Demography

Based on the Census of Population, San Fernando City’s population as of 2007 was 114,813 registering about 1.7 percent average annual population growth rate from 2000.  As of 2007, its population density was recorded at 1,118 persons per sq. km. The major dialects/languages of the city’s population are Ilocano, Filipino and English.  Roman Catholic is also the predominant religion of the population.

In 2000, the estimated household population 10 years old and over of the city was 79,667, most (13.6 percent) of them belong to the 10-14 years age group followed by the 15-19 age group at 12.9 percent. Women comprised 51.0 percent of the household population during the same year.

There were 20,755 households in the city in 2000 with an average household size of 4.9 persons.      

Economic Activities

Agriculture remains as the main source of livelihood of the city’s population.  Rice, corn, legumes, leafy vegetables, fruits and tobacco are among the major crops of the city. Those living along the coastline/seashore are also engaged in fishing.  Most of the businessmen are engaged in wholesale and retail trade while others are involved in transportation services, and other private services related to education and medical services.  These services cater not only to the needs of the city’s population but also to the day migrants from nearby municipalities and provinces who stay in the city during the day/weekdays to work in government offices and private establishments, access educational services or avail medical treatment.

As the Ilocos Region’s Regional Capital, many of the regional offices of government and private institutions are located in the city.  It is also the center of trade, commerce, financial, educational and medical institutions.  As of 2010, pupils/students could choose from 26 public and 17 elementary schools, 6 public and 11 private secondary schools, and 11 colleges/universities while patients could avail of medical services from four tertiary hospitals (three private, 1 government owned), one health center and 5 lying-in clinics under the City Health Office.  The city has also 30 commercial/thrift banks and two rural banks.  These facilities and services contribute to the vibrancy of the city’s economy and at the same time provide employment to the city’s population.

Tourist Attractions

The sandy beaches of the city attract local and foreign tourists especially during the summer break. Another well-known tourist attraction is the La Union Botanical Garden.  The 20-hectare Botanical Garden located in Barangay Cadaclan has theme parks, picnic grounds, museum of natural history, and extensive collection of flora.  The Engineered Sanitary Landfill is also a popular eco-tour destination as it showcases effective solid waste management.  Other tourist attractions of the city are the Bacsil Ridge, Pindangan Ruins and Macho Temple.

Governance

San Fernando, with 59 barangays, used to be one of the 20 municipalities of the Province of La Union until it was converted into a component city of La Union in March 1998. It is a 3rd class city with an average income of P 267.8 million during the period 2004-2007.

Link : http://www.sanfernandocity.gov.ph