View source for Caba, La Union

{{Short description|Municipality in La Union, Philippines}}
{{Infobox settlement
| name               = {{PH wikidata|name}}
| image_skyline      = {{Photomontage 
| photo1a = 5068Santiago Norte Sur, Caba, La Union 08.jpg
| photo2a = 4849Poblacion Sur, Caba, La Union 52.jpg
| photo2b = Poblacion Sur, Caba, La Union 35.jpg
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| image_caption      = Mt. Kimmallugong, [[Diego Silang]] Monument and Saint John the Baptist Parish Church
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| image_seal         = Ph seal la union caba.jpg
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| subdivision_type   = [[List of sovereign states|Country]]
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| subdivision_type1  = [[Regions of the Philippines|Region]]
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| official_name      = {{PH wikidata|official_name}}
| native_name        = 
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| motto              = "Abante Caba"
| anthem             = Caba Hymn
| subdivision_type3  = [[House of Representatives of the Philippines#District representation|District]]
| subdivision_name3  = {{PH legislative district}}
| established_title  = [[Date of establishment|Founded]]
| established_date   = 
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| parts_style        = para
| p1                 = {{PH barangay count | {{wikidata|label|raw}} }}  (see [[#Barangays|Barangays]])
| leader_title       = [[Mayor]]
| leader_name        = Genefer Garcia Bulao-Madriaga
| leader_title1      = [[Vice Mayor]]
| leader_name1       = Conrado Vito
| leader_title2      = [[House of Representatives of the Philippines#Current composition|Representative]] <!--congressman or congresswoman -->
| leader_name2       = Dante S. Garcia
| leader_title3      = [[Sangguniang Bayan|Municipal Council]]
| leader_name3       = {{PH Town Council 
| 1 = <div style="border-style:solid none;border-width:thin;border-color:Gainsboro;background-color:#e6e6e6;text-align:center;width:95%;font-variant:small-caps;"></div>
| 2=Ronnie P. Mangaser
| 3=Carl Divinagracia
| 4=Robert Nillusguin
| 5=Paquito Maglaya Jr.
| 6=Joseph Maglaya
| 7=Imelda Vallejo
| 8=Tito Torres
| 9=Raffy Oyando
}}
| leader_title4      = [[Elections in the Philippines#Qualification|Electorate]]
| leader_name4       = {{PH wikidata|electorate}} voters ([[Philippine general election, {{PH wikidata|electorate_point_in_time}}|{{PH wikidata|electorate_point_in_time}}]])
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| government_footnotes = {{thinsp}}<ref>{{DILG detail}}</ref>
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| population_density_km2 = auto
| population_blank1_title = [[Household]]s
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| timezone           = [[Philippine Standard Time|PST]]
| utc_offset         = +8
| postal_code_type   = [[List of ZIP codes in the Philippines|ZIP code]]
| postal_code        = {{PH wikidata|postal_code}}
| postal2_code_type  = {{PSGCstyle}}
| postal2_code       = {{PSGC detail}}
| area_code_type     = {{areacodestyle}}
| area_code          = {{PH wikidata|area_code}}
| website            = {{PH wikidata|website}}
| demographics_type1 = [[Economy of the Philippines|Economy]]
| demographics1_title1 = {{PH wikidata|income_class_title}}
| demographics1_info1 = {{PH wikidata|income_class}}
| demographics1_title2 = [[Measuring poverty|Poverty incidence]]
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| demographics1_info5 = {{PH wikidata|assets}} {{PH wikidata|assets_point_in_time}}
| demographics1_title6 = Assets rank
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| demographics1_title7 = [[Internal Revenue Allotment|IRA]]
| demographics1_info7 = 
| demographics1_title8 = IRA rank
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| demographics1_title9 = [[Expenditure]]
| demographics1_info9 = {{PH wikidata|expenditure}} {{PH wikidata|expenditure_point_in_time}}
| demographics1_title10 = [[Liability (financial accounting)|Liabilities]]
| demographics1_info10 = {{PH wikidata|liabilities}} {{PH wikidata|liabilities_point_in_time}}
| demographics_type2 = Service provider
| demographics2_title1 = Electricity
| demographics2_info1 = {{PH electricity distribution | {{wikidata|label|raw}} }}
| demographics2_title2 = Water
| demographics2_info2 = 
| demographics2_title3 = Telecommunications
| demographics2_info3 = 
| demographics2_title4 = Cable TV
| demographics2_info4 = 
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| demographics2_title6 = 
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| blank1_name_sec1   = [[Languages of the Philippines|Native languages]]
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| blank1_name_sec2   = Major religions
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| blank2_name_sec2   = Feast date
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| blank3_name_sec2   = Catholic diocese
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}}
'''Caba''', officially the '''Municipality of Caba''' ({{langx|ilo|Ili ti Caba}}; {{langx|pag|Baley na Caba}}; {{langx|fil|Bayan ng Caba}}), is a coastal [[municipality of the Philippines|municipality]] in the [[Philippine Province|province]] of [[La Union]], [[Philippines]]. According to the {{PH wikidata|population_as_of}}, it has a population of {{PH wikidata|population_total}} people.{{PH wikidata|population_reference}}

It was the birthplace of [[Diego Silang]], a prominent Filipino revolutionary leader who led an uprising against Spanish colonial rule in the [[Ilocos Region]] in 1762. The municipality is also known for its thriving bamboo industry and its scenic beaches. As of 2022, Caba had 17,787 registered voters.

