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REGION I
Abra -- Pangasinan
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ABRA
Abra was a mere encomienda attached to the Ilocos
region in 1619.By the year 1846, Abra had established a bishopric with its seven
curacies under the Augustinians. On July 29,1892, there were already 28 schools,
most of which taught catechism.
In 1867, Abra suffered a flood that destroyed farms and
plunged the people into such desperation that the Economic society of the
friends of the Country, through Governor-General Jose Basco, decided to purchase
farming implements for the inhibitants.
Abra is also the historic place where Gabriela Silang made
her last stand.She was captured in 1769 and was brought to Vigan where she was
executed.
Former Name: El Abra de Bigan (1619)
Land Area: 3,975.5 square kilometers
Capital: Bangued
Population: 160,198 (1980)
Principal Dialect: Ilocano
Income Classification: Fourth Class Province
No. of Cities: None
NO. of Municipalities: 27 (Bangued, Boliney,Bucay, Bucloc,
Daguioman, Danglas, Dolores, Lacub, Lagangilang, Lagayan, Langiden, La Paz,
Licuan, Luba, Malibcong, Manabo, Pe�arrubia, Pidigan, Pilar, Sallapadan, San
Isidro, San Juan, San Quintin, Tayum, Tineg, Tubo, and Villaviciosa)
No. of Municipal Districts: 5(Boliney, Bucloc, Danguioman,
Lacub, and Tineg)
Topography:
Terrain is extremely rugged except for some
cultivated area in the Abra River basin. The Abra River traverses.
The entire province from south
to north, and turns west toward Ilocos Sur, draining into the China Sea. The
river and its tributaries make Abra the richest province of Region 1 in terms of
water resources.
No. of Principal Rivers:3
(Abra river is the largest)
No. of Mountains:
27
Climate:
Dry season from October to April, rainy from May to
September. The coldest month is January; the warmest month is May.
Average Annual Rainfall:
127.1 inches
Principal product / crops:
Rice, tobacco, corn, and banana.
Industries:
Logging (major industry), horse and cattle raising,
bamboocraft, footwear industry, mat weaving, hollow block making, ceramics,
pottery, hat weaving, and basketry.
Mineral Resources:
Iron, white clay, coal, limestone, gold,
silver, and copper.
Forest Resources:
Timber, rattan, honey, and wax.
Tourist Attraction:
Abra River, gold dust along Bolongan river,
dome-shaped reservoir, Victoria Park and the �Ruined Church of Pidigan�
Governor:
Vicente P. Valera
Congressman:
Rodolfo A. Hernandez
BENGUET
Benguet is known as the
�Salad Bowl of the Philippines�. It is also famous for its basket-weaving
industry as well as its multi-million-peso vegetable industry. Many mining
companies into a comendencia during the Spanish era. This was after two
expeditions had been sent to the region: the first in 1829, was led by
Guillermo Galvay and the second, in 1836, sent by Governor General
Salazar It was in Benguet on October 8, 1943 where the 16th
Infantry under Major Parker Calvert was officially activated during the
reorganization of guirilla units in Northern Luzon.
Some of the Philippines� highest peaks are
in Benguet and are covered by virgin forest and huge mantles of greenery which
add to their magnificence and gradeur.
Former Name:None
Land Area:2,655.4
square kilometers
Capital:
La Trinidad
Population:
354, 751(1980)
Principal Dialect:
Ilocano
Income Classification:
Third Class Province
No. of Cities:
1(Baguio)
No. of Municipalities:
13 (Atok, Bakun, Bokod, Buguias, Itogon,
Kabayan, Kapangan, Kibungan, La Trinidad,
Mangkayan, Sablan, Tuba, and Tublay)
No. of Municipal Districts:
None
Topography:
The province is a plateau, rising as high as
2,255.5 m. (7,400 feet) above sea level. It is characterized by mountains and V-
shaped valleys.
No. of Principal Rivers:
15 (with Kalinga-Apayao, Ifugao and
Mountain Province)
No. of Mountains:
85 (with Kalinga- Apayao, Ifugao and Mountain
Provinces)
Climate:
Because of the high elevation, the province has a
cool and invigorating climate throughout the year.There are two distinct seasons
of equal duration. The rainy season starts in June and ends in late October,
while a climate similar to spring in temperate countries lasts from November to
May.
Average Annual Rainfall:127.10
inches
Principal products / crops:
Vegetable, fruits, coffee and cacao
Industries:
Mining (major industry), vegetable farming and timber production.
