Ilocos Region Notes

Ilocos Region Overview

  • Designated as Region I in the Philippines.

  • Located in northwestern Luzon.

  • Bordered by:

  • East: Cordillera Administrative Region

  • Northeast/Southeast: Cagayan Valley

  • South: Central Luzon

  • West: West Philippine Sea

  • Comprises:

  • 4 provinces: Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan

  • 1 independent city: Dagupan City

  • Known for rich natural and cultural attractions, including:

  • Historic sites

  • UNESCO World Heritage sites

  • Pristine beaches and surfing spots

  • Spanish baroque churches (e.g., Vigan)

Provinces of the Ilocos Region

Ilocos Norte

  • Distinctive geography and culture.

  • Notable architecture:

  • Saint William's Cathedral (Laoag) - features a sinking bell tower (Earthquake Baroque style).

  • St. Augustine Church (Paoay) - UNESCO World Heritage site.

  • Cape Bojeador Lighthouse.

  • Famous geographical features:

  • La Paz Sand Dunes

  • Beaches of Pagudpud

  • Kapurpurawan rock formation.

Ilocos Sur

  • Formed in 1818 from a split of Ilocos province.

  • Boundary defined by Act No. 2683 in March 1917.

La Union

  • Coastal province, capital: San Fernando City, the most populous city in La Union.

  • Known for:

  • Coastal towns and surfing spots.

  • Activities: red clay pottery, grape picking, loom weaving, pilgrimage tours.

  • Diverse culture with Ilocano and Igorot peoples.

Pangasinan

  • Located in western Luzon along Lingayen Gulf.

  • Known for:

  • Language diversity; many minority groups (e.g., Bolinao-speaking Zambals).

  • Tourist attractions:

    • Hundred Islands National Park

    • Bolinao and Dasol white-sand beaches

    • Bangus Festival in Dagupan.

  • Famous for mangoes and Calasiaoputo (native rice cake).

  • Strategic geopolitical position as a gateway to northern Luzon.

National Artist of Ilocos Region

  • Fernando Amorsolo (May 30, 1892 - April 24, 1972)

  • Nicknamed "Grand Old Man of Philippine Art."

  • First recognized as a National Artist for his impressionistic technique.

  • His artworks emphasize natural light, contributing to Filipino self-identity.

  • Notable works:

    • "Planting Rice"

    • "Women Cooking"

    • "Las Lavanderas"

Festivals of Ilocos

Major Festivals

  • Pamulinawen Festival (February, Laoag City)

  • Honors Saint William the Hermit.

  • Features parades showcasing local culture and traditions.

  • Empanada Festival (June 23, Batac City)

  • Celebrates local delicacy of empanada, coinciding with Batac's Charter Day.

Other Festivals

  • Bac-bacarra Festival (November, Bacarra)

  • Honors the town's fishing heritage.

  • Thanksgiving for good catches.

  • Guling-guling Festival (February, Paoay)

  • Traditional celebration with dancer costumes and local delicacies, marking the Lenten season.

Contemporary Art Forms in Ilocos

  • Architecture: Calle Crisologo in Vigan - well-preserved Spanish colonial architecture; transports you back in time.

  • Sculpture:

  • Pinto Underwater Sculpture Museum (2023, Currimao)

  • Features submerged sculptures as artificial reefs promoting marine regeneration.

  • Literature:

  • Biag Ni Lam-Ang: An epic poem by Pedro Bucaneg, detailing Lam-ang's adventures and legacy.

  • Dance:

  • Kannawidan Ylocos Festival: Commemorates the separation of the two Ilocos provinces in 1818, celebrating heritage.