Dagupan was first called Bacnotan by the Augustinians a few years into the formation of the Spanish encomienda in the province of Pangasinan in 1583. A revolt in 1660, led by Andres Malong, a local chief, ended the forced labor imposed by the Spaniards. The town was rebuilt after the revolt. To mark the successful uprising headed by Malong, the town was renamed “Nandaragupan” which translates to “where people meet” until it was simplified to Dagupan. Dagupan transitioned into a city on June 20, 1947, by virtue of Republic Act No. 170, a law known as the City Charter of Dagupan.
Dagupan City is part of the fourth congressional district of Pangasinan. The city covers a total land area of 4,447.10 hectares and a population of 174,302 according to the 2020 census. Dagupan City is 14 kilometers from the capital town of Lingayen.
The city produces the tastiest milkfish in the world, locally known as bangus. It is considered the Bangus Capital of the Philippines growing a huge percentage of the country’s total bangus production. With bangus farming being the city’s main industry, Dagupan City celebrates Bangus Festival annually, one of the biggest festivals in the Country.
Officials
Mayor
Belen Fernandez
Vice Mayor
Dean Bryan Kua
Councilors
Michael Fernandez
Maria Lourdes Fernandez
Dennis Canto
Jeslito Seen
Victoria Czarinna Acosta
Celia Lim
Alipio Serafin Fernandez
Redford Christian Erfe-Mejia
Maria Librada Fe Reyna
Alvin Coquia
