Alaminos, officially the City of Alaminos (Sambal: Babali nin Alaminos; ), is a 4th class component city in the province of Pangasinan, Philippines, and is known for being the home of the Hundred Islands National Park, which is composed of 124 islands and is located off the coast of Barangay Lucap. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 99,397 people. The city is named after Juan Alaminos y de Vivar, a former governor-general of the Philippines. In 2009, it was announced that Alaminos Airport would be built near the city as a commercial airport for Pangasinan province. However, the timeline for construction of the airport has repeatedly slipped; as of 2015, the project is in limbo.

Etymology

Alaminos is named after the Spanish general Juan Alaminos y Vivar, who served as Governor-General of the Philippines from 1873 to 1874 and was much loved by locals as he visited to the then-town in 1860. Previously named Sarapsap, it was renamed in his honor in 1872.

History

Alaminos was formerly part of Bolinao, tracing its roots to a barrio named Casborran (present-day barangay Baleyadaan), formerly part of Zambales. It eventually grew when people from Suyang (present-day barangay Zaragosa in Bolinao) relocated to the area in 1737. In 1747, Casborran became an independent town. In 1758, it was attacked by fire due to a political and economic conflict. In 1764, inhabitants tried to rebuild the town but another conflict happened, making them leave for Nansangaan (present-day Barangay Inerangan). Two years later, they found refuge at a plateau that is now the poblacion of Alaminos and renamed it Sarapsap. Ilocano settlers from Paoay, Ilocos Norte moved & stayed in the town to increase the small population of the town in 1830. It was renamed to Alaminos in 1872, twelve years after the visit of the future Governor-General Juan Alaminos y Vivar, who was well loved by residents, to the thriving town. In 1903, Alaminos was annexed to Pangasinan by virtue of Act No. 1004. The Communist Party of the Philippines was founded by Jose Maria Sison in the remote barangay of Dulacac on December 26, 1968.

Cityhood

By virtue of Republic Act 9025, signed by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on March 5, 2001, Alaminos was converted into a city after 85% of the voters favored the ratification in a plebiscite held on March 28, 2001.

Contemporary era

Alaminos was badly hit in May 2009 by Typhoon Emong which damaged many houses in the city, including the roof of the main church. Due to this, several organizations had requested donations and aid to help in restoring the town back to its former self.

Geography

Alaminos City is 42 km from Lingayen and 248 km from Manila.

Barangays

Alaminos City is politically subdivided into 39 barangays. Each barangay consists of puroks and some have sitios.

Climate

Demographics

Economy

Government

Local government

Alaminos, belonging to the first 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.

Elected officials

Members of the Alaminos City Council (2019–2022):

Festivals

The Galila Hundred Islands Festival is held from March 16 to 21 every year. Galila means “come” in the vernacular, and the festival includes the 100 Islands Adventure Race.

Transportation

Accredited Transport Cooperative as of January 2021:

Media

AM Stations: FM Stations: Cable & Satellite TV Providers

Sister cities