Ilocos Norte

The name Ilocos comes from the Malay word loco, meaning cove, creek or bay. The Ilocos area was already trading with the Chinese and Japanese when the Spanish arrived in the region in 1572. The Spanish called the area Ylocos because of all the loocs or sheltered coves they saw on the coast. The Ilocanos revolted against the Spanish in 1589, 1765, 1788, 1807 and 1814 for a variety of reasons including abuses of the Spanish and the friars, imposition of monopolies and in demand for equal rights with the Spaniards. In an attempt to control these revolts, on February 2, 1818, the Spanish authorities divided the Ilocos province into the two provinces of Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur. Ilocos Norte province participated in the revolutions against Spain and the US. In 1901, Father Gregorio Aglipay became the head of the Philippine Independent (Aglipayan) Church, a nationalist religious denomination that broke from the Roman Catholic Church.

Batac

Batac was founded by the Agustinians in 1587. It is believed that there were two villages in Batac in the early period of Spanish rule. In early days, the name was also written as Batag. The name is believed to be from an Ilocano term meaning to give help or assistance to one who is in need.

General Ricarte Park

A monument to General Ricarte, one of the revolutionary leaders in the war against the US. The monument is situated in General Ricarte Park. (June 2003)

Old artillery are another item found in the General Ricarte Park. (June 2003)

Marcos Museum

Although born in Sarrat, Batac is the home town of Ferdinand Marcos. The Marcos mansion (now a museum) and the remains of the late president within his mausoleum are in Batac. (June 2003)

The desk, chair and other items used by the late president. (June 2003)

Mariano Marcos State University

The Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU), named after the father of Ferdinand Marcos. (June 2003)

Don Mariano Marcos, father of Ferdinand Marcos. His statue stands in at the Mariano Marcos State University. (June 2003)

The life and times of Don Mariano Marcos Y Rubio (1897 - 1945). (June 2003)

Currimao

The name Currimao comes from two words. Because of Moro pirates who often attacked the costal areas, the Spanish built two watch towers on two strategic points on the coast. When the people in the towers saw pirates approaching they would shout corer which means to run. The local term for the pirates was Cumaws. Currimao first became a settlement in 1865, as part of a trade line which eventually resulted in the settlement becoming an intermediate port. Originally a barrio of Paoay, Currimao was inaugurated as a separate municipality on January 21, 1921.

Coral Formations

Coral formations like these are found along the beaches of Currimao. (June 2003)

A closer look at one of the coral formations. (June 2003)

Laoag City

When the Spanish first arrived, Laoag was already a significant population centre which was trading with the Chinese and Japanese. The term laoag means clearness or bright. The area was established as a parish by the Augustinians on January 5, 1586. Laoag was occupied by the Katipuneros in 1898, the Americans in 1899 and the Japanese in 1941. The Americans liberated the town in February 1945. Laoag became a city on January 1, 1966.

Aurora Park and Laoag Bell Tower

The Ilocos Norte capitol building. Laoag City is the provincial capital. (June 2003)

The Marcos Hall of Justice houses all judicial offices in Ilocos Norte. It was also here in a small cubicle cell, that Ferdinand Marcos was held after being convicted of murder. (June 2003)

The Tobacco Monopoly Monument. The tobacco monopoly 1872 - 1881 meant Ilocanos were obliged to plant tobacco to be delivered solely to the government. (June 2003)

The sinking bell tower of Laoag stands at 45 metres tall. It is also an unusually rare distance from the church at 85 metres away. (June 2003)

Paoay

The town of Paoay was founded in 1593 and formally created as a municipality in 1701. The inhabitants converted the forests into rice and sugar lands. When Moro pirates known as tirong attacked the settlement, the survivors moved further inland. The inhabitants of Batac, realising the danger the Moro pirates posed, invited the people of Paoay to live with them. The people of Paoay replied makapaoay kami meaning we can survive independently, which is how Paoay got its name.

Paoay Church

Construction of Paoay Church began in 1704 and ended in 1894. The bell tower was used as an observation post by both Katipuneros and Filipino guerrillas during the Japanese occupation. (June 2003)

The church is built of coral blocks and stucco-plastered bricks, the architecture is a unique combination of Gothic, Baroque and Oriental. It is included in UNESCO's World Heritage List. (June 2003)

Malacañang of the North

Malacañang of the North, the official residence of President Ferdinand Marcos in Ilocos Norte. One of the 29 presidential rest houses that the late president had built. (June 2003)

A partly spiral staircase in the main hall leads to the first floor. (June 2003)

Accessible from the main hall is a long dining room with a table that can accommodate a large number of guests. (June 2003)

Malacañang of the North is currently a museum. It overlooks the Paoay Lake. (June 2003)

Sarrat

Sarrat is believed to have been a small town settled by Malays in the 16th century. Originally called Cabayugan, from bayug, a kind of bamboo, the town was ruled by the most influential and bravest man, Minongel Banggat. Banggat and his wife Sarah had two children, Banet and Garo. When Banggat died, his son Garo took over and renamed the town Sarrat, from Sarah and Banggat. The Spanish arrived on September 29, 1724. They established the area as a town and called it San Miguel. The town was renamed Sarrat in 1916.

Birthplace of Ferdinand Marcos

The house that Ferdinand Marcos was born in. Once a museum, the building is now abandoned and in a state of dereliction. (June 2003)

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