Magsingal, officially the Municipality of Magsingal (; ) is a 3rd class municipality in the province of Ilocos Sur, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 31,308 people.
Etymology
The name of the municipality came from the term "Mayisingal," an Ilocano term which means "to be moved." It was applied when the belltower was moved from a previous location to its current site.
Captain Juan de Salcedo had a hand in founding the municipality. But before he reached the current site of the poblacion, he came to a village called Malongon, about one-half kilometer to the south. The leader of the village refused Salcedo's request to establish a municipality there, but suggested that he establish the town a half kilometer north of the village, and the belltower be moved to that site, hence the origin of the town's name.
History
Itnegs were the original inhabitants of the place when Salcedo arrived. He worked for the conversion of the people to Christianity, but not all accepted the new faith. Those who refused conversion fled the town and settled east of Bantay Bul-lagaw (Bul-lagaw Mountain).
Geography
Magsingal is from Metro Manila and from Vigan City, the provincial capital. It is bordered by the municipality of San Juan to the north, Santo Domingo and Bantay to the south, and Langiden, Abra to the east.
Barangays
Magsingal is politically subdivided into 30 barangays. Each barangay consists of puroks and some have sitios.
Alangan
Bacar
Barbarit
Bungro
Cabaroan
Cadanglaan
Caraisan
Dacutan
Labut
Maas-asin
Macatcatud
Namalpalan
Manzante
Maratudo
Miramar
Napo
Pagsanaan Norte
Pagsanaan Sur
Panay Norte
Panay Sur
Patong
Puro (Puro Pinget) San Basilio (Poblacion) San Clemente (Poblacion) San Julian (Poblacion) San Lucas (Poblacion) San Ramon (Poblacion) San Vicente (Poblacion) Santa Monica Sarsaracat
Climate
Demographics
In the 2020 census, Magsingal had a population of 31,308. The population density was .
Economy
Government
Local government
Magsingal, belonging to the first congressional district of the province of Ilocos Sur, is governed by a mayor designated as its local chief executive and by a municipal council as its legislative body in accordance with the Local Government Code. The mayor, vice mayor, and the councilors are elected directly by the people through an election which is being held every three years.
In 1945, the first duly elected municipal mayor via landslide vote was Hon. Policarpio Cortez Jurado.
Elected officials
Education
Saint William's Institute - a privately funded educational institution run by the Sisters of Saint Paul of Chartres The Magsingal Institute - a private highschool Magsingal National High School- a public highschool Manzante National Highschool - a public high school