LAND AREA AND LOCATION

The total land area of the municipality of Cabugao is 100 sq. kms. (approx.) It is the second northernmost town of the province of Ilocos Sur, the last town along the boundary with the province of Ilocos Norte being Sinait.

Cabugao is bounded on the north by the municipality of Sinait; on the south by San Juan (formerly Lapog); on the east by Nueva Era (Ilocos Norte); and on the west by the South China Sea.

Cabugao is approximately 27 kms. from the City of Vigan, the capital of the Province of Ilocos Sur; 55 kms. from Laoag City ( Ilocos Norte ); 180 kms. from the City of San Fernando (La Union), the regional capital; and 433 kms. from Metro Manila, the National Capital Region.

CLIMATE AND WEATHER

The climate in the municipality of Cabugao is arid, characterized by two (2) well pronounced seasons; dry and wet. Dry season is usually experienced from November to April; while wet (rainy) season starts in May and until October. Occasional rainfall also occur at the onset of the dry season caused by the northeast monsson passing through Region I. The town is naturally shielded from the trade winds by the Cordillera Mountain Ranges. In the middle of May, drift winds from the Pacific Ocean sweeps over the area, signaling the imminent wet season. Typhoons and tropical depressions bring about abundant rains during the months of July and September.

Temperature ranges from 21.6 ° C to 34.7° C or a minimum temperature of 23.9° C and a 31.9° C maximum as of 1996. Relative humidity in the same year was 87.3.

POPULATION

The first data on population of the Municipality of Cabugao, Ilocos Sur was recorded on March 2, 1903 reflecting 8,848 residents. This number steadily increased to 28,033 in May 1990 and 28,567 in September 1,1995. The biggest increase was in December 31,1918 with 3,754; in May 1, 1990 with 3,609; and in February 15, 1960 with 2,969. The lowest was 534 between May 1, 1990 and September 1, 1995 intersensal period.

Likewise, let it be noted that as of CY 1995, Cabugao Claims 5.32% of the 545,385 population of the Province of Ilocos Sur, 0.75% of  Region I’s 3,803,890; and 0.04% of the Philippines’ 68,614,162 population.

POLITICAL SUBDIVISIONS

The municipality of Cabugao consist of thirty (33) barangays, four (4) in the poblacion and twenty-nine (29) in the rural areas. There are ninety-four (94) sitios. The municipal mayor is the local chief executive and the head of the municipal government. He is supported by the Vice Mayor being the presiding officer of the Sangguniang Bayan which he has ten (10) members; eight councilors, the ABC President and the SK Federated President  as ex-officio members.

The barangays that comprise the municipality are listed below together with their sitios; to wit:

TOPOGRAPHY

Cabugao is bounded on the east by the Cordillera mountain range and has abundant spring resources that can be harnessed for adequate supply of water, not only for household use but for irrigation purposes, too.

The Cordillera mountain range stand stately on the eastern part of the town. Hills are located in all the four corners of the municipality. There is also the Salomague Island that stands majestically off Barangay Sabang. The three water resources of the municipality which supply safe drinking water to the poblacion and thirteen (13) other barangays are located within the Cordiller mountain range.

The Cabugao River is the only big river that cuts across the town. Two big tributaries come from the eastern portion of the municipality. Sitio Caset in Maradodon and Gaco in Barangay Cacadiran.

The barangays that lie along the Cabugao River are flood prone areas during the rainy season. The uncontrollable surges of water erode the properties that line the Cabugao River endangering life and limb. The creek that runs thru the poblacion easily clogs up in rain causing portions near it to be inundated.