History : Created in 1580 by Gov. Gen. Ronquillo
de Penaloza. Pangasinan was the earliest political and administrative unit in the Philippines. It was officially conquered and colonized by D. Martin de Goite in 1571. At the time, its territorial jurisdiction included the present province of Zambales and part of LaUnion and Tarlac. Lingayen was designated and remained up to the present the provincial capital. Binalatongan later named San Carlos was the largest town both in size and population. Dagupan then named Bacnitan was a sitio of Lingayen. It was converted into a regular town by the Augustinians in 1590. After the rebellion led by Andres Malong in 1660. Bacnotan was called nandagagupan then simplified to Dagupan which became the city´s official name since 1720.
By middle of the 19th century, the northern towns of Agoo to Bacnotan were separated from Pangasinan and became parts of the province of La Union. In 1875, its territorial bounderies were further diminished when Paniqui and other towns south of it were affixed to Tarlac.
Climate : The province experieces two pronounced seasons - dry from November to April and wet from May to October. Temperature from the lowlamds is greater than 7°C compared to the highlands. Coolest temperature occurs during December to February ranging from 24°C. Hottest months are April and May.
People : Pangasinan´s population is made up of Pangasinenses and
Ilocanos. There are also Chinese mestizos, especially in Lingayen, who are descendants from the warriors of Limahong who were unable to escape. Today, they are a vital force in commerce.
How to get there. Dagupan City is the transportation hub of Pangasinan, 170 kms. from Manila and about 59 kms. southeast of Baguio City. The city is accessible by buses which leave every 15 minutes from 4 a. m. to 7 p.m. or even 10 p.m. There are several bus lines offering airconditioned coaches. The major road networks that crisscross the province are the Manila North Road via Mac Arthur Highway and the North Expressway. Bugallon-Olongapo Road via Romulo Highway and the on-going construction of Rosales-Tayug-Umingan-Sta. Fe Road.
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