Bill seeks to merge 2 La Union towns into component city

AGOO, La Union, Philippines – La Union second district Rep. Eufranio Eriguel has filed a bill seeking to merge the towns of Agoo and Aringay into a component city.

Under House Bill 4644, Eriguel said the new constituency will be known as the City of Agoo-Aringay.

“The cityhood will be a big help for the people of these towns. It is for progress and development,” he said.

Eriguel filed the measure after officials of both towns agreed to the merger to meet cityhood requirements like population (150,000), income (at least P100 million annually), and land area (100 square kilometers).

At present, Agoo has a population of 65,000, and Aringay, 47,000. For annual income, Agoo has P90.7 million, Aringay, P15 million, and for land area, 51.35 sq. km. and 122.07 sq. km., respectively.

If approved by Congress, the new city, which will have two districts, will get an annual Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) share of P500 million.

“With this IRA, we will have more infrastructure projects, and as a city, we will have more employment, economic activities, businesses, and basic services, among others,” Eriguel said.

Aringay Vice Mayor Charlie Juloya told The STAR that all issues and concerns raised during the series of consultations have been clarified and properly addressed.

“There was initial resistance to the proposal, but after we explained and clarified the issues, our constituents were convinced although some are still doubtful,” Juloya said.

Juloya and Aringay officials led by Mayor Eric Sibuma are convinced about the proposed cityhood, along with Agoo officials led by Eriguel’s wife, Mayor Sandra Eriguel.

The bill was co-authored by first district Rep. Victor Ortega and Abono party-list Rep. Francisco Emmanuelle Ortega III.