Bambang, officially the Municipality of Bambang (; ; ), is a 1st class municipality in the province of Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 55,789 people. The municipality is known for its salt springs at the Salinas Natural Monument. Bambang is from Bayombong and from Manila. Etymology The name "Bambang" is an Isinay word meaning "to dig". History Originally these places were inhabited by the Igorot and Panuypuyes (Aritao), the Ilongots (Dupax and Bambang), and the lgorot in the area west from the present native population of Dupax, Aritao, and Bambang came about by the inter-marriages of the tribes mentioned above. Development and progress In 2012, Bambang became open to big dealers and businessmen as part of its progress. Now the town has its own newly opened fast food chains and other marketing establishments. Geography Barangays Bambang is politically subdivided into 25 barangays. These barangays are headed by elected officials: Barangay Captain, Barangay Council, whose members are called Barangay Councilors. All are elected every three years. Climate Demographics Economy Culture Panggayjaya festival, which is celebrated from late April to May yearly. Part of its celebration is the annual Miss Panggayjaya (Bambang) and the counterpart Mister Bambang which started in 2016. Along with the celebration of its patron, Saint Catherine of Siena. Tourism On April 23, 2000, then President Joseph Ejercito Estrada issued a proclamation that declared Salinas Forest Reserve and Deer Refuge in the Municipality of Bambang, including two municipalities in the Province of Nueva Vizcaya, as a protected area pursuant to Republic Act No. 7589 and shall be known as Salinas Natural Monument. As of now, Salinas Natural Monument has yet to be developed as a tourist destination. The Municipality of Bambang has a lot of tourist spots like the Salinas Salt Spring, Manamtam Salt Spring, Manamtam River, Laguerta Falls, Abian Falls, Pallas Cave, the Bambang Cross, and the Bambang Agri Tourism Learning Site. Recently, the Municipality of Bambang successfully launched "Paskuhan sa Bambang." Government and Politics Bambang, belonging to the lone congressional district of the province of Nueva Vizcaya, 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 councilors are elected directly by the people through an election that is held every three years. Elected officials Former Mayors