REGION ILOCOS REGION
Ilocos Norte is composed of
Objectives: At the end of this chapter, the study shall
be able to Know the area and location of the Ilocos
Region
Know the geographical characteristics of the
Provinces of Region 1 Know the different tourist
destinations, gastronomy feature, geographic profile
of each Provinces in the region 1
Areas and Location. Situated on the northwestern
coast of Luzon, the region covers an area of
12,840.19 square kilometers. Its coast extends from
La Union northwards to Ilocos Norte, while its river
basins are found in Ilocos Norte and Pangasinan.
Geographical Characteristics Mountains cover a
large part of this region that is why seasons vary.
From May to October people experience the wet
season while from November to April they
experience the dry season. The temperature is bot
from April to May and it is cold from December to
February
People. People coming from Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur,
La Union, and some parts of Pangasinan can speak
their native language called Ilocano. On the other
hand, the central towns of Pangasinan speak their
native language called Pangasinan, While in schools,
English and Filipino remain the basic medium of
instruction
Political Profile. The provinces of Region 1 are Ilocos
Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union and Pangasinan. The cities
are Dagupan, San Carlos, Alaminos, San Femando,
Vigan and Laoag
ILOCOS NORTE
CAPITAL: LAOAG CITY
"Ilocos Norte has a land of 3,662 sq km., bordered
by Ilocos Sur (south). Abra (southeast), Cagayan
(east). and South China Sea (west). The towns of
Ilocos Norte include Adams, Bacarra, Badoc, Bangui,
Banna,
Burgos, Carasi, Currimao, Dingras, Dumalneg.
Marcos, Nueva Era, Pagudpud, Paoay. Pasuquin,
Piddig.
Pinili, San Nicolas, Sarrat, Solsona & Vinta
Geographic Profile.
muddy grasslands, mountains, and seaside land. Its
territory is usually steep and rocky. The province is
passed through by several rivers, including Bonga,
Bolo, Lubugaon, Bacarra, and Laoag
Gastronomy Ilocos Norte is famous for its high-end
cholesterol food shots like Empanada, Bagnet,
Longganisa, Dragon Fruit ice cream, Pinakbet, and
Poqui-poqui
Local Traditions. Many traditions of Ilocanos are
influenced by thriftiness. Death to the Ilocanos
means excessive mourning. When the death of a
father comes, the wife dresses the dead alone so
that the husband's spirit can tell her any messages or
wish he was not able to convey when he was still
alive. The body is placed in a coffin in the middle of
the house parallel to the slats of the floor. A big log is
then lighted in front of the houses so that the spirit
of the dead will go to heaven with the smoke. As
long as the dead body is in the house, the log is kept
burning to keep the evil spirit away. Before the coffin
is carried out of the house all windows must be
closed: No part of the house must be touched by the
coffin; otherwise, the man's spirit will stay behind
and bring trouble to the family. Family members
shampoo their hair with gogo as soon as the funeral
is over to wash away the power of the dead man's
spirit.
TOURIST ATTRACTIONS
• Cape Bojeador Lighthouse in Burgos
- Also known as Burgos Lighthouse was built
in 1892 as an instrument to send signals to
those ships passing by the China Sea. This
lighthouse is famous due to its height. It is
considered as the highest lighthouse in the
Philippines
• La Paz Sand Dunes in Bogy. La Paz, Laoag City
- This tourist attraction is unique in structure
that attracts natives and foreign tourist.
These dunes locally named Bantay
Bimmaboy shaped like pigs.
• Malacañang of the North in Paoay
 - This structure was built by Philippine
Tourism Authority in 1977 for President
Ferdinand E. Marcos's 60th birthday that
later on became the official residence of the
Marcoses. To the present time, it is now
being wibzed as a muscum presenting the
life and story of the family, this impressive
