Urdaneta City is located in the province of Pangasinan, in the Ilocos Region (Region I) of the Philippines. It is situated in the eastern part of Pangasinan.
History
- Foundation: Urdaneta was founded in 1858 and was named after the Spanish navigator Andrés de Urdaneta.
- Cityhood: It became a city on March 21, 1998, through Republic Act No. 8480.
Economy
- Agriculture: Urdaneta is known as the “Gateway to the North” and has a robust agricultural economy. It is a significant trading center for rice, corn, and livestock.
- Commerce and Trade: The city has a bustling market and commercial establishments, contributing to its economic growth.
When was Urdaneta City get its name?
It was on January 8, 1858 that the Urdaneta was organized into a pueblo. The first “cura parroco” was Niclolas Alonzo Manrique. He named the new town as Urdaneta, in honor of another friar Fr. Andres de Urdaneta, the spiritual adviser of the expedition led by Miguel Lopez de Legazpi which arrived in Cebu to explore the country on April 27, 1565.
Who Started Urdaneta City?
Historical records show the first inhabitants, mostly Ilocano migrants, established contiguous settlements occupying portions of the barrios of the surrounding towns of Asingan, Villasis, Malasiqui, Sta. Barbara, Mangaldan, Manaoag, and Binalonan. The settlers banded together and petitioned the Spanish Government to allow them to form a separate pueblo for greater ties and stronger unity. Their petition was granted and Urdaneta was formally founded on January 8, 1858. On January 10, 1998, the Philippine Congress enacted R.A. 8480 converting the Municipality of Urdaneta into a component city of the Province of Pangasinan. The people of Urdaneta, in a plebiscite, overwhelmingly ratified this legislative act and Urdaneta was proclaimed a city on March 21, 1998.
Why Urdaneta City?
Urdaneta City is part of Pangasinan and it is a growing place in terms of GDP (gross domestic product). It is also known as another temple site for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
Tourist Attractions
- Urdaneta City Museum: Showcases the history, culture, and heritage of Urdaneta City.
- Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Cathedral: A major religious site and landmark in the city.
- Magic Mall Urdaneta: One of the popular shopping destinations in the city.
- Urdaneta City Public Market: Known for its vibrant market scene, offering a variety of local products.