REGION 1

(Ilocos Region)
Introduction
Region I comprises the coastal provinces on the northwestern most part of Luzon: Ilocos
Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, and Pangasinan. It was first inhabited by the aboriginal Negritos
before they were pushed by successive waves of Malay immigrants that penetrated the narrow
coast. Tingguians in the interior, Ilocanos in the north, and Pangasinense in the south settled the
region.
The region is characterized by Spanish architecture and popular beaches. Famous
tourists destinations in the Ilocos Region include the 100 Islands National Park, Spanish colonial
architecture in Vigan and famous churches such as the Church of Manaoag and Agoo Basilica,
which is regarded as the most beautiful church in the region.
It is a well- developed region. It has access to electricity and telecommunications. It has
an international airport which caters international flights from Hongkong, Guangzhou and
Taiwan as well as domestic flights.
Brief History
Ilocos Region (Region I) came into existence on September 24, 1972 when provinces of
the Philippines were organized into 11 regions by Presidential Decree No.1 of the Integrated Plan
of President Ferdinand Marcos.
Ilocos means people in the river, very much like the Tagalogs taga-ilog which
referred to the early settlers living along riverbanks. In Isabelo de los Reyes Historia de Ilocos
(1885), he said that Ilocos evolved from the word ilog (river).
The Ilocos Region is the historical homeland of several modern presidents of the
Republic of the Philippines like Elpidio Quirino, Ferdinand Marcos and Fidel V. Ramos.
History Of Ilocanos
Basically, the Ilocanos are Austronesian-people / Austronesian-speaking people. The
Ilocano dialect is related to the languages Indonesian, Malay, Fijian, Maori, Hawaiian, Malagasy,
Samoan, Tahitian, Chamorro, Tetum and Paiwan. Today, the Ilocano dialect is the third most
spoken language in the Philippines.

Cultural Aspects
This Region has three (3) distinct groups: Ilocanos, Pangasinenses and Igorots. Ilocanos
occupy the coastal provinces of Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur and La Union and certain parts of
Pangasinan. The natives of Pangasinan are the Pangasinenses. There are also Tingguians who
live in the secluded mountains of Ilocos Sur.
Limited arable land, steep slopes, and long periods of dry season have taught the
inhabitants the value of industry and frugality. There are no big landholdings and every family
owns a piece of land. The limited cultivable land and the influence of the sea have made the
Ilocanos adventurous and the most migratory of the Filipinos.
The three provinces of Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur and La Union has the most homogenous
ethnolinguistic population in the whole archipelago.
The Ilocanos are known for being hardworking, appreciative, simple and determined.
They are also known as stingy or kuripot. Like all Filipinos, the Ilocanos have a strong family
tie and they have high respects to their parents.
The Ilocanos are described as "the browbeaten, industrious, cheerful, simple soul who has
shown a remarkable strain of bravery and a bit of wanderlust."
Location and Physical Characteristics
Region I is located in the northwest of Luzon. In its eastern borders are regions of
Cordillera Administrative Region and Cagayan Valley and in the south is Central Luzon. To the
west north is the West Philippine Sea.
The topography of the northern and western parts of both Ilocoss Norte and Ilocos Sur
are both mountainous. The western coast of the region is narrow strip of plain between the
mountainous region and the coastline from Ilocos to Pangasinan. Except for a large part of Agno
Valley in Pangasinan which is a continuation of the Central Plain of Luzon, all the rest of the
provinces are mountainous. The mountain systems and hills are so close to the sea that only a
narrow strip of plain is available for farming purposes.
It has a direct access to international sea lanes, as it is bound on the east by the South
China Sea and the Central Cordillera mountain range on the west. It is expected to develop
export-oriented agri-industrial and tourism activities due to its proximity to Taiwan, Hongkong

and outhern China. Its land area of 12,840.2 sq. kms. is composed of towering mountains, thick
forests and narrow coastal plains.
Climate
The region has a long dry season because of the Cordillera Mountains that block the wind
from the Pacific Ocean. The temperature occurs cooler during the months of December up to
February. The hottest months are April and May.
Of all the regions in the country, Ilocos Coastal Plain has the shortest period of rainy
season, lasting for only four months from June to September. At other times of the year very little
rain falls in the region.
Pangasinan belongs to the first type of climate showing a distinct rhythm of wet and dry
season lasting for about six months each.
The Three Important Rivers in the Region
Laoag River- crosses Ilocos Norte and empties its load into the China Sea.
Abra River- has its source from Mt. Data. It flows north, but at a certain distance, it
turns abruptly westward to the province of Abra, emptying into the China Sea.
Agno River- has its headwaters in Mt. Data flows south to the Central Plain but empties
into the Lingayen Gulf.
Major Industries
The major industries in the region include crop production, fishing, mining and
manufacturing. The Ilocos Region is a prime agricultural land. Tobacco and mangoes are the
major export products. It also produces crops like rice, corn, vegetables, sugar cane, rootcrops
and fruits. Agro-industrial businesses, like milkfish (bangus) cultivation and processing,
livestock raising such as pigs, chicken, goats and carabaos (water buffalos), fish paste processing
(bagoong), and others, are sources of income for the region. It is also rich in mineral resources
such as limestone for cement and feldspar for ceramics, copper, gold, chromite, iron, manganese
and

silica.

Natural Resources
Rice is the principal crop of the region and Pangasinan is one of the leading rice producer
of the country.
The region is a producer of food surplus - rice, corn, vegetables, rootcrops and fruits such
as mangoes. It has abundant natural resources such as limestone for cement, feldspar for

ceramics, fruits, vegetables, fish, poultry, and forest products such as bamboo and rattan. Other
mineral resources include copper, gold, chromite, iron, manganese and silica.
It has one of the longest coastlines, aside from numerous rivers and streams. It has
extensive fishing grounds and excellent prospects for fishpond cultivation.
Contributions to Economic Development
Ilocos Region contributed 3.09 percent to the country's GDP in 2013. Its GRDP increased
by 7.74 percent. Agriculture, Hunting, Forestry and Fishing sector accounted for 24.58 percent of
the regional economy. It grew by 2.14 percent in 2013.
Palay production in 2013 improved by 0.71 percent from previous year's level. Area
harvested expanded by 0.90 percent but yield was down by 0.19 percent. Corn production grew
by 2.94 percent and this was contributed by the 1.59 percent increase in area harvested. Corn
yield per hectare went up by 1.33 percent.
Agricultural production in Ilocos Region posted a 2.22 percent increment in 2013. This
was contributed by the positive performances in the crops, livestock, and fisheries subsectors.
Correspondingly, output increases were 1.12 percent, 1.95 percent, and 7.89 percent. The crops
subsector shared 59.20 percent in the total agricultural output. Meanwhile, output of the poultry
subsector went down by 0.54 percent and it accounted for 10.08 percent in the region's
agricultural production.
The five major commodities produced in Ilocos shared 66.02 percent in the region's total
agricultural output. Palay was the leading commodity with its 27.71 percent contribution and the
region ranked 4th in production. Ilocos Region is the country's number one (1) producer of
mango and milkfish in 2013.

