culture in Pond | Golinsan Fisherfolk & Farmers Association Incorporated | 23 | 293,526.00 |
| 2025 | Paracelis | Poblacion | Tilapia Culture in Pond | Paracelis "uggadiw" Farmers And Fisherfolk Association Inc | 23 | 293,526.00 |
| 2025 | Sabangan | Gayang | Tilapia Culture in Pond | Ug-ugbo Farmers Irrigators Association Inc. | 23 | 293,526.00 |
| 2025 | Sadanga | Belwang | Tilapia Culture in Pond | Adawshat Sadanga Integrated Farmers And Fisherfolk Association | 21 | 293,526.00 |
| 2025 | Sagada | Madongo | Tilapia Culture in Pond | Madongo Farmers And Fisherfolk Organization | 8 | 102,096.00 |
| 2025 | Sagada | Pide | Tilapia Culture in Pond | Pide Ulnos Kabiagan Organization | 14 | 191,430.00 |
| 2026 | Barlig | Chupac | Tilapia Culture in Pond | Barlig Farmer's & Fisherfolks' Association | 23 | 305,118.00 |
| 2026 | Besao | Banguitan | Tilapia Culture in Pond | Golinsan Fisherfolk & Farmers Association Incorporated | 20 | 305,118.00 |
| 2026 | Paracelis | Poblacion | Tilapia Culture in Pond | Paracelis "uggadiw" Farmers And Fisherfolk Association Inc | 23 | 305,118.00 |
| 2026 | Sabangan | Gayang | Tilapia Culture in Pond | Ug-ugbo Farmers Irrigators Association Inc. | 23 | 305,118.00 |
| 2026 | Sadanga | Belwang | Tilapia Culture in Pond | Adawshat Sadanga Integrated Farmers And Fisherfolk Association | 20 | 305,118.00 |
| 2026 | Sagada | Angkeling | Tilapia Culture in Pond | Ankileng Farmers And Fisherfolk Organization | 15 | 305,118.00 |
BFAR
SAAD initiatives under BFAR focus on improving La Union’s fisheries sector through:
- Tilapia and Milkfish Fingerling Distribution – Providing quality fingerlings to enhance fish production in inland and coastal fisheries.
- Development of Fishponds and Community Hatcheries – Establishing and rehabilitating fishponds and hatcheries to support sustainable aquaculture.
- Technical Training on Sustainable Aquaculture – Conducting capacity-building programs on proper fish farming techniques, feed management, and aquaculture sustainability.
- Provision of Fishing Equipment and Post-Harvest Support – Supplying fishing boats, nets, and cold storage facilities to improve fishers’ livelihoods and reduce post-harvest losses.
| Year Covered | Municipality | Barangay | Project | Association | Members | Input Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Barlig | Gawana (Pob.) | Tilapia Culture in Pond | Barlig Farmers' &fisherfolks' Association Incorporated | 68 | 604,167.00 |
| 2023 | Besao | Kin-Iway (Pob.) | Tilapia Culture in Pond | Golinsan Farmers' &fisherfolk's Association Incorporated | 49 | 604,167.00 |
| 2023 | Paracelis | Poblacion | Tilapia Culture in Pond | Paracelis "uggadiw"farmers' &fisherfolks' Association Incorporated | 63 | 604,167.00 |
| 2023 | Sabangan | Gayang | Tilapia Culture in Pond | Ugugbo Farmers And Irrigators Association Inc. | 52 | 604,167.00 |
| 2023 | Sadanga | Poblacion | Tilapia Culture in Pond | Adawshat Integrated Farmers &fisherfolk Association | 72 | 604,167.00 |
| 2023 | Sagada | Poblacion (Patay) | Tilapia Culture in Pond | Pide Ulnos Kabiyagan Organization | 82 | 604,167.00 |
| 2024 | Barlig | Chupac | Tilapia Culture in Pond | Barlig Farmer's & Fisherfolks' Association | 23 | 570,860.00 |
| 2024 | Besao | Banguitan | Tilapia Culture in Pond | Golinsan Fisherfolk & Farmers Association Incorporated | 23 | 285,430.00 |
| 2024 | Paracelis | Poblacion | Tilapia Culture in Pond | Paracelis "uggadiw" Farmers And Fisherfolk Association Inc | 23 | 285,430.00 |
| 2024 | Sabangan | Gayang | Tilapia Culture in Pond | Ug-ugbo Farmers Irrigators Association Inc. | 23 | 285,430.00 |
| 2024 | Sadanga | Belwang | Tilapia Culture in Pond | Adawshat Sadanga Integrated Farmers And Fisherfolk Association | 23 | 285,430.00 |
| 2024 | Sagada | Madongo | Tilapia Culture in Pond | Madongo Farmers And Fisherfolk Organization | 8 | 99,280.00 |
| 2024 | Sagada | Pide | Tilapia Culture in Pond | Pide Ulnos Kabiagan Organization | 15 | 186,150.00 |
| 2025 | Barlig | Chupac | Tilapia Culture in Pond | Barlig Farmer's & Fisherfolks' Association | 23 | 293,526.00 |
| 2025 | Besao | Banguitan | Tilapia Culture in Pond | Golinsan Fisherfolk & Farmers Association Incorporated | 23 | 293,526.00 |
| 2025 | Paracelis | Poblacion | Tilapia Culture in Pond | Paracelis "uggadiw" Farmers And Fisherfolk Association Inc | 23 | 293,526.00 |
| 2025 | Sabangan | Gayang | Tilapia Culture in Pond | Ug-ugbo Farmers Irrigators Association Inc. | 23 | 293,526.00 |
| 2025 | Sadanga | Belwang | Tilapia Culture in Pond | Adawshat Sadanga Integrated Farmers And Fisherfolk Association | 21 | 293,526.00 |
| 2025 | Sagada | Madongo | Tilapia Culture in Pond | Madongo Farmers And Fisherfolk Organization | 8 | 102,096.00 |
| 2025 | Sagada | Pide | Tilapia Culture in Pond | Pide Ulnos Kabiagan Organization | 14 | 191,430.00 |
| 2026 | Barlig | Chupac | Tilapia Culture in Pond | Barlig Farmer's & Fisherfolks' Association | 23 | 305,118.00 |
| 2026 | Besao | Banguitan | Tilapia Culture in Pond | Golinsan Fisherfolk & Farmers Association Incorporated | 20 | 305,118.00 |
| 2026 | Paracelis | Poblacion | Tilapia Culture in Pond | Paracelis "uggadiw" Farmers And Fisherfolk Association Inc | 23 | 305,118.00 |
| 2026 | Sabangan | Gayang | Tilapia Culture in Pond | Ug-ugbo Farmers Irrigators Association Inc. | 23 | 305,118.00 |
| 2026 | Sadanga | Belwang | Tilapia Culture in Pond | Adawshat Sadanga Integrated Farmers And Fisherfolk Association | 20 | 305,118.00 |
| 2026 | Sagada | Angkeling | Tilapia Culture in Pond | Ankileng Farmers And Fisherfolk Organization | 15 | 305,118.00 |