Brief History and Facts
Burgos, La Union enforces labeling on tiger grass brooms to promote its local industry.
ELYU Herald - The Pulse of La Union
According to PGLU and official municipal records, Burgos, located on the eastern border of La Union between the lowlands and Benguet, serves as a major producer of tiger grass soft brooms, locally known as boyboy.
Beyond its handicraft industry, the town leverages its cool climate and natural landmarks like the Bolikewkew Rice Terraces, Budahao Falls, Dalacdac Dam, and Imelda Lake to attract transit travelers. The town, which became a regular municipality in 1960, was named after Father Jose Burgos, who historically fled Spanish forces and officiated mass in Agpay.
Local officials highlight these cultural and agricultural assets during the annual Boyboy Festival, celebrated every February 21 to 23. Visitors can also purchase other local goods, including tapey (rice wine), binudbudan (a native delicacy), and fresh fruits at local stalls along the highway.
The Burgos Municipal Government has recently implemented strict origin-labeling rules for its soft broom products to protect local manufacturers from market confusion. It mandated proper labeling of the brooms to correct the public misconception that the brooms originate from Baguio City, as many are sold along the Baguio-Bauang Highway. The policy requires all local artisans to stamp their products with the town’s name to distinguish them from goods sold in neighboring trading hubs.
SOURCE: PGLU
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