ILOCOS REGION
(Provinces)
A. ILOCOS SUR
A royal decree of February 2, 1818 separated Ilocos Norte from Ilocos Sur.
The passage of Act 2683 by the Philippine Legislature in March 1917 defined the
present geographical boundary of the province.
Ilocos Sur is where the Ilocos Regions myriad of cultures and histories converge
to become a living museum of a spirited past.
Brief Profile
Land area: 2,596.0 km
Municipalities: 32
Cities: Vigan City and Candon City
Barangays: 768
Physical Characteristics
It is relatively uneven in its physical features. The relief changes from hilly to
mountainous with slopes varying from 30% to 50% with an area of 1449 sq. kilometers
and the coastal plain is level to undulating (0-3%) occupying an area of 840 sq. km. with
several low hills scattered at random all throughout the entire length of the province.
Location
Ilocos Sur is a province of the Philippines located along the western coast of
Northern Luzon and belongs to Ilocos Region. It is bounded on the north by Ilocos Norte,
on the south by Benguet and La Union, on the west by the South China Sea and on the
east by Abra and Mountain Province. It consists of 2 component cities and 32
municipalities with the historic city of Vigan as the provincial capital. The province
occupies about 20.11% of the total land area of Ilocos Region.

Climate
The climate is generally dry as defined by the Hernandez climate classification the dry months are from October to May. However, the southernmost portion, Cervantes,
is humid and rain is evenly distributed throughout the year while the eastern part of
Sugpon is drier. August has the most rainfall while January and February have the least.
The mean temperature in the province is 27 degrees Celsius January is the coldest.
Major Industries
The people are engaged in farming, producing food crops, mostly rice, corn,
vegetable, root crops, and fruits. Non-food crops include tobacco, cotton, and tigergrass.
Cottage industries include loom weaving, furniture making, jewelry making, ceramics,
blacksmithing, and food processing.
Approximately 23.7 percent of the province's total land area are crop lands. Aside
from La Union, Ilocos Sur is one of the country's major producers of tobacco. Its other
major

agricultural

products

include

onion,

tomato

and

banana.

Aquatic Resource and Fishery

The province has a long coastline totaling to 141.67 km. as a fishery resource. Its
vast marine waters are a migratory path of tuna and other pelagic fish species. In spite of
the potential resource, and the considerably good enough production of marine fishes,
still the province is deficient in fish supply.
Fishing is a major industry with a sizeable number of the population engaged into
it. This is so, as 18 of the 34 municipalities of the province are located along the coast.
Vigan: The Capital City
Vigan is inscribed in UNESCOs World Heritage List in November 1999, is
almost four centuries old. It is one of the new seven wonder cities of the world. It was
once known as Kabigbigaan from biga, a coarse, erect and araceous plant with large
and ornate leaves which grows on the banks of the rivers. It is the best preserved example
of a planned Spanish colonial town in Asia. It became the bishopric seat of Nueva
Segovia.

Natural and Cultural/ Historical Attractions

Santiago Cove
-

A stretch of golden sand beach in Santiago with amenities for picnics and water
sports

Pinsal Falls
-

A favorite setting for many local films, Pinsal Falls features Angalo's footprint,
the legendary Ilocano giant. The falls is a few kilometers of rough road from the
highway, located at Barangay Babalasiwan, Sta. Maria town.

Pug-Os Beach
-

Rest houses and picnic sheds are found in this nearby white sand beach in
Cabugao.

Sulvec Beach
-

The rocky shore of Sulvec, Narvacan is a favorite stop-over of commuters and the
locals as well. By the shoreline is the Paraiso ni Juan leading up to the grotto atop
a rock.

Apatot Beach
-

This cove in San Esteban is frequently visited by picnickers. During the last stage
of World War II, US submarines surfaced in the area to unload arms and supplies
for the USAFIP, NL.

Ancestral Houses, Kamestizoan District of Vigan

The houses feature ancient tile roofs massive hardwood floorings, balustrades and
azoteas in varying Spanish- Mexican- Chinese architectural styles.

Bessang Pass, Cervantes

-

A monument commemorating General Yamashita's last ditch defense, a battle won

by Philippine Forces, June 14, 1945.

Crisologo Museum, Vigan

-

The museum houses the memorabilia of the Crisologos, one of Vigan's leading
families and original furnishings of a typical Vigan ancestral house.

Magsingal Museum, Vigan

-

A repository of Ilocano heritage, featuring collections of pottery, porcelain and

artifacts.

National Museum, Vigan

-

The Burgos residence in began, houses the memorabilia of the martyr priest, Jose
Burgos, Ilocano artifacts and ethnic arts of the Tingguiano.

Northern Luzon Heroes Hill National Park, Santa

-

A historical marker in honor of Gabriela Silang, who continued the struggle for
the country's freedom from the Spaniards. Started when her husband Diego Silang
was slain.

San Esteban And Sulvec Baluartes Watchtowers

-

These rotund structures were built as lookout points for impending pirate attacks.

Tirad Pass, Gregorio Del Pilar

-

Declared as a national shrine, the pass was the site of the last stand of theFilipino
Revolutionary Forces led by Generals EmilioAguinaldo and Gregorio del Pilar.

Archbishop's Palace, Vigan

-

Finished in 1793, ' the palace has a collection of priceless, ecclesiastical artifacts
and relics from other Ilocos churches.

Bantay Church

Features Baroque and Gothic influenced architecture.

Sinait Church
-

Contains a 17th Century image of the Black Nazarene, found floating in a sealed
casket along the coast of Sinait.

St. Paul's Metropolitan Cathedral, Vigan

-

A massive structure built by the Augustinians in distinctive Baroque architecture.

Santa Lucia Church

-

The object of devotees who flocked the church is the Dark virgin of Santa Lucia,
said to be miraculous.

