Balaoan
Founded in 1704, Balaoan is one of the oldest municipalities in La Union. It was formerly named “Puraw” before it was named Balaoan during the Spanish regime.

Approximately 300 kilometers from Manila via the McArthur Highway, Balaoan is famous for its Sea Urchins which are locally cultivated in Barangays Paraoir and Almeida. Boats can be rented by visitors to witness the harvesting process of the “Maratangtang”, a delicacy favored by the Ilocanos.

Balaoan, a 5th class municipality is bounded on the north by Bacnotan; on the south by Bangar; and on the east by Luna. It is politically subdivided into thirty six (36) barangays, namely:

Almieda Antonino Apatut Ar-arampang Baracbac Este
Baracbac Oeste Bet-ang Bulbulala Bungol Butubut Este
Butubut Norte Butubut Oeste Butubut Sur Cabuaan Oeste Calliat
Calungbuyan Camiling Dr. Camilo Osias Guinaburan MasupeNagsabaran Norte
Nagsabaran Sur Nalasin Napaset Pagbennecan Pagleddegan
Pantar Norte Pantar Sur Pa-o Paraoir Patpata
Sablut San Pablo Sinapangan Norte Sinapangan Sur Tallipugo
Places of Interest:

Lourdes Grotto
Apaleng Park or Coconut Garden
Special Events:

Parochial Fiesta every September 9-10
Panagyaman Festival every December 18-22