Ilocos norte

Ilocos Norte

Introduction

Do you have plans for your next vacation? Well, why not try to visit this northern coastal province of the

Philippines which has a lot of exciting destination to explore, rich in natural beauty, cultural and historical

heritage to share.

Yes, I am talking of the province of Ilocos Norte which is situated 400 km north of Manila, capital of the

country. The province offers a number of popular destinations for tourists, locals and foreigners alike such

as Sinking Bell Tower, Bangui Windmill, Pagudpud Beaches, Paoay Church, Lapaz Sand dunes and

many more...

You need to stay at least four to five days in the province to visit and explore all the tourist spots Ilocos

Norte offers to everyone.

How to reach Ilocos Norte?

You can reach Ilocos Norte a lot of ways - it can be by plane, by bus or by car. So its up to you which

you prefer to ride that makes you comfortable and enjoyable as you travel.

Via Bus: Public buses are available day and night. Several bus companies such as Florida, Partas,

Fariñas and Maria De Leon have regular trips directly bound to Laoag City. Normally, travel time takes

around 10 - 12 hours by day and 8 to 10 hours at night. Day trip takes longer due to traffic along the

municipalities and cities that you will pass by.

As a first time visitor to the province, I suggest you take the day trip as you will see a lot of beautiful

sceneries along the way. Choose also to ride the Deluxe Buses as it has CR inside and the seats can be

inclined and has a foot rest too which lets you relax all the way on your long trip.

Via Car: If you want to experience a long drive and take an extra challenge to yourself, try driving your

car way up to Laoag City. Private car travel times takes about 8 to 10 hours depending on you and your

colleagues. Sometime it takes you longer since you have all the time to stop and go. So if you want to

take a pee in a gas station, if you want to take a photo in the sea shore, if you want to buypasalubong,

then its good to bring your car. If you are not familiar yet with the route, you can check it here.

Via Air: Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines, and Airphil Express have scheduled flights daily to Laoag City. I

suggest check their websites time to time to watch out for discount and promo fares offered by these

airlines. Travel time is 45mins approximately.

Where to stay in Ilocos Norte?

There are a lot of hotels and inns where you can select while staying in the province. Dont worry about

hospitability as Ilocanos are well known to be hospitable, friendly ad accommodating. They are, likewise,

articulate and comfortable speaking English to cater foreign visitors.

You can check the following site for your hotel reservation.

What are the must-see tourist spots in Ilocos Norte?

Here are the following tourist spots in Ilocos Norte which you need to visit while you are in the

province. Check this map to explore.

The Sinking Bell Tower late at night

Source: Levi Palmer Aliangan

1. Sinking Bell Tower

If Italy has its leaning tower of Pisa, here in Laoag City has its own local version - its Sinking Bell

Towerwhich is located at the heart of the city. This edifice is one of the tallest bell tower in the country as

of today as it stand 45m tall. It is said to be sinking because the tower is so heavy and was built on a

sandy ground which makes it sink considerably unto the ground at a rate of 1-inch every year. Normally,

bell tower is near the church but this tower is situated far away from the cathedral. At night, one can

witness the beauty of the tower when lighted on.

4 x4 Ride at Lapaz Sand dunes


Sand Boarding at Lapaz Sand dunes


ATV Ride at Lapaz Sand dunes


2. Lapaz Sand Dunes

No need to visit the Sahara Desert in Africa or the deserts found in the middle eastern countries. Just

come and visit this unique geological dessert environment which is found only in Ilocos Norte, the Lapaz

Sand Dunes which was created by the interaction of the wind, sea and river. The height of the dunes

ranges from 10 to 30 meters.

The sand dunes are accessible by tricycle or jeepney. It is just 15 minutes away from the city proper. Due

to its desert type environment, it is a popular location for shooting films whether local or international films

makers. Notable films includeHimala and Panday for the local movies and segments of the Hollywood

films such as Mad Maxand Born on the fourth of Julystarring Tom Cruise.

What to do:

1. 4 x 4 Ride

2. Sand Boarding

3. ATV Ride

A landscape view of Lapaz Sand dunes


3. Fort Ilocandia Resort and Casino

Fort Ilocandia Resort and Casino is a first class hotel in Ilocos Norte which design was inspired by

Spanish colonial architecture. It is located in Brgy. Calayab, Laoag City and it is just nine km away from

the city proper. The main building houses the lobby, casino, shopping arcade, casino, arcades, and

restaurant.