==Etymology==
The town has historically been referred to by three names: ''Caba, Cava,'' and ''Caua''. According to local historian Pedro Manongdo, two main theories explain the origin of the town's name.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Provincial Government of La Union |title=History - Municipality of Caba, La Union |url=https://launion.gov.ph/city-and-municipalities/caba-la-union/#:~:text=Caba%20was%20founded%20as%20a,Don%20Domingo%20Aragon%20as%20gobernadorcillo. |access-date=2025-01-06 |website=launion.gov.ph |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":1" />

One theory suggests that the name originated from an incident when a Spaniard asked an inhabitant for the name of the place. The youth, misunderstanding the question as referring to the animal he was herding, responded with “Cava.” The name was subsequently repeated and evolved into Cava, and later Caba.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" />

Another theory posits that the name Caba was adopted by a group of immigrants from Barrio Caba in San Carlos, Pangasinan, who settled in the area during the later years of the 16th century. In recognition of their place of origin, they named their new settlement Caba.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" />

==History==

=== Early history ===
The town of Caba was historically part of the ancient region of [[Pangasinan (historical polity)|Pangasinan]], known as ''Alingay'' or ''Alinguey'' (modern-day [[Aringay]]).<ref name=":2">{{Cite book |last=Cortes |first=Rosario Mendoza |title=A History of Pangasinan, 1572–1800 |publisher=New Day |year=1991}}</ref> The area was initially settled by [[Pangasinan people|Pangasinenses]] along the coastal regions, accompanied by smaller communities of Samtoys ([[Ilocano people|Ilocanos]]). These early inhabitants practiced [[animism]], a belief system attributing spiritual significance to natural objects and phenomena, which played a significant role in shaping their cultural and religious traditions.<ref name=":2" /><ref name="Barangay">{{cite book |last=Scott |first=William Henry |author-link=William Henry Scott (historian) |title=Barangay: Sixteenth Century Philippine Culture and Society |publisher=Ateneo de Manila University Press |year=1994 |isbn=971-550-135-4 |location=Quezon City}}</ref>

The coastal settlement was an active trading hub, engaging with neighboring coastal and highland communities, including the Pangasinenses along [[Lingayen Gulf]], Ilocanos (Samtoys) to the north and the [[Ibaloi people|Ibalois]], [[Kankanaey people|Kankanaey]], and [[Ifugao]] from the [[Cordillera Central (Luzon)|Cordillera mountains]] following the [[Aringay-Tonglo-Balatok gold trail|Aringay trail]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Suarez |first=K. D. |date=2017-03-19 |title=Looking into the past through the eyes of the future |url=https://www.rappler.com/science/society-culture/163689-filipino-archaeologist-traces-ancient-gold-trade-trail-north-luzon/ |access-date=2024-11-07 |website=RAPPLER |language=en-US}}</ref> The settlement also traded with foreign merchants from [[Chinese in the Philippines|China]], [[Japanese in the Philippines|Japan]], and other [[Maritime Southeast Asia]]n countries. Frequently traded goods included [[gold]], jars, silk, woven fabrics, [[ceramic]]s, and glass [[bead]]s and others, reflecting the region's economic vitality.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Scott |first1=William |author-link=William Henry Scott (historian) |title=The Discovery of the Igorots |date=1974 |publisher=New Day Publishers |isbn=9711000873 |location=Quezon City |page=58}}</ref>

=== Spanish Colonization ===
In 1572, Spanish conquistador [[Juan de Salcedo]] and his soldiers arrived in the area after pacifying the nearby settlement of ''Aroo'' or ''Agoho'' (modern-day [[Agoo]]), which had a significant Japanese trading presence.<ref name=":2" /> As part of his mission to subjugate northern regions following the Spanish conquest of [[Manila]], Salcedo named the area ''"El Puerto de Japon"'' ("Japanese Port") due to the active trade conducted by Japanese and Chinese merchants. Although Salcedo attempted to persuade the locals to pay tribute to Spain, he continued his journey northward, eventually founding [[Vigan]] as ''"Villa Fernandina de Vigan"'' in honor of Prince Ferdinand, the late son of [[Philip II of Spain|King Philip II]].<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" />

By 1598, [[Order of Saint Augustine|Augustinian friars]] formally established the settlement, with Don Agustin de la Cruz appointed as its first leader. The area became a barrio in 1692, led by Don Luis Manongdo as the [[cabeza de barangay]].<ref name=":0" /> The settlement operated under the [[Encomienda|encomienda system]], where local inhabitants were entrusted to Spanish encomenderos, friars, and native nobles in exchange for tribute and governance.<ref name=":1" /> The name ''"Cava"'' or ''"Caba"'' has two conflicting origins: one theory attributes it to immigrants from Barrio Caba in [[San Carlos, Pangasinan]], while another suggests it derived from a Spaniard’s interaction with a local boy who responded "cava" when asked the name of the place.<ref name=":0" />

During the 1700s, Ilocano immigrants from the [[Ilocos (province)|Ilocos provinces]] and nearby towns began settling in the coastal areas. Seeking to escape oppressive conditions imposed by Spanish colonizers, they cultivated the land through agriculture and fishing, further contributing to the settlement's development.