Mineral Resources:
Gold, silica, pyrite, limestone and white clay.
Forest Resources:
Gum resin processed into gum turpentine and
pine oil, and timber.
Tourist Attractions:
Kennon Road, considered as one of the most
beautiful highways in the world, Baguio City (the �Summer Capital of the
Philippines�) and the Crystal Caves.
Governor:
Andres R. Bugnosen
Congressman:
Samuel M. Dangwa, Honorato Y. Aquino
ILOCOS
NORTE
Ilocos Norte is the birthplace of a number of
historical figures, such as painter Juan Luna, founder of the Philippine
Independent Church Gregorio Aglipay, and poet and dramatist Claro
Caluya. The province is also known for its historic churches, some of which
date back to the 16th century. The Church of Laoag was founded in
1580, the Church of San Nicolas in 1584, the Church of Paoay in 1593, and the
Church of Sarrat in 1724, Ilocos Norte itself however was founded later on
February 2, 1818 by Gov. Mariano Fernandez de Folgueras.
The ruggedness of the land and
the constant exposure to typhoons have made the Ilocanos known for thrift and
industry.
These factors have also
influenced the migration of the people of Ilocos Norte to other parts of the
Philippines, as well as to other countries. In fact, Ilocos Norte is a steady
source of migrant in the United States since the 1920s.
Former Name:
None
Land Area:
3,399.3 square kilometers
Capital:
Laoag City
Population:
390, 666 (1980)
Principal Dialect:
Ilocano
Income Classification:
Second Class Province
No. of Cities:
1 (Laoag)
No. of Municipalities:
22 (Adams, Bacarra, Badoc, Bangui, Batac,
Burgos, Carassi, Currimao, Dingras, Dumalneg, Espiritu, (Banna), Marcos, Nueva
Era, Pagudpud, Paoay, Pasuquin, Piddig, Pinili, San Nicolas, Sarrat, Solsona,
and Vintar)
No. of Municipal Districts:
3 (Adams, Carassi and Dumalneg)
Topography:
The terrain of Ilocos Norte is rugged and rocky.
The province is cut by chains of mountains and hills of the Cordillera. There
are also rivers, the longest of which is the Laoag River.
No. of Principal Rivers:
5 (Laoag is the longest)
No. of Mountains:
17
Climate:
The climate is characterized by two extremes: very
dry from November to May and very wet for the rest of the year. The province is
exposed to the southwest monsoon and cyclonic storms, but it is shielded from
the northwest and trade winds by the mountain ranges.
Average Annual Rainfall:
100.58 inches
Principal products/crops:
Rice and tobacco
Industries:
Weaving , pottery, mat weaving, cigar making, salt making, basi making
Mineral Resources:
Feldspar, cement, copper and manganese
Forest Resources:
Timber
Tourist Attraction:
Cape Bojeador, Sinking Tower of Laoag, Raquiza
Garden, Waterworks, Marcos Museum, Sumilang Park, Mabogabog Falls, Payupyupan
Beach, Paoay Lake, and the old churches of the province.
Governor:
Rodolfo C. Farinas
Congressman:
Roque R. Ablan Jr., Mariano R. Nalupta Jr.
ILOCOS
SUR
The first Spanish expedition
to the Ilocos region was led by Juan de Salcedo. In 1572, he founded
Villa Fernandina or Ciudad Fernandina in honor of King Ferdinand VI of
Spain. Now called Vigan, the place was the ancient Spanish capital of Northern
Luzon. Salcedo became encomendero of Vigan and lieutenant general of the Ilocos
province.
Ilocos Sur has its own
share of historic spots. Ancient Spanish-type houses dating as far back as the
17th century line the streets of the province . There are also the
Vigan Cathedral or the Cathedral of St. Paul which was originally erected in
1574 and the Santa Maria Church built in 1769.
Former Name:
None
Land Area:
2,579.6 square kilometers
Capital:
Vigan
Population:
443,591 (1980)
Principal Dialect:
Ilocano
Income Classification:
Third Class Province
No. of Cities:
None
No. of Municipalities:
34( Alilem, Banayoyo, Bantay, Burgos, Cabugao, Candon, Caoayan, Cervantes,
Calimuyod, Gregorio del Pilar, Lidlidda, Masingal, Nagbukel, Narvacan, Quirino,
Salcedo, San Emilio, San Esteban, San Ildefonso, San Juan, San Vicente, Santa
Catalina, Santa Cruz, Santa Lucia, Santa Maria, Santiago, Santo Domingo, Sigay,
Sinait, Sugpon, Suyo, Tagudin, and Vigan)
No. of Municipal Districts:
2 ( Sigay and Sugpon)
Topography:
The topography of the province is rugged, with
mountain ranges occupying the southeastern portions. The elevation is as high as
1,200 meters in some parts. The coastal regions and the northwestern potion are
plains.
