Adrian Edy DC.

Samonte

12 STEM D

Region

Region 1 or also known as the Ilocos region is found in the northwest part of the luzon
archipelago. It consists of four regions and a city, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan
and Dagupan City. The population of Ilocos region speaks mostly Ilocano the third largest
spoken language in the Philippines but other preferred using Pangasinense.

The Ilocos region has beaches and sloping extents that leave the region prone to
typhoons and wet months, but hot during the dry seasons. This is the reason for their saltiness
in food delicacies because of their closeness to the ocean. There is even a region named after
“asin” or “salt” in Pangasinan.

History

Long before the Spaniards came there already is an extensive region which is known for
its gold mines. Traders from China and Japan often visit the area to trade gold with beads,
ceramics and silk.

The year 1571, Spanish invaders establish the Spanish City of Manila, and they began looking
for new centers of administration to conquer. Juan de Salcedo the grandson of Legaspi
volunteered to lead the expedition together with 8 boats and 22 men, and they began heading
north.

June 13, 1572 Salcedo landed on the shores of Vigan and continue towards Loag,
Currimao and Badoc. As they continue sailing near the shore they saw numerous shelter coves
or “looc” where the locals live in harmony, and they named it “Ylocos” and the inhabitants
“Ylocanos”.

Culture

Intangiable

Ilocano is known for their trait “Bain” or “hiya” or “amor propio” (sense of shame).
Ilocanos fears gossip and avoids being envied by others. It is also essential to show
“panagdayaw” (respect for the sensitivities of others). Ilocano people tend to speak about
themselves in the humblest of ways.

In weddings, the groom makes a “panagpudno” or formal announcement to the bride

parents about his intention of marrying their daughter. His parent will then visit the brides
parent to set the wedding date. They often consult an almanac like book called “planetario” to
identify the luck days. The main highlight of the wedding is the “bitor” or the pinning of money
to the newlyweds cloths.

Ilocanos announce a deceased family member by lighting a piece of “atong” wood in-
front of the deceased house and it is kept burning until after the burial. It is only extinguished
with white wine. Before the funeral, the relative pays respect by kissing or raising the deceased
hand to their forehead (mano). Those who attend the burial must go back to the deceased
house but must take a different route from the one that they have taken to get there. Upon
arriving, they must wash their faces and hand, it is said to remove the power of death.
 Tangiable

Ilocos is also known for their beautiful landmarks like the most most famous and major
attraction in Vigan the Calle Crisologo which is full of Spanish styled houses. Cape Bojeador
Lighthouse is dubbed to be the largest lighthouse in the philippines, it sit on top a hill and it
gives a stunning panoramic view of the South China Sea. Patpat Viaduct is a road that stretches
1.3km that gives a great view over the municipality of Pagudpud. Bantay Bell Tower, Ilocos Sur
a historical bell tower that you must see in Ilocos because of its historic and cultural significance
but also because of the panoramic view of the entire Ilocos Sur when one goes to its top part.
Bangui Windmills one of the major attractions of Ilocos and have since become a symbol for
Ilocos Norte. It was constructed primarily to provide electricity throughout the province.

Reference

https://philippinescities.com/region-1-ilocos-region/

http://www.seasite.niu.edu/tagalog/modules/modules/InterestingPlaces/ILOKOs/abi
of_ilocos_history.htm

https://www.livinginthephilippines.com/culture-and-people/philippine-culture/culture-
and-traditions/1286-ilokanos-customs-and-traditions

https://www.livinginthephilippines.com/culture-and-people/philippine-culture/culture-
and-traditions/1286-ilokanos-customs-and-traditions