Urdaneta City, Pangasinan, Philippines

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

Population of Urdaneta City

• As of the 2020 Census, Urdaneta City had a population of 144,577 residents.
• In 2015, the city recorded a population of 136,275, reflecting a growth rate of approximately 1.2% annually.

Location of Urdaneta City

• Urdaneta City is a landlocked component city in eastern Pangasinan, situated in the Ilocos Region (Region I) of Luzon. It lies along the Manila North Road and serves as a gateway to Northern Luzon.
• Most travelers reach Urdaneta via:
  • Land: Buses from Metro Manila (e.g., Victory Liner, Five Star) take approximately 4–5 hours via NLEX and TPLEX.
  • 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: The closest major seaport is in San Fernando, La Union, roughly 3 hours away by bus or car.

Tourist Attractions of Urdaneta City

• Urdaneta City Plaza: A central hub for community gatherings, surrounded by heritage buildings and lush gardens.
• Urdaneta Philippines Temple: A peaceful religious site affiliated with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
• Urdaneta Museum: Showcases the city’s cultural heritage and historical artifacts.
• Lisland Rainforest Resort: A popular destination for leisure and eco-tourism.
• The city celebrates the Urdaneta City Fiesta every December, featuring parades, concerts, and religious processions in honor of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception.

Economy of Urdaneta City

• Urdaneta is a major agro-industrial and commercial hub in Pangasinan. Its economy is driven by:
  • Agriculture: Palay, corn, and livestock production
  • Trade and retail: Urdaneta Public Market is one of the largest in Northern Luzon
  • Education and services: Numerous schools and hospitals serve the region
• Urdaneta ranks among the top palay-producing cities in Pangasinan, contributing significantly to the province’s rice sufficiency level.
• Emerging sectors include healthcare, logistics, and ICT, with moderate job growth projected through 2025.

Educational Institutions of Urdaneta City

• Urdaneta hosts several major institutions:
  • Pangasinan State University – Urdaneta Campus: Offers programs in engineering, education, IT, and architecture.
  • Urdaneta City University: A public institution founded in 1966, known for its commitment to character development and global competence.
  • ABE International College of Business and Accountancy: Offers business and accounting programs.

History of Urdaneta City

• Urdaneta was founded on January 8, 1858, carved from the jurisdictions of Asingan, Sta. Barbara, and Mangaldan. The initiative came from local barangay leaders who petitioned the Spanish government for autonomy.
• The city was named after Andrés de Urdaneta, a Spanish navigator and friar who played a key role in the Manila-Acapulco galleon trade.
• Urdaneta became a component city on March 21, 1998, through Republic Act No. 8480.

Elected Officials of Urdaneta City

• As of the 2025 elections, Urdaneta City is led by:
  • Mayor: Julio F. Parayno III
  • Vice Mayor: Jimmy D. Parayno
  • Representative: Ramon V. Guico III
• For a complete list of councilors and barangay officials, visit the official Halalan 2025 results page: Urdaneta City Election Results.

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