II.

The Philippine Geography: An Overview

a. History

A Brief History of the Early Philippines

The Philippines is named after King Philip II of Spain (1556-1598) and it was a
Spanish colony for over 300 years.

Today the Philippines is an archipelago of 7,000 islands. However it is believed

that during the last ice age they were joined to mainland Asia by a land bridge, enabling
human beings to walk from there.

The first people in the Philippines were hunter-gatherers. However between 3,000
BC and 2,000 BC people learned to farm. They grew rice and domesticated animals.
From the 10th AD century