Bagulin
[5] The name Bagulin embodies both the romantic origins of its founders and the enduring legacy of leadership and resilience that shaped the community's early history.[5] Bagulin traces its origins to the settlements of the Igorot people, predominantly the Kankanaeys, who were known for their prosperous agricultural practices and vibrant animistic culture, reflecting their profound ancestral heritage.By the mid-18th century, the area that would become Bagulin formed part of the township of Allabok, located on the moderate slopes of the mountains overlooking the South China Sea.The community actively engaged in trade, exchanging commodities such as gold, rice, jars, wax, and woven products with neighboring groups, including the Ilocanos, Ibalois, and Pangasinans, as well as distant traders from Maritime Southeast Asia, Japan and China.During this period, a bamboo chalet was constructed to serve as the administrative hall, housing a simple governance structure that comprised a mayor, a secretary-treasurer, and a policeman.The transition marked a new chapter in Bagulin’s development, enabling the town to pursue further growth and self-governance as a thriving municipality within La Union.Notably, the age group with the highest concentration is 10–19 years old, comprising 2,697 individuals, indicating a substantial number of adolescents and young adults in Bagulin.[13] Bagulin is predominantly home to Indigenous Peoples (IPs), specifically the Bago and Kankanaey groups, who make up 85% of the total population, amounting to 11,539 individuals.In addition to soft brooms, Bagulin is also known for producing tapuy, a traditional rice wine, as well as basketry made from bamboo and wood carving.However, the town faces challenges related to Distance to Ports (142nd) and Availability of Basic Utilities (222nd), which can limit access to essential services and hinder business growth and overall development.In Economic Dynamism, the town ranks well, securing the 20th spot for Employment Generation among 5th to 6th class municipalities, indicating effective job creation.However, Bagulin ranks lower in Active Establishments (161st) and Local Economy Growth (99th), suggesting fewer businesses and slower economic expansion.