structure overlooks the legendary Paoay
Lake
• Marcos Museum in Sarrat
- A converted museum which was then the
house of former President Ferdinand
Marcos. This was the house where the late
Ferdinand Marcos was born
• Pagudpud Beach in Pagudpud
- A beautiful coastal beach that extends
across the municipalities of Pagudpud and
Bangui. This white sand beach is now being
developed as a tourist site due to its fine
white sand and clear blue seas.
• Paoay Church in Poblacion, Paoay
- Also known as Saint Agustine Church is
famous for its distinct architecture
highlighted by the enormous defenses on
the sides and back of the building h was
built with coral blocks and stucco plastered
bricks. Its construction started in 1704 and
was finally completed in 1894
• Patapat Bridge in Pagudpud
- This scenic bride, ideally situated between
mountains and the sea, connects the
provinces of Ilocos Norte and Cagayan. This
bridge was completed and opened to traffic
in October 1986
• San Nicolas Church in Poblacion, San Nicolas
- The San Nicolas de Tolentino Parish Church
bears the Spanish coat of arms. A three-
story belltower on its right was built by
Father Victoriana Garcia. The first stone-
and-brick building in the llocos Region, this
church was built in 1591, was occupied by
the Katinpuneros under G. Manuel Tinio in
1898, and was occupied by the American
Forces in 1899. The present structure is a
reconstruction of the 18th-Century building
• St. William’s Cathedral in Laoag City
- In 1942, this church was built by the
Augustinians with a unique two-story
façade held by four pairs of coupled
columns.
• Sta. Monica Church in Sarra
- Build fronting the river in Sarrat, this
century-old church is well-known for its
traditional and ornamental construction
ILOCOS SUR
CAPITAL : VIGAN CITY
Area and Location. The province of Ilocos Sur is
located along the western coast of Northern Luzon. It
is bounded by Ilocos Norte in the north, Abra in the
northeast, Mt. Province in the east, Benguet in the
southeast, La Union in the south, and the Luzon Sea
and Lingayen Gulf in the west. The province falls
within latitudes 16° 40 to 17% 54' north and
longitudes 120° 20' to 120° 56' east. Vigan City, the
provincial capital is approximately 408 kilometers by
road from Manila, 139 kilometers north of San
Fernando City, and 80 kilometers south of Laoag City
(ilocossur.gov.ph). Ilocos Sur occupies almost 20.10%
of region 1 total land area. It has a total area of
2,579.60 square kilometers.
Geographic Profile. The structural features of the
province consist of an extensive and thin coastal
plain on the western side that becomes hilly and
mountainous towards the eastern part, forming a
part of the Cordillera Mountain Range. The climate is
generally dry, especially from October to May.
Gastronomy. The must-try delicacies of Ilocos Sur
are quite similar to Hocos Norte but with a difference
in the techniques and some added ingredients. Some
of these are Bagnet, Igado, Pinakbet, and Sinanglao
which is a favorite breakfast food for the Ilocanos
that is made from a cow's internal organs including
its tenderloin, heart, and intestines.
Political Features: Political Features. The province is
composed of 12 municipalities, 2 component cities,
and 768 barangays Of the municipalities, 20 ate
identified as lowland areas and the remaining 12 are
considered upland areas. The municipalities include
Alilem. Banayoye, Bantay, Burgos, Cabugao, Caoayan,
Cervantes, Galimayod, G. Del Pilar, Lidlidda,
Magsingal, Nagbuket Narvacan, Quinno, Salcedo, San
Emilio, San Esteban, Sun Idelfonso, San Juan, San
Vicenta, Santa, Santa Catalina, Sta. Cruz, Sta. Lucia,
Sta. Maria, Santiago, Sto. Domingo, Sigay. Sinnit,
Sugpon, Suyo, Tagudin The two cities include Candon
City and Vigan City
Tourist Attractions
Name and Location
Description
• Ancestral Houses Kamestizoan District in Vigan
- These houses brag antique piece rooftops,
huge hardwood terrazzo, and railings
