Bagulin La Union

Tradition reveals that Bagulin derived its name from a Kankanaey tribal leader. Sometime in the middle of the 18th century, the municipality is part of the township of Allabok which covers the moderate slopes of the mountain ranges overlooking the China Sea. During those times, war tribes was prevalent. Allabok involved itself in a tribal war headed by Bagulin who led the community to victory. From then on until his death, the people highly regarded him as their noble leader. After his death, consensus with the residents together with the concurrence of Spanish authorities resulted into naming the community after Bagulin. It should be noted that at present, Kankanaey still dominate the town’s population.

Another etymological version states that “Bagulin” was derived from the term “Bago” which means “loland natives”. This version is further supported by the fact that Kankanaeys comprise some 85% of the municipal population.


The community was moved to Picdel, a narrow valley strip along Naguilian-Bagulin river. By 1903, the American regime established a paramilitary government and institutional facilities. Education was introduced and a bamboo community hall roofed with cogon was erected. As of 1903, the community was under the jurisdiction of the Mountain Province, sub-province of Benguet with capital at La Trinidad. By 1918, under the agreement of Governor Guzman of Mt. Province and Governor Pio Ancheta of La Union, Bagulin became a municipal district of Burgos under the province of La Union.

By 1928, the community centers was moved to a nearby settlement called Suyo where the present town center is situated. The former community center was named “Nangalisan” which means an abandoned place in the Ilocano dialect. Settlers who improved Suyo were Ilocanos who came from Naguilian. At that time, a bamboo chalet was constructed to serve as an administrative hall. The administration then was composed of the Mayor, a Secretary-Treasurer and one policeman. Municipal income is very small that the administration had to prod reluctant taxpayers to pay their dues.

It was only last June 25, 1963 when Bagulin was transformed into a regular, full-pledged municipality by virtue of Executive Order No. 42.