Brief History and Facts

According to PGLU and official municipal records, a former agricultural territory established its independent municipal status on July 20, 1885, through a formal government decree to manage its own local resources and trade. The administrative transition allowed the community to develop its own local government, build public infrastructure, and establish a self-sustaining economy based on farming.

The municipality of Tubao, in La Union, originally existed as a joint territory of Agoo and Aringay before securing its independence under a Spanish royal decree. Local historians note that early settlers named the area San Isidro de Tubao in honor of their patron saint, San Isidro, whose feast is celebrated annually on May 14 and 15.

Today, the town is accessible via a five-hour drive from Manila, with travelers passing through Rosario before reaching the town center. Key local landmarks include the Masalip Dam in Barangay Magsaysay, Sangbay Falls in Rizal, and the Mini Hydro Electric Power Plant in Barangay Halog East. The Tubao Parish Church also features American-inspired architecture modeled after the Baguio Cathedral.

Known as the “Home of Native Tobacco,” the municipality relies heavily on its tobacco cigar industry, which supports local farmers. Additionally, the town produces processed green corn products, such as chichacorn, and banana chips as its primary agricultural exports.

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SOURCE: PGLU