B. LA UNION
The province was created on March 2, 1850, out of towns then belonging to
Ilocos Sur and Pangasinan. It was carved from the nine towns of Pangasinan, three of
Ilocos Sur and villages of the Eastern Pais del Igorotes in the Cordilleras.
La Union was formally created by a Royal Decree issued by Queen Isabela of
Spain on April 18, 1854.
The name La Union indicates the union of towns from different provinces.
Presently, La Union is still "young" when compared to older provinces such as
Pangasinan, Ilocos Sur, Ilocos Norte, Pampanga, Cebu and Cavite. It is a class - A,
progressive and developing province. Its 155 years of existence since 1850 testifies to
reality of the original vision -- a province geared towards peace, prosperity, growth and
development. Although the rate of economic progress has been noticeable faster in the
coastal towns, the interior towns have coped with the pace. The network of modern
infrastructure has contributed to the present progressive condition in agriculture,

commerce and industry. In the late 1990's, the national leadership declared La Union as
one of the archipelago's 12 regional industrial centers.
La Union is considered "the gateway" to two regions, Ilocos and Cordillera, and
serves as a "regional center" of the archipelago's first region. Due to its strategic location
as the "gateway", La Union has become the entrepot to the Ilocos and a by-way to the
Cordilleras.The province has contributed greatly to the easy transport of farm products
from the "barangays" to the "ili" (town proper) or "poblacion".
Brief Profile
Capital: San Fernando
Land Area: 1,504.0 km
City: San Fernando
Munacipalities: 19
Physical Characteristics
La Union has a predominantly hilly terrain which gradually rises eastward from
the shore.
La Union has a land area of 1, 504.0 sq. km. of this area, 68% is classified as
alienable and disposable, while the remaining 32% are public forest lands.
The province of La Union consists of lands generally level to undulating and/or
rolling with the hilly/ mountainous portions concentrated in the intermediate hillsides of
the Cordillera mountain ranges. The western boarder is a coastal plain of raised coral and
alluvium (sand/ clay) deposited by flowing water and overlaying older sediments. The
eastern portion is predominantly mountainous (but lower in contour than the Cordillera
mountain ranges of Benguet and Mountain Province) with a linear north and south
arrangement.
Location
La Union is in the southwestern Ilocos Region in northern Luzon. It is bounded
by Ilocos Sur on the north and northeast, Benguet on the east, Pangasinan on the south,
and the China Sea on the west.
Climate

The province has two pronounced seasons - dry from November to April, and wet
from May to October.
Commerce and Industries
The

main

sources

of

livelihood

are

farming

and

fishing.

The principal products are rice, corn, tobacco, garlic, sugarcane and cassava. Grapes are
also grown extensively.
Cottage industries include blanket-weaving, basketry, shellcraft, pottery and
furniture-making.
La Union is also well-known for its "basi", the native wine made from fermented
sugarcane juice.
La Union is rising as an important surfing destination next to Siargao and thus,
appropriately nicknamed The Surfing Capital of Northern Philippines. Stretches of
white and gray-sand beaches can be seen along the towns. Among these are the Bauang
Beach, the San Juan Beach, the San Francisco-Canaoay-Pagudpud Beach and the AgooDamortis National Seashore Park.
Aside from surfing and beautiful beaches, La Union is also known for its
Botanical Gardens in San Fernando City which showcases different pavilions in its tenhectare facility with flora and fauna that are indigenous only to the Philippines.
Natural, Cultural/ Historical Attractions
Bauang Beach
-

Lined along the fine grayish sand of Bauang Beach are establishments providing
accomodation and other amenties from Baccuit to Pagdalagan. The beach is 6
kilometers south of San Fernando.

San Francisco-Canaoay-Pagudpud Beach

-

Tourism related establishments dot the beach area in San Fernando.

San Juan Beach

-

Approximately 8 kilometers north of San Fernando, the beach stretching from

Urbiztondo to Ili Norte is dotted with tourism-related establishments. The surf in
the area is ideal for amateur surfing during the months of November to February.

Agoo-Damortis National Seashore Park

-

Declared as a National Park, the beach stretching from Sta. Rita, Agoo up to
Damortis, Rosario is proposed for development as atourist destination in La
Union.

Museo de La Union, La Union

-

Located at the Provincial Capitol ground in San Fernando, the Museum

showcases archaeological finds in La Union during the pre-Spanish period.

Museo de Iloko, La Union

-

The old presidencia of Agoo houses artifacts and other pieces of cultural
importance to the Ilocanos.

Baluarte
-

Built by the Spaniards during their heydays, the mighty Baluarte was used as
watch tower and observation post by the authorities for impending danger from
the sea. Not from typhoons or tsunamis, but from the Abu Sayafs at that time: the
Japanese, Chinese and Moro pirates who took pleasure in raping coastal towns
and

settlements.

Because of its massiveness and height, the Guardia Civils are able to warn the
residents of Namacpacan (the original name of the town of Luna) and prepare the
peace officers to defend the properties and lives of their constituents. Like a
guardian looking over its subjects, this ancient structure had served well its very
purpose for countless times in the past.

Pindangan Ruins
-

Pindangan Ruins is located at Brgy. San Vicente, San Fernando City, La Union,
about 500 meters from the national highway, near Camp Oscar Florendo, the
Regional Headquarters of the Philippine National Police (PNP). The original
name of San Fernando, Pindangan in the Ilocano dialect means a place where
meat is sun dried with salt for preservation. Because of the places abundant dried
meat,

the

place

was

called

Pindangan.

To centralize and start its evangelization in the area, the Frayles Francisco
Romero and Santiago Holarte built a church made of stone thatch at the present
site in 1764. Because of its proximity to the sea however, there were numerous
raids by Japanese, Chinese and Moro pirates that usually loot the coastal areas of
La Union. To solve the problem, the Spanish clergy decided to transfer the church
to Brgy. Tanqui then to Brgy. Cabaroan and afterwards to its present site in front
of

the

City

Auditorium.

Today, the ruins buttresses and walls are still standing. An old well which
supplied the area with cool water through the centuries, can still be found at the
side of the church. Made of corals and bricks, the enchanting well is still in good
condition. The Carmelite Sisters, whose monastery stands behind the ruins, are
the caretakers of the glorious landmark.

The Centennial Tunnel

-

Situated in Poblacion, Aringay, La Union, this 500 meter tunnel was made in 1913
during the American regime. Intended for the trains of the Philippine National
Railways (PNR) bound for Baguio City, it was later abandoned by the
Commonwealth Govenment because of the then impending Second World War.
According to locals, the tunnel already exists during the Spanish era, it was only
in the American occupation that it was developed and fortified, thus making it
officially more than a century year old. During the Japanese occupation, the
tunnel was used as headquarters of the Japanese Imperial Army because of its
durability against US bombings, rising speculations that hidden treasures were
buried in the area. Similar structures could also be found in Tuba, Benguet which
were

supposed

to

be

part

of

the

ambitious

railway

system.

All in all, the abandoned PNR track has a total length of approximately 40.4
kilometers from Aringay town proper to Baguio City. Aringays Centennial
Tunnel is 7.6 meters wide and with a depth of 4.5 meters.

