Aringay

[3] Known in Philippine History as the birthplace of revolutionary leader Diego Silang,[5] its economy is based primarily on agriculture, producing rice, tobacco and fruit crops as economic staples.The first theory suggests that the name originated from an early settlement known as Alingay, Alinguey, or Aringuey, which thrived through gold trading along the coastal areas and the Aringay River during the 15th-16th century.[10] The settlement flourished through trade with neighboring groups such as the Samtoy (Ilocano) communities to the north and Cordilleran (Igorot) peoples like the Ibaloi, Ifugao, and Kankanaey in the highlands of the Cordillera Central.[11] Aringay also hosted foreign traders from China mainly from Fujian, Japan, and Maritime Southeast Asia, fostering a vibrant trade network.Goods exchanged in these transactions included porcelain, silk, cotton, beeswax, gemstones, beads, and precious minerals, particularly gold, which was highly valued both regionally and internationally.New agricultural techniques and the Encomienda System were introduced, entrusting native labor and resources to Spanish encomenderos, friars, and local elites in exchange for tribute and governance.[13] By the 18th century, population pressures and the oppressive conditions imposed by Spanish colonial rule prompted Ilocano migrants from Ylocos provinces and neighboring towns to settle in Aringay.The introduction of modern farming techniques improved productivity in the valleys and plains, while the fishing industry flourished, supported by species like giant carp introduced by East Asian traders.[14] On October 29, 1849, Governor-General Narciso Zaldua Clavería issued a decree merging eight towns from Pangasinan, three from Ilocos Sur, and territories in the Cordillera to form the province of La Union.Under the leadership of General Manuel Tinio y Bondoc, a close ally of Emilio Aguinaldo, the locals engaged in significant resistance efforts in Northern Luzon.On November 20, 1899, American troops arrived in La Union, leading to a decisive battle at the Aringay River, where the guerrillas inflicted significant damage on the U.S.The Ferrocarril de Manila-Dagupan, which aimed to stimulate economic growth in the countryside and reduce demands for independence, was renamed the Manila Railroad Company under American management.During this period, the town faced strict control under the Imperial Japanese government, leading to widespread abuses, including torture, sexual slavery, and massacres of local residents.By January 1945, American forces launched a successful campaign in the Battle of Lingayen Gulf, which marked the turning point in liberating northern Luzon from Japanese control.Aringay was officially freed in March 1945 following the Battle of Bacsil Ridge in San Fernando, La Union, which signified the full liberation of the province from Japanese occupation.[16] The municipality is bordered by the Lingayen Gulf and the South China Sea to the west, providing access to coastal resources and contributing to its strategic geographical location.Aringay shares its borders with several municipalities, including Caba to the north, Agoo to the southwest, Tubao to the southeast, and Sablan and Tuba in Benguet to the east.[23] This comprehensive demographic profile provides insights into the population, gender distribution, education, religion, language, and household dynamics of Aringay, La Union.[23] The population of Aringay, La Union is predominantly Roman Catholic, but other Christian denominations, such as Iglesia ni Cristo, Protestant groups, Aglipayan and Jehovah's Witnesses, are also present.The majority of the population in Aringay identifies as Ilocano, while smaller indigenous groups such as the Ibaloi, Bago, and Kankanaey are present in the upland areas.Among the total household population aged 5 years old and over, 28.96% attended or completed elementary education, 41.68% reached or finished high school, 8.16% were college undergraduates, and 13.04% attained academic degrees.The fertile valleys in the eastern part of the town support the cultivation of these crops, which are crucial for local consumption and trade such as Gallano Rice Terraces.[34] Small businesses in Aringay play a vital role in the local economy, with retail shops, food establishments, and service-oriented enterprises expanding in the town proper.