What to do:

1. Beach volleyball

2. Jet ski

3. Wind gliding/ Surfing

4. Archery

5. Horseback Riding

6. Scuba Diving

7. many more...

Fort Ilocandia Resort Hotel


Pres. Marcos dining table inside Malacanang of the North


The master's bedroom of former President Macos


4. Malacañang of the North

Malacañang of the North was built as the official residence of the late President Marcos in Ilocos Norte.

It is a two storey building which is located near the legendary Paoay lake. It is complete with bedrooms,

dining area, kitchen, an office, a spacious ballroom on the second floor, and even had an olympic size

swimming pool. Also, it has an expansive terrace, and beautiful garden with magnificent view of the Lake.

At present it is a Marcos Memorabilia Museum open to public with an entrance fee of P20.00.

Facade of the Malacanang of the North


5. Paoay Church

Paoay Church is a national treasure of Ilocandia. A prime example of a baroque church and it is

considered as one of UNESCO world heritage site. It was built in 1896 by the Augustinian friars using

coral bricks as seen from its massive walls. Its picturesque view truly brings you to what the spanish era

feels such as those enormous and magnificent buttresses on the sides and back of the building.

From Laoag City, it is just a 30 minute ride to visit this tourist attraction in Paoay. Once you visited the

Malacanang of the North in Suba, go straight ahead to visit this place. And dont forget also to try the

pinakbet pizza at Herencia Cafe just in front of the Church.

Paoay Church at daytime


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Guest Houses at Playa Tropical Resort


The infinity pool at sunset


7. Playa Tropical Resort

Playa Tropical Resort is situated in Currimao, Ilocos Norte. A Balinese inspired beach side hotel haven

where one can enjoy the stunning sunsets and enjoy the gentle ocean breeze. A beach where the calm

waves and fine sand reminds you of the infinite wonders of the world.

Playa Tropical has a lot of potentials. The staff are so friendly to guests as they reflect the brand of

hospitality Filipinos are known for. The suite rooms are very clean, large and comfortable and the location

is close to tourist spots located in Batac, Paoay and Laoag.

8. Marcos Museum and Mausoleum

Marcos Museum and Mausoleumis located in Batac City, Ilocos Norte. It is just a 30 mins ride from

Laoag City. The museum can easily be found as it is near the bridge where public buses stops. The

museum houses memorabilia's of the late President Marcos. It is well organized where visitors will learn

his life. Entrance is P50 per person and children below 4 are free of charge.

The mausoleum on the other side of the museum houses the body of the late president. Picture taking is

prohibited inside. Upon entering the mausoleum, one will hear gregorian sounds. Entrance is free.

Marcos Museum and Mausoleum at Batac City


9. Juan Luna Shrine

Juan Luna Shrine is situated in Badoc, Ilocos Norte. The shrine houses the memorabilia's of the famous

Luna family which are the paintings of Juan Luna that includes his masterpiece, the Spolarium.

The house has two storeys; the ground floor used to be the basement while the second level is for the

living room and bedrooms. Today, the ground floor displays different memorabilia not only of Juan Luna

but also Antonio Luna and the rest of the family.

Facade of Juan Luna Shrine at Badoc, Ilocos Norte

Source: jayadewa

Ruins of the Bacarra Bell Tower

Source: Cirred ~ Derric

10. Bacarra Domeless Tower

Bacarra Domeless Tower is a 50 meter tower and was built in 1830 but was damaged in 1931 due to an

earthquake. Another strong earthquake (7.8 intensity) in 1983 caused its dome totally down thus gaining

the romanticized title “Dignified Domeless Belltower in Asia.”

Bacarra is a town adjacent to Laoag City. It is just 15 mins away. Near the Bacarra tower is Museo de

Bacarra where it houses many artifacts.

11. Kapurpurawan Rock Formation

Kapurpurawan Rock Formation is situated in Burgos, Ilocos Norte. From the national highway, one will

traverse a long winding dirty road. No public transportation goes inside the area so it is a must to have

your own car rather than walking under the heat of the sun.

Due to its white color characteristic, its name was derived. In Ilocano word, "Puraw" means white. The

rock looked like a large dragon, watching over the entire coast. Once you reach it, you will enjoy watching

its natural beauty as this is created by the waves of the ocean for so many years.

