Dagupan

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Independent component city in Pangasinan, Philippines

title: "Dagupan" type: doc version: 1 created: 2026-02-28 author: "Wikipedia contributors" status: active scope: public tags: ["dagupan", "cities-in-pangasinan", "independent-component-cities-in-the-philippines", "1590-establishments-in-the-philippines", "populated-places-established-in-1590", "populated-coastal-places-in-the-philippines", "port-cities-and-towns-in-the-philippines"] description: "Independent component city in Pangasinan, Philippines" topic_path: "geography" source: "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dagupan" license: "CC BY-SA 4.0" wikipedia_page_id: 0 wikipedia_revision_id: 0

::summary Independent component city in Pangasinan, Philippines ::

::data[format=table title="Infobox settlement"]

Field	Value
name
image_skyline	{{Photomontage
photo2a	Old Dagupan Church, Pangasinan, Jun 2024.jpg
photo3b	Dagupan City Park, Pangasinan, Jun 2024.jpg
photo4a	Capturing the Bangus Festival 2024 in Dagupan City, Pangasinan 114.jpg
size	250
color	transparent
border	0
image_caption	Clockwise from top: Arellano Street - Downtown Dagupan, Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint John the Evangelist, Dagupan City Park, Bangus Festival, Dagupan Train Museum, and Santuario de San Juan Evangelista
image_flag	Flag_of_Dagupan,Pangasinan(New).png
flag_size	110px
image_seal	Ph seal pangasinan dagupan.png
seal_size	100x80px
mapframe	yes
pushpin_map	Philippines
pushpin_label_position	left
pushpin_map_caption	Location within the
coordinates
settlement_type
subdivision_type	Country
subdivision_name	Philippines
subdivision_type1	Region
subdivision_name1
subdivision_type2	Province
subdivision_name2	(geographically only)
official_name
etymology
named_for
nicknames	Bangus (Milkfish) Capital of the Philippines
Kitchen of the North
anthem	Dagupan Hymn
subdivision_type3	District
subdivision_name3
established_title	Founded
established_date	1590
established_title1	Cityhood
established_date1	June 20, 1947
parts_type	Barangays
parts_style	para
p1	(see Barangays)
leader_title	Mayor
leader_name	Belen T. Fernandez (PFP)
leader_title1	Vice Mayor
leader_name1	Dean Bryan L. Kua (PFP)
leader_title2	Representative
leader_name2	Gina de Venecia (Lakas–CMD)
leader_title3	City Council
leader_name3	{{PH Town Council
1	Michael B. Fernandez
2	Jose Netu M. Tamayo
3	Christel Hilary Paras
4	Jeslito C. Seen
5	Karlos Liberato E. Reyna IV
6	Danielle Francine B. Canto
7	Luis M. Samson Jr.
8	Marvin V. Fabia
9	Jalice D. Cayabyab-Lalas
10	Ma. Librada Fe M. Reyna-Macalanda
leader_title4	Electorate
leader_name4	voters ([electorate_point_in_time}}
government_type
government_footnotes
elevation_m
elevation_max_m	461
elevation_min_m	0
elevation_footnotes
area_footnotes
area_total_km2	44.47
population_footnotes
population_total
population_as_of
population_density_km2	auto
population_blank1_title	Households
population_blank1
population_demonym	Dagupeño (masculine)
Dagupeña (feminine)
Dagupenean
timezone	PhST
utc_offset	+8
postal_code_type	ZIP code
postal_code
postal2_code_type
postal2_code
area_code_type
area_code
website
demographics_type1	Economy
demographics1_title1
demographics1_info1	2nd city income class
demographics1_title2	Poverty incidence
demographics1_info2	% ()
demographics1_title3	Revenue
demographics1_info3	₱1,915,874,700.93 (2022)
demographics1_title4	Revenue rank
demographics1_title5	Assets
demographics1_info5
demographics1_title6	Assets rank
demographics1_title7	IRA
demographics1_title8	IRA rank
demographics1_title9	Expenditure
demographics1_info9
demographics1_title10	Liabilities
demographics1_info10
demographics_type2	Service provider
demographics2_title1	Electricity
demographics2_info1
demographics2_title2	Water
demographics2_title3	Telecommunications
demographics2_title4	Cable TV
blank_name_sec1
blank_info_sec1
blank1_name_sec1	Native languages
blank1_info_sec1
blank2_name_sec1	Crime index
blank1_name_sec2	Major religions
blank2_name_sec2	Feast date
blank3_name_sec2	Catholic diocese
blank4_name_sec2	Patron saint
::

