Candon City, Ilocos Sur, Philippines

Candon City, Ilocos_Sur is within Region 1-Ilocos, in the Republic of the Philippines.

Population of Candon City

Candon City is an important commercial and administrative hub in the province of Ilocos Sur, serving the southern half of the province. The city’s population has shown a trend of steady, moderate growth, supporting its economic and civic role in the region.

• Population as of the 2020 Census:
  According to the latest official count from the **2020 Census of Population and Housing (CPH)** by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), Candon City has a population of **61,432** people. This count solidifies its position as a major urban center outside of the provincial capital.

• Population as of the 2015 Census:
  In the preceding **2015 Census**, the population of Candon City was recorded at **60,623** people. Comparing the 2015 and 2020 figures reveals a modest growth of 809 residents over the five-year period, resulting in an annual growth rate of approximately 0.28%.

Location of Candon City

Candon is geographically located in the **central-lower portion of Ilocos Sur**, facing the West Philippine Sea to the west. This location is key to its commercial significance, as it acts as the gateway between the northern provinces and the central-southern regions of Luzon.

How Most People Get to This Area:

The vast majority of travelers access Candon City via **land transport**. It is strategically situated along the **Manila North Road**, the main national highway connecting Metro Manila to the far northern provinces. Consequently, travelers rely heavily on inter-provincial bus lines—such as Partas, Viron Transit, and Dominion Bus Lines—which make Candon a mandatory stop. Locally, tricycles and jeepneys are the main modes of movement.

Proximity of Government Headquarters to Major Ports:

The Candon City Hall is conveniently located relative to local transport, but its distance from major national ports reflects Candon’s primary role as a land-based commercial hub:

• By Bus/Land: The main bus terminals are situated directly within or immediately adjacent to the central commercial district (poblacion), making the City Hall instantly accessible, typically within a short 5 to 10-minute tricycle ride.
• By Sea (Nearest Commercial Port): The nearest significant commercial cargo facility is the **Port of Salomague** in Cabugao, Ilocos Sur, which is approximately **35 to 40 kilometers** north of the city center. While the city itself is coastal, major sea cargo operations are handled there.
• By Air (Nearest Major Airport): Candon does not have its own airport. The nearest commercial airport is **Laoag International Airport (LAO)** in Ilocos Norte, roughly **140 kilometers** to the north (a 2.5 to 3-hour drive), or **San Fernando Airport (SFE)** in La Union, approximately **90 kilometers** to the south.

Tourist Attractions of Candon City

Candon offers visitors a mix of historical remnants, religious sites, and coastal relaxation.

Great Landmarks:

• Candon Church (St. John of Sahagun Parish): A historically significant, massive Spanish-era church that has been rebuilt and preserved, serving as a testament to the city’s long-standing Catholic heritage.
• Darapidap Beach: A popular coastal destination known for its unique **black, magnetite-rich sands**. It is a favorite spot for local families and visitors seeking scenic views of the West Philippine Sea.
• Ancestral Houses: Scattered throughout the city, particularly in the older districts, are preserved ancestral houses that showcase the Ilocano architecture and lifestyle of the past.

Yearly Festival:

Candon City celebrates its identity and key agricultural resource through its main annual event, the **Tobacco Festival**. Held every **March**, often coinciding with the Cityhood Anniversary, the festival pays tribute to Candon’s status as the **“Tobacco Capital of the Philippines”** and the largest producer of Virginia-type tobacco in the country. Highlights include elaborate street dancing, float parades, cultural shows, and agricultural exhibits, as well as the unique **Panagdubla (Tobacco Rolling)** competition.

Economy of Candon City

Candon’s economy is fundamentally rooted in its rich agricultural output and is strongly supported by its central commercial function.

Main Contributing Industry to the Economy:

The primary and defining industry is **Agriculture**, specifically the cultivation of **Virginia-type tobacco**. This crop provides the foundation for thousands of livelihoods and fuels the local processing and trade sectors. Secondarily, **Trade, Commerce, and Services** contribute heavily to the city’s economy. As a hub for the entire second district, Candon hosts numerous wholesale distributors, regional offices, and retail establishments, drawing consumers and capital from neighboring municipalities.

Economic Rank:

Candon City is classified as a **4th Component City Income Class**. While official Gross Domestic Product (GDP) figures for the city alone are not often published separately from provincial data, Candon is consistently recognized as one of the most economically dynamic areas in Ilocos Sur. In national competitive rankings (like the Cities and Municipalities Competitive Index or CMCI), Candon ranks highly among component cities for factors such as **Local Economy Growth** and **Cost of Doing Business**, confirming its role as the secondary commercial powerhouse of the province, right after Vigan City.

Educational Institutions of Candon City

As a regional center, Candon attracts students from across Southern Ilocos Sur and beyond, establishing itself as an important educational focal point.

Major Universities and Colleges:

The most prominent institution for higher learning is the **University of Northern Philippines (UNP) – Candon City Campus**. This campus is a key component of the state university system, offering a wide array of degree programs that cater to the needs of the local economy, including technical, teacher education, and business courses. Additionally, several respected private colleges and technical vocational institutions operate within the city, providing specialized training and helping to build the area’s human capital.

History of Candon City

Candon’s history is a story of resistance and transformation. The settlement was founded by the Augustinian order as a mission outpost in the late 16th century, though it was formally established as a town (*pueblo*) in **1780**. Legend holds that the city was named after the **”Kandong”** tree, which once grew prominently in the area.

Its most significant historical event is the **”Ikkis Ti Candon” (Cry of Candon)** on **March 25, 1898**, when local revolutionaries led by the young intellectual Isabelo Abaya successfully staged an uprising against the Spanish colonizers, briefly establishing a provisional government before being defeated. This act of defiance remains a powerful symbol of Candonian courage.

After decades of growth as a leading Ilocos Sur municipality, Candon was officially converted into a **component city** on March 28, 2001, by virtue of Republic Act No. 9018, marking its transition into a modern urban center.

Elected Officials of Candon City

The following table lists the officials who won the mandate to lead the City of Candon for the **2025–2028 term**, based on the official results of the May 2025 local elections:

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