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The Province of Pangasinan created in 1580 by Governor General
Ronquillo de Penalosa, was among the earliest political and administrative
units in the Philippines. It was officially conquered and colonized
by D. Martin de Goiti in 1571. At that time, its territorial jurisdiction
extended to the present province of Zambales and parts of La Union
and Tarlac. By the middle of the 19th century, however,
the northern towns of Agoo to Bacnotan were separated from the province
and became parts of La Union. The provincial territory was further
diminished in 1875 with the annexation of Paniqui and other towns
south of it to Tarlac.
PHYSIOGRAPHY
Pangasinan occupies the northern portion of the central plains
of Luzon with an east-west configuration that extends into a peninsular
form jutting into the South China Sea. The boundaries are Lingayen
Gulf, La Union and Benguet (North), Nueva Vizcaya (Northeast), Nueva
Ecija (East), Talac (South), Zambales and China Sea (West). It is
about 170 kms. north of Manila and about 59 kms. southwest of Baguio
City.
The province is composed 44 municipalities, 4 cities, with a total
area of 5.368.18 sq. kms. It has two distinct seasons. Dry from
November to May and wet for the rest of the year. Lingayen is the
provincial capital.
Source: PF-NGO Guide, 1st Ed.
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