| name = | image_skyline = {{Photomontage |spacing=2 |position=center | photo1a = By Jdcedit - Overlooking Arellano Street Dagupan CBD.jpg | photo2a = Old Dagupan Church, Pangasinan, Jun 2024.jpg | photo2b = Dagupan Cathedral, Pangasinan, Jun 2024.jpg | photo3a = Dagupan City Museum, Pangasinan, Jun 2024.jpg | photo3b = Dagupan City Park, Pangasinan, Jun 2024.jpg | photo4a = Capturing the Bangus Festival 2024 in Dagupan City, Pangasinan 114.jpg | size = 250 | color = transparent | border = 0 | image_caption = Clockwise from top: Arellano Street - Downtown Dagupan, Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint John the Evangelist, Dagupan City Park, Bangus Festival, Dagupan Train Museum, and Santuario de San Juan Evangelista | image_flag = Flag_of_Dagupan,Pangasinan(New).png | flag_size = 110px | image_seal = Ph seal pangasinan dagupan.png | seal_size = 100x80px | mapframe = yes | pushpin_map = Philippines | pushpin_label_position = left | pushpin_map_caption = Location within the | coordinates = | settlement_type = | subdivision_type = Country | subdivision_name = Philippines | subdivision_type1 = Region | subdivision_name1 = | subdivision_type2 = Province | subdivision_name2 = (geographically only) | official_name = | etymology = | named_for = | native_name = | other_name = | nicknames = Bangus (Milkfish) Capital of the Philippines Kitchen of the North | anthem = Dagupan Hymn | subdivision_type3 = District | subdivision_name3 = | established_title = Founded | established_date = 1590 | established_title1 = Cityhood | established_date1 = June 20, 1947 | parts_type = Barangays | parts_style = para | p1 = (see Barangays) | leader_title = Mayor | leader_name = Belen T. Fernandez (PFP) | leader_title1 = Vice Mayor | leader_name1 = Dean Bryan L. Kua (PFP) | leader_title2 = Representative | leader_name2 = Gina de Venecia (Lakas–CMD) | leader_title3 = City Council | leader_name3 = {{PH Town Council | 1= Michael B. Fernandez | 2= Jose Netu M. Tamayo | 3= Christel Hilary Paras | 4= Jeslito C. Seen | 5= Karlos Liberato E. Reyna IV | 6= Danielle Francine B. Canto | 7= Luis M. Samson Jr. | 8= Marvin V. Fabia | 9= Jalice D. Cayabyab-Lalas | 10= Ma. Librada Fe M. Reyna-Macalanda | leader_title4 = Electorate | leader_name4 = voters (electorate_point_in_time}}|) | government_type = | government_footnotes = | elevation_m = | elevation_max_m = 461 | elevation_min_m = 0 | elevation_max_rank = | elevation_min_rank = | elevation_footnotes = | elevation_max_footnotes = | elevation_min_footnotes = | area_rank = | area_footnotes = | area_total_km2 = 44.47 | population_footnotes = | population_total = | population_as_of = | population_density_km2 = auto | population_blank1_title = Households | population_blank1 = | population_blank2_title = | population_blank2 = | population_demonym = Dagupeño (masculine) Dagupeña (feminine) Dagupenean | population_rank = | population_note = | timezone = PhST | utc_offset = +8 | postal_code_type = ZIP code | postal_code = | postal2_code_type = | postal2_code = | area_code_type = | area_code = | website = | demographics_type1 = Economy | demographics1_title1 = | demographics1_info1 = 2nd city income class | demographics1_title2 = Poverty incidence | demographics1_info2 = % () | demographics1_title3 = Revenue | demographics1_info3 = ₱1,915,874,700.93 (2022) | demographics1_title4 = Revenue rank | demographics1_info4 = | demographics1_title5 = Assets | demographics1_info5 =
| demographics1_title6 = Assets rank | demographics1_info6 = | demographics1_title7 = IRA | demographics1_info7 = | demographics1_title8 = IRA rank | demographics1_info8 = | demographics1_title9 = Expenditure | demographics1_info9 =
| demographics1_title10 = Liabilities | demographics1_info10 =
| demographics_type2 = Service provider | demographics2_title1 = Electricity | demographics2_info1 = | demographics2_title2 = Water | demographics2_info2 = | demographics2_title3 = Telecommunications | demographics2_info3 = | demographics2_title4 = Cable TV | demographics2_info4 = | demographics2_title5 = | demographics2_info5 = | demographics2_title6 = | demographics2_info6 = | demographics2_title7 = | demographics2_info7 = | demographics2_title8 = | demographics2_info8 = | demographics2_title9 = | demographics2_info9 = | demographics2_title10 = | demographics2_info10 = | blank_name_sec1 = | blank_info_sec1 = | blank1_name_sec1 = Native languages | blank1_info_sec1 = | blank2_name_sec1 = Crime index | blank2_info_sec1 = | blank3_name_sec1 = | blank3_info_sec1 = | blank4_name_sec1 = | blank4_info_sec1 = | blank5_name_sec1 = | blank5_info_sec1 = | blank6_name_sec1 = | blank6_info_sec1 = | blank7_name_sec1 = | blank7_info_sec1 = | blank1_name_sec2 = Major religions | blank1_info_sec2 = | blank2_name_sec2 = Feast date | blank2_info_sec2 = | blank3_name_sec2 = Catholic diocese | blank3_info_sec2 = | blank4_name_sec2 = Patron saint | blank4_info_sec2 = | blank5_name_sec2 = | blank5_info_sec2 = | blank6_name_sec2 = | blank6_info_sec2 = | blank7_name_sec2 = | blank7_info_sec2 = | short_description = | footnotes =

