Dagupan

HISTORY OF DAGUPAN:

The world’s tastiest and juiciest milkfish – or “bangus” in Filipino – can be found in a fascinating city in the 4th Legislative District of Pangasinan. Milkfish, which comes from the City of Dagupan – a modernized, progressive, and culturally rich city – has been exported to the State of California in the United States, owing to its exceptional taste and quality. The iconic Dagupan bangus is truly emblematic of its provenance. Dagupan’s richness in heritage and significance in history are quite exciting to discover and dig upon.

Dagupan was initially named ‘Bacnotan’ by the Augustinian missionaries a few years after establishing the Spanish Encomienda in 1583. Afterward, a revolt headed by Andres Malong in 1960 led the people to rebuild the town. Henceforth, “Nandaragupan” became its name, which means “where people meet,” in connection with gathering forces that Malong did beforehand. In the year 1780, it was simplified to “Dagupan.” Dagupan became a city on June 20, 1947 by virtue of Republic Act No. 170, which was authored by Speaker Eugenio Perez and was signed into law by then President Manuel Roxas.

Through the years, Dagupan has become the center for commercial, educational, and health matters in the 4th District of Pangasinan. This is where people come and go to buy various kinds of seafood, visit big malls, and dine-in fancy restaurants and fast-food chains. Dagupan is also home to universities, business establishments, and hospitals. The industries and sources of income are mostly agricultural, livestock and poultry, fishery, and aquatic resources. In addition, annual festivals include: The Fiesta in Honor of St. John every December 1-30 and the famous Bangus Festival held every April 15-30.

The city’s land area is approximately 3,723 hectares with 31 barangays. This first-class city is home to 171,271 people.