Agno, Pangasinan

The name Agno was derived from the fruit, mango (Tagalog: mangga), and a species of swamp tree called “cited agnus-castus”, a chaste tree used for medicinal concoctions to relieve pain and illness. It was known to be abundant in the area. Over time, the name “Agno” was retained and adopted as the official name of the town.

Agno was formally established as a municipality in 1791. During the Spanish and early American periods, it was part of the province of Zambales. Following the Philippine Commission's enactment of Public Act No. 1004 on November 30, 1903, the northern portion of Zambales, including Agno, was transferred to the province of Pangasinan.

The Municipality of Agno is characterized by rolling terrain and rainfed rice fields. Near the poblacion, or town plaza, the road passes along the Mabini river or (Balincaguing River), which drains into the South China Sea further west. The town plaza is home to a centuries-old Roman Catholic church, as well as one of the first congregations of the Philippine Independent Church. The town shares borders with the town of Bani to the north, the town of Mabini and Alaminos to the east and with Burgos to the south. Contrary to popular belief, the Agno River does not pass this municipality.

Agno is situated 68.34 kilometres (42.46 mi) from the provincial capital Lingayen, and 277.27 kilometres (172.29 mi) from the country's capital city of Manila.

Poverty incidence of Agno

Source: Philippine Statistics Authority^{[13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20]}

The town's main livelihood is fishing and agriculture, although a number of her sons and daughters work as doctors, physical therapist, nurses, engineers, computer programmers and accountants in numerous countries around the globe. On top of that, the town produces successful teachers, policemen and policewomen, and lawyers.

During the summer months of April and May the town's market abounds with fresh fruits such as mangoes and duhat, as well as fresh catch such as tuna, flying fish, grouper, lobsters and other seafood.

The Agno 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.^[22]