They were believed to have bartered with them as evidenced by the presence of antique jars, big bowls, gongs, arrows and shields, beads, jewel and gems.

By virtue of a Philippine Legislature bill sponsored by Abra's then-Representative Quintín Paredes and through the initiative of Dolores's then-Vice Mayor Manuel Magala, San Juan became a separate municipality.

These two rivers supply the townspeople with fish and they are also used to transport bamboo which is sold to resort owners in Vigan.

During the dry season, the townsfolk also plant string beans, eggplant, peanuts, bitter gourds, squashes, okra and tomatoes.

San Juan, belonging to the lone congressional district of the province of Abra, 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.