In 1745, Caba, initially a barrio of [[Aringay]], was established as a municipality under the jurisdiction of the [[Pangasinan|Province of Pangasinan]] and the Bishopric of [[Nueva Segovia (diocese)|Nueva Segovia]]. Don Pablo Vergara was the first [[gobernadorcillo]], as noted by Father Jose Braganza, SVD.<ref name=":0" /> However, historian Julian Martin claims that Caba was founded in 1844. By 1783, under Don Domingo Aragon’s leadership as gobernadorcillo, Caba had developed into a town.<ref name=":1" />

==== Silang Revolt ====
{{main|Diego Silang|Gabriela Silang}}
[[File:Diego Silang statue and historical marker in Caba, La Union.jpg|left|thumb|237x237px|'''[[Diego Silang]]''' statue in Caba town proper]]
[[Diego Silang]], a native of Caba, emerged as a prominent leader during the Ilocos Revolt of 1762-1763. Historians recognize him as the ''“guiding genius of the Iloco war of independence”'' and an able military leader.<ref name=":0" /> Silang established an independent rebel government in [[Northern Luzon]] and advocated for reforms within the colonial government.<ref name=":1" /> However, on May 28, 1763, he was assassinated by one of his followers in a treacherous act orchestrated by Spanish authorities. His wife, [[Gabriela Silang]], took up the cause and continued the rebellion until her capture and public execution in [[Vigan]] on September 20, 1763. Despite their tragic deaths, their resistance left a lasting legacy.<ref name=":0" />

==== Creation of La Union ====
On October 29, 1849, [[Narciso Clavería y Zaldúa|Governor-General Narciso Zaldua Clavería]] issued a decree merging eight towns from Pangasinan, three from [[Ilocos Sur]], and territories in the [[Cordillera Administrative Region|Cordillera]] to form the province of La Union. On March 2, 1850, Governor-General Antonio María Blanco signed the ''Superior Decreto'', officially establishing La Union as a province and Captain Toribio Ruiz de la Escalera as the first Gobernador Military y Politico. Among its founding towns were Caba, [[San Fernando, La Union|San Fernando]] (the cabecera), [[Santo Tomas, La Union|Santo Tomas]], [[Rosario, La Union|Rosario]], [[Tubao]], [[Agoo]], [[Aringay]], [[Naguilian, La Union|Naguilian]], [[Bauang]], [[San Juan, La Union|San Juan]], [[Balaoan]], [[Luna, La Union|Luna]], [[Bangar, La Union|Bangar]], and [[Bacnotan]]. On April 18, 1854, [[Isabella II of Spain|Queen Isabella II of Spain]] issued the royal decree (real orden) from Madrid confirming Blanco's ''Superior Decreto''.

==== Philippine Revolution ====
{{main|Philippine Revolution}}
During the [[Philippine Revolution]], Caba’s residents actively participated in the struggle for independence from Spain. Under the leadership of [[Manuel Tinio|General Manuel Tinio y Bondoc]], allied with [[Emilio Aguinaldo]], they engaged in battles against Spanish forces in Northern Luzon. The town served as a strategic passageway and refuge for Aguinaldo and his troops during their movements northward.

=== American Colonization ===
{{main|American colonization of the Philippines}}

During the [[Philippine–American War|Philippine-American War]], American forces set foot on La Union soil on November 20, 1899. Filipino [[Guerrilla warfare|guerrillas]] were prepared for action, with the town becoming a center of resistance led by Guerrilla Unit No. 1 under the leadership of Captain Rivera. The unit operated in Caba and nearby areas, including [[Naguilian, La Union|Naguilian]] and Galiano (now part of [[Burgos]]). These guerrilla efforts played a crucial role in resisting American forces and defending the town's autonomy during the conflict.

In 1903, the Philippine Commission reorganized the administrative and territorial structure of municipalities across the country. Due to a sparse population and financial challenges, smaller municipalities were merged. As a result, Caba was integrated with Aringay, while [[Santo Tomas, La Union|Santo Tomas]] was merged with [[Agoo]].

In 1907, Executive Order No. 41 was issued, mandating the separation of Caba from Aringay. This order took effect on January 1, 1908, officially restoring Caba as a regular municipality, with Francisco Sobredillo serving as its Chief Executive.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |url=http://launion.gov.ph/e107_files/lgu/caba_history.php# |title=Local Government Units: Municipality of Caba-History - Province of la Union :: Official Website |access-date=2012-12-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130720034341/http://www.launion.gov.ph/e107_files/lgu/caba_history.php# |archive-date=2013-07-20 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

=== Japanese Occupation ===
{{main|Japanese Invasion of Lingayen Gulf}}

Caba, along with the nearby towns of [[Agoo]] and [[Bauang]] were the first places the Japanese invasion force sought to control  during the main effort to capture Luzon at the beginning of [[World War 2]] - now known as the [[Japanese Invasion of Lingayen Gulf]].  Capturing the three towns which were connected by a high quality road, but protected on one side by the ocean and the other by the sea, meant that the Japanese forces were easily able to establish a secure beachhead.  Once they had done so, they launched attacks against defense forces at [[San Fernando, La Union]] and [[Rosario, La Union]], and from there they deployed southwards across the plains of Pangasinan and Tarlac to take Fort Stotsenburg in Pampanga, then Bulacan, and finally Manila.<ref name="Hyper">{{cite web|title=The Main Landings|url=http://www.ibiblio.org/hyperwar/USA/USA-P-PI/USA-P-PI-8.html|access-date=18 March 2014}}</ref>

