Magsingal, officially the Municipality of Magsingal is a 3rd class municipality in the province of Ilocos Sur, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 31,308 people.

Etymology

The name of the municipality came from the term "Mayisingal," an Ilocano term which means "to be moved." It was applied when the belltower was moved from a previous location to its current site. Captain Juan de Salcedo had a hand in founding the municipality. But before he reached the current site of the poblacion, he came to a village called Malongon, about one-half kilometer to the south. The leader of the village refused Salcedo's request to establish a municipality there, but suggested that he establish the town a half kilometer north of the village, and the belltower be moved to that site, hence the origin of the town's name.

History

Itnegs were the original inhabitants of the place when Salcedo arrived. He worked for the conversion of the people to Christianity, but not all accepted the new faith. Those who refused conversion fled the town and settled east of Bantay Bul-lagaw (Bul-lagaw Mountain).

Geography

Magsingal is 419 km from Metro Manila and 14 km from Vigan City, the provincial capital. It is bordered by San Juan to the north, Santo Domingo and Bantay to the south, and Abra to the east.

Barangays

Magsingal is politically subdivided into 30 barangays. Each barangay consists of puroks and some have sitios.

Climate

Demographics

In the 2020 census, Magsingal had a population of 31,308. The population density was undefined PD/km2.

Economy

Government

Local government

Magsingal, belonging to the first congressional district of the province of Ilocos Sur, 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. In 1945, the first duly elected municipal mayor via landslide vote was Hon. Policarpio Cortez Jurado.

Elected officials

Education