Province Name

Pangasinan

Map

Capital City – City Code

Lingayen

Tagline
Hundred Islands and Hundred Flavors

Moniker
Land of Salt

Province Description
Pangasinan is a vibrant province renowned for its varied culture, rich history, and
breathtaking natural scenery. With more than 1,400 kilometers of coastline and the
Hundred Islands National Park, it is bounded by the South China Sea. Popular beach
destinations include Bolinao and Alaminos. Lingayen, the capital, is a commercial
center and a historically significant city. Pangasinan thrives economically on
agriculture, producing rice, mangoes, and fish, as well as showcasing local crafts
like pottery and weaving. Pangasinan is a popular tourist destination because of its
pleasant climate, friendly locals, and combination of urban and rural experiences.

History – etymology
Pangasinan's history dates back to 1571 when it was officially colonized by D.
Martin de Goiti, becoming an encomienda on April 5, 1572. The name "Pangasinan"
derives from the vernacular "panag-asin-an," meaning "place where salt is made,"
reflecting the region's ancient Austronesian settlers who established salt-making
communities along the Lingayen Gulf. Before the Spanish arrival, these settlers
engaged in trade with neighboring countries as early as the 8th century. Pangasinan
was formally recognized as a political entity in 1580, with significant events such as
the Malong and Palaris revolts highlighting local resistance against Spanish rule. The
province's rich history includes its role during the Philippine-American War and its
evolution into a key agricultural and cultural center in the Philippines
Dialect
Ilokano and Pangasinan

Nearest Airport – airport code

Laoag International Airport - LAO

Attractions
Hundred Islands National Park
With more than 100 islands and islets spread across the Lingayen Gulf, Hundred
Islands National Park is a stunning natural wonder situated in Alaminos City,
Pangasinan. The park, which is well-known for its abundant biodiversity and pristine
waters, provides guests with a range of activities. Snorkeling and diving expose
colorful coral reefs and a variety of marine life, while island hopping allows
exploration of unusual islands like Quezon and Marcos. Tourists can camp under the
stars for a distinctive experience, rent kayaks to paddle around secret coves, or
unwind on stunning beaches. While wildlife watching offers chances to see a variety
of bird species, hiking trails offer expansive views. Hundred Islands National Park is
a must-see location in Pangasinan because of its breathtaking scenery and
recreational opportunities.

Bolinao Beach
Bolinao Beach is a well-known spot for adventure and relaxation in Bolinao,
Pangasinan, thanks to its immaculate white sand and crystal-clear waters.
Sunbathing on the fine sand, swimming in the cool waters, and snorkeling to see the
colorful marine life are all available to visitors. Discovering undiscovered coves and
rock formations is possible when kayaking along the shore. In addition, beach
volleyball, eating fresh seafood from the area at restaurants along the shore, and
touring neighboring landmarks like the Bolinao Lighthouse are all possible at the
beach. Bolinao Beach is a must-see location for anyone visiting Pangasinan because
of its breathtaking scenery and variety of activities.

Cacupangan Cave
A fascinating natural wonder, Cacupangan Cave is situated in Bolinao, Pangasinan,
and is renowned for its breathtaking underground scenery and remarkable rock
formations. On guided tours that showcase the cave's geological features, tourists
can investigate its complex stalactites and stalagmites. It is perfect for adventurers
and nature lovers because of its cool interior, which offers a refreshing retreat.
There are lots of opportunities for photography, which captures the natural beauty
and fascinating light play of the cave. In addition, tourists can have picnics amid the
verdant surroundings and take nature walks in the neighborhood. A unique
opportunity to discover Pangasinan's geological wonders is provided by Cacupangan
Cave.
Manaoag Church
Manaoag Church, officially known as the Minor Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary of
Manaoag, is a renowned pilgrimage site in Pangasinan, known for the miraculous
image of the Virgin Mary enshrined within. Devotees visit to attend Mass, offer
prayers, and light candles for intentions. Many bring religious items such as rosaries
and oils to be blessed by priests on site. Tourists can also explore the church’s
peaceful surroundings, take photos of its beautiful architecture, and visit the nearby
museum showcasing religious artifacts and stories of miracles. The church is
especially popular during Holy Week and Marian feast days.

