Dagupan City, Philippines

Dagupan City, Pangasinan is within Region 1-Ilocos, in the Republic of the Philippines.

Population of Dagupan City

• According to the 2020 Census, Dagupan City had a population of 174,302 residents.
• In 2015, the city recorded a population of 171,271, reflecting a modest growth rate of 0.34% annually.

Location of Dagupan City

• Dagupan City is a coastal independent component city in the province of Pangasinan, situated in the Ilocos Region of Luzon. It lies along the Lingayen Gulf and is traversed by seven rivers, making it a strategic hub for trade and aquaculture.
• Most travelers reach Dagupan via:
  • Land: Approximately 212 kilometers north of Manila, accessible via NLEX, SCTEX, and TPLEX. Travel time is around 4 to 5 hours by bus.
  • Air: The nearest airport is Clark International Airport, about 3.5 hours away by land. Loakan Airport in Baguio is also accessible within 2 hours.
  • Sea: Dagupan has a modest port facility for local fishing and cargo, but major seaport access is via San Fernando, La Union, approximately 2.5 hours away.

Tourist Attractions of Dagupan City

• Bonuan Blue Beach: A serene coastal destination known for its white sand and calm waters.
• Dawel River Cruise: A scenic eco-tourism experience showcasing mangroves, birdlife, and Dagupan’s aquaculture heritage.
• Tondaligan Beach Park: A family-friendly area with picnic spots and play zones.
• Metropolitan Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist: A historic religious site in the city center.
• Bangus Festival: Held annually in April, this vibrant celebration honors Dagupan’s title as the “Bangus Capital of the Philippines” with street dancing, grilling contests, and cultural parades.

Economy of Dagupan City

• Dagupan’s economy is anchored in aquaculture, retail trade, and education. The city is renowned for its pond-raised bangus (milkfish), which is exported nationwide.
• Key economic sectors include:
  • Bangus aquaculture: Over 900 hectares of fishponds and cages producing thousands of metric tons annually
  • Retail and commerce: Dagupan serves as a commercial hub for central Pangasinan
  • Education and healthcare: Numerous schools and hospitals attract residents from neighboring towns
• While city-level GDP is not publicly available, Dagupan ranks among the top-performing component cities in Region I due to its strategic location and diversified economy.

Educational Institutions of Dagupan City

• Dagupan is home to several major universities and colleges:
  • Universidad de Dagupan (formerly Colegio de Dagupan) – ISO-certified and ranked as the top private HEI in Pangasinan
  • Lyceum-Northwestern University – Offers programs in medicine, law, engineering, and business
  • University of Pangasinan (PHINMA) – Known for its business, IT, and education programs
  • University of Luzon – One of the oldest private universities in the region, founded in 1948

History of Dagupan City

• Dagupan was originally named Bacnotan by Augustinian missionaries in the late 1500s. It became a major trade center during the Spanish era.
• In 1660, Andres Malong led a revolt against Spanish rule. After the uprising, the town was renamed Nandaragupan, meaning “where people meet”.
• The name was later simplified to Dagupan in 1780. The city played a key role in the Philippine Revolution and was liberated from Spanish rule in 1898.
• Dagupan became an independent component city on June 20, 1947, through Republic Act No. 170.

Elected Officials of Dagupan City

• As of the 2025 elections, Dagupan City is led by:
  • Mayor: Belen T. Fernandez
  • Vice Mayor: Dean Bryan L. Kua
  • Representative: Gina de Venecia
• For a full list of councilors and barangay officials, visit the official Halalan 2025 results page: Dagupan City Election Results.

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