La Union, Province in Luzon, Philippines
La Union sits on the western coast of Luzon island and covers roughly 1,493 square kilometers (576 square miles) facing the South China Sea. The capital San Fernando lies in the central portion, while municipalities range from coastal lowland to hilly inland areas.
The Spanish colonial government founded this province in 1850 by merging municipalities from Pangasinan and Ilocos Sur. Governor General Narciso Claveria signed the proposal that brought together several existing administrative units into one new province.
The name means "The Union" in Spanish, recalling the merger of several towns from neighboring provinces. Today the area draws surfers and weekend visitors looking for a relaxed pace near the water.
The capital San Fernando sits roughly 270 kilometers (168 miles) north of Manila and can be reached by bus or car along the main highway in several hours. Coastal sections typically enjoy warm dry weather from November through May, while the rest of the year may bring rain.
Municipalities across this area grow large amounts of rice, corn, and sugarcane on farmland that stretches from coastal plains into the interior. The region is also known for weaving and pottery crafted using traditional methods passed down through generations.
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