Festivals
Asin Festival
The Asin Festival is an annual event in Dasol, Pangasinan, that celebrates the town's
rich salt-making tradition and honors the dedicated individuals involved in this
industry. Established in 2015, the festival coincides with the feast of St. Vincent
Ferrer, the patron saint of Dasol, and features a mix of religious and cultural
activities. Highlights include novena masses, street dancing, beauty pageants, trade
fairs, and unique events such as the "101 Uses of Salt" exhibit and salt-scraping
competitions. In recent years, the newly opened Heritage Park has become the main
venue for the festival, symbolizing community unity and progress. The Asin Festival
not only showcases Dasol's identity as a leading salt producer but also promotes
tourism and helps preserve the town's cultural heritage.

Binungey Festival
The Binungey Festival in Anda, Pangasinan, is a lively celebration that showcases
the town’s distinctive culinary tradition centered around binungey, a native delicacy
made from glutinous rice and coconut milk cooked in bamboo tubes. Held annually,
the festival highlights the cultural richness and agricultural heritage of the
municipality through food fairs, cooking contests, street dancing, and various
community activities. This event not only boosts local tourism but also fosters pride
among residents by honoring a traditional delicacy that represents unity,
resourcefulness, and the deep-rooted customs of the people of Anda.

Pista’y Dayat Festival

The Pistay Dayat Festival, celebrated in Pangasinan, is a large thanksgiving event
that honors the abundant harvests from the sea, rivers, and farms, reflecting the
province’s fishing culture. Taking place every May, the name "Pistay Dayat"
translates to "Sea Festival," bringing communities together to express gratitude for
nature’s gifts. The festivities include beach parties, boat races, fluvial parades,
beauty pageants, cultural performances, and environmental initiatives. Centered in
Lingayen, this province-wide celebration not only highlights Pangasinan’s rich
coastal traditions but also fosters environmental awareness and provincial unity.
Mangunguna Festival
The Mangunguna Festival in Infanta, Pangasinan, is a lively celebration that honors
the town’s dedicated fishermen and their essential role in the community’s
livelihood. The term “Mangunguna,” meaning fisherman, showcases the strong
fishing industry through vibrant street dances, parades, and cultural performances
that depict the daily lives and traditions of local fisherfolk. The festival also includes
trade fairs and exhibits that promote Infanta’s seafood products, aiming to enhance
tourism while celebrating the heritage, resilience, and contributions of those who
depend on the sea for their livelihoods.

Karabasa Festival
The Karabasa Festival in Villasis, Pangasinan, celebrates the town’s flourishing
agriculture, particularly its production of kalabasa, or squash, which has become a
source of local pride and economic strength. Held annually, the festival includes
lively street dances, culinary competitions, float parades, and trade fairs that
feature dishes and products made from squash. This event not only showcases the
versatility of squash in local cuisine but also honors the hardworking farmers of
Villasis. Through this celebration, the town aims to enhance agri-tourism, emphasize
its agricultural identity, and foster community spirit.

Bangus Festival
The Bangus Festival, celebrated in Dagupan City, Pangasinan, is a vibrant event that
honors the city’s designation as the "Bangus (Milkfish) Capital of the Philippines."
This annual festival features a range of colorful and entertaining activities, including
the longest bangus grill, street dancing, bangus cook-offs, trade fairs, and culinary
displays. Held every April, it emphasizes the economic and cultural significance of
bangus to the people of Dagupan while attracting thousands of tourists, enhancing
local pride, and showcasing the city’s rich heritage and festive spirit.

