REGION I

ILOCOS REGION
*REGIONAL PROFILE

Region I referred to as the Ilocos Region mainly because it is home to a majority of Ilokanos
and the seat of the Ilokano culture, heritage and language.
There are two distinct versions as to were the word Ilocos originated. In Isabelo de los Reyes
Historia de Ilocos (1885), he said that it evolved from the word ilog (river).
Ilocos means people in the river, very much like the Tagalogs taga-ilog which referred to
the early settlers living along riverbanks.
Among the highest mountains in the region are: Mount Sicapoo (2,360m), Mount Malaya
(2,352m), and Mount burnay (2, 115m).
Total land area of Region I: 13,013 square kilometers.
Several offshore Islands belong to the region, the largest of which are Anda and Santiago,
including renowned cluster of Islands and islets known as Hundred Islands.
Ilocos drained by Laoag, Abra, Amburayan, Agno, Alaminos, and Balincaguin Rivers.

*GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION

Located on the northwestern coast of Luzon island, it includes four (4) provinces: Ilocos Norte,
Ilocos Sur, La Union and Pangasinan.

*POPULATION

In 2000, the region's total population was 4,174,000. It increased by 8.86% since 1995. In 1995,
the province of Pangasinan had the largest population at 2,178,412 or 57.27%. La Union had
15.7%, Ilocos Sur at 14.3% and Ilocos Norte , 12.7%. In 1990, the urban population comprised
37.75% of the total population while that of the rural population was at 62.25%.

*CULTURAL GROUPS

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.

*CLIMATE

Dry season is from November to April while the rainy season is from May - October

*LAND USE

810,062 hectares of land are classified as alienable and disposable and 473,957 hectares are
forestland.

*NATURAL RESOURCES

The region is a producer of food surplus - rice, corn, vegetables, root crops and fruits such as
mangoes.

*ECONOMY

As part of the Northwestern Luzon Growth Quadrangle (NWLGQ) and Northern Luzon-South
China growth area, it has good potential for export-oriented agri-industrial development and
tourism activities.

*URBAN CENTERS

Laoag City in Ilocos Norte, Vigan in Ilocos Sur, San Fernando in La Union and the capital town
of Lingayen and the cities of Dagupan and San Carlos in Pangasinan are the centers of trade,
business, and education.

*FACILITIES

The region has fairly a developed intra-regional and inter-regional road network. Approximately
99% of all municipalities or 96% of all barangays have access to electricity. Private and
government telecommunication services area available in most areas of the region especially in
urban centers.

*POLITICAL DIVISIONS

Region I is composed of 4 provinces, 9 cities, 116 municipalities, and 3265 barangays.

*FESTIVALS IN REGION

Vigan city fiesta

Viva Vigan Festival of the Arts
World Heritage Cities Solidarity Day
Lingayen Gulf Landing
Laoag City and Province (Pamulinawen)
San Fernando, La Union
Gali-la Hundred Island festival
Agoo Semana Santa
Cutud Lenten Rites
Pistay Dayat (may 1)

*NATIONAL PARKS

Hundred Island National Park

Paoay Lake National Park

*NATURAL WONDERS AND MANMADE WONDERS

BANGRINE MARINE PROTECTED AREA

VILLACORTA/BITMATYA/CACUPANGAN CAVES
LA UNION BOTANICAL GARDEN
LA UNION SURFING
PAGUDPUD ADVENTURE
VIGAN HERITAGE VILLAGE
KAPURPURAWAN ROCK
CAANGRIAN FALLS
BALINGASAY RIVER
TUDDINGAN FALLS
LON-OY SPRING
TREKKING ADAMS

*CULTURE AND TRADITIONS

Ilocanos are the ruling ethinicity in Region 1. They constitute the majority of the population in
the Ilocos region particularly in Ilocos Norte (97%), Ilocos Sur (97%), La Union (92%), and
Pangasinan (45%). Minority groups include Tingguan and Isneg communities who inhabit the
foothills of the Cordillera Mountains.

The structure of the Ilocano family conforms to the general Filipino pattern. Most families
compose of an average size (6-7 persons).

*FAMILY

*CLOTHING

Ilocanos are very meticulous when it comes to clothing. They dress up according to their age and
perceived wealth. Everyday wear consists of short pants for boys, and dusters, loose skirts, shirts,
and short pants for girls. Farmers wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and wide-brimmed hats.

*WEDDING TRADITION

The groom makes a panagpudno (formal announcement) to the soon-to-be brides parents about
his intention of marrying their daughter. His parents will then visit the brides parents to set the
wedding date. Usually, parents consult a planetario, which is like an almanac that identifies
lucky days.

*DEATH TRADITION

To announce a death of a family member, a piece of atong wood is lit in front of the deceaseds
house. It is kept burning until after the burial. The fire is extinguished with white wine.