Happy TravellerWelcome to Binmaley, a first-class municipality located in the province of Pangasinan, Philippines. With a population of 86,881 people according to the 2020 census, Binmaley is a charming town that offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Situated just 4 kilometers from Lingayen and 210 kilometers from Manila, Binmaley is easily accessible and makes for a perfect weekend getaway. In this article, we will explore the geography, culture, economy, and heritage of Binmaley, and discover why it is a must-visit destination in the Philippines.
Geography:
Binmaley is located along the western coastland of Pangasinan facing Lingayen Gulf, in between Lingayen and Dagupan. The town’s beach, designated as yellow beach, was used by the amphibious forces of U.S. General Douglas MacArthur in their landing operations to liberate Luzon from Japanese occupation during World War II.
Barangays:
Binmaley is politically subdivided into 33 barangays, each headed by elected officials. All are elected every three years.
Climate:
Binmaley has a tropical climate with two distinct seasons: wet and dry. The wet season lasts from May to October, while the dry season lasts from November to April.
Demographics:
Binmaley has a population of 86,881 people according to the 2020 census. The majority of the population are Pangasinenses, followed by Ilocanos and Tagalogs.
Economy:
The town is famous for its bangus (milkfish) aqua-culture, due to the existence of its numerous fishponds. However, the bangus industry has suffered from fishkill, fewer viable fishponds, and lower harvests due to constant siltation over the past several years from mine tailings upstream from Agno River and the overuse of artificial fish feeds. As a result, many formerly productive fishponds have been converted into large commercial and residential lots. This phenomenon is beginning to seriously threaten the unique Binmaley fishpond industry.
Government:
Binmaley is governed by a mayor designated as its local chief executive and by a municipal council as its legislative body in accordance with the Local Government Code. The mayor, vice mayor, and the councilors are elected directly by the people through an election which is being held every three years.
Culture:
Binmaley is famously known for its Sigay Festival, which celebrates the town’s bountiful harvests from the sea, ponds, rivers, and farms. The festival is a time of merriment and light, and is a contraction of the words silew, meaning light, and gayaga, meaning merriment. The town center also boasts a Neo-classical church dating back to the 17th century.
Heritage:
Binmaley became famous throughout the Philippines for the outstanding academic achievements of students (and its distinctive corps of military cadets) from its Binmaley Catholic High School, especially when it was headed by a German priest, Fr. Leo Behneke, in the 1960s and 1970s. Its name roughly means the place which became a town or went to town in the Pangasinan language.
In conclusion, Binmaley is a hidden gem that offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. From its famous bangus industry to its Sigay Festival and Neo-classical church, Binmaley is a must-visit destination in the Philippines. So why not plan your next weekend getaway to Binmaley and discover the many treasures of this charming town?