No. of Principal Rivers:
3 ( Abra, Chico, and Amburayan)
No. of Mountains:
2
Climate:
Dry season from November to April and wet the rest
of the year. Because of the lack of natural barriers, Ilocos Sur is vulnerable
to monsoons and storms coming from the China Sea. About 32 percent of all
typhoons affecting the country pass through the province.
Average Annual Rainfall:
100.58 inches
Principal products/crops:
Tobacco and rice
Industries
Fishing and small-scale industries
Mineral Resources:
Limestone and iron ore (magnetite)
Forest Resources:
None
Tourist Attractions:
Besang Pass, Tirad Pass, Northern Luzon Heroes Hill National Park, Darapidap
Beach Resort, Pug-os Beach Resort, Sabongan Beach Resort, and the Sevilla Beach
Resort.
Governor:
Evaristo Singson
Congressman:
Luis �Chavit � Singson, Eric D. Singson
LA UNION
La Union is the gateway to the
Ilocos Region. During the second phase of the Philippine Revolution, La Union
was controlled by the revolutionaries.
The province lies
at the juncture of Central Luzon and the northern provinces, which makes it
center for business and commerce. It has the only national port of entry in the
region . San Fernando port serves cargo ships for coastwise or overseas trade.
It is the exit point for products coming from the mines in the Mountain
Provinces.La Union was created by Gov. Gen. Antonio Maria Bueno on March
2,1850.
Former name:
none
Land Area:
1,493.1 square kilometers
Capital:
San Fernando
Population:
452,578 (1980)
Principal Dialect :
Ilocano
Income Classification:
Third Class Province
No. of Cities:
None
No.of Municipalities:
20 ( Agoo, Aringay, Bacnotan, Bagulin, Caba, Luna, Naguilian, Pugo, Rosario, San
Fernando, San Gabriel, San Juan, Santo Tomas, Santol, Sudipen and Tubao)
No. of Municipal
Districts: None
Topography:
The province is rugged and hilly, although it has no mountains. Plains are found
along the coast to Lingayen Gulf and in the Northern and Southern ends of
Province. Five major rivers traverse the province. These rivers are short and
swift, and not one of them is navigable by a large craft.
No. of Principal Rivers:
5 (Baroro, Aringay, Lon-oy, Maragapay, and Naguilian)
No. of Mountains:
None
Climate:
La Union experiences extreme opposite seasons during the year. In the wet
season, there is a great deal of rain, while the summer is extremely dry.
Average Annual Rainfall:108
inches
Principal products/crops:
Rice, tobacco, sugarcane, cotton,
rootcrops and fruits
Industries:
Agriculture and fishing
Mineral Resources:
Limestone and red clay
Forest Resources:
Firewood (There is no substantial forest in the province to produce timber)
Tourist Resources:
Imelda Garden, Chinese Pagoda, Shrine of Sra. de la Caridad, Freedom Park,
Cresta Ola Beach Resort, Nalinac Beach, Miramonte Beach Resort, and Sta. Rita
White Beach.
Governor:
Joaquin Ortega
Congressman:
Victor E. Ortega, Jose D. Aspiras
MOUNTAIN
PROVINCE
Mountain province, which is covered by
giant pine trees, is situated in the midst of the great Cordillera mountains.
The beautiful landscapes are made more valuable by the rich mines found in the
area. When the Spaniards first arrived in Ilocos Sur, they were amazed to see
the natives wearing necklaces and earrings made of pure gold which were obtained
from this province.
Considered as national
cultural treasures by the government are the Alab Petroglyphs situated in
the barrio of Alab of Bontoc and the stone agricultural calendars of Dap-ay
Guiday in the town of Besao.