=== During the Marcos dictatorship ===
{{main|Martial law under Ferdinand Marcos|Human rights abuses of the Marcos dictatorship}}
The beginning of the 1970s marked a period of turmoil and change in the Philippines because [[Ferdinand Marcos]] had used foreign debt to fund too many public works projects as he headed his [[Ferdinand Marcos 1969 presidential campaign|1969 reelection campaign]],<ref name=Balbosas1992>{{Cite journal |last=Balbosa |first=Joven Zamoras |date=1992 |title=IMF Stabilization Program and Economic Growth: The Case of the Philippines |journal=Journal of Philippine Development |volume=XIX |issue=35 |url=https://dirp4.pids.gov.ph/ris/pjd/pidsjpd92-2imf.pdf |access-date=November 6, 2022 |archive-date=September 21, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210921141056/https://dirp4.pids.gov.ph/ris/pjd/pidsjpd92-2imf.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="Balisacan&Hill2003">{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=O_L9k58WM9UC&q=The+Philippine+economy+under+Marcos:+A+balance+sheet |title=The Philippine Economy: Development, Policies, and Challenges |last1=Balisacan |first1=A. M. |last2=Hill |first2=Hal |date=2003 |publisher=Oxford University Press |isbn=9780195158984 |language=en}}</ref> which led to the 1969 Philippine economic crisis and the [[First Quarter Storm]] protests.<ref name="Celoza1997">{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Sp3U1oCNKlgC|title=Ferdinand Marcos and the Philippines: The Political Economy of Authoritarianism|last=Celoza|first=Albert F.|date=1997|publisher=Greenwood Publishing Group|isbn=9780275941376|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |url=https://archive.org/details/philippinesreade00schi |title=The Philippines reader : a history of colonialism, neocolonialism, dictatorship, and resistance |last=Schirmer |first=Daniel B. |date=1987 |publisher=South End Press |isbn=0896082768 |edition=1st |location=Boston |oclc=14214735 }}</ref><ref name="Kessler1989">{{Cite book |url=https://archive.org/details/rebellionrepress0000kess |title=Rebellion and repression in the Philippines |last=Kessler |first=Richard J. |date=1989 |publisher=Yale University Press |isbn=0300044062 |location=New Haven |oclc=19266663 |url-access=registration }}</ref> {{rp|page="43"}} La Union residents mostly did not speak up about the economic stresses they were experiencing, but when Marcos  [[Martial law under Ferdinand Marcos|declared martial law]] in 1972, Caba was included with the rest of the country.<ref name="Cortes"/>

Marcos' efforts to consolidate political power did not get much resistance in the [[La Union]],<ref name="Turner"/> including Caba,<ref name="Cortes"/> and La Union residents mostly did not speak up about the economic stresses they were experiencing.<ref name="Cortes">Cortes, Rosario Mendoza. (1990) Pangasinan, 1901-1986: A Political, Socioeconomic, and Cultural History. New Day Publishers.</ref> This was because Marcos took advantage of strong political ties to La Union, and allowed the powerful family factions (which had dominated La Union politics since before the American colonial era) to stay in place.<ref name="Turner">Turner, Mark M. (1989) Elites and Power in a Philippine Town. Under Martial Law, 1972-76.  Philippine Studies 37: 283-300.</ref>

=== Later 20th Century ===
{{see also|People Power revolution|Provisional Government of the Philippines (1986–1987)|1990 Luzon earthquake}}
After Marcos fled into exile after the civilian-led 1986 [[People Power revolution]], Edgar T. Bacungan was appointed OIC mayor under the new [[Provisional Government of the Philippines (1986–1987)|Provisional Revolutionary Government]].  He was then properly elected into office when the Fifth Philippine Republic was established, serving until 1992.

In 1990, Caba was heavily affected by the [[1990 Luzon earthquake]].

==Geography==
{{Multiple images
| image1            = 4992Las-ud, Caba, La Union 61.jpg
| caption1          = River creek in Las-ud
| image2            = 5363Wenceslao San Carlos, Caba, La Union 26.jpg
| caption2          = Coastal area in San Carlos
| direction         = vertical
| align             = left
| alt1              = 
}}
The Municipality of Caba is a coastal town characterized by predominantly hilly terrain, with [[grassland]]s, [[wetland]]s, and [[Shrubland|scrublands]]. That runs through several rivers and creeks. It has a total land area of 46.31 square kilometers (17.88 square miles), which constitutes 3.09% of La Union's total area. According to the 2020 [[Philippine Statistics Authority|Philippine Statistic Authority]] Census, Caba had a population of 23,119, representing 2.81% of the total population of La Union province and 0.44% of the overall population of the [[Ilocos Region]]. The population density is calculated at 499 inhabitants per square kilometer (1,293 inhabitants per square mile).

The town covers a total land area of 4,631 hectares (11,440 acres).{{PSGC detail|area}} Bordered by [[Bauang]] to the north, [[Naguilian, La Union|Naguilian]] to the northeast, [[Aringay]] to the south, and the [[South China Sea]] (or [[Lingayen Gulf]]) to the west.
{{Multiple images
| image1            = 5068Santiago Norte Sur, Caba, La Union 65.jpg
| caption1          = Terrain in Santiago Norte
| image2            = CabaLaUnionjf725.JPG
| caption2          = Wetland in around rural area
| direction         = vertical
| align             = right
| alt1              = 
}}

Caba is situated {{convert|21.49|km}} from the provincial capital [[San Fernando, La Union|San Fernando]], and {{convert|245.73|km}} from the country's capital city of [[Manila]].

===Barangays===
Caba is politically subdivided into {{PH barangay count|{{wikidata|label|raw}}}}[[barangay]]s.{{PSGC detail|area}} Each barangay consists of [[purok]]s and some have [[sitios]].

