Bangar, La Union

Etymology

The name Bangar (pronounced: Bang-gar) is derived from the bangar tree (pronounced ba- ngar; Sterculia foetida), which were once abundant in the general area of the present town. The bangar is notable for the foul odour that emanates from its flowers.

Barangay names

Geography

The northernmost town of La Union, alongside Sudipen, Bangar is also the smallest municipality in the province with an area of 3,736 hectares (9,230 acres). It is bounded by the South China Sea to the west, Sudipen to the east and Balaoan and Luna to the south-west. The Amburayan River flows to the north of Bangar, separating it from Tagudin, Ilocos Sur.

History

1700 marked the official foundation of Bangar under the patronage of Saint Christopher when it became a mission field. However, Christianity was brought as early as in the later part of 1500 when Bangar was still a visita (chapelry) of Tagudin, with a community of 2,800 inhabitants already in existence. The highly skilled, industrious and peace-loving people were primarily engaged in rice and cotton planting. The beautiful and sturdy handwoven products made by the women of that time even found their way to Europe and it was said that some of this materials were used as boat sails by the European sailors. Among the more famous handwoven products made by them were blankets bearing different designs, clothing materials and mosquito nets. Since chemicals for coloring were very scarce those days, bark of trees and fruits were used to dye all those handwoven products.

The old town was made of three "pueblitos" (small towns) namely: Villa-Cruz, San Rafael and San Anastacio. Near these "pueblitos" were small communities of "Igorotes Infieles" who paid tribute to the Governor.

Through the "Superior Decreto" (Executive Decree) signed by Governor General Antonio Maria Blanco on March 2, 1850, the town of Bangar was made a part of the newly created province of La Union . Before that Bangar, Purao (Balaoan) and Namacpacan (Luna) were part of Ilocos Sur. As years passed by, barrios were formed.

Education during Spanish times consisted of the learning of the "Cartilla" and the "abecedario". Roman Catholic Religion was taught hand in hand with good manners. However, formal education was being taught to students belonging to the higher class of the society. Spanish social life had greatly affected the "Indios" and in no time, Castilian manners were very evident among them.

The social class of an individual was easily distinguished by the kind of attire one wore. Male peasants were distinguished by their simple "camisa de chino" and loose pants tied to the waist by braided strings. Female peasants wore simple loose blouses and ankle length skirts, with a "camison," made from cotton fabric, worn underneath. The peasantry were usually barefooted, and if there was anything worn on the feet, it was the "kammadang" (wooden shoes) or a pair of slippers.

Men of the upper class of society were distinguished by the barong and "camisa de chino" made of fine fabric, and trousers cut in the western style. He wore socks and leather shoes and on the head was a hat which was usually plumed. A walking cane in various styles and colors and encased in gold, silver or bronze was indispensable. He never smoked without using a pipe.

The upper class lady was very fastidious. She had her hair done in a brushed up coiffure. They curled their hair by using the stem of the papaya leaf and iron rod which was heated over burning charcoal. However, so much care was given in using this method. Other women preferred to tie their hair in curls in the evening and untie it in the morning. Ladies wore the "Maria Clara" or the camisa with embroidered and stitched butterfly sleeves and matching "panuelo". They used "alfiler" (pins) made of gold or silver. A comb called "peineta," usually fan shaped and encrusted with silver or gold, adorned their hair. The skirt, which is usually billowy, was made from very fine fabric from China. Underneath she wore a long "camison" and over it the "nuagas." The outer skirt was still topped by beautiful imported lace. A perfumed fan and a big handkerchief trimmed with lace and hanging on the right side of the skirt tucked to her waist line was part of the attire. On Sundays and holidays of obligation, a "mantilla" made of lace which covered the head down to the waist and tucked to the hair by a gold pin was a must for the Holy Mass. On the feet, the lady wore a "zapatilla," usually half heeled, adorned with artificial rhinestones. A gold pendant hanging from a gold necklace around the neck was also part of the attire. The "tamborine," a gold necklace with intricate designs was also worn on special days.

American type of education was implemented with the coming of the Americans in 1898. Education had a very high standard back then that one who finishes the fourth grade could teach those who are in the lower years.

The beginning of World War II was felt in Bangar on December 8, 1941, the feast of the Immaculate Conception. A lantern competition which was sponsored by Rev. Jose Brillantes, the parish priest, was hastily cancelled and the church goers had to hurry home after the Holy Mass as they immediately prepare for evacuation.

On December 20, 1941, the Japanese Army entered Bangar. They put up sentries along the national road and they had one at the Municipal building and another at the plaza. The Japanese occupation required all the citizens to display and pin small Japanese flags outside the pocket of the shirt or blouse with the name of the holder written in Japanese. According to them, this was to distinguished peaceful citizens from guerrillas.

During the part of 1944, on the day Bangar was celebrating the birthday of Emperor Hirohito with a program at the town plaza, a truck load of Japanese soldiers arrived with a lone Filipino who was said to have been captured somewhere in Bacnotan. It was told that the Japanese took the Filipino behind the southern school building and ordered him to dig what was to be his own grave. Upon sensing that his hours on earth were counted, the Filipino suddenly grabbed and unsheathed the sword of an officer who was standing nearby and in one hit motion with the sword, the officer almost got beheaded. This stunned the Japanese soldiers and the Filipino was able to escape unhurt. The whole town was gripped in terror, since this would mean Japanese reprisals.

On December 28, 1944, the Japanese burned many houses in the town proper and raided the camp of the guerrillas in barrio San Cristobal.

Underground movement was very strong during the Japanese occupation of Bangar. Many residents joined the guerrillas which had put up camps in San Cristobal. Further in the mountains at Lonoy, they also joined Camp "121". Colonel Volkman and Major Agtarap led the guerrilla movement. Arms which are supplied to guerrillas landed at Paraoir and men had to carry bolos during night time.

The first Americans to reach Bangar during the liberation were a certain Captain Roberts with his men.

During the Northern Luzon Campaign, Filipino soldiers of the Philippine Commonwealth Army and units of the 2nd, USAFFE 11th, 12th, 13th, 15th and 16th Infantry Divisions and the USAFIP-NL 121st Infantry Regiment started the liberation campaign in Bangar in 1945 and helped guerrilla resistance fighters and the U.S. liberation forces against Japanese Imperial Army forces towards the end of the war.

Today, Bangar is known for its handwoven cloth called abel and blacksmithing (panday). Agricultural products include rice, corn, sugar cane, peanuts, sweet potatoes, vegetables, and Virginia tobacco.

Spanish-era curates of Bangar

Education

The town has 16 public elementary schools, 2 national high schools, 1 private school offering complete pre-elementary, elementary, and high school, 1 specialized high school, 1 technical-vocational school, and 1 tertiary school.

Festivals

Places of interest