The Vicinity of Saint William the Hermit Cathedral

-

The church was reconstructed by the residents through the efforts of Bishop
Santiago C. Sancho in 1947-1949, after it was destroyed during the liberation of
the province in 1945, and rededicated on February 10, 1949.

The Tomb of Unknown Soldier

-

The tomb was built in recognition of the great courage of the soldiers who fought
during the last World War. The marker stands at the junction leading to the Poro
Point.

The Taoist Ma-Cho Temple

-

Many Filipino-Chinese honor the image of Ma-zeun at the Ma-cho Temple. The
image is believed to have a Christian counterpart known as Virgin of Caysasay,
which is found in Taal, Batangas. The building was constructed by skilled workers
from Taiwan and was designed by Architect Diokno.

The Historical Bacsil Ridge Monument

-

Bacsil Ridge is one of the most famous battle sites in the region. The site can be
found on a mountainous terrain about 10 kilometers east of the city proper. It was
the border of the Japanese Line established in mid-January 1945 and the Joint
121st Infantry Regiment of USAPIF-NI. A monument stands in the ridge to
commemorate the hard-fought and won battle in the city.

Moro Watch Tower

-

Moro Watch Tower Stands as a symbol of the bravery and unity of the earlier
residents in their fight against the marauding pirates called "Tirong", who
plundered the Ilocos seacoasts more than 400 years ago. The watch tower was
turned over to the City Government on June 29, 2007.

The Baroro Bridge Marker

The Baroro Bridge Marker was the site of the first victory by the Luzon Guerillas
over a Japanese armed unit before the American Liberation Forces landed in
Luzon.

C. PANGASINAN
The third biggest province in the whole Philippine Archipelago, derived its name
from salt or asin in the vernacular. Owing to the rich and fine salt beds which were the
prime source of livelihood for the provinces coastal towns, PanagASINan or
Pangasinan which means where salt is made came to be its name.
Pangasinan has been described as a gateway to northern Luzon and as the
heartland of the Philippines.
Being a gateway of sorts, the province is house to major and minor
telecommunication companies, bus and transport services, regional and local
publications, radio stations, television networks , cable services, hotel and restaurant
chains, and a diversified variety of manufacturing and merchandising establishments.
Pangasinan is one of the countrys most diverse provinces where you find an
abundance of marvelous landscapes and natural wonders, warm polite and hospitable
people with cultural roots in centuries of glorious history, and a way of life that is a
delightful combination of tradition, innovation and creativity.
Known as a land of romance and miracles, Pangasinan represents the best
Provincial Philippines, where you find both the familiar and unfamiliar world, keeping
abreast with the challenges of the 21st Century, but has splendidly preserved its vast
panorama of outstanding natural beauty and unique attractions, each in their own
memorable styles.

Brief Profile
Capital: Lingayen
Land area: 5,368.82 km
Cities: Alaminos, Dagupan, San Carlos, Urdaneta
Municipalities: 44
Barangays: 1, 364
People and Culture
The Pangasinense is hardly frugal in the true sense of the word, nor is he
extravagant either. Special occasions such as fiestas, weddings and baptisms are
exceptions wherein extravagance is necessary to save face, but then most other
Filipinos in other regions are similar in that respect. History tells us however that the
Pangasinense has always been sensitive to issues concerning his welfare.
Physical Characteristics
Pangasinan is a crescent-shaped province that occupies 5,368.82 square
kilometers of verdant farmlands, hills, forests and rivers, which constitutes almost onehalf (41.8%) of the total land area of Region 1 and 1.8% of the total area of the
Philippines.
Location
Pangasinan is located on the west central area of the island of Luzon along the
Lingayen Gulf.
The province is 170 kilometers (105.633 mi) north of Manila, 50 kilometers
(31.0685 mi.) south of Baguio City, 115 kilometers (71.4576 mi.) north of Subic
International Airport and Seaport, and 80 kilometers (49.7096 mi.) north of Clark
International Airport.
Climate
The province has two distinct seasons: dry from November to April and wet
during the rest of the year. Average temperature is 27.6 degrees centigrade; humidity
averages 87.3% and average monthly rainfall is 153.77 millimeters.

The Gifts of the Earth and Sea

Pangasinan is rooted to the earth agriculture based production remains as a
major source of income for the majority of the populace. Aqua-culture is also popular in
areas where instead of farmlands, variated squares of artificial ponds for fish rearing are
found. Through the years, as the demand for particular fish stocks rose and fell, fishpond
owners have adapted by sticking to traditionally favored, and stable growing fish species
like the bangus or milkfish, the malaga and prawns. With agriculture currently mobilizing
more than half of the local labor force, the current administration has seen the need to
boost its efforts in this area.

Agriculture
The major crops in Pangasinan are rice, mangoes, corn, and sugar cane.
Pangasinan has a land area of 536,819 hectares, and 44 percent of the total land area of
Pangasinan is devoted to agricultural production.
Economy
The province's economy is mainly agricultural due to its vast fertile plains. More
than 44 percent of its agricultural area is devoted to crop production. Aside from being
one of the Philippine's rice granaries, Pangasinan is also a major producer of coconut,
mango and eggplant.
As a coastal province, marine and inland fishing have become one of the major
economic activities of the people.
Apart from agriculture and fishery, Pangasinan's economy also thrives in light
industries. It is famous for exquisitely hand-carved furnitures, naturally-carved bamboo
furnitures, rattan and the famous Fish Caviar (Bagoong), which has become the
trademark of the province.
Pangasinan also boasts of its natural and scenic spots which have greatly
contributed to the booming local tourism industry.
Natural, Cultural/ Historical Attractions
Hundred Islands National Park

located in Alaminos. 123 islets sit in the 18.44-square kilometer spread of

Lingayen Gulf just near the South China Sea. Out of those, only a few of them
have been developed to host tourists.

Our Lady of Manaoag

-

Devotees flock to this beautiful Shrine because of the hundreds of pilgrim

testimonials and miraculous tales attached to its rep. The Our Lady of Manaoag is
one of the venerated Marian figures of the Roman Catholic world. It has been said
that the holy water and oil coming from the Shrine have healing powers.

Lingayen Beach
-

Lingayen Beach has powdery sand enough to make athletes run barefoot, yogis
perform their thing and kids build artsy sandcastles.

Bolinao Falls
-

Along the dense forests of Bolinao lies a majestic waterfalls complete with
emerald green waters and refreshingly cool waters everyone should bathe in.

St. James Parish

-

Pangasinan is certainly known for its fine heritage rooted also from the Spanish
colonization of the country. Catholicism paved the way for stunning churches, one
of those is the Augustinian-founded, stone facade-clad and Mexican-inspired altar
of St. James Parish.