{{Div col|colwidth=15em}}
* Bautista
* Gana
* Juan Cartas
* Las-ud
* Liquicia
* Poblacion Norte
* Poblacion Sur
* San Carlos
* San Cornelio
* San Fermin
* San Gregorio
* San Jose
* Santiago Norte
* Santiago Sur
* Sobredillo
* Urayong
* Wenceslao
{{div col end}}

===Climate===
The town experiences a Type I climate as defined by the [[Köppen climate classification|Köppen Climate Classification]], which features a clear division between [[Wet season|wet]] and [[Dry season|dry seasons.]] The wet season typically starts around mid-May and continues until late October, while the dry season lasts from December through early May. Heavy rainfall is brought by the [[Southwest Monsoon]] (SWM) during the wet season, whereas the [[Northeast Monsoon]] (NEM) leads to drier conditions as it moves over the Cordillera Mountains.{{Weather box
| location     = Caba, La Union
| width        = auto
| metric first = Yes
| single line  = Yes
| Jan high C = 30
| Jan low C  = 20
| Feb high C = 32
| Feb low C  = 21
| Mar high C = 33
| Mar low C  = 22
| Apr high C = 34
| Apr low C  = 24
| May high C = 33
| May low C  = 25
| Jun high C = 31
| Jun low C  = 25
| Jul high C = 30
| Jul low C  = 25
| Aug high C = 29
| Aug low C  = 25
| Sep high C = 30
| Sep low C  = 24
| Oct high C = 31
| Oct low C  = 23
| Nov high C = 31
| Nov low C  = 22
| Dec high C = 31
| Dec low C  = 23
| Jan precipitation mm = 15
| Feb precipitation mm = 16
| Mar precipitation mm = 24
| Apr precipitation mm = 33
| May precipitation mm = 102
| Jun precipitation mm = 121
| Jul precipitation mm = 177
| Aug precipitation mm = 165
| Sep precipitation mm = 144
| Oct precipitation mm = 170
| Nov precipitation mm = 56
| Dec precipitation mm = 23
| Jan rain days        = 6.3
| Feb rain days        = 6.6
| Mar rain days        = 9.5
| Apr rain days        = 12.8
| May rain days        = 20.6
| Jun rain days        = 23.5
| Jul rain days        = 25.4
| Aug rain days        = 23.4
| Sep rain days        = 23.2
| Oct rain days        = 21.4
| Nov rain days        = 14.0
| Dec rain days        = 8.2
| source 1 = Meteoblue<ref name="met_norms">
{{cite web 
| url = https://www.meteoblue.com/en/weather/historyclimate/climatemodelled/caba_philippines_1722068
| title =  Caba: Average Temperatures and Rainfall
| publisher = Meteoblue
| accessdate = 26 April 2020 }}</ref>
| date = 26 April 2020
}}

==Demographics==
{{Philippine Census
| align= right
| title= Population census of {{PH wikidata|name}}
| 1903 = {{PH census population|1903}}
| 1918 = {{PH census population|1918}}
| 1939 = {{PH census population|1939}}
| 1948 = {{PH census population|1948}}
| 1960 = {{PH census population|1960}}
| 1970 = {{PH census population|1970}}
| 1975 = {{PH census population|1975}}
| 1980 = {{PH census population|1980}}
| 1990 = {{PH census population|1990}}
| 1995 = {{PH census population|1995}}
| 2000 = {{PH census population|2000}}
| 2007 = {{PH census population|2007}}
| 2010 = {{PH census population|2010}}
| 2015 = {{PH census population|2015}}
| 2020 = {{PH census population|2020}}
| 2024 = {{PH census population|2024}}
| 2030 = 
| footnote= Source: [[Philippine Statistics Authority]]{{PH wikidata|population_reference}}{{PH census|2015}}{{PH census|2010}}{{PH census|2007}}{{LWUA population data}} 
}}

As of the 2020 Census of Population and Housing (2020 CPH), the municipality of Caba, La Union had a total population of 23,119 persons. This represented an increase of 1,080 persons compared to the 2015 Census of Population, which recorded 22,039 persons.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |title=Caba, La Union's population increases at a rate of 1.01 percent (2020 Census of Population and Housing) {{!}} Philippine Statistics Authority {{!}} Region I |url=https://rsso01.psa.gov.ph/content/caba-la-unions-population-increases-rate-101-percent-2020-census-population-and-housing |access-date=2025-01-06 |website=rsso01.psa.gov.ph}}</ref> The population growth from 2015 to 2020 yielded an average annual population growth rate (PGR) of 1.01%, meaning that for every 1,000 persons in the population, about 10 people were added per year. In comparison, the PGR during the period from 2010 to 2015 was 0.70%, and from 2000 to 2010 it was 0.83%.

At the current growth rate, Caba's population is projected to double in approximately 69 years. For historical context, the population of Caba was 9,517 persons in 1960, which is more than two-fifths of the population recorded in 2020.<ref name=":3" /> The town has 99.68% of the population had their births registered with the Local Civil Registry Office. Of these, 50.77% were male, and 49.23% were female, with a sex ratio of 103 males for every 100 females.<ref name=":3" />

Caba is divided into 17 barangays. In 2020, the most populous barangay was San Jose, which comprised 12.11% of the municipality's total population.<ref name=":3" /> It was followed by Barangay Gana with 9.72%, Santiago Sur at 9.01%, San Carlos with 6.50%, and Sobredillo with 6.09%. The least populated barangay was Wenceslao, which accounted for just 2.01% of the total population and was also the least populous barangay in the 2015 census.<ref name=":3" />

=== <small>Gender & Age</small> ===
In 2020, the population was 50.75% male and 49.25% female, with a sex ratio of 103 males for every 100 females. The ratio for those under 15 was 106 males to 100 females, and for ages 15 to 64, it was 107 males to 100 females.<ref name=":3" /> For those 65 and older, there were 62 males for every 100 females. The median age was 28.94 years in 2020, up from 27.75 in 2015. The largest age group was 15–19 years (9.14%), followed by 10–14 years (9.02%) and 20–24 years (8.98%). Males outnumbered females in the younger age groups, while females outnumbered males in the older age groups.<ref name=":3" />