Trivia
Land of the "3Bs" - Pangasinan is known for its delicious 3Bs: Bangus (milkfish),
Bocayo (coconut toffee), and Bagoong (fish paste), all staples in local cuisine.
Birthplace of former president - Fidel V. Ramos
The first Sunflower Maze in the Philippines – is located in Tayug, Pangasinan
Gastronomy
Pigar-pigar
Pigar-pigar is a popular street food in Pangasinan, made from thinly sliced beef or
carabao meat stir-fried with vegetables, typically bean sprouts, and seasoned with
soy sauce, garlic, and pepper. It is often accompanied by a tangy dipping sauce
made from vinegar, which complements the savory flavors of the dish. Quick to
prepare and packed with flavor, it’s a favorite snack or meal for both locals and
tourists. Its savory, slightly spicy taste is widely enjoyed, often served with steamed
rice.

Tupig
Tupig is a traditional delicacy from Pangasinan made with sticky rice, coconut milk,
sugar, and sometimes grated coconut. The mixture is wrapped in banana leaves
and grilled, giving it a smoky aroma. The result is a chewy, slightly sweet treat that
balances the rich flavors of coconut and sugar. Typically enjoyed during festivals or
special occasions, tupig has become a cherished part of Pangasinan’s culinary
culture.

Denengdeng
Denengdeng is a vegetable dish that is a staple in Pangasinan cuisine. It features a
variety of local vegetables, such as string beans, eggplant, and bitter melon, cooked
in a broth seasoned with fish sauce or shrimp paste (bagoong). Often finished with
grilled fish or pork, this dish adds depth and richness to the flavor. Denengdeng is a
healthy and tasty option, commonly served with steamed rice, reflecting the
agricultural abundance of Pangasinan.

Kaleskes
Kaleskes is a traditional Pangasinan dish that consists of a hearty stew made from
beef innards, including the heart, liver, and tripe. The beef is cooked with a mix of
vegetables, such as bitter melon and string beans, simmered in a savory broth
flavored with shrimp paste (bagoong) and sometimes fermented fish sauce. Deeply
comforting and flavorful, Kaleskes showcases the local ingredients used to create a
dish that embodies the province's agricultural and cultural heritage. Traditionally
served with steamed rice, it is a beloved comfort food in many households across
Pangasinan.

Pangasinan Quiz
1. What is the capital city of Pangasinan?
o A) Dagupan

o B) Lingayen

o C) Alaminos

o D) Bolinao

2. What is the tagline of Pangasinan?

o A) Land of Salt

o B) Hundred Islands and Hundred Flavors

o C) The Pearl of the Orient

o D) The Heart of Luzon

3. What does the name "Pangasinan" mean?

o A) Place of Rice

o B) Place where Salt is Made

o C) Land of Milkfish

o D) Home of Fishermen

4. Which body of water bounds Pangasinan?

o A) Sulu Sea

o B) Philippine Sea

o C) South China Sea

o D) Celebes Sea

5. What is the nearest airport to Pangasinan?

o A) Manila International Airport

o B) Laoag International Airport

o C) Clark International Airport

o D) Baguio Airport

6. Which festival in Pangasinan celebrates the salt-making tradition?

o A) Bangus Festival

o B) Binungey Festival

o C) Asin Festival
 o D) Pista’y Dayat Festival

7. What is a well-known feature of the Hundred Islands National Park?

o A) Ancient ruins

o B) Over 100 islands and islets

o C) Largest beach in the Philippines

o D) Highest mountain peak

8. What is the traditional delicacy made from glutinous rice and

coconut milk cooked in bamboo tubes?
o A) Tupig

o B) Pigar-pigar

o C) Denengdeng

o D) Kaleskes

9. Which festival is celebrated in Dagupan City?

o A) Mangunguna Festival

o B) Karabasa Festival

o C) Bangus Festival

o D) Binungey Festival

10.What does "Mangunguna" mean in English?

o A) Fisherman

o B) Farmer

o C) Cook

o D) Merchant

11.What is the primary ingredient in Denengdeng?

o A) Beef

o B) Fish

o C) Local vegetables

o D) Rice

12.Which festival honors the hardworking farmers of Villasis?

o A) Karabasa Festival

o B) Pista’y Dayat Festival

 o C) Asin Festival

o D) Bangus Festival

13.What is the main activity featured at the Pista’y Dayat Festival?