Kapurpurawan rock formation in the midst of the day


The Cape Bojeador Lighthouse


12. Cape Bojeador Lighthouse

Cape Bojeador Lighthouse is another National historical site in Ilocos Norte. This lighthouse is one of

the highest elevated spanish colonial lighthouses in the Philippines. Its wall are made of bricks just like

the other lighthouses of the country. Up to this time, it still functions as a welcoming flare to ships that

enter the Philippine Archipelago from the north.

13. Bangui Windmill

Bangui Windmill is the first of its kind in southeast Asia. It has 20 tri-blades 70 meters high windmills

arranged in an arc formation along the Bangui Bay. It is situated north of Laoag City and about 45

minutes ride. Ilocos Norte is one of the province of the Philippines that generates renewable energy.

The Bangui wind farm’s supply 40% of the needs of the Ilocos Norte Electric Cooperative. All in all, it

generate 25 MW of electricity to power up an estimated 108,000 households.

The Windmills at Bangui Bay


14. Pagudpud Beaches

Pagudpud is known for its beaches. Visitors may choose from the following beaches:

a. Punta Azul Beach Resort is originally built as a family retreat to escape the hectic and stressful life in

the city. Its design blends with the natural beauty and you will be captivated by the stunning crystal blue

water, pristine white sands at the foot of verdant mountains, just like a hidden treasure; a paradise at the

northern tip of the Philippines.

b. Hannah’s Beach Resort & Convention Center, is the newest and most exciting vacation destination

in Pagudpud. It is situated right in front of the famous Blue Lagoon (Maira-ira Beach) at Brgy. Balaoi,

Malingay, Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte, Philippines. It offers both exclusivity and luxury in an overwhelming

friendly environment. The Blue Lagoon, with its captivating crystal clear waters and white sand beach, will

surely make your stay a memorable and enjoyable one.

c. Saud Beach Resort and Hotel offers overnight accommodations where each rooms has sunset view.

Its amenities includes private shower and toilet, coffee table, a mini-refrigerator and mini bar, and sulo

lights facing the beach area.Beach huts and beach lounges are provided free of charge for check-in

guests.

d. Kingfisher Resort was built in traditional style with the ultimate base to launch your kitesurfing

holiday. Kite surfing, windsurfing and many other water activities can be experienced here.

The Saud Beach at Pagudpud


15. Patapat Bridge

Patapat Bridge is a 1.2 km long that connects two barangay in Pagudpud. This zigzag bridge is often

referred by some as the “French Riviera of the North”. Visitors and motorists will enjoy the amazing view

of the sea and the luxuriant mountains as they cross this bridge that is 200 meters above sea level. It is

also the 4th longest bridge in the Philippines.

Patapat Bridge


Ilocos Sur Province

Ilocos Sur is a province of the Philippines located in the Ilocos Region in Luzon. Vigan City, located on the mouth of the Mestizo River is the provincial capital. Ilocos Sur is bordered by Ilocos Norte and Abra to the north, Mountain Province to the east, La Union and Benguet to the south, and the South China Sea to the west.

BRIEF PROFILECapital: Vigan CityLand Area: 2,596.0 km²Population: 632,255 (2007)Languages Ilocano

Geography

Political

Ilocos Sur is subdivided into 32 municipalities and 2 cities.

Physical

Ilocos Sur is located along the western coast of Northern Luzon. It is bordered by Ilocos Norte to the north, Abra to the northeast, Mountain Province to the east, Benguet to the southeast, La Union to the south, and the China Sea to the west. Its area of 2,579.58 square kilometers occupies about 20.11% of the total land area of Region 1.

The topography of Ilocos Sur is undulating to rolling with elevations ranging from 10 to 1,700 meters above sea level.

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 C. 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.

History

Before the coming of the Spaniards, the coastal plains in northwestern Luzon, stretching from Bangui (Ilocos Norte) in the north to Namacpacan (Luna, La Union) in the south, were a region called the Ylokos. This region lies in between the China Sea in the west and Northern Cordilleras on the east. The inhabitants built their villages near the small bays on coves called “looc” in the dialect. These coastal inhabitants were referred to as “Ylocos” which literally meant “from the lowlands”. The entire region was then called by the ancient name “Samtoy” from “sao ditoy” which in Ilokano mean “our

dialect”. The region was later called by the Spaniards as “Ylocos” or “Ilocos” and its people “Ilocanos”.