Dagupan , officially the City of Dagupan (, , ), is a 2nd class independent component city in the Ilocos Region, Philippines. According to the , it has a population of people.

Located on Lingayen Gulf on the northwest-central part of Luzon, Dagupan is the primary commercial and financial center of Pangasinan. The city is also one of the centers of modern medical services, education, media and communication in North-Central Luzon. The NEDA-Regional Development Council officially recognized Dagupan as a regional center. The city is situated within the fertile Agno River Valley and is in turn a part of the larger Central Luzon plain.

The city is among the top producers of milkfish (locally known as bangus) in the province and also the bangus capital of the country. From 2001 to 2003, Dagupan's milkfish production totaled to 35,560.1 MT, contributing 16.8 percent to the total provincial production. Of its total production in the past three years, 78.5 percent grew in fish pens/cages, while the rest grew in brackish water fishponds.

Dagupan is administratively and politically independent from the provincial government of Pangasinan and is only represented by the province's legislative district. It is the second most-populous city in the province and in the Ilocos Region, after San Carlos.

Dagupan is one of the proposed metropolitan areas in the Philippines. Metro Dagupan is proposed to include the independent component city of Dagupan, as well as the towns of Binmaley, Calasiao, Lingayen, Manaoag, Mangaldan, Mapandan, San Fabian, San Jacinto, and Santa Barbara.

Etymology

The city's name was derived from the local Pangasinan word pandaragupan which means gathering place as the city has been a regional market center for centuries. The root word is dagop, Pangasinan term of gather.

History

Pangasinan

Prior to the arrival of the Spanish in the 16th century, the polity of Pangasinan was an ancient coastal region composed of various settlements, whose paramount leaders sent emissaries to China in 1406–1411.

Spanish Period

The area of what is now known as Dagupan was described as a marshland thickly covered with mangrove and nipa palm trees. The natives lived along the shoreline and riverbanks of Calmay, Pantal, and Bonuan; but there were also communities in Malued, Lasip, Pogo, and Bacayao. The natives called the area Bacnotan which would later be incorporated into the encomienda of Lingayen that was established in 1583.

The first long distance railroad in the Philippines connecting Manila and Dagupan was opened on November 24, 1892.

Japanese occupation

Japanese planes bombed Dagupan in December 1941. Dagupan was occupied by Japanese forces starting in 1942. The city also served as a wartime capital of Pangasinan.

Allied liberation

::figure[src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/91/General_Douglas_MacArthur_landing_at_Luzon,_Philippines,_1945.jpg" caption="General Douglas MacArthur Landing at Luzon, Philippines, 1945. "Blue Beach", Dagupan"] ::

On January 8–9, 1945, U.S. General Douglas MacArthur landed his amphibious liberation force in the city's "Blue Beach" section in Bonuan Gueset along the shores of Lingayen Gulf. From his beachhead in Dagupan, along with those in neighboring towns Lingayen, Binmaley and San Fabian, MacArthur's forces under General Walter Krueger, together with the Philippine Commonwealth units under the Philippine Army and the Philippine Constabulary, penetrated Japanese defenses in Luzon and liberated Filipino and allied prisoners of war near Cabanatuan in the province of Nueva Ecija and in Manila's University of Santo Tomas, among others.

Cityhood

Main article: Cities of the Philippines

Dagupan became a city by virtue of Republic Act No. 170, authored by House Speaker Eugenio Pérez. It was signed into law by President Manuel Roxas on June 20, 1947.

Contemporary history

The westward expansion of the city went as far as Lucao, which was also swampland. Local historian Restituto Basa surmised that the name Lucao may have been derived from the shellfish called lukan that used to abound in the swampy area.

