Urdaneta, officially the City of Urdaneta (; ; ), is a 2nd class component city in the province of Pangasinan, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 144,577 people.
History
Urdaneta City was founded on January 8, 1858, by Pangasinenses and Ilocanos who sought greater ties and unity. The city was named after Father Andrés de Urdaneta, a famous aide of Magellan, who was a soldier, navigator, cosmographer, and evangelist. Father Urdaneta played a significant role in the colonization of the Philippines, as he helped establish the first Spanish settlement on the island of Cebu in 1565. He also helped establish the first trade route between Mexico and the Philippines, which was used for over two centuries.
By naming the city after Father Urdaneta, the people of Urdaneta City pay tribute to his legacy and contributions to the country. His name has become synonymous with exploration, adventure, and faith, all of which are qualities that are celebrated in Urdaneta City. Today, the city continues to honor Father Urdaneta through various events, monuments, and institutions, which serve as reminders of his enduring legacy.
Cityhood
In 1998, the Philippine Congress passed R.A. 8480, which converted the Municipality of Urdaneta into a component city of the Province of Pangasinan. The bill was sponsored by Rep. Amadeo R. Perez Jr., a congressman representing the province.
The passage of the bill was followed by a plebiscite, which was held on March 21, 1998. The people of Urdaneta overwhelmingly ratified the legislative act, with 26,222 in favor and only 142 against. As a result, Urdaneta was officially proclaimed as a city.
Geography
Urdaneta is from Manila, from Dagupan and is from the provincial capital, Lingayen. It has a land area of 12,100 hectares.
Barangays
Urdaneta is politically subdivided into 34 barangays. Each barangay consists of puroks and some have sitios.
Anonas
Bactad East
Bayaoas
Bolaoen
Cabaruan
Cabuloan
Camanang
Camantiles
Casantaan
Catablan
Cayambanan
Consolacion
Dilan-Paurido
Labit Proper
Labit West
Mabanogbog
Macalong
Nancalobasaan
Nancamaliran East
Nancamaliran West
Nancayasan
Oltama
Palina East
Palina West
Pedro T. Orata (Bactad Proper) Pinmaludpod Poblacion San Jose San Vicente Santa Lucia Santo Domingo Sugcong Tiposu Tulong
Climate
Demographics
Religion
Roman Catholicism
The Urdaneta Cathedral or the 1858 Immaculate Conception Cathedral in Urdaneta is part of the Vicariate of Our Lady. Its vicar foranes are Rev. Fr. Alberto T. Arenos and Father Elpidio F. Silva Jr. Its feast day is December 8. Its head is Bishop Jacinto Agcaoili Jose, JCL, DD. Founded on January 8, 1858, it is under the jurisdiction of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Lingayen-Dagupan, Roman Catholic Diocese of Urdaneta.
The diocese is led by Bishop Jacinto Jose (born on October 29, 1950, in Mangato, Laoag City. He serves as vice chairman of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) Episcopal Commission of Social Communications and Mass Media and member of the Episcopal Commission on Youth.
Previous ordinaries were Bishop Jesus Castro Galang (December 7, 1991 – September 16, 2004) and Bishop Pedro G. Magugat, M.S.C. (April 22, 1985 – May 5, 1990). Other diocesan officials hold office at the Bishop's Residence and Chancery of Obispado de Urdaneta Building, Dr. Jose Aruego Street, Urdaneta, Pangasinan. The Vicar General is Msgr. Lazaro P. Hortaleza and Chancellor, Father Teofilo L. Calicdan.
Philippine Independent Church or Aglipayan Church
The Aglipay Central Theological Seminary (ACTS) in Urdaneta City, Pangasinan is the regional seminary of the church dedicated to serve the North-Central and South-Central Luzon Dioceses. ACTS offers a Bachelor of Theology and Divinity Programs for those who aspire to enter the ordained ministry in the Church. It is a four-year study program with a curriculum focused on biblical, theological, historical and pastoral studies with reference to parish management and development and wider cultural and social context. Members of the Philippine Independent Church or Aglipayans has the second most members in the city.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
Urdaneta has been selected as the site of the Urdaneta Philippines Temple, the third temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to be built in the Philippines (the other two being in Manila and Cebu City).