=== <small>Language and Ethnicity</small> ===
The majority of Caba's population is [[Ilocano people|Ilocano]], while [[Ilocano language|Iloco]] is the primary language spoken, with [[Filipino language|Filipino]] and [[English language|English]] used in government and business. English is also the primary medium of instruction in schools.<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |last=Philippine Statistic Authority |date=October 31, 2024 |title=Naguilian, La Union’s Population declines by 2,032 persons (2020 Census of Population and Housing) {{!}} Philippine Statistics Authority {{!}} Region I |url=https://rsso01.psa.gov.ph/content/naguilian-la-unions-population-declines-2032-persons-2020-census-population-and-housing#:~:text=The%20household%20population%20of%20Naguilian,12,161%20households%20posted%20in%202015. |access-date=2025-01-04 |website=rsso01.psa.gov.ph}}</ref>

=== <small>Voting</small> ===
In 2022 the town has 17,787 registered voters as according [[Commission on Elections (Philippines)|Commission on Elections]].  The voting-age population (18 and older) was 68.84% in 2020. The dependency ratio was 49, meaning there were 49 dependents (children and elderly) for every 100 working-age individuals. This was an improvement from the 2015 ratio of 54.<ref name=":3" />

=== <small>Marital</small> ===
Among those aged 10 and older, 37.53% were never-married, 41.53% were married, 5.89% were widowed, 2.17% were divorced or separated, and 12.86% were in common-law or live-in relationships. 55.51% of the never-married were male.<ref name=":3" />

=== <small>Religion</small> ===
{{Multiple images
| image1            = 6084Saint John the Baptist Parish Church of Caba 14.jpg
| caption1          = Saint John the Baptist Parish Church of Caba
| image2            = CabaLaUnionjf723.JPG
| caption2          = United Church of Christ in the Philippines in Caba
| direction         = vertical
| align             = right
| alt1              = 
| image3            = 6333San Gregorio, Caba, La Union 53.jpg
| caption3          = Iglesia ni Cristo in San Gregorio, Caba
}}
Caba is predominantly [[Catholic Church|Roman Catholic]], though various other [[Christian denomination]]s, including [[Iglesia ni Cristo]], [[Protestantism|Protestant groups]], and [[Jehovah's Witnesses]], are also present. Smaller communities practicing [[Islam]] and [[Buddhism]] can also be found in the town.<ref name=":3" />
{{Div col|colwidth=15em}}
* Assemblies of God (Poblacion Norte)
* Assemblies of God (San Jose)
* Assemblies of the First Born (Gana)
* Assemblies of the First Born (Juan Cartas)
* Assemblies of the First Born (Liquicia)
* Assemblies of the First Born (San Cornelio)
* Assemblies of the First Born (San Jose)
* Assemblies of the First Born (Sobredillo)
* Assemblies of the First Born (Urayong)
* Christ Centered Fellowship (Juan Cartas)
* Faith Gospel Mission Church/Yes for Jesus Crusaders International (Poblacion Norte)
* Iglesia Filipina Independiente (Poblacion Norte)
* Iglesia Ni Cristo (Gana)
* Jesus Christ The Glorious Savior International Ministry JCGSIM LU [Full Gospel Christian Church] (Poblacion Norte)<ref name="launion">{{Cite web |url=http://launion.gov.ph/e107_files/lgu/caba.php# |title=Province of la Union :: Official Website: Local Government Units: Municipality of Caba |access-date=2012-12-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120710094418/http://www.launion.gov.ph/e107_files/lgu/caba.php# |archive-date=2012-07-10 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
* Messengers of the Cross Bible College/Assemblies of the First Born Full Gospel Church (Poblacion Norte)
* Shinil Caba Christian Fellowship (Poblacion Norte)
* The Lord's Vineyard Baptist Church (Las-ud)
* United Church of Christ in the Philippines (Poblacion Norte)
* Words of Life Christian Ministries (Santiago Norte)
{{div col end}}

==Education==
The Caba Schools District Office governs all educational institutions within the municipality. It oversees the management and operations of all private and public elementary and high schools.<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 15, 2021 |title=Masterlist of Schools |url=https://www.deped.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/SY-2020-2021-Masterlist-of-Schools-Address-only-1-1.pdf |access-date=April 19, 2025 |website=Department of Education}}</ref>
{{Multiple images
| image1            = CabaLaUnionjf704.JPG
| caption1          = Caba Elementary School
| image2            = 6037Poblacion Norte Sur, Caba, La Union 41.jpg
| caption2          = Caba National Highschool
| direction         = vertical
| align             = right
| alt1              = 
}}
In 2020, 24.59% had completed elementary school, 45.09% had completed high school, 9.38% were college undergraduates, and 15.10% held an academic degree.<ref name=":3" /> Among degree holders, 56.28% were female. 71.83% of post-baccalaureate students were female. The literacy rate in Caba was 98.97%, with a slightly higher rate for males (50.69%) than females (49.31%).