Kamestizoan District and azote as in various
Spanish-Mexican-Chinese architectural
styles.
• Apato Beach San Esteban
- This was the site of submarine emerging
during the latter part of World War II to
unload arms and supplies for the United
States Army Forces in the Philippines. It was
named after a mangrove plant that used to
be abundant in the area
• Archbishop's Palace Vigan
- The palace was Completed in 1793 after 7
years of construction, sliding Capiz windows
and cutout decorations with floral motifs
are the palace features. It houses a
collection of precious religious artifacts and
relics from other Blocos churches.
• Bantay Church Bantay
- The church was built in 1590 and was
reconstructed in 1950. It is famous for its
carthquake baroque and neo-Gothic
architecture mixed with a pseudo-
Romanesque design. Its bell tower standing
on a hill nearby served as a lookout for
enemies
• Candon Beach Candon
- Candon beach, one of the widest in the
province, offers gray sand and clear waters.
Some small resorts have been bui
• Candon Katib Beach San Juan
- This beach area boasts several tourist
facilities,
•Santiago Cove Brgy. Sabangan, Santiago
- This isolated cove was used by the guerillas
as a resupply point during World War II.
The place boasts a fishing village, a
watchtower, and a stretch of golden sand
beach with amenities for picnicking and
water sports.
• St. Paul's Metropolitan Cathedral. Vigan
- Known for its distinctive baroque
architecture, this church was built by the
Augustinians during the period from 1790
to 1800. It has a three-aisled altar and a
choir lift. Its belfry is detached and located
along the earthquake belt, typical of Ilocos
churches...
• Sta. Maria Church Sta. Maria
- A century-old structure situated on top of a
60-meter hill used as a stronghold during
the 1986 Revolution, this church is now a
National Landmark
• Tagudin Sundial Tagudin
- Standing in front of the Standing in front of
the municipal hall, this structure was built in
1848 as a resupply point by the Spanish
colonizers,
LA UNION
Capital: SAN FERNANDO CITY
Area and Location. La Union is located in the Us Army Base at Poro Point, which was
southwestern part of the Ilocos region in Northern eventually used as a build-up area for the
Luzon It is bounded by Ilocos Sur on the north and projected invasion of Japan.
northeast, Benguet on the east, Pangasinan on the
• Bauang Beach Bauang
south, and the South China Sea on the west. It has a
total land area of 1,497.70 square kilometers - Stretching from Bacuit to Pagdalagan Sur,
this fine grayish-sand beach is lined with
Geographic Profile. La Union has a land area of
tourist establishments providing
about 19,309 hectares with a predominantly hilly
accommodation ad amenities to visitors. It's
terrai in Balaoan.
calm, crystal-clear waters ideal for water
Political Profile. La Union comprises 19 sports.
municipalities and I city with 576 total Barangays.
• Blanket Weaving Bangar
The municipalities in La union are Agoo, Aringay,
Bacnotan, Bagulin, Balaoan, Bangar, Bauang, Burgos, - Rayon, cotton, and polyester are combined
Caba, Luna, Naguilian, Pugo, Rosario, San Fernando, with tinagudan, a local yarn, to weave the
San Gabriel, San Juan, Santo Tomas, Santol, Sudipen, beautiful blankets produced in the province.
Tubao
• Luna Watchtower Luna
Gastronomy. Some mouthwatering food delicacies in
La Union are Halo-Halo de Iloko which include Saging - This rotund structure built during pre-
from Agoo, Ube San Gabriel, pastilles’ made from Spanish times, Luna shore was used as a
carabao milk, and creamy homemade ice cream, lookout for impending attacks by pirates.
Kilawen, Basi, and Sabong fried chicken. The
• Museo de Iloko Agoo
province is also known to have fresh fruits like
grapes. - This building is an old presidencia which
now houses artifacts, religious icons, and
Tourist Attractions
other historical pieces of cultural
Name and Location importance to the Ilocos.

