Laoac, officially the Municipality of Laoac , is a 4th class municipality in the province of Pangasinan, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 34,128 people. Laoac is 40 km from Lingayen and 195 km from Manila.

History

Since early 1900s, unsuccessful attempts to convert Laoac, then the biggest barrio in Manaoag, into a separate municipality were made until the revival of such movement by Don Westrimundo Tabayoyong. This led to the establishment of Laoac as a municipality through Republic Act No. 6485, which was enacted on June 17, 1972, constituting twenty barrios separated from Manaoag, including Laoac (present-day Poblacion) which was designated as the seat of government. The implementation, however, was delayed by the declaration of nationwide martial law later that year. By virtue of ''Batas Pambansa Blg. 18'' issued in 1979, the first municipal officials were elected, with Tabayoyong as mayor, and assumed office on March 5, 1980, formally inaugurating the corporate existence of the municipality. Laoac is currently the province's newest municipality. Tabayoyong served until his assassination at the municipal plaza on September 6, 1985.

Geography

Barangays

Laoac is politically subdivided into 22 barangays. Each barangay consists of puroks and some have sitios.

Climate

Demographics

Economy

Government

Local government

Laoac, belonging to the fifth 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