The municipality has 11 public elementary schools and 6 public secondary schools providing education to children and young adults in the area.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Provincial Government of La Union |title=Province of La Union - LIST OF PUBLIC ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS |url=https://launion.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/List-of-Public-ES-.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230128163936/https://launion.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/List-of-Public-ES-.pdf |archive-date=2023-01-28 |access-date=2025-01-04 |website=launion.gov.ph |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Provincial Government of La Union |date= |title=Province of La Union - LIST OF SECONDARY PUBLIC SCHOOLS |url=https://launion.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Public-Secondary-Schools-in-La-Union-Updated.pdf |archive-url= |archive-date= |access-date=2025-01-04 |website=launion.gov.ph}}</ref>

===Primary and elementary schools===
{{Div col|colwidth=20em}}
* Caba Central Elementary School
* Doña Antonia Maglaya Elementary School
* Jesus Cares Christian Academy
* Labbon Elementary School
* Liquicia Integrated School
* San Carlos Elementary School
* San Cornelio Elementary School
* San Gregorio Elementary School
* San Jose Elementary School
* Santiago Sur Integrated School
* St. John the Baptist Learning Center
* UCCP Nursery Kindergarten School (Caba)
* Upper Tumapoc Elementary School
* Wenceslao Elementary School
{{div col end}}

===Secondary schools===
* Caba National High School
* Liquicia Integrated School
* San Gregorio National High School
* San Jose National High School
* Santiago Sur Integrated School
* Wenceslao National High School
* La Union Standard Academy

== Economy ==
{{Multiple images
| image1            = 5068Santiago Norte Sur, Caba, La Union 27.jpg
| caption1          = Tobacco farmer in Santiago Norte
| image2            = 5068Santiago Norte Sur, Caba, La Union 59.jpg
| caption2          = Air-curing of harvested tobacco leaves
| direction         = vertical
| align             = left
| image3            = 5068Santiago Norte Sur, Caba, La Union 32.jpg
| caption3          = Livestock
}}
The economy of Caba is primarily driven by [[agriculture]], [[fishing]], and small-scale industries, with a growing emphasis on local businesses and tourism. Agriculture serves as a cornerstone of the town's livelihood, with major crops including [[rice]], [[Virginia tobacco]], [[root crops]], [[Maize|corn]], and a variety of [[fruit]]s and [[vegetable]]s. [[Mango]]es and [[grape]]s stand out as the town’s flagship agricultural products, highly valued for both local consumption and trade.

[[Livestock|Livestock farming]] also plays a significant role in supporting the local economy. The town raises [[poultry]], [[carabao]]s, [[goat]]s, and [[Suina|swine]], which provide a stable source of income for many residents. Poultry production, in particular, is a notable contributor, supplying fresh meat and eggs to local markets, while carabaos are often utilized as work animals in farming and a source of milk and meat.

Fishing also plays a vital role in Caba’s economy. The [[South China Sea]] (Lingayen Gulf), with its abundant marine resources, supports a thriving fishing industry. Local fisherfolk catch a wide variety of [[seafood]], which is sold fresh or processed into products that reach neighboring markets, providing a significant boost to the local economy.
{{Multiple images
| image1            = 5478Wenceslao, Caba, La Union 65.jpg
| caption1          = Vineyard in Wenceslao
| image2            = 5196Santiago Norte, Caba, La Union 59.jpg
| caption2          = Fishing boat in San Carlos beach
| direction         = vertical
| align             = right
| caption3          = Guapple fruit farming in Wenceslao
| image3            = 5478Wenceslao, Caba, La Union 26.jpg
}}
Caba is equally well-known for its vibrant cottage industries. The town has built a reputation for [[bamboo]] craftsmanship, producing high-quality [[furniture]], [[basket]]s, [[installation art]], and even traditional bamboo houses. Another hallmark of Caba's industry is the production of ''"bugguong padas,"'' a locally famous [[fermented fish]] delicacy. Other thriving industries include [[Wood carving|woodcarving]], [[dried fish]] production, and weaving, which preserve the town’s rich cultural heritage while contributing to economic growth.

In the town proper, an increasing number of businesses provide goods and services to residents and visitors alike. These include retail shops, restaurants, small-scale manufacturers, and service providers. With improvements in infrastructure and accessibility, the local government is also exploring ways to promote tourism by highlighting the town’s unique products, natural beauty, and cultural traditions.{{PH poverty incidence}}

==Government==
===Local government===
{{main|Sangguniang Bayan}}
Just as the national government, the municipal government of Caba, is divided into three branches: executive, legislative, and judiciary. The judicial branch is administered solely by the [[Supreme Court of the Philippines]]. The LGUs have control of the executive and legislative branches.

The executive branch is composed of the mayor and the barangay captain for the barangays.[https://web.archive.org/web/20090326164110/http://www.dilg.gov.ph/pdf/LGC%20Book%203.pdf Local Government Code of the Philippines, Book III], [[Department of the Interior and Local Government]] official website.

The legislative branch is composed of the [[Sangguniang Bayan]] (town assembly), [[Sangguniang Barangay]] (barangay council), and the [[Sangguniang Kabataan]] for the youth sector.

The seat of Government is vested upon the Mayor and other elected officers who hold office at the Caba Town Hall. The Sanguniang Bayan is the center of legislation, stationed in Caba Legislative Building.

===Elected officials===
<!--NOTE: Update needed by June 30, 2022 after oath-taking of the declared winners in the May 9, 2022 local elections.-->
{| class="wikitable" style="line-height:1.20em; font-size:100%;"
|+ Members of the Municipal Council<br />(2022-2025)<ref>{{Cite web |title=2019 National and Local Elections |url=https://comelec.gov.ph/php-tpls-attachments/2019NLE/ElectionResults/2019NLE_LIst_of_Elected_CityMun_Candidates.pdf |url-status=live |access-date=March 6, 2022 |website=Commission on Elections|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201006184020/https://www.comelec.gov.ph/php-tpls-attachments/2019NLE/ElectionResults/2019NLE_LIst_of_Elected_CityMun_Candidates.pdf |archive-date=2020-10-06 }}</ref>
|-
! Position
! Name
|-
| Congressman
| style="text-align:center;" | Dante S. Garcia
|-
| Governor
| style="text-align:center;" | Raphaelle Veronica A. Ortega-David 
|-
| Mayor
| style="text-align:center;" | Donna R. Crispino
|-
|Vice-Mayor
| style="text-align:center;" | Ronnie P. Mangaser
|-
|rowspan=8| '''Councilors''' 
| style="text-align:center;" | 
Conrado A. Vito
|-
| style="text-align:center;" | Arleen G. Crispino
|-
| style="text-align:center;" | Maribel B. Runes
|-
| style="text-align:center;" | 
Igmedio L. Dugenia
|-
| style="text-align:center;" | Don Mar P. Dugenia
|-
| style="text-align:center;" | Charlyn F. Reyes
|-
| style="text-align:center;" | Crisogono D. Hulipas Jr.
|-
| style="text-align:center;" | Imelda D. Vallejo
|-
|}