In June 1962, Dagupan was shaken by a series of strong earthquakes which occurred at irregular intervals for about three weeks. The quakes toppled the belfry of the Roman Catholic church. Many people from Calmay, Carael and island barrios evacuated to other towns.

In 1968, the national government agencies opened offices in Dagupan and other key cities across the country. The daytime population increased substantially, causing congestion in the city that began to see the appearance of public utility tricycles and other modes of transportation.

On July 16, 1990, a magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck northern Luzon, causing liquefaction, which made buildings tilt and sink due to their heavy weight and the looseness of the ground, which turned into sediment-rich mud. The Magsaysay Bridge, one of the two bridges especially spanning the Pantal River, collapsed, delaying people from crossing to the other banks and vice versa. Major damage caused businesses to be permanently transferred to the neighbouring towns of Mangaldan and Calasiao, but somehow, Dagupan and its inhabitants managed to recover from the earthquake.

At the turn of the millennium, seeking to promote the thriving milkfish industry that harnessed the city as the milkfish capital of the country, The Bangus Festival was formally launched in 2002 by then-Mayor Benjamin Lim. The city earned the World's Longest Barbecue record from the Guinness World Records in 2003 during the holding of the Kalutan ed Dalan where 10,000 pieces of bangus were grilled on the longest barbecue grill measuring 1,007.56 meters long.

Geography

Dagupan covers a total land area of 4,447.10 ha, bounded by Lingayen Gulf in the north, San Fabian in the northeast, Mangaldan in the east, Calasiao in the south and Binmaley in the west. Land use is primarily for agriculture with 35.98% of the total land area, fishpond, cropland, residential with 22.88%; others uses are commercial, industrial, institutional, government private, parks and roads.

Dagupan is 14 km from Lingayen, the capital of Pangasinan, and 220 km from Manila.

Baranggay and District

Dagupan is politically subdivided into 31 districts. Each district consists of puroks and some have sitios.

::data[format=table]

District/Barangay	Population (2025)	Bacayao Norte	Bacayao Sur	Barangay I (T. Bugallon)	Barangay II (Nueva)	Barangay IV (Zamora)	Bolosan District	Bonuan Binloc	Bonuan Boquig	Bonuan Gueset	Calmay District	Carael District	Caranglaan District	Herrero	Lasip Chico	Lasip Grande	Lomboy	Lucao District	Malued District	Mamalingling District	Mangin	Mayombo District	Pantal District	Poblacion Oeste	Pogo Chico	Pogo Grande	Pugaro Suit	Salapingao	Salisay	Tambac District	Tapuac District	Tebeng
4,295
2,520
722
2,300
1,199
3,320
10,674
15,351
25,390
5,906
6,490
5,880
1,583
1,208
2,413
1,300
10,153
9,265
1,844
4,079
9,470
17,807
4,234
4,389
1,990
5,431
2,954
2,701
2,399
5,004
3,031
::

| ::data[format=table]

Population distribution (2020)	Total population: 174,302
	radius = 155
::

Climate

Dagupan has a tropical monsoon climate (Köppen climate classification: Am). It is in Type I climate zone in the Modified Coronas' Climate Classification, with a pronounced dry season from November to April.

Demographics

| title = Population census of | align = none | cols = 3 | 1903 = | 1918 = | 1939 = | 1948 = | 1960 = | 1970 = | 1975 = | 1980 = | 1990 = | 1995 = | 2000 = | 2007 = | 2010 = | 2015 = | 2020 = | 2024 = | 2030 = | footnote = Source: Philippine Statistics Authority

In Dagupan, the Pangasinans are the predominant people and a minority of residents are dominantly Ilocanos.

Number of Registered Voters (2025): 144,481

Languages

Pangasinan is predominantly used in the city and environs, followed by Tagalog and English, as well as Ilocano, mainly in Calmay and Pantal.

Chinese is mainly spoken only by a few city individuals of Chinese descent.

Economy

::figure[src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d7/Dagupan_Downtown_-AB_Fernandez_Ave.(westbound)_(Dagupan,_Pangasinan)(2018-02-25).jpg" caption="A.B. Fernandez Avenue"] ::

Dagupan is the economic center of Pangasinan. As a major regional hub, many people in Pangasinan and nearby provinces commute to the city during the day; this causes the city's daytime population to rise and cause traffic in parts of the city, especially the downtown area. The city is a vital financial center housing numerous banks, non-bank financial institutions, headquarters of corporations and offices of major government departments and agencies.

