ELYU Herald Logo
— — —
Southwest Monsoon Brings Heavy Rains and Rough Seas to Northern Luzon   ◆   Tropical Depression Ester and Monsoon Bring Rains to Luzon   ◆   Monsoon Rains and Rough Seas to Persist Across Northern Luzon   ◆   Monsoon Rains to Bring Flood and Landslide Risks Across Luzon   ◆   Southwest Monsoon Brings Heavy Rains and Flood Risks to Luzon   ◆   Southwest Monsoon Brings Heavy Rains and Rough Seas to Northern Luzon   ◆   Tropical Depression Ester and Monsoon Bring Rains to Luzon   ◆   Monsoon Rains and Rough Seas to Persist Across Northern Luzon   ◆   Monsoon Rains to Bring Flood and Landslide Risks Across Luzon   ◆   Southwest Monsoon Brings Heavy Rains and Flood Risks to Luzon   ◆  

Santol

Brief History and Facts

ELYU Herald Staff 27 Dec 2025, 09:48

The upland municipality of Santol in La Union highlights its natural landmarks and festivals.

ELYU Herald - The Pulse of La Union

According to the PGLU and official municipal tourism data, the upland town of Santol is promoting its natural landmarks, historical heritage, and agricultural products to drive local tourism. The initiative highlights the area’s waterfalls, rivers, and traditional food festivals to attract outdoor enthusiasts and cultural travelers.

Originally established as a rancheria of Balaoan before becoming an independent township in 1908, the town is located in the eastern mountainous area of La Union. Historically, the rugged terrain served as a safe refuge and a hub for guerrilla forces and relief operations during World War War II. Today, visitors access the municipality via a winding uphill road from Balaoan.

The municipality features several natural attractions, including the Balay-Anito Falls, Siminublan Falls, and the Amburayan River. Additionally, the Maggew Burial Cave, the Municipal Tree Park, and the Prayer Mountain serve as local destinations, where regional fruits such as rambutan, lanzones, and santol are harvested.

Cultural events also drive local community activity, highlighted by the Binagkal Festival held every February to celebrate the town’s signature rice cake. The municipality also hosts its annual town fiesta, the Ragragsakan and Panagbunga Festival, from March 22 to 25, alongside its patronal fiesta on December 19.

SOURCE: PGLU