==Tourism==
[[File:CabaLaUnionjf710.JPG|thumb|Silang Monument and the Caba covered court, Auditorium]]

* Sangria is a privately owned Farm Resort located in Barangay Gana. 
* Diego Silang's monument is erected in the middle of the Town Plaza.
* President [[Elpidio Quirino]]'s stone monument on the other hand was placed at Barangay Gana highway.  Quirino taught in Caba as an elementary public school teacher.
* Ripe and green mangoes, Bagoong, Padas, and Alamang are the town's products that are sold install along the Gana roads.
* Bamboo furniture is one of the prime business of the residents.
* Sobredillo barrio: one can find the 56 [[Mortar (weapon)]] (bombs, 81 millimeter each of Japanese soldiers, World War II), were unearthed near Mayor Clyde Crispino's house in Barangay Sobredillo including a 1-high old jar, for serving offerings in religious rites.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.sanfernandocity.gov.ph/news/news42.php# |title=The Official WebSite of San Fernando City, la Union |access-date=2012-12-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080827233738/http://www.sanfernandocity.gov.ph/news/news42.php# |archive-date=2008-08-27 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
Caba holds the records in the "Search for Cleanest and Greenest Municipality in La Union" (4th-5th Class Municipality Category in 2006, 2007 and 2008). It also claimed the Regional Level and National Finalist trophies, for Seal of Good Housekeeping trophies in 2010, including the 2010 Provincial Championship medal in the Search for Best Performing LGU Local Governance Performance Measurement System).
Caba celebrates on April 15 to 18, the town fiesta and on June 24, the Feast of Saint John the Baptist.

*Caba holds its Paskua Ti Umili every December.<ref name="launion" />

===Caba beach===

{{wide image|Cabalaunion737.JPG|2000px|Panorama of Caba's beach}}

Caba prime beaches are located along [[Lingayen Gulf]] in [[La Union]].

* Caba's prime tourist spot is Villa Navarro Beach Resort and Restaurant (along Lingayen Gulf in Caba, 247 kilometers north of Manila and 10&nbsp;km north of [[Agoo, La Union]]).<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.villanavarrobeachresort.com/# |title=Villa Navarro Beach Resort and Restaurant |access-date=2012-12-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130303044745/http://villanavarrobeachresort.com/# |archive-date=2013-03-03 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
* Sea of Dreams Spa Resort (San Carlos).<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://seaofdreamsresort.com/contacts.php |title=Sea of Dreams Spa Resort |access-date=2012-12-09 |archive-date=2013-06-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130608072225/http://seaofdreamsresort.com/contacts.php |url-status=dead }}</ref>
* Paiko Blue Waters Beach Resort and Spa is another Caba's<ref>[http://paikobeachresort.com/ Archived copy] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121112224802/http://paikobeachresort.com/# |date=2012-11-12 }} prime beach front at San Carlos.</ref>
* Maglaya Medical-Legal Missions Inc We Care Clinic (MMLM)
* Caba Medicare Community Hospital
* Caba Municipal Health Center

==Gallery==

<gallery widths="200" heights="150">
File:4918Poblacion Sur, Caba, La Union 14.jpg|Municipal Hall
File:5964Poblacion Norte Sur, Caba, La Union 34.jpg|Diego Silang Statue
File:CabaLaUnionjf714.JPG|Farmers' Market Building
File:FvfLaUnion0401 08.JPG|Caba welcome arch
File:6190Gana Poblacion Sur, Caba, La Union 42.jpg|President Elpidio Rivera Quirino Monument
File:SaintJohntheBaptistParishChurchjf693.JPG|[[Saint John the Baptist Parish Church (Caba)|Saint John the Baptist Parish Church]]
File:5922Poblacion, Caba, La Union 04.jpg|National Highway 
File:5922Poblacion, Caba, La Union 33.jpg|Waiting Shed
File:5849Poblacion Bautista, Caba, La Union 08.jpg|Public Cemetery 
</gallery>

==References==
{{reflist|30em}}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20120710094418/http://www.launion.gov.ph/e107_files/lgu/caba.php Caba Website]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20130715031431/http://www.launion.gov.ph/e107_files/lgu/caba_gov.php Local Government of Caba]
* [{{NSCB detail}} Philippine Standard Geographic Code]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20081120024509/http://www.census.gov.ph/data/census2007/index.html Philippine Census Information]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20120523033706/http://www.blgs.gov.ph/lgpmsv2/cmshome/index.php?pageID=23&frmIdDcfCode=7&fLguType=CM&frmIdRegion=2&frmIdProvince=20&frmIdLgu=267 Local Governance Performance Management System]

{{Geographic location
|Centre    = Caba
|North     = [[Bauang, La Union|Bauang]]
|Northeast = [[Naguilian, La Union|Naguilian]]
|East      = [[Aringay, La Union|Aringay]]
|South     = [[Aringay, La Union|Aringay]]
|West      = ''[[Lingayen Gulf]]''
}}
{{La Union}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Municipalities of La Union]]