::figure[src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/88/Milkfish_(Chanos_chanos)locally_called'bangus'_in_a_Philippine_market.jpg" caption="Milkfish, locally known as ''bangus''"] ::

Historically, Dagupan was a center for salt making in numerous salt evaporator beds in the low-lying swampy areas close to Lingayen Gulf. Beginning in the 19th century, some of the salt making operations gave way to pond culture of fish, most prominently, the milkfish (locally known as bangus), for which the city has become famous. Fisheries, aquaculture and processed fisheries products are an important mainstay of the city's economy.

::figure[src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/86/By_Jdcedit_-_SM_Center_Dagupan.jpg" caption="SM Center Dagupan along MH Del Pilar and Herrero Perez Streets"] ::

Manila-based developers have set up shop in Dagupan due to its strategic location and growing population. These include Santa Lucia Land Inc. (Almeria Verde Subdivision), SM Prime Holdings, and Filinvest.

As of June 2020, Dagupan is one of the 25 cities in the Philippines identified as an area with "high-potential in IT-BPM industry" for transformation into "digital cities" by 2025. Sitel, a global business process outsourcing (BPO) firm, has opened in 2020 its first Sitel MAXhub in Dagupan.

The motor vehicle industry of Dagupan is centered around Caranglaan and Lucao districts. Many well-known automotive companies have a dealership in the city's metropolitan area.

Tourism

::figure[src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/70/By_Jdcedit_-_Tondaligan_Beach_Sunset.jpg" caption="Tondaligan Beach sunset"] ::

Dagupan is a historic city that boasts numerous historical, cultural heritage, recreational, ecotourism, business, and culinary tourism of national importance.

Being at the center of trade in the north for centuries blessed with a geography crisscrossed by several rivers and sandy beaches, Dagupan has naturally become a multifaceted city in terms of tourism. Also, as the transportation hub of Pangasinan, the city is easily accessible to the public, whether coming from within or outside of the province.

Historical & Heritage Tourism

::figure[src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/2f/By_Jdcedit_-_Filipino-Japanese_Friendship_Garden.jpg" caption="Filipino-Japanese Friendship Garden overlooking historic Lingayen Gulf"] ::

Since the Spanish colonial times, the colonial government had put a great emphasis on the importance of the city due to being at the strategic center of the province and its accessibility to the sea for trading and transport. The first Philippine railroad system, the Manila-Dagupan railway, had its terminus in the city. Remnant of the historic rail transport locomotive can be seen displayed in front of the city museum.

During World War 2, Dagupan also served as the wartime capital of Pangasinan. The shores of Bonuan Gueset was a silent witness to the historic landing of Gen. MacArthur that eventually became one of the key historic points in the country's liberation. To immortalize this important feat in the city's history, a MacArthur Landing Park was built to stand by the shore of Tondaligan Beach, adjacent to Filipino-Japanese Peace Park.

More structures and landmarks of historic importance still dot the city, some of which are already listed as heritage sites by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP). These include:

• Home Economics/Gabaldon Building at West Central Elementary School

• Old City Hall and Water Tower

• Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint John

• Philippine National Railways Tracks and Station

• Remnants of Franklin Bridge

• Lighthouse in Bonuan

Food Tourism

::figure[src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/dd/By_Jdcedit_-_Pigar-Pigar_on_the_right_and_Kaleskes_on_the_left.jpg" caption="Aside from Bangus, Dagupan is well known for its Pigar-Pigar (right) and Kaleskes (left)"] ::

Aside from being the Bangus Capital of the Philippines, the city is also known as the Kitchen of the North. Many popular culinary traditions have originated in the city, including Pigar-Pigar, Kaleskes, and Bonuan Boneless Bangus. Plato Wraps, a contemporary food innovation that's now popularly sold in major shopping malls also hails from the city.

Dagupan is home to popular homegrown restaurants that branched out in many parts of Luzon.

Food Hubs:

• Metro Plaza (International and national food and resto chains)

• Galvan Street (The center for local Dagupan cuisines such as Pigar-Pigar, Kaleskes and other native dishes)

• Tondaligan Food Hub (Alfresco dining by the beach hosting native delicacies, street foods and selected food kiosks)

• Dagupan City Growth Center-Lucao (A modern lifestyle center and food hub by the river hosting popular restaurants & cafes)

• Plaza Del Carmen (Hosts traditional and innovative cafes, bars and restaurants)

• Royal Rays Food Hub (A hub for Filipino and Asian dining)

Ecotourism

::figure[src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/1c/Jdcedit_-_Bonuan_Tondaligan_Beach_Marker_Dagupan_City.jpg" caption="A welcoming beach landmark along the baywalk of Tondaligan"] ::

Dagupan, being surrounded by rivers and sea, offers extensive ecotourism activities for recreation, relaxation and adventure.