The Ilocos Region was already a thriving, fairly advanced cluster of towns and settlements familiar to Chinese, Japanese and Malay traders when the Spaniard explorer Don Juan de Salcedo and members of his expedition arrived in Vigan on June 13, 1572. Forthwith, they made Cabigbigaan (Bigan), the heart of the Ylokos settlement their headquarters which Salcedo called “Villa Fernandina” and which eventually gained fame as the “Intramuros of Ilocandia”. Salcedo declared the whole Northern Luzon as an "encomienda", or a land grant. Subsequently, he became the encomendero of Vigan and Lieutenant Governor of the Ylokos until his death in July 1574.

Augustinian missionaries came to conquer the region through evangelization. They established parishes and built churches that still stand today. Three centuries later, Vigan became the seat of the Archdiocese of Nueva Segovia.

A royal decree of February 2, 1818 separated Ilocos Norte from Ilocos Sur, the latter to include the northern part of La Union (as far as Namacpacan, now Luna) and all of what is now the province of Abra. The sub-province of Lepanto and Amburayan in Mt. Province were annexed to Ilocos Sur.

The passage of Act 2683 by the Philippine Legislature in March 1917 defined the present geographical boundary of the province.

There are many writers and statesmen throughout the history of the Phillipines. Pedro Bukaneg is the father of Iluko Literature. Isabelo de los Reyes will always be remembered as the Father of the Filipino Labor Movement. His mother, Leona Florentino was the most outstanding Filipino woman writer of the Spanish era. Vicente Singson Encarnacion, an exemplary statesman, was also a noted authority on business and industry.

From the ranks of the barrio schoolteachers, Elpidio Quirino rose to become President of the Republic of the Philippines which is the town's most illustrious and native son of Caoayan, Ilocos Sur. Col. Salvador F. Reyes, a graduate of the Westpoint Military Academy, USA, led an untarnished and brilliant military career.

People and Culture

In the 330 pages of “The Ilocos Heritage” (the 27th book written by Visitacion de la Torre), the Ilocano legacy and the life of the Ilocano – are described as - "the browbeaten, industrious, cheerful, simple soul who has shown a remarkable strain of bravery and a bit of wanderlust." The Ilocano history reveals his struggles and victories – in battles for colonial independence from Spain and America, to Philippine leadership. The new Ilocano searched for greener pastures towards new lands local and foreign - Palawan, Mindanao, Hawaii, the United States and Greece. The Ilocano material culture and spirituality can be seen in the past - images of Spanish santo (saints), antique but intricate wooden furniture and quality local fiber. The native Ilocano is a weaver, wood carver and pottery expert. The Ilocano cuisine ranges from the exotic "abu-os" (ant eggs) to vegetable broth "dinengdeng," the sticky "tinubong" to the "poqui-poqui" (eggplant salad). Ilocos Sur, like other provinces in Ilocandia, is filled with colonial churches, a legacy of Spanish Catholicism.

Tirad Pass - designated a National Shrine, this pass was the site of a battle led by a young general named Gregorio del Pilar against revolutionary forces led by hero Emilio Aguinaldo

Sta. Maria Church - a National Landmark used as a fortress during the 1986 Revolution Northern Luzon Heroes Hill National Park - located in Santa and is where a historical

marker of heroine Gabriela Silang is located. San Esteban and Sulvec Watchtowers - rotund structures used to serve as look-out points

for pirates National Museum / Padre Burgos House - showcases the memorabilia of martyred priest

Jose Burgos and other ethnic and Ilocano artifacts. Open from 8:30AM to 11:30AM then 1:30PM to 4:30PM; admission fee is P10.00 for adult and P5.00 for 12 years old and below.

Ancestral Houses - the well-preserved houses of rich families in the past are a veritable feast of the eyes. Located within the Kamestizoan District, the structures still retain original hardwood flooring, tile roofs, balustrades, and azoteas.

Archbishop’s Palace - features sliding capiz windows and decors in floral motifs. The structure also contains ecclesiastical artifacts and relics collected from other old churches.