Former Name:
None
Land Area:
2, 097.3 square kilometers
Capital:
Bontoc
Population:
103, 052 (1980)
Principal Dialect:
Ilocano
Income Classification:
Fifth Class Province
No. of Cities:
None
No. of Municipalities:
10 (Barlig, Bauko, Besao, Bontoc,
Natonin, Paracelis, Sabangan, Sadangan, Sagada, and Tadian)
No. of Municipal Districts:
None
Topography:
The Mountain province is a block of high and massive mountains forming park of
the Central Cordillera chain. There are no level lands in the province, except
those in small river valleys that lie at the foot of its rugged topography,
development of the province has been seriously hampered.
No. of Principal Rivers:
2
No. of Mountains:
17 ( Mt. Sabangan is the highest)
Climate:
The seasons are Pronounced. The province
experiences cloudy atmosphere throughout the year.
Average Annual Rainfall:
73.40 inches
Principal products/crops:
Rice, sweet potato, cassava and gabi
Industries:
Logging, mining, agriculture, hunting, forestry, and fishing
Mineral Resources:
Gold, copper, and silver
Forest Resources:
Timber
Tourist Attractions:
Mount Data, the Maligcong rice terraces, the
Mainit Hot Springs, the Sagada Caves, the Ato Sig- ichan, and the prototype of
Igorot villages.
Governor:
Maximo Dalog
Congressman:
Victor S. Dominguez
PANGASINAN
Pangasinan�s soil is the best
agricultural type found in the Philippines. The province has vast, fertile lands
enriched and drained by the Agno River and its tributes.
Pangasinan, often
referred to as the �Rice Granary of the Philippines,� was apportioned to six
encomenderos some 25 years after the Spaniards arrived in the
province. It was organized into an alcadia mayor in 1580 until it became
a province in 1611.
During the Philippine
Revolution, the Katipuneros led by Daniel Maramba rose up in arms. They
clashed with the Guardia de Honor, a counter-revolutionary movement organized
by the friars. It was in the town of Bayambang that Gen. Aguinaldo
finally disbanded his army and organized guerilla units to escape the pursuing
Americans.
During World War II, in
December 1941, the Japanese forces landed in Lingayen Gulf, the same place where
the American Liberation Forces landed on January 9, 1945, with a simultaneous
landing in San Fabian.
Former Name :
Cabaloan
Land Area:
5,368.2 square kilometers
Capital:
Lingayen
Population:
1, 636,057 (1980)
Principal Dialects:
Ilocano and Pangasinan
Income Classification:
First Class Province
No. of Cities:
2 (Dagupan and San Carlos)
No. of Municipalities:
46 ( Agno, Aguilar, Alaminos, Alcala,
Anda, Asingan, Balingao, Bani, Basista, Bautista, Bayambang, Binalonan, Binmaley,
Bolinao, Bugallon, Burgos, Calasiao, Dasol, Infanta, Labrador, Laoac, Lingayen,
Mabini, Malasiqui, Manaog, Mangaldan, Mangatarem, Mapandan, Natividad,
Pozzorubio, Rosales, San Fabian, San Jacinto, San Miguel, San Nicolas, San
Quintin, Santa Barbara, Santa Maria, Santo Tomas, Sison, Sual, Tayug, Umingan,
Urbizztondo, Urdaneta, and Villasis)
No. of Municipal Districts:
None
Topography:
The southern tip of the province is characterized
by narrow valleys and steep slopes. Majority of the rivers are incised in
various sharp valleys which broaden into alluvial plains before flowing to the
China Sea.
No. of Principal Rivers:
3 (Agno is the largest)
No. of Mountains:
22
Climate:
Rainy season from May to October, and dry season
from November to April. Mountain barriers protect it from the northwest monsoon
and partly from the trade winds. However, it is subject to frequent typhoons.
Average Annual Rainfall:
92 inches
Principal products/crops:
Rice, tobacco, coconut, sugarcane,
fruits and rootcrops.
Industries:
Fishing (major industry), logging and cottage
industries such as basket, mat and hat weaving, bagoong making and woodcrafts.
Mineral Resources:
Asbestos, limestone phosphate, manganese, and
copper.
Forest Resources:
Timber
Tourist Attractions:
Hundred Islands off the cost of Lucap, the Umbrella Rocks of Sabangan Nortex in
Agno, the Blue Beach in Dagupan City, the White Beach in San Fabian, and the
Shrine of Our Lady of Manaog.
Governor:
Rafael M. Clet
Congressman:
Oscar M. Orbos, Antonio E. Bengson III, Fabian S.
Sison, Jose C. de Venecia, Jr., Conrado B. Estrella Jr., Conrado M. Estrella
III.
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