Paoay, officially the Municipality of Paoay (; ), is a municipality in the province of Ilocos Norte, Philippines. According to the , it has a population of people.
History In 1701, Paoay was established as a municipality by virtue of a Royal Decree that also designated Don Martin Guiang as its founding head. He served in this capacity as Kapitan Bosar from 1701 to 1704.
Geography The Municipality of Paoay is home to the Paoay Lake, the largest lake in Ilocos Norte, and Paoay Church, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Paoay is situated from the provincial capital Laoag, and from the country's capital city of Manila.
Barangays Paoay is politically subdivided into 31 barangays. Each barangay consists of puroks and some have sitios.
Bacsil Cabagoan Cabangaran Callaguip Cayubog Dolores Laoa Masintoc Monte Mumulaan Nagbacalan Nalasin Nanguyudan Oaig-Upay-Abulao Pambaran Pannaratan (Poblacion) Paratong Pasil Salbang (Poblacion) San Agustin San Blas (Poblacion) San Juan San Pedro San Roque (Poblacion) Sangladan Poblacion (Nalbuan) Santa Rita (Poblacion) Sideg Suba Sungadan Surgui Veronica
Climate
Demographics
In the 2024 census, the population of Paoay was 24,204 people, with a density of .
Economy
The main economic source of Paoay is agriculture. Farmers cultivate rice, corn, and garlic. Paoay's aquaculture involves fishing and tilapia production. The municipality is also popular for its weaving industry, known as the Inabel handloom weaving.
Government Local government
Paoay, belonging to the second congressional district of the province of Ilocos Norte, 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.
Elected officials
+ Members of the Municipal Council(2025–2028) Position Name Congressman Eugenio Angelo M. Barba Mayor Shiella A. Galano Vice-Mayor Leah R. Buduan Councilors Efren V. Valdez Rosemarie D. Castillo Dante B. Langaman Philip G. Bagasani Edgar C. Padayao Alfonso Conrado E. Diaz Mary Jane A. Casil Pacifico T. Clemente, Jr. ABC President Romel R. Ragual SK Federated President Krizette Charm G. Cabel
Tourism
Paoay Lake
Paoay Lake is the largest lake in Ilocos Norte. Legend has it that it was the site of a prosperous barangay, called San Juan de Sahagún (Saint John of Sahagún), that sank following a massive earthquake.Hargrove, Thomas R. (1991). "The Mysteries of Taal: A Philippine volcano and lake, her sea life and lost towns", p.135. Bookmark, Manila. . The freshwater lake and its surroundings was declared a national park in 1969. In 2025, the park was further designated as a Protected Area to be known as the Paoay Lake Protected Landscape.
Malacañang of the North
On the shores of the lake lies a mansion once used by the Marcoses. Called Malacañang of the North, it is now a museum that is open to the public. Adjacent to the mansion is the Paoay Golf Course.
Paoay Church
The Paoay Church was completed in 1710 and is famous for its distinctive Earthquake Baroque architecture. It is declared as a National Cultural Treasure by the Philippine government in 1973 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site under the collective group of Baroque Churches of the Philippines in 1993.
Education The Paoay Schools District Office governs all public and private schools within the municipality.
Primary and elementary schools
Bacsil Elementary School Evangelista Elementary School Monte Elementary School Mumulaan Elementary School Nagbacalan Elementary School Nagbacalan West Elementary School Nalasin Elementary School Nanguyudan Elementary School Paoay Central Elementary School Paoay East Central Elementary School Paoay Faith Academy Pasil Elementary School Salbang Elementary School Sideg Elementary School Suba Elementary School
Secondary schools Paoay Lake National High School Paoay National High School Paoay North Institute Malaguip Integrated School
Gallery
Notable personalities Conchita Carpio-Morales, a Filipino judge Mans Carpio, a Filipino lawyer
References
External links
[ Philippine Standard Geographic Code] Philippine Census Information Local Governance Performance Management System