The town of Balungao were first inhabited by nomadic people from the Ilocos region who found their way to the area through San Fabian, Pangasinan. They were farmers looking for places to settle down, engaging in agriculture to survive. Its origin is evident in the fact that Balungao is one of the Ilocano-speaking towns in the province where the primary language is the Pangasinense.[1] Some Tagalogs from Bulacan & south Nueva Ecija even stayed for living.
Foundation
Balungao was originally called Panaclaban and was a part of Cuyapo town in the adjacent province of Nueva Ecija until the latter part of 18th century. It was annexed to the town of Rosales, Pangasinan (then a town of Nueva Ecija) in the early part of 19th century because of its geographic location. It officially became an independent municipality in 1815,[1] and it was transferred to Pangasinan along with Rosales.
On April 25, 1993, Balungao Mayor Jose C. Peralta was assassinated [why?] while he was attending Mass with his family at the local church.[6]
Geography
The town is located in the south-eastern part of the province bordering the province of Nueva Ecija to the south. Balungao is 59 kilometres (37 mi) from Lingayen and 175 kilometres (109 mi) from Manila. Balungao is partially urban community with an area of 7,325 hectares (18,100 acres).[7]
Barangays
Balungao is politically subdivided into 20 barangays. Each barangay consists of puroks and some have sitios.
Balungao, belonging to the sixth 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.
It originally started as the Mt. Balungao Hot and Cold Springs Resort under the administration of then Mayor Jose G. Peralta Jr. It was not until 2011, under the administration of the Mayor Philipp G. Peralta, that it was repackaged for adventure travelers.
Longest zipline in Pangasinan
Balungao Hilltop Adventure offers a Zip Line with a length 600 meters (2,000 ft) which could last from 15 seconds to a minute depending on your weight and your position when you are suspended at the Zip Line. It begins from a Hill, overlooking the valley passing through another hill down to the Balungao Hot and Cold Spring Resort. It is considered as the longest Zip line in Pangasinan[23]
^"Province: PANGASINAN". PSGC Interactive. Makati, Philippines: National Statistical Coordination Board. Archived from the original on 14 November 2012. Retrieved 26 November 2012.
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