Tondaligan Beach is an urban beach park complex with numerous amenities. The extensive Tondaligan baywalk, dubbed as the longest in the region, is a prominent feature along the Bonuan shore wherein cyclists can enjoy biking and savor Lingayen Gulf's picturesque view.

Tondaligan Beach Park also hosts many historical landmark of national importance such as:

Gen. MacArthur Landing Park
Filipino-Japanese Friendship Garden
Tondaligan Grand Amphitheater

Other interesting spots and landmarks in the city that can be visited are as follows:

Dawel River Cruise
BFAR – NIFTDC
Pugaro Beach
Bonuan Golf Course
Leisure Coast Resort

Festivities

::figure[src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/50/By_Jdcedit_-_Bangus_Festival_Gilon_Gilon_ed_Baley.jpg" caption="Bangus Festival – Gilon Gilon ed Baley Street Dance Competition"] ::

As the Bangus (Milkfish) Capital of the Philippines, Dagupan has been celebrating its well-renowned produce through Bangus Festival which started in 2002. It's a yearly month-long celebration in the month of April.

The festival features the famous bangusine (bangus cuisine) which is one of the main highlights of the event, street dancing where competing barangays parade in the city's main avenue wearing colorful Bangus Festival costumes, bangus grilling, deboning, variety shows, trade fairs, beauty pageants, sports fest, cooking show, medical mission, visual arts, band concerts, sports activities, dog show, fluvial parade, drum and lyre parade, and street party. The festival concludes every April 30 with main events: Kalutan ed Dalan in the daytime and Bangusan Street Party concerts in the nighttime.

Pista'y Dayat (Festival of the Sea) is held the day after the conclusion of Bangus Festival. It is a simultaneously celebrated festivity together with the neighboring towns in the Lingayen Gulf area. It serves as a thanksgiving for the bountiful harvest and abundant fishing from the sea in the province of Pangasinan.

Dagupan City Fiesta is a month-long celebration held every December with a Catholic fiesta mass and Procession at St. John Cathedral in honor of St. John the Evangelist, the patron saint of Dagupan and of fishermen.

::figure[src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/21/Jdcedit_-_Christmas_Tree_in_front_of_Dagupan_City_Museum.jpg" caption="Christmas tree in front of Dagupan City Museum"] ::

Since it coincides with the Christmas festivities, Christmas decoration-building, nativity scene displays and Christmas tree using indigenous materials has become a permanent fixture in the Dagupan City Fiesta.

On The Edades Day, events such as Arts and Painting Contests are held on December 23, honoring national artist on Modern Arts Victorio Edades, a Dagupeño from Barangay Bolosan. Other events such Miss Dagupan pageant, job fairs, NGO, Organizations, & Barangay Nights, various alumni homecoming Nights, Battle of Bands, and Hip Hop Dance Contest, among others are usually parts of the festivities. The Dagupan City fiesta ends on Rizal Day at the Dagupan City Plaza.

Government

::figure[src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/53/Flag_of_dagupan.png" caption="Former flag of Dagupan"] ::

Dagupan, belonging to the fourth congressional district of the province of Pangasinan, 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.

Members of the Dagupan City Council (2025–2028):

District Representative (4th Legislative District the Province of Pangasinan): Gina de Venecia
Chief Executive: Belen T. Fernandez
Presiding Officer: Dean Bryan "BK" L. Kua
Councillors:
- Michael B. Fernandez
- Jose Netu M. Tamayo
- Christel Hilary U. Paras
- Jeslito C. Seen
- Karlos Liberato E. Reyna IV
- Danielle Francine B. Canto
- Luis M. Samson Jr.
- Marvin V. Fabia
- Jalice D. Cayabyab-Lalas
- Ma. Librada Fe M. Reyna-Macalanda
Association of Barangay Captains President: Marcelino DS. Fernandez (Lucao)
Sangguniang Kabataan Federation President: Bradley Claude C. Benavides (Caranglaan)

Transportation

Road and railway systems

::figure[src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/67/PNR17-Dagupan.jpg" caption="Remnant of Dagupan Class as displayed at Dagupan City Museum"] ::

Dagupan is connected with other cities by networks of national roads. Romulo Highway and Pangasinan–La Union Road (N55) and Urdaneta-Dagupan Road (N57) are the principal highways that serve the city.

The Philippine National Railways (PNR) once served Dagupan through Dagupan station, that went defunct in the late 1980s. The first railroad in the Philippines, the Manila-Dagupan Railway, terminated at the city.