Cape Bolinao Lighthouse

-

Cape Bolinao Lighthouse is a tall structure erected sometime during the American
settlement of the country. It is second to the Cape Bojeador Lighthouse of Laoag
in terms of height.

Wonderful Cave
-

Pangasinan also have some spelunking adventure for you in the form of this secret
gem called the Wonderful Cave. Retreat from the summer heat in the caves clean
and cool mineral water.

Mount Balungao

Standing at 383 metres high is this inactive volcano called grand Mount
Balungao.

Limahong Channel
-

The Chinese Corsair Limahong proceeded north to Pangasinan when foiled of his
attempt to establish a colony on the shore of Manila Bay. Pursued by the Spanish
colonizers, he dug a channel in Domalandan, Lingayen that served as his escape
way towards the China Sea.

Villa Verde Trail

-

The Red Arrow Monument at Villa Verde Trail in Sta. Maria East, San Nicolas
where the 32nd Division of the United States Armed Forces in the Far East saw
action in the pursuit of the retreating Japanese Forces during the campaign to
liberate Northern Luzon. Trekking is the main activity in the area.

Old St. Johns Cathedral

-

It was in the old cathedral on Zamora Street, Dagupan, where the Spanish General
Caballos surrendered to the Filipino military strategist, General Francisco
Makabulos during the Philippine Revolution.

D. ILOCOS NORTE
Ilocos Norte was created as a separate province by the King Ferdinand VII of
Spain through a Royal Decree on February 2, 1818 and Republic Act 2711 on March 10,
1917. It occupies the coastal plain bordering the China Sea and guarded by the
Cordilleras in the northwestern corner of Luzon. Before this, the coastal region
encompassing both Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur was one province.
Ilocos Norte is noted for being the birthplace of former President Ferdinand E.
Marcos, who led an authoritarian rule over the country during the latter half of his
incumbency.
There is also a windmill in Ilocos Norte, the only one in the whole Philippines.
Ilocos Norte is home to several famous Roman Catholic churches:
Paoay Church (St. Agustine Church) - named a UNESCO World Heritage Site
in 1993.
St. William's Cathedral in Laoag - famous for its Sinking Bell Tower, found 85
meters away.
St. Monica Church in Sarrat - biggest church in the Ilocos Region.
Bacarra Church - destroyed during an intensity 7.8 earthquake in 1983,
reconstructed and reinaugurated in 1984.
Brief Profile
Capital: Laoag
Municipalities: 21
Cities: 2
Barangays: 557
Total Land Area: 3,400 square kilometers
Physical Characteristics
Ilocos Norte has a total land area of 3,400 square kilometers.
Location

Ilocos Norte is located at the northwest corner of Luzon island, bordering

Cagayan and Apayao to the east, and Abra and Ilocos Sur to the south.
Ilocos Norte faces the South China Sea to the west and the Luzon Strait to the
north.
Climate
The province has two distinct seasons: dry from November to April and wet
during the rest of the year. Monthly average rainfall reaches 172.3 millimeters.
Temperature averages 26.8 degrees centigrade.
Major Industries and Economy
Like the other provinces of the Ilocos, Ilocos Norte's economy is mostly
agriculture- based. Aside from rice, the province is a major producer of fruits, vegetables
and legumes, specifically, garlic and tomato.
Garlic is the principal cash crop. Fishing and manufacturing are other industries.
Manufacturing has become a thriving industry in the province where most of the
establishments are focused on general contracting, furniture-making, handicrafts and
metalcraft. Ilocos Norte is popular for its old churches and ancestral houses. The
province's booming tourism industry is due to its various scenic spots and the presence of
an international airport in the City of Laoag.
Food processing - salt, bagoong, patis, basi (native Ilocano wine), vinegar,
longganisa, chicharon, bagnet, chichacorn (cornick), jewelry, garments, cereal
processing, packaging, mechanized processing equipment.
Natural, Cultural/ Historical Attractions
Cape Bojeador Lighthouse, Burgos
-

Built in 1892, the Lighthouse is still in use today.

a cultural heritage structure in Burgos, Ilocos Norte, that was established during
the Spanish Colonial period in the Philippines

Malacanang of the North, Paoay

-

Built as the official residence of President Marcos in Ilocos Norte, overlooking

legendary Paoay Lake. This imposing structure is now a museum.

Marcos Museum and Mausoleum, Batac

-

Located in his home town of Batac, the museum showcases the memorabilia of
President Marcos. His embalmed body is displayed next door.

Tobacco Monopoly Monument, Laoag

-

A memorial to the lifting of the Tobacco Monopoly in 1881 by the King of Spain.

Paoay Church
-

Built of coral blocks and stucco plastered bricks, the church is a unique
combination of Gothic, Baroqueand Oriental designs.

St. William's Cathedral, Laoag

-

Built by the Augustinians in Italian Renaissance design in 1612.

Sta. Monica Church, Sarrat

-

Century-old church of Nee-classical and Baroque architecture.

Laoag Sinking Bell Tower

-

Built by Augustinian friars, the tower stands 45 meters high. According to old
stories, it used to have an entrance that can allow a man on a horse to enter
without having the trouble of fitting in. Now, a standard height person need to
bend in order to get in, thus the name Sinking Bell Tower was formed. When
you visit the city, make sure to drop by this remarkable historical site to
experience Ilocos cultural heritage.

Museo Ilocos Norte (also Museo Gameng)

-

One way to learn more about the city is by visiting its museum. Museo Ilocos
Norte has many historical facts that can shed light to its cultural heritage. It brings
you back to the past during the Spanish colonization. With the old clay pots,
kalesa, traditional Ilocano clothing, and many more, the museum comes alive.

Laoag Cathedral

Famously known as Saint William Cathedral, this church was built by

Augustinian friars. Inside has a vast space with two-storey floor as well as statues
of saints that rest in front where the altar is.

Pamulinawen Fountain
-

Located in downtown Laoag City inside Aurora Park, this fountain is named after
a young woman in an Ilocano folk song.

FESTIVALS IN REGION I
Ilocos Norte

Bac- Bacarra Festival (Bacarra: November)

Bacarra Town Fiesta is celebrated in honor of St. Andrew de Apostle, the towns patron
saint. Bac-Bacarra Festival which started in 2005 is a heritage that rekindled the love and
passion of Bacarra people to revive and preserve the richness of their culture and traditions. The
legendary word bac-bacarra is a specie of freshwater fish abundant in the river during the 15th
century which gave birth to the towns name .
Amianan Festival (Bangui)

Baguinians celebrate in harmony and unify in thanksgiving to God because of the Amian
climate. Hence, the birth and the celebration of the Amian Festival.