The Province of Ilocos Sur

Ilocos Sur is a province of the

Philippines located in the Ilocos Region in Luzon. The province is bounded on the north by Ilocos Norte and Abra, on the south by La Union; on the east by Benquet and Mountain Province and on the west by the China Sea. It has a total land area of 2,579.6 square km. The province of Ilocos Sur is politically subdivided into 34 municipalities and 761 barangays. The history of Ilocos Sur from the beginning of Spanish rule to the first decade of the 19th century was characterized by revolts in protest against tributes and forced labor, as well as monopolies of some industries.

The economy of Ilocos Sur is based on agriculture, producing a wide variety of vegetables, animals, and fish. Principal products are rice, corn, tobacco, garlic, sugarcane and cassava. They are expanding into a variety of food-processing industries, and also practice a number of crafts and cottage industries: blanketweaving, basketry, shellcraft, broommaking, pottery-making, wine and vinegar making, jewelry making, wood and stone craft, among others jars and antiques can also be bought in Vigan. Transportation services have been modernized, and tourism is now established.

Ilocano is the common dialect of the people. English and Pilipino are widely spoken and still remain as basic tools of instruction in schools. The province experiences two pronounced seasons - dry from November to April and wet from May to October. Mean temperature for the lowlands is greater than 7°C compared to the highlands. Coolest temperature occurs during December to February.

The City of Vigan

Vigan City is the capital city of Ilocos Sur and the seat of the provincial government. The city is located on the western coast of the large island of Luzon and is facing the South China Sea and is 408 kilometers northwest of Manila. The name Vigan came from the Ilocano word "kabiga-an" pertaining to the plant "biga" which is a tuberous plant that once grew along the banks of its rivers.

It was once a thriving center for trade and commerce among the people of Ilocandia and the Cordilleras. Vigan is situated at the delta of the Abra River going to the South China Sea. This position at the mouth of the river connected to the China Sea has made trade feasible and convenient with other islands and with China. Vigan was where Juan de Salcedo established the Spanish government of Ilocos and was made the seat of the Bishopric of Nueva Segovia in 1778. It became the center of Spanish rule and influence and the preaching of Catholicism and pacification movements in the Ilocos Region.

Vigan is a World Heritage Site in that it is the most intact example of a Spanish colonial town in Asia, and is well-known for its cobblestone streets and a unique architecture that fuses Asian building design and construction with European colonial architecture and planning. Vigan, earlier known as "Ciudad Fernandina" from 1758 to late 19th century, is the oldest surviving Spanish colonial city in the country. Vigan brings images of antiquated houses, cobbled narrow streets of the old Mestizo District, popularly known in the olden days as Kasanglayan (Chinese Quarters). People describe Vigan as a place where "time stood still". Yet, despite all the romantic images this place provokes, much is still to be learned about Vigan.

A Glimpse of Downtown Vigan City [ Click on any of the "thumbnail images" below to view the photograph in a larger size format ]

http://www.worldtourist.us/ilocossur/vigan06.jpg







Local and foreign visitors describe Vigan as a "place like no other" due to the uniqueness of its historic townscape. The architectural monuments of its mercantile heyday still stand, and a number of museums preserve the area's cultural heritage. It has auspiciously escaped the bombs of World War II unlike its sister cities, Manila and Cebu. The people of the province are very thankful that it has survived the wrath and destruction of the Second World war.

According to the 2000 census, Vigan has a population of 45,143 people in 9,193 households. Elpidio Quirino, the 6th president of the Philippines, was born in this city. Today, Vigan was recently included in the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage List in December 1999 and converted into a component city last January 21, 2001. In partnership with the government of Spain, the Vigan Master Plan is in the process for the revitalization of the historic Vigan.

The Landmarks & Attractions of Vigan










Right after my visit to Ilocos Norte in March of 2006, I proceeded to the nearby province of Ilocos Sur. This time, for the two nights and three days I spent in Vigan City, the El Juliana Hotel at Liberation Boulevard served as my temporary home base. There are a number of hotels in the city that are adequate enough for visitors but I liked best the Vigan Plaza Hotel which is close to Plaza Burgos that I discovered only during my last day in Vigan. Had I known about this hotel earlier, I should have stayed there, considering that it is located within the center of town and has close proximity to what I wanted to see in Vigan. The hotel offers better facilities and anemities and best of all they have their own restaurant and where a free breakfast is also provided to the hotel guests.