Description • Pottery Making Taboc, San Juan

• Agoo Basilica Agoo - Clay products are produced utilizing the

age-old procedures in pottery making.
- Rebuilt in 1892 after a severe earthquake,
the Agoo Basilica remains one of the most
imposing Catholic structures in the province
of La Union. It is also one of the most
ubiquitous as most of the travelers bound • Rambak La Union
for Baguio can take a glimpse of the church
situated along the national highway. - This celebration features water sports, a
mountain bike race, cultural presentations,
• Basi Making Lioac, Naguilaian and a trade fair capped with a fluvial parade
and a reenactment of the resurrection rites
- Basi is an Ilocano native wine concocted
at the Bauang Beach on Easter Sunday.
from sugar cane juice and duhat bark for
coloring. Made using an age-old process, its • San Juan Beach San Juan
taste differs from one producer to another.
- This beach, which boasts several tourist
• Battle of San Fernando Market San Fernando establishments, is ideal for surfing,
especially during November to February.
- The historical marker commemorates the
battle that enabled the establishment of the
PANGASINAN
CAPITAL: LINGAYEN
Area and Location. Pangasinan has an area of
5,368.82 square kilometers. Its boundaries are
Lingayen Gulf, La Union, and Benguet on the north;
Nueva Vizcaya on the northeast; Nueva Ecija on the
east; Tarlac on the south; and Zambales and the
South China Sea on the West. It has a total land area
of 1,497,70 square kilometers
Geographic Profile. The province is bounded by
mountains on the castern part and the Lingayen, Gulf
on the west. The western coastal municipalities and
dotted with numerous small islands, most popular of
which are the Hundred Islands of Alaminos
Pangasinan goes through two pronounced seasons-
dry from November to April and wet during the rest
of the year.
Political Profile. The province of Pangasinan is
subdivided into 44 municipalities, 4 cities, and 1, 364
barangays.
Gastronomy
• Dagupan Bangus - they are hybrid type. Most
milkfishes are freshwater species, but at the
Dagupan, they are bred at saltwater by the Lingayen
Gulf.
• Bagoong Isda - is a fish paste that is made up of
fermented fish.
• Alaminos Longganisa - a Filipino sausage stuffed
with meaty pork, a bit of its fat, colored distinctively
red with azuete and wrapped with pork intestines.
• Kaleskes- is the Pangasinan equivalent of papaitan
made up of goat intestines but unlike papaitan, they
can either use goat or pig innards
• Bagisen-is the Pangasinan equivalent of dinuguan
but the difference is that it cooked similarly to
Kaleskes.
TOURIST ATTRACTIONS
Name and Location
Description
• Bonuan Beach Dagupan City
- A landing site of the Liberation Forces in
945, this beach is now a venue for water
sports and activities.
• Cape Bolinao Lighthouse Bolinao
- Built by the Americans in 1903 on a 300-
foot-high promontory at the Bolinao
•Colibra Dasol
- As its name (colibra, or "water snake")
implies, this island is a favorite refuge or
resting place of sea snakes.
• Feast of Senora Manaoag
- Also known as the Feast of the Holy Rosary,
this celebration honors the patroness of the
sick, the helpless, and the needy. It is held
every Holy Week
• Hundred Islands National Park Lucap, Alaminos
- This major tourist destination is composed
of a cluster of islands of varying sizes, some
with small white beaches. The place is ideal
for swimming, boating, and snorkeling,
• Manlelung Hot Spring Malabobo, Mangatarem
- Spring can be reached via a 7-kilometer
uphill climb and is ideal for trekking.
• Nuestra Senora de Manaoag Shrine Manaoag
- Site of the miraculous shrine of "Apo
Baket", processions are held here at dawn
every first Saturday of the month.
• Patar Beach Bolinao
- One of the best tourist attractions in
Bolinao, Patar has an extensive coastline
combining rocky outcrops and white-sand
beaches.
• San Fabian White Beach
- The beach area stretches from Nibalaw
West to Mabilao in San Fabian. San Fabian.
This is the site where Lt. Gen. Homma,
commander of the Japanese Expeditionary
Forces, landed on December 24, 1941.
• Santriago Island Bolinao

- The island is rich in corals that teem with

marine life, thus making it a haven for scuba
diving enthusiasts.

• Sual Beach Sual

- This is a long expanse of sandy beach

dominated by several fishing communities,
it has not yet been developed for tourism.

• Umbrella Rocks Sabangan, Gino

- These are mushroom-shaped stone

boulders at the month of the Balincaguing
River.