PANAG-ABUOS FESTIVAL (Banna) April

Panag-abuos Festival is the art of ant harvesting shown in a dance parade around town.
Abuos is an exotic delicacy of the residents. This event coincides with their town fiesta.
Empanada Festival (Batac) June

Batac Town Fiesta is a month long celebration in honor of the feast of the Immaculada
Concepcion (Immaculate Concepcion.
One major highlight is the Empanada Festival which is a showcase of the famous product- the
BATAC EMPANADA. With a distinct taste truly it own, the BATAC EMPANADA is made of
savory filling of grated green papaya, mongo, longganisa and egg. The dough that serves as its
thin and crisp wrapper is made of rice flour. The main feature of the EMPANADA FESTIVAL is
the street dancing which chronicles the process of preparing the delectable BATAC
EMPANADA.

SANIATA FESTIVAL (Burgos) July 5-8

Burgos Town Fiesta is celebrated in honor of Father Jose Burgos.

BADO-BADOC FESTIVAL (Badoc) April 16-20

Badoc Town Fiesta is celebrated in honor of the towns patron saint, St. John de
Baptist.The town promote it's products made up of corn husks and Bad-bado grass which is
indigenous in its riverbanks.
DINAKLISAN FESTIVAL (Currimao) April 29-May 1

A coastal town, it pays tribute to its fishermen and primary industry and gives homage to
the Almighty for the rich marine life as it celebrates Dinaklisan Festival. People come together
for the float parade, street dancing and the coronation of the town's loveliest maiden among
others. On May 1, there will be a grand fluvial parade where fishermen throw their nets into the
sea to catch fish (daklis in Iluko) afterwhich the catch will be grilled and shared by the town's
people along the shore.
ANI FESTIVAL (Dingras) March

Ani Festival is celebrated to pay tribute to Dingras as the rice granary of the province of
Ilocos Norte. Activities include Thanksgiving mass, Agro-industrial fair, Dance parade featuring
ethnic dances of Dingras, Komedya Ilokana, Choir competition, Dance competition and Food
fest.
Pamulinawen Festival (Laoag City)

Laoag City celebrates its annual fiesta on the 10th of February, the feast day of Saint William
the Hermit, its patron saint. It is an affair which is primarily done to give honor, pay our homage
and extend our thanks for the benevolence and generosity of Saint William. Through his
intercession to the Lord, Laoag City has been blessed and spared from calamities and disasters.

The Laoagueos await for and look forward to every celebration of the city fiesta, making it an
extension of the fun and the frolics of the Christmas season.
MANNALON FESTIVAL (Marcos) March 27

Mannalon Festival is celebrated to pay tribute to the farmers of the town. Marcos is
purely an agriculture area with farming as the main occupation of local constituents.
KANGAYEDAN FESTIVAL (Pagudpud) April

Kangayedan Festival is celebrated to showcase the natural resources and products of

Pagudpud.

GULING-GULING FESTIVAL (Paoay)

Guling-Guling Festival (Guling-Guling Martes) aims to commemorate the old

practice of the Spanish friars for the religious sector to interact with its parishioners. It has
always been celebrated on the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday because it was believed that this
was the last day for the townsfolk to enjoy all forms of merrymaking before they observe the
Lenten season. Highlights of Guling-Guling celebration include dance parade, Ulnas Parade
(wooden sled), Dudol food festival (native delicacy) and basi drinking (native wine).
Panagsana Festival (Pasuquin)

Through time, the settlers discovered ways to harness the bounties of living along the
coastal area; they were able to establish the salt making industry, or panagsana.
With their determination, perseverance, hard work, frugality, passion and their will to
survive, the people endure the long process of saltmaking, working even under the scorching sun
during the summer months.

BASI FESTIVAL (Piddig)

Basi Festival aims to commemorate the revolt staged by Piddig people in 1807 to resist
the Spanish Monopoly. This sentiment spread all over the Ilocos. Basi is made from crushed
sugarcane juice compounded with elements like barks and berries from local trees.
Bawang Festival (Pinili)

Pinili Town Fiesta is celebrated in honor of St. Isidore de Farmer, the towns patron
saint. Bawang Festival which is now a tourist attraction is observed because garlic is the main
commodity of Pinili.

Damili Festival (San Nicolas)

Held every Christmas time, the town of San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte celebrates the Damili
festival to acknowledge the main source of their livelihood: Pottery. They use the red variety
they call Damili, which is abundant in the Ilocos region. Aside from pots, the red clay is also
being used to create the beautiful damili tiles used as flooring for various structures like the Fort
Ilocandia Casino and Hotel, Laoag International Airport, and Marcos Mansion.
Abaludal Festival (Solsona)

ABALUDAL came from the words ABA(gabi) and DALUDAL (young gabi
shoot), two of the primary root crops of the municipality. This exotic crop is extremely common
and beloved in Solsona and usually grows everywhere. It is a usual scene in the market the gabi
leaves, stems and roots which are sold in HUGE volumes. What a wonderful sight to watch the
so much fresh gabi leaves from small to enormous, in piles, bundles and baskets full, totally
fresh and just harvested, hanging and starting to dry and dry and cut up, ready to cookA
testament to its desirability, availability, adaptability and probably most of all, economy.

Siwawer Festival (Vintar)

Siwawer Festival with the theme: Talugading ni Siwawer Pasantaken, was hatched as
a fitting celebration to showcase Vintars many great leaders and achievers worthy of praise and
emulation. Moreover this festival aims to serve as a venue in promoting culture, arts and tourism
development; natural resources preservation; and local cultural heritage conservation.
Rambak ti Arak ken Saplid Festival (Adams)

Adams was a haven of the Iyapayaos and Imallods during the pre-Spanish era and later of
the Ylocanos who migrated in the 1930s upon the invitation of the Iyapayaos. In the 1970s, the
Kankanaey tribe from the Cordilleras and the Bago tribe from La Union and Ilocos Sur also
migrated

to

Adams.