Most of the landmarks and attractions within the province of Ilocos Sur are located within the City of Vigan and my stay in the city proved to be very advantageous since I didn't find a need to travel far as I did when I was in Ilocos Norte. There are no taxi cabs in Vigan, however, riding a calesa or a tricyle is quite convenient and very inexpensive aside from being the suitable modes of transportation within the city. During my brief stay I was able to visit the following landmarks and attractions and these are all portrayed in this webpage:

Pangasinan Provinceis a province of the Republic of the Philippines. The provincial capital is Lingayen. Pangasinan is located on the west central area of the island of Luzon along the Lingayen Gulf, with the total land area being 5,368.82 square kilometers (3336.030 sq mi). According to the latest census, it has a population of 2,645,395 people in 477,819 households. The total population is projected to rise to 3,039,500 in 2010. According to the 2007 Philippine general elections, Pangasinan has a voting population of 1,360,807, which is the second highest in the Philippines.

The Pangasinan language is the primary language in Pangasinan. The estimated population of the indigenous speakers of this language is about 1.5 million.

The name Pangasinan means "land of salt" or "place of salt-making"; it is derived from the root word asin, meaning "salt” in the Pangasinan language and other related languages. The province is a major producer of salt in the Philippines.

An ancient kingdom called Luyag na Kaboloan existed in Pangasinan before the Spanish conquest that began in the 15th century. The maritime trade network that once flourished in ancient Southeast Asia connected Pangasinan with other peoples of Southeast Asia, India, China, and the Pacific.

Pangasinan occupies a strategic geo-political position in the central plain of Luzon, known as the rice granary of the Philippines. Pangasinan has been described as a gateway to northern Luzon and as the heartland of the Philippines.

BRIEF PROFILECapital: LingayenLand Area: 5,414.0 square kilometersPopulation: 2,495,841

Cities: Alaminos, Urdaneta, Dagupan, San Carlos

Number of Towns: 44

Hisotry

Ancient history

The Pangasinan people, like most of the people in the Malay Archipelago, are descended from the Austronesian-speakers who settled in Southeast Asia since prehistoric times. Comparative genetics, linguistics, and archaeological studies locate the origin of the Austronesian languages in Sundaland, which was populated as early as 50,000 years ago by modern humans. The Pangasinan language is one of many languages that belongs to the Malayo-Polynesian languages branch of the Austronesian languages family.

Geography

Political

The province of Pangasinan is subdivided into 44 municipalities, 4 cities, 1,364 barangay (which means "villages"), and 6 congressional districts. It's major water supply comes from the Agno River, tourist spots like the hundred islands in Alaminos, Pangasinan are great places to relax especially during summer.

The capital of Pangasinan is Lingayen.

Physical

Pangasinan is located on the west central area of the island of Luzon in the Philippines. Pangasinan borders La Union and Benguet to the north, Nueva Vizcaya and Nueva Ecija to the east, and Zambales and Tarlac to the south. To the west of Pangasinan is the South China Sea. The province also encloses the Lingayen Gulf.

The land area of Pangasinan is 5,368.82 square kilometers (3336.030 sq mi). 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.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) reported several inactive volcanoes in Pangasinan: Amorong, Balungao, Cabaluyan, Cahelietan, Candong, and Malabobo. PHIVOLCS reported no active or potentially active volcanoes in Pangasinan. A cataclysmic volcanic eruption in the past appears to have formed a caldera located between the towns of Malasiqui and Villasis with a center at about 15° 55' N and 120° 30' E near the Cabaruan Hills. This area may contain rich ore deposits.

Economy

Pangasinan has export earnings of around $5.5 million.

Energy

The 1200 megawatt Sual Coal-Fired Power Plant, 345 megawatt San Roque Multi-Purpose Dam, and the Northern Cement Corporation are all located in Pangasinan.

Marine

Pangasinan is a major fish supplier in Luzon, and a major producer of salt in the Philippines. It has extensive fishponds, mostly for raising bangus, or "milkfish", along the coasts of the Lingayen Gulf and the South China Sea. Pangasinan's aquaculture includes oyster and sea urchin farms.

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.

Financial

Pangasinan has 593 banking and financing institutions.

Labor

Pangasinan has a labor force of about 1.52 million, and 87 percent of the labor force are gainfully employed.