Bus

Intercity/interprovincial buses from Manila serve the city, and are usually operated by Dagupan Bus Company, Victory Liner, Five Star, and Pangasinan Solid North. Jeepneys provide intracity travel, as well as for towns and cities of close proximities.

Taxi service

::figure[src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/cb/By_Jdcedit_-_Taxi_in_Dagupan_City.jpg" caption="Taxi service in Dagupan. The first in Pangasinan and Region 1"] ::

Since 2019, taxi service becomes available as the newest transportation mode in the city. It is the first ever taxi operation in Region 1 and is authorized to serve Pangasinan and the entire Region 1. Dagupan was chosen as the launching area being the center of business and education in North Central Luzon.

Modern jeepney

Modern PUVs, more commonly known as modern jeepneys, now ply different parts of the city as part of the nationwide PUJ modernization campaign. They are equipped with CCTV cameras, air conditioning, a television, and equipment to comply with the government's health and safety protocols against COVID-19.

Healthcare

Medical and health service centers abound in Dagupan. Out of 51 hospitals in Pangasinan, 12 are located in the city. The largest of these is the Region 1 Medical Center with hospital bed capacity of 1000. Other notable hospitals are Dagupan Doctors Villaflor Memorial Hospital, Nazareth General Hospital, and The Medical City Pangasinan.

Education

Since the colonial era, Dagupan has always been the center of education in Ilocos Region (Region 1). The private sector-driven centers of education University of Pangasinan, Universidad de Dagupan, University of Luzon and Lyceum-Northwestern University lead 14 colleges and 18 vocational schools and 3 technical learning centers, 19 secondary schools and 53 elementary schools both in public and private.

The Dagupan City Schools Division Office governs all educational institutions within the municipality. It oversees the management and operations of all private and public, from primary to secondary schools.

Primary and elementary schools

Creative Montessori Center
Clifford Interactive Learning School
Divine Word Academy of Dagupan
Dominican School
Ednas School
Escuela de Nuestra Señora de La Salette (Elementary)
Genesis Advanced Intech Academy
Graystone Institute of the Philippines
Harvent School
Hilkan Montessori
JCCMI Christian Academy
Instituto Centro Asia
La Marea Academy (Elementary)
Living Lights Academy Foundation
Mother Goose Playskool and Gradeschool
Northfield Academy
Oakridge International School of Young Leaders
St. Albert the Great School
St. John's Cathedral School
St. Michael School By-the-Sea
Wonderland School of Dagupan

Secondary schools

Bonuan Boquig National High School
Carael National High School
Dagupan City National High School
East Central Integrated School
Escuela de Nuestra Señora de La Salette (High school)
Federico N. Ceralde Integrated School
Kingfisher School of Business and Finance (Senior High School)
La Marea Academy (High School)
Lyceum-Northwestern University General High School
Francisco Q. Duque Medical Foundation Special Science High School
Mother Goose Special Science High School
Judge Jose de Venecia Sr. Technical-Vocational Secondary School
Pugaro Integrated School
Salapingao National High School

Higher educational institutions

Aie College – Dagupan Campus
AMA Computer College – Dagupan Campus
Asiacareer College Foundation
Asian Institute of E-Commerce
Colegio de Dagupan
Dagupan Colleges Foundation
Escuela de Nuestra Señora de La Salette (College)
Kingfisher School of Business and Finance
Lyceum-Northwestern University
Mary Help of Christians College Seminary
Pangasinan Merchant Marine Academy
Pimsat Colleges
STI College – Dagupan Campus
Universidad de Dagupan
University of Luzon
University of Pangasinan

Media

Dagupan is home to regional broadcasting stations and television networks. Twenty radio broadcasting stations (9 AM and 11 FM), at least seventeen local newspapers and three cable television companies operate in the city. Daily flagship regional news over free TV is served by One North Central Luzon (formerly Balitang Amianan) via GMA Dagupan Station.

TV stations

All TV Baguio (digital: Channel 30)
IBC Benguet (analog: Channel 6 and digital: Channel 17)
PTV Cordillera (analog: Channel 8 and digital: Channel 42)
GMA Dagupan (analog: Channel 10 and digital: Channel 38)
RPN Benguet (analog: Channel 12 and digital: Channel 19)
GTV Benguet (analog: Channel 22 and digital: Channel 38)
Hope Channel Dagupan (analog: Channel 24 and digital: Channel 44)
One Media Network Baguio (digital: Channel 44)
CLTV 36 (digital: Channel 36)
TV5 Benguet (analog: Channel 28 and digital: Channel 51)
ANBC IMBN TV North Luzon (digital: Channel 41/Channel 47)
DepEd TV North Luzon (digital: Channel 41.7/Channel 47.7)
S+A Channel 30 Baguio – (defunct)
ABS-CBN Channel 32 Dagupan – (defunct)
A2Z Benguet (digital: Channel 32)
Light TV (digital: Channel 32)
One Sports Benguet (analog: Channel 36 and digital: Channel 51)
Net 25 Benguet (digital: Channel 46)
INC TV Benguet (digital: Channel 46)

Cable and satellite TV

AM stations

DZMQ Radyo Pilipinas 576 (DZMQ; Philippine Broadcasting Service).
DZRD Sonshine Radio 981 (DZRD; Swara Sug Media Corporation)
DWIN 1080 Radyo Agila (DWIN; Eagle Broadcasting Corporation)
DZWN Bombo Radyo 1125 (DZWN; Bombo Radyo Philippines/People's Broadcasting Service)
DWCM 1161 Aksyon Radyo (DWCM; Manila Broadcasting Company/Pacific Broadcasting System)
DZDN 1206 Life Radio Northern Luzon (DZDN; End-Time Mission Broadcasting Service)
DWPR 1296 Radyo Pilipino (DWPR; Radio Corporation of the Philippines)
DZRH Nationwide 1440 (DWDH; Manila Broadcasting Company)
GMA Super Radyo DZSD 1548 (Relay station of DZBB 594 Manila) (DZSD; GMA Network, Inc.)

FM stations

88.1 Radyo Pangasinan (DWJE; Pangasinan Gulf Waves Network Corporation, a former frequency of 95.3 FM from 2019 to 2021)
DWIZ 89.3 (DWIZ; Aliw Broadcasting Corporation, a former branding as Home Radio from 2009 to 2013)
90.3 Energy FM (DWKT; Ultrasonic Broadcasting System)
93.5 Barangay FM (DWTL; GMA Network, Inc.)
MOR 94.3 (DWEC; ABS-CBN Corporation – defunct)
98.3 Love Radio (DWID; Manila Broadcasting Company)
100.7 Star FM (DWHY; Bombo Radyo Philippines/People's Broadcasting Service)
101.5 Brigada News FM (DWYA; Brigada Mass Media Corporation/Baycomms Broadcasting Corporation)
104.7 iFM (DWON; Radio Mindanao Network)
106.3 Yes The Best (DWHR; Manila Broadcasting Company/Pacific Broadcasting System)
107.9 DWHT (DWHT; Broadcast Enterprises and Affiliated Media)

Seventeen local newspapers in Northern Luzon.

News and public affairs programs:

Bagong Morning Kapamilya and TV Patrol North Luzon (ABS-CBN TV-32 Dagupan; former)
Headline Ng Balita North Luzon (ANBC IMBN DTV41/DTV 47 North Luzon)
NewsForce North Luzon (One Media TV44 North Luzon)
LUZON HEADLINES (Highland TV / RNG Luzon )
Kangrunag A Damag (PTV-8 Cordillera)
One North Central Luzon and Mornings with GMA Regional TV (GMA Dagupan).

Notable Personalities

Marion Magat - Professional Basketball Player
Jose Esteves - American Politician, former mayor of Milpitas, California
Jose de Venecia Jr. - Former Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Philippines
Cheryl Cosim - News Anchor
Julius Babao - News Anchor
Antonio Aquitania - Filipino actor

Sister cities

MEX Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
Japan Iwata, Shizuoka, Japan
USA Milpitas, California, United States
Morocco Tangier, Tanger-Tetouan-Al Hoceima, Morocco
Philippines Cabanatuan, Philippines

References

(January 29, 2017). "Dagupan makes strides in bangus deboning". [[The Philippine Star]].
Cardinoza, Gabriel. (September 24, 2014). "Dagupan City: 'Kitchen of the North'". [[Philippine Daily Inquirer]].
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{{DILG detail
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Scott, William Henry. (1989). "Filipinos in China in 1500". De la Salle University.
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(December 8, 1971). "Reporter Predicted Japanese Attack".
(January 10, 2017). "MacArthur landed in Dagupan, not Lingayen". The Philippine Star.
(November 10, 2014). "LIFE With MacArthur: The Landing at Luzon, the Philippines, 1945".
"Republic Act No. 170 – An Act Creating the City of Dagupan".
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[http://www.science.ph/full_story.php?type=News&key=4560:pangasinan-dialect-is-medium-of-instruction-in-nearly-all-schools-of-dagupan Pangasinan Dialect is Medium of Instruction in Nearly All Schools of Dagupan]
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(July 30, 2006). "30th year of Dagupan-Iwata sisterhood pact celebrated".
(October 12, 2014). "Dagupan, Milpitas renew sisterhood pact".
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