Some of these migrants brought with them the knowledge of Tapuey (rice wine) making,
while others brought with them the tiger grass seedlings. Soon, intermarriages among the tribes
people and the Ylocanos took place. As a result, there was merger of technical knowhow.
Applying the knowledge of Tapuey making, the folks experimented on bugnay fruit wine
making. Simultaneously, the tiger grass which grew robustly in Adams, was woven with rattan
and nito into soft broom, otherwise known as saplid.
Magdadaran Talip Festival (Carasi)

Magdadaran Talip Festival is celebrated to commemorate the ancient peace pact that
has brought lasting peace between and among the ethnic tribes in the province of Ilocos Norte
and its environs to cultivate and bring to the fore the rich culture, customs and traditions
indigenous to these tribes and to enhance fellowship and stronger ties not only among themselves
but also with the Ilocanos.
Panagdawagi Festival (Dumalneg)

The Panagwawagi Festival is a celebration of brotherhood. It commemorates the peace

pact among warring tribes and the settlement of land and caste disputes among members of the
tribe. It celebrates the respect between cultures, and the embracing of each others unique
cultures, most notably that of the Isnegs and the Ilocanos. As a result of this exchange, the
Ilocano adopted some of the Isnegs ways in the form of dances and their dialect. On the other
hand, the Isneg has likewise adopted the Ilocanos way of clothing, dialect, dances and even
religion. The festival depicts the sharing of faith by the Ilocano, and embracing the spiritual
values of the Isneg.
Through this festival, the people of Dumalneg assert that despite discrimination, brotherhood
diminishes the differences and bridges the gap. They have one heart and one mind and together
move toward a common goal peace, unity and cooperation.
Tadek Festival (Nueva Era)

Tadek is a ceremonial dance performed as an expression of merriment for an attainment

of victory, courtship and marriage, and even after burial and when remembering the dead. The
dance is accompanied by instruments such as drums (tambor) and flat gongs (gangsa). The
dancers use cloth as allap at the tip of their fingers while dancing. The tadek dance is an
integral part of the culture of the people of Nueva Era, and the yearly celebration of the Tadek
festival crystallizes the peoples efforts to keep their culture and history alive and vibrant.

Festivals of Ilocos Sur

Viva Vigan Festival Of The Arts (Vigan City, Ilocos Sur)

1st Week Of May

A festival in a setting replete with historyand heritage, cultural treasures and

reminiscences, the Viva Vigan Festival of the Arts has become one of the biggest cultural events
in the North. Scene stealers are the Caleza Parade, Santacruzan, Inabel Fashion Show, Ramada
Contest, Traditional Games and concerts.
Garlic Festival (Sinait)

It happens during the 1st to 3rd of May that showcase the talent, ingenuity and hard work
trait of Ilocano Farmers in various competition form. It is also known as the Sinait Bawang
Festival. The province-wide cooking contest is also held side-by-side with the Search for the
Biggest Garlic Bulb and Garlic Bundling, whose categories include Longest Twined Garlic,
Creative Bundling, and Bundling Competition which also allows tourist participation.
Longaniza Festival (Vigan City)

The Longaniza Festival of Vigan City held every January 22features the longest
Longaniza with the hope of entering to the Guinness Book of Records as the longest Longaniza
of the world. The Longaniza plays a major role in promoting the identity of the city as a major
producer of Longaniza which is famous not only locally but also abroad.
Pinakbet Festival (Ilocos Sur)
A festival celebrating a favorite dish of the Ilocanos, pinakbet featuring street dances,
cooking competitions. A day to honor the farmers industry and housewives cooking skills.
competitions where the best of Ifugao crafts are displayed.
Tabako Festival (Ilocos Sur)
Celebrated every last week of March in Candon City, as thanksgiving for the city's
bountiful harvest of tobacco.
Binatbatan Festival
The Heritage City, as Vigan is known, bursts into merry colors through its Binatbatan
Festival, luring hordes of local and foreign tourists to its streets lined up with ancestral houses.
The festival got its name from the Iluko term batbatin, or separating cotton balls from the seeds
of the local fruit tree kapas sanglay. The cotton balls are then spun and used in weaving the abel,
which Chinese merchants then residing in Ciudad Fernandina, the Vigan of old, exported and
which was among the local products shipped during the galleon trade from the 15th to the 18th
century.

Semana Santa
St. Pauls Metropolitan Cathedral is the venue of religious rites during the Holy Week.
The Good Friday procession features decorated carrozas bearing life-size statues of Spanish

vintage. On Easter Sunday, the dawn celebration depicting the Resurrection of Christ, called
Sabet, is a scene to behold.

Festivals of Pangasinan

Bagoong Festival

Bagoong making is the main business and source of income of almost all the people here
in our place Pangapisan North, Lingayen, Pangasinan and Pangasinan is very proud that it has
the best quality of bagoong all over the Philippines.
Dumayo Festival

Urdaneta City celebrates Dumayo Festival annually to give thanks for the blessings that
the city has received throughout the years.
Other activities that gave meaning to the celebration were: Basbas ng Pag-iisang Dibdib
(free mass wedding),bloodletting activity, tree planting for environment preservation,jobs fair
and fun run for a cause.
Some of the highlights of this event are the grand parade where carabaos adorned with
various ornaments were featured. And the street dancers from the city and street dancers (guest)
from other municipality.

Mango-Bamboo Festival

The Mango-Bamboo Festival is not just meant to be a festival or entertainment event. It

was called Mango-Bamboo Festival because the two products have a greater chance to compete
in the world market.
Pandan Festival

A festival every April 11-16 depicting the origin of the place Pandan, and its various
uses, showcasing the towns agricultural wealth. The festival highlights the sweets, origin and
their uses in the collective memory of the people of Mapandan.

Bangus Festival

Bangus Festival is one of the major and most exciting festivals in the Philippines worth
visiting. The yearly euphoria envelops the city of Dagupan with a high level of excitement as the
street dancers, in their most striking costumes, depict the harvest of bangus.
Patupat Festival

Patupat is a sweet and delicious food wrapped in banana or coconut leaves. In

Pozorrubio, it was made from sticky rice and cooked in boiling water sugarcane-juice, mostly in
big pots. The wrapper around the patupat is made from young coconut leaves knotted by both
ends and the midribs has been removed. Then the knots are removed and then joined to make a
bag for the patupat.
This food is the main food for the festival of the Pozorrubio. This has been held during
the month of January.

Pistay Dayat (Feast of the Sea)

The annual coastal celebration of communities lining the Lingayen Gulf is known as
Pistay Dayat. According to old fisherfolks of Lingayen, this started in the early 1960s as a
simple, limited shoreline community ritual of prayers, meals and merriment, on or about May 1.
Dagupan City held the first Pistay Dayat during the first term of then Mayor Cipriano Manaois
(1968-1971). Festivities started with Holy Mass, followed by a Philippine Airforce skydiving
exhibition. The Mutya ng Dagat, a beauty contest participated in by local maidens, served as
culminating event. Since then, Dagupeos, local visitors and foreign tourists have eagerly
awaited this annual festival which, essentially, gives them the opportunity to participate in an
array of exciting activities. Colorful beach umbrellas and beach balls, a dip in the beach, walks
along the shore, bodies basking in the sun, sandcastles, sailing bancas, sea shells, beach hats,
sarongs, vendors, picture-taking, sandy feet and the deep blue-sea all these make Pistay Dayat
a summer treat for all. In 2002, Dagupan City held the first Bangus Festival during and around
the celebration of Pistay Dayat. Since then, it has been the annual festival of the seas,
differentiating the citys celebration from that of other coastal communities along Lingayen Gulf.