o A) Boat races

o B) Cooking contests

o C) Beauty pageants

o D) All of the above

14.What is the traditional Pangasinan dish made from beef innards?

o A) Tupig

o B) Kaleskes

o C) Pigar-pigar

o D) Denengdeng

15.Which festival celebrates a native delicacy made from squash?

o A) Binungey Festival

o B) Karabasa Festival

o C) Asin Festival

o D) Mangunguna Festival

16.What is a popular street food in Pangasinan made from stir-fried

beef or carabao meat?
o A) Tupig

o B) Kaleskes

o C) Pigar-pigar

o D) Denengdeng

17.Which site is known for its miraculous image of the Virgin Mary?
o A) Bolinao Beach

o B) Manaoag Church

o C) Cacupangan Cave

o D) Hundred Islands National Park

18.What natural feature makes Bolinao Beach a popular destination?

o A) White sand and clear waters
 o B) High cliffs

o C) Hot springs

o D) Coral reefs

19.What type of climate does Pangasinan have?

o A) Tropical

o B) Desert

o C) Mediterranean

o D) Arctic

20.Which historical event is part of Pangasinan's rich history?

o A) The signing of the Treaty of Paris

o B) The Malong and Palaris revolts

o C) The Battle of Manila

o D) The Philippine Revolution

Answers Key
1. B
2. B
3. B
4. C
5. B
6. C
7. B
8. A
9. C
10.A
11.C
12.A
13.D
14.B
15.B
 16.C
17.B
18.A
19.A
20.B
References:

The Official Website of the Province of Pangasinan. (2023, August 29). History | the
official website of the province of Pangasinan. https://www.pangasinan.gov.ph/the-
province/history/
History of Pangasinan - see Pangasinan. (2025, February 4). See Pangasinan.
https://seepangasinan.com/about-us/history-of-pangasinan/#:~:text=Once
%20known%20as%20the%20%E2%80%9CGranary,and%20family%2Doriented
%20people%20known
The Official Website of the Province of Pangasinan. (2023a, August 24). About
Pangasinan | The official website of the province of Pangasinan.
https://www.pangasinan.gov.ph/the-province/about-pangasinan/
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https://seepangasinan.com/places/cacupangan-cave/
Minor basilica of our lady of Manaoag - Archdiocese of lingayen-dagupan - central
pangasinan, Philippines. (n.d.). https://lingayendagupan.org/minor-basilica-of-our-
lady-of-manaoag
The Editors. (2024, February 12). Asin Festival - FESTIVALSCAPE. FESTIVALSCAPE.
https://www.festivalscape.com/philippines/pangasinan/asin-festival/
#google_vignette
Pangasinenses. (2014, February 19). Binungey Festival of Anda. Asenso Pangasinan.
https://asensopangasinan.com/2010/10/06/binungey-festival-of-anda/
The Editors. (2024b, September 13). Pistay Dayat - FESTIVALSCAPE.
FESTIVALSCAPE. https://www.festivalscape.com/philippines/pangasinan/pistay-
dayat/#google_vignette
Pangasinenses. (2012, April 7). Mangunguna Festival Bolinao Pangasinan. Asenso
Pangasinan. https://asensopangasinan.com/2011/09/29/mangunguna-festival-2011/
Pangasinan town stages Karabasa Festival. (n.d.). Philippine News Agency.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1199864
The Editors. (2024b, May 11). Bangus Festival - FESTIVALSCAPE. FESTIVALSCAPE.
https://www.festivalscape.com/philippines/pangasinan/bangus-festival/
#:~:text=Bangus%20Festival%2C%20officially%20named%20Dagupan,many%20of
%20its%20related%20products.
Trivia. (n.d.). I LOVE PANGASINAN ❤.
https://discoverpangasinan.weebly.com/trivia.html
Leimon. (2018, February 2). The Philippines’ first sunflower maze. We Wander PH.
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Camella. (2023, December 6). Top 10 Pangasinense dishes and delicacies you
should try. Camella Homes. https://www.camella.com.ph/top-10-pangasinense-
dishes-and-delicacies-you-should-try/