Pagudpud is considered the “Boracay of the North” in the Philippines due to its famous white sand beach. A 4th class municipality in the province of Ilocos Norte, it is bounded on the north by the Luzon Sea, on the east by Cagayan Province, on the south by the towns of Adams and Dumalneg, and on the west by Bangui Bay and the town of Bangui (see map below). The town is located 561 kilometers north of Manila and can be reached in two hours by bus from Laoag City, the provincial capital.

Profile of Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte (Geography)
Area –> 194.90 km2
Population –> 23,770 (2015 census)
Terrain –> Mountainous and hilly with narrow coastal plain
Climate –> Tropical monsoon climate
Industries –> Agriculture, Tourism, mining
Major Products –> Rice, Vegetables, feldspar
People/Language –> Ilocano
Number of Barangays –> 16
Revenue (2016) –> 135,416,657.97
Legislative District –> 1st

Government Officials
Congressman –> Ria Christina G. Fariñas
Mayor –> Rafael L. Benemerito II
Vice Mayor –> Maja Sales

Councilors:
Ferdinand R. Garvida
Reynald Garvida
Emilen G. Sales
Maindryann Sales
Wilfred Ubasa
Rajan Christian Benemerito
Efren Cimatu Sr.
Joseph P. Caliw-Caliw

Pagudpud History

Pagudpud used to be part of the municipality of Bangui but On July 5, 1954, it was made into a separate town.

On July 6, 2018, the Sandiganbayan sentenced the former mayor, Reynolan Sales to 12 – 17 years imprisonment for the 1999 killing of Rafael Benemerito, his political rival who is also a former mayor of the town.

Economy

Although agriculture is still the main source of livelihood for most of the people of Pagudpud, the tourism industry is now providing employment to thousands of both local and migrant job-seekers. The town hosts several hotels, resorts and homestays.

Tourist Spots

Saud Beach – Go here to see photos and video of Saud Beach.
Bantay Abot Cave
Blue Lagoon
Burayoc Point
Kabigan Falls
Paraiso ni Anton
Patapat Viaduct

Festival

The Kurarapnit Festival is celebrated to promote and protect the unexplored natural wealth of Pagudpud.

RELATED: Profile of Ilocos Norte Province

See also:
Famous People from Ilocos Norte Province
List of Philippine Provinces by Region