Mangunguna Festival

Bolinao, Pangasinan holds grand fiesta named Mangunguna Festival. In Bolinao

mangunguna means a fisherman. They celebrate Mangunguna Festival to give tribute to the
fishing and aquaculture industry of the town, which is the number one source of livelihood of the
community in Bolinao. It is a one week celebration from April 9 to April 14.
Sigay Festival

One of the highlights of Binmaley Sigay Festival is the Fluvial Parade where various
Motor boats from different Barangays of Binmaley participated.

Puto Festival

The town of Calasiao, aside from being famous for its miraculous shrine of Seor Divino
Tesoro is also touted as the center of Best Puto in the country.
Puto here is considered as the white gold of the town and sold 24 hours a day along the
rows of stalls at the town proper . It is so delicious because this peso-size product is soft as a
marshmallow, white as a snow, and has a distinct taste and the secrets of cooking it remain
unrevealed up to now by its makers.
Malangsi Festival

Known for their flavorful fermented fish (buro for the locals), Bayombong pays
homage to its harvests from the Mangabul Lake and features freshwater fishies ibn its culinary
and streetdancing competitions, and the requisite longest grill.

Galicayo Festival

Thousands of devotees of the Virgin of Manaoag, renowned among Catholic faithful for
her many miracles, will convene in the Pangasinan town named after her for one its biggest
annual celebrations on April 25.
Special communal novenas have been held every hour from April 16 to 24 in the shrine,
the Our Lady of the Rosary Church of Manaoag, culminating in a big procession at 5 p.m. on the
25th the day of the Manaoag town fiesta.
The 400-year-old ivory statue, adorned with precious antique stones donated by devotees over
many generations, continues to attract thousands of devotees every weekday and hundreds of
thousands on weekends.
Goat Festival

It is generally believed that Balungao was officially founded in the year 1815. The town
was still a part of Cuyapo, Nueva Ecija but, considering its geographical location, it was
segregated from the township of Cuyapo, Nueva Ecija in the later part of the 18th century.
Shortly after the revolution, it was annexed to the Municipality of Rosales and it was then named
Panaclaban. However, by virtue of a Spanish Royal Family Decree, Balungao became an
independent town.
The town of Balungao got its unique name from a young widowed, beautiful lass. People
were fascinated by her beauty and soon named her BALUN-UGAW in the native dialect,

meaning young widower. So the place became famous on the tongues of many whenever
one goes to this place, they would call it BALUNGAO, derived from the word BALUNUGAW.
Talong Festival

Thousands of local and foreign tourists flocked to Villasis, Pangasinan to witness the first
Talong (Eggplant) Festival in this agricultural town, the Vegetable Basket of the North.
The festival was part of the towns January fiesta celebration. Among the highlights were
the inauguration of the Villasis Vegetable Trading Post or Bagsakan and the setting up of a onekilometer-long Talong Grill to help the town establish its own identity.
Corn Festival

Every March 26th, the residents of Sto. Tomas, Pangasinan grill more than 6,000 ears of
corn on the roadside as they celebrate the Corn Festival coinciding with the towns founding
anniversary.
Locally known as the town Fiesta, various festivities are held to commemorate and honor
the chosen Patron Saint. Majority of town fiestas are celebrated during the month of May, the
midst of summer vacation and the time when the festival of Flores de Mayo is held.

Festivals of La Union
Agoo Semana Santa
In the oldest town of La Union, the life-sized statues depicting the Stations of the Cross
are pulled by devotees along the proccessional roads during the Good Friday procession. During
the Holy week the town people of Agoo come up with religious activities to make the occasion
more meaningful and sacred.

Rambak
A yearly Holy week celebration spearheaded by the Provincial Government f featuring
water sports, band concerts, fluvial parade and reenactment of the resurrection rite at the Bauang
Beach after the Easter Sunday mass.
Feast of Our Lady of Caysasay
The Filipino-Chinese community in San Fernando celebrates the Feast of Our Lady by
bringing the original statue from Taal, Batangas to the temple for the weeklong activities held on
the second week of September which is the 5th day of August in the Lunar calendar.
San Fernando Town Fiesta
The capital town of San Fernando is the center of festivities on February 6 to 12 to honor
St. William, the Hermit.

References:
Regional Profile- Department of Tourism- The Philippines. Region I Profil, Retrieved on June
21,

2015,

from

http://www.visitmyphilippines.com/index.php?

title=RegionalProfile&func=all&pid=129.
Region I: Ilocos Region Philippines, Travel Information. Region I: Ilocos Region Philippines,
Retrieved

on

June

21,

2015,

http://www.etravelpilipinas.com/about_philippines/region1_ilocos_region.htm.

from

(2015, Jan. 7). Ilocos Region in Luzon Philippines. Ilocos Region, Retrieved on June 19, 2015,
from http://www.philippine-islands.ph/en/ilocos_region-philippines.html.
Administrator. (2013, Dec. 17). Fisheries and Aquatic Resources- Ilocos Sur. Fisheries and
Aquatic Resources, Retrieved on June 22, 2015, from http://www.ilocossur.gov.ph/index.php?
option=com_content&view=article&id=109&Itemid=275.
Regional Profile: Ilocos Region- CountrySTAT Philippines. Regional Profile: Ilocos, Retrieved
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Its More Fun in the Philippines>> Region I- Ilocos. Region I Ilocos, Retrieved on June 24, 2015,
from http://itsmorefuninthephilippines.com/region-1-ilocos/.
(2006, April). The Province of Ilocos Norte- Worldtourist.us. The Province of Ilocos Norte,
Retrieved on June 24, 2015, from http://www.worldtourist.us/ilocosnorte/laoag.html.
Negapatan, Odilon P. (2013). Ilocos Sur. Physical Characteristics, Retrieved on June 24, 2015,
from http://www.ilocossur.gov.ph/index.php.
The Province of Ilocos Sur- Worldtourist.us. The Province of Ilocos Sur, Retrieved on June 25,
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http://www.islandsproperties.com/places/ilocossur.htm
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http://www.etravelpilipinas.com/travel_destinations/pangasinan_tourist_attraction.htm
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Mariano Marcos State University

COLLEGE OF TEACHER EDUCATION
Laoag City

REGION I
(Ilocos Region)

In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Course

SS 143 (Geography and Natural Resources of the Philippines)

Submitted by SHIENA MAE T. ACIERDA

CHRISTIAN RENZ ACUELA
BEED IV- A

Submitted to PROF. ESTRELLA B. LUIS

Subject Professor

JULY 2015