Popular for its cement deposits and sea urchins, the town of Badoc is home to Carcarmay Barangay which harbors the La Union Centennial Tree planted way back in 1896 as certified by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. The centennial tree is an acacia tree that has grown like a giant green parachute, its long branches and large trunk never failing to wow visitors.
The precious La Union Centennial Tree
Carcarmay is a witness to the growth of the famous centennial tree. More than a hundred years old, it still stands majestically at the center of Carcarmay Community School, giving shade to countless graduation rites and various school and community programs.
A huge tree from the Mimosa family and the oldest living thing in the area, the centennial tree gives priceless comfort to resident and visitors alike. The green and cool leaves of the tree from its huge and long branches are comfortable and relaxing to the eyes.
According to locals, years after World War II, a group of former Japanese soldiers returned to Bacnotan for a personal visit in the area where they were once stationed as soldiers. The problem is they could no longer remember the exact place of their former base. Bent on looking for the exact spot to reminisce their memorable friendship with the locals, they thought of an object that could act as marker. One day, one of the Japanese remembered a tall old tree that they used to hang around for much needed sleep. After only a couple of inquiries from the locals, the Japanese were able to locate the exact spot of their former refuge and were amazed of the tree’s undying beauty. Some people, especially treasure hunters, even believe that the tree was used as marker and reference of numerous buried gold chests because of its size and location.
Through the efforts of responsible residents, teachers, students, and local officials, the Centennial Tree of Bacnotan continues to enjoy protection and proper care, ensuring more years of harmonious existence with other creations of the Almighty. The Centennial Tree also will continue to witness the unselfish efforts of Bacnotan’s people for progress and peace and like the strong and committed Centennial Tree, the people of La Union as a whole will always continue to be strong amidst the strongest tests.
How to get to La Union?
From Manila, there are various bus lines that offer trips to La Union. Air conditioned bus firms (Dominion Bus Lines, Philippine Rabbit, Partas, Fariñas, Maria de Leon, and Viron) depart from terminals in Manila bound for Ilocos. The destination can either be La Union, Narvacan, Vigan, Laoag, or Abra.
San Fernando city, La Union's capital, lies 273 km. from Manila. Travel time is about 5 hours by land and 30 minutes by air. Also, it is about an hour’s drive from Baguio City. Bacnotan is 15.2 km down the track from San Fernando.
Getting around La Union! You can take jeepneys and mini-buses with fixed routes at a minimal fare. Tricycles (motorcycles with sidecars) are commonly used to access must-see places in between towns. Rented transportation that plies this town is also available which will bring you to the city proper.
Nearest Accommodations: There are many inns, pension houses, and hotels located in and around San Fernando.
• Oasis Country Resort - Sevilla, San Fernando City, La Union, La Union, Philippines
• Thunderbird Resorts - Poro Point Poro Point Freeport Zone, San Fernando, La Union, La Union, Philippines
• China Sea Beach Resort - China Sea Beach Resort
• Hotel Ariana - Paringao, Bauang, La Union, La Union, Philippines
• Bali Hai Beach Resort - Parungao, Bauang, La Union, La Union, Philippines