Paoay, officially the Municipality of Paoay, is a 4th class municipality in the province of Ilocos Norte, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 25,001 people. The town is home to the Paoay Church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Paoay is 20 km from Laoag and 473 km from Manila. In 1701, Paoay was established as a municipality by virtue of Royal Decree with Don Martin Guiang, as its first and founding head. Don Martin Guiang served as Kapitan Bosar from 1701 to 1704.

Geography

Barangays

Paoay is politically subdivided into 31 barangays. Each barangay consists of puroks and some have sitios.

Climate

Demographics

In the 2020 census, the population of Paoay was 25,001 people, with a density of undefined PD/km2.

Economy

Government

Local government

Paoay, belonging to the second congressional district of the province of Ilocos Norte, 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

Paoay Lake

Another prominent feature of the municipality is Paoay Lake. Legend has it that it was the site of a prosperous barangay called San Juan de Sahagún (Saint John of Sahagún) that sank following an earthquake. On the shores of the lake lies a mansion once used by the Marcoses called Malacañang of the North; it is now a museum. Adjacent to the mansion is the Paoay Golf Course.

Gallery

Notable Person