Investment

The Department of Trade and Industry in the Philippines has identified the following potential investment areas in Pangasinan:

Maguey production and handicraft center Santiago Island Marine Park Oyster processing facility Bagoong technology and processing center Tannery and leather production center

Oyster and aquaculture farming Seaweed farming Bamboo production Handicraft and furniture making Manufacture of construction bricks Tourism development

The town of Alaminos is well known for the hundred islands found on its sea. A story relates how this islands came to be. The hundred islands appeared after an unforgettable event that happened in the town.

A long time ago, the town of Alaminos was a progressive town. It’s sea was rich in natural resources. The fishermen were happy because they always had plenty of catch. Even if they had only spent a few hours at sea they were sure to bring in basins full of fish.

It has been said that a fairy lives in Alaminos’ sea. According to the old folks, the fairy owned a pearl which gives the fisherman good catch of fish. The fairy’s only daughter Liglioa was tasked as the caretaker of the said pearl. Unlike her mother who was a fairy, Liglioa was half mortal. She lived in a small shack by the seashore and socialized with the townsfolk. The people loved Liglioa not only because she was the guardian of the pearl but also because the girl was kind and helpful.

A nearby town soon learned of Alaminos’ secret charm. They were envious of Alaminos’ progress. Datu Masubeg of the other town planned to capture Liglioa and hold her hostage until the fairy gives them the pearl. Surely, she will not leave daughter alone. Then they would also enjoy a good catch and progress.

But before, the enemies from the other town could even reach the shore, Datu Mabiskeg had already gathered the brave warriors of Alaminos to defend Liglioa. A great deal of fighting occurred on the shore of Alaminos. Many warriors died from both camps.

Liglioa asked her mother to intervene and stop the fighting. She prayed that a pearl of the same kind be given to the other town so that they would not be envious of Alaminos and get their pearl.

The fairy refused saying she could no longer make another pearl. She revealed that the true pearl which gives Alaminos’ a good catch of fish is no other than her only daughter – Liglioa.

Because of what she heard, Liglioa remained silent and thought of a plan on how to stop the fighting. She then asked her mother that she would rather stay underwater so that the pearl would never be seen. The fairy agreed to the plan. It will be safer for all if Liglioa was to stay underwater.

The warriors that had died on the seashore of Alaminos drifted on sea and slowly became islands. Almost, hundred men had died that day for the battle of Alaminos’ lucky "pearl".

The Hundred Islands National Park in Brgy. Lucap, Alaminos City, Pangasinan is 250 kms. from Manila.

This National Park covers a land area of 1,884 hectares with 123 islands. However, only three (3) islands have been developed for tourists namely: Governor, Quezon, and Children's Island.

Of the three (3) Islands, only the Governor's Island keeps a Guesthouse which is ideal for family use. It has 2 bedrooms, living room, dining room, comfort room/bath and kitchen. Linens, water (4 drums), generator lighting, ceiling fans, dining and cooking utensils/equipments are provided for.

The bahay kubos at Children's Island are for budget travellers as it consists only of screened bedrooms with kerosene lighting and one (1) drum of fresh water and linens. Common areas are provided for dining and cooking as well as for toilet and bath.

Quezon Island is for picnickers and campers.

At Lucap Point (Mainland), the main building houses a conference room and accommodation facilities. A tower-type building near the Lucap Park housed an Information/Business Center at the ground floor which controls the flow of tourists to the said Islands.

We know how difficult it is to choose which of the 7,107 islands to explore first. But if you’d like to hit roughly 100 islands in all at once, the Hundred Islands National Park in Alaminos is the place to go.

Region 1

Alaminos, Pangasinan

Head to Don Gonzalo Montemayor wharf in Barangay Lucap and rent an outrigger or two. This is the quintessential island hop, where you’ll be visiting islands of all shapes and sizes. Some simply look like little pieces of land. Others have intact cave systems and hilly terrain; fantastic for all-out hiking and camping. Governor’s Island has a viewing deck, and even a small house that can be rented.There are 123 islands covering 1,844 hectares. Many of them have attention-grabbing names such as “Devil’s Island” and “Kissing Island.” And of course, like the rest of the country, the water is an exceptional hue of blue-green and holds fantastic coral reefs. Don’t forget to pack your bathing suit!

http://itsmorefuninthephilippines.com/region-1-ilocos/

Documents

Ilocos norte