Bangui

Etymology

The name Bangui is derived from the word bangee, referring to an edible seaweed of red algal genus Laurencia (Laurencia sp.) that thrives abundantly along the town's coastal areas.

Historically, in 1786, the settlement frequently endured raids by Moro pirates. To address this threat, Gobernadorcillo Francisco Fernandez organized local bands of fighters to protect the community. These defenders called themselves Bangi which is abundant in the coastal settlements, a name that was later adopted by Spanish authorities as the official designation of the municipality.

In 1901, following the transfer of colonial power to the Americans, the name of the municipality was changed to Bangui. The modification in spelling was intended to provide a more euphonic or harmonious sound, aligning with American linguistic preferences.

History

The earliest known inhabitants of Bangui were the Itneg (Tinguians), Samtoy (Ilocano) settlers, and Malay traders. These groups initially established settlements in areas now known as Baruyen, originally called Bacruyen (meaning "to carry"), and Banban, formerly known as Bamban (meaning "split bamboo").

In 1572, Spanish conquistador Juan de Salcedo led an expedition to Northern Luzon to pacify the local population. Upon his arrival in the area, Salcedo and his men introduced Western culture and Christianity, resulting in the construction of churches, some of which remain standing to this day.

In 1786, a Spanish merchant named Francisco Fernandez was appointed as Gobernadorcillo of the area. Fernandez organized local residents into vigilant groups to defend against Moro pirates, who frequently raided coastal settlements. A Spanish church in Taguiporo was destroyed during one such raid. These local fighters adopted the name "Bangi," derived from a type of edible seaweed abundant in the area. The term "Bangi" was later adapted by the Spanish as "Bangui," which became the official name of the municipality. The 1818 census noted there were 1,449 native families and 5 Spanish-Filipino families in Bangui.

With the arrival of the Americans in 1901, the spelling of the town's name was changed from "Bangi" to "Bangui" to give it a more euphonic sound. By 1913, Bangui was officially recognized as a municipality under American governance. The Americans constructed a road connecting Laoag and Cagayan, facilitating trade between the Cagayan Valley and the Ilocos Region. They also introduced public education, established barrios, and developed a lumber industry in Baruyen, where gold, asbestos, and manganese were mined.

During the Japanese occupation of the Philippines, many residents of Bangui evacuated to the mountains. Some became guerrilla fighters, while others engaged in subsistence farming.

Following the end of World War II, the Philippines gained independence on July 4, 1946, under American legislation. In 1954, Pagudpud, originally a barrio of Bangui, was established as a separate municipality through Executive Order No. 13, issued by President Ramon Magsaysay.

Geography

The Municipality of Bangui is borderedd by Burgos to the west, Pagudpud to the northeast, Dumalneg to the east, Vintar to the south, and the South China Sea to the north.

Bangui is situated 64.98 kilometres (40.38 mi) from the provincial capital Laoag and 550.49 kilometres (342.06 mi) from the country's capital city of Manila.

Barangays

Bangui is politically subdivided into 14 barangays.  Each barangay consists of puroks and some have sitios.

On August 10, 2012, Barangay San Isidro was transferred to Dumalneg town based on the decision of Supreme Court over the disputed barangay.

Demographics

In the 2024 census, the population of Bangui was 15,227 people, with a density of 130 inhabitants per square kilometre or 340 inhabitants per square mile.

Economy

Poverty incidence of Bangui (%)

Source: Philippine Statistics Authority

Agriculture remains as a primary economic source in Bangui. The municipality focuses on local farming livelihoods such as crop production and aquaculture.

Government

Local government

Bangui, belonging to the first congressional district of the province of Ilocos Norte, 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.

Tourism

Bangui is well known because of its wind farm, which is the town's main attraction. Although the Burgos and Caparispisan (Pagudpud) Windmills were built in 2013, many visitors still visit Bangui Windmills.

Bangui Bay is a tourist spot, yet not practical for swimming because of its depth and water currents. Instead, tourists often only view its scenery.

Another important tourist attraction is the 400-year old St. Lawrence the Deacon Parish Church, located just adjacent to the Municipal Plaza. The Parish Church is currently under the parochial administration and management of the Congregation of the Rogationists of the Heart of Jesus (Rogationist Fathers), within the canonical jurisdiction of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Laoag. It still features the remains of the old church and the convent, whose institution was initiated by the Augustinians (Order of Saint Augustine - OSA).

Other attractions include:

Municipal Plaza

Bolo River (locally known Caramuangen River)

Bangui Bay View Building

Baruyen Dam

Bangui's woodcraft windmills souvenir stores

Suacan Spring

Sentinella Hill

Abang Falls

Education

The Bangui Schools District Office governs all public and private elementary and high schools within the municipality. Some of the schools are located in the Municipality of Dumalneg are under the jurisdiction of the schools district office.

Secondary schools

Bangui National High School

Banban National High School

Dumalneg National High School (located in Dumalneg)

Lanao National High School

St. Lawrence the Deacon Academy

Notable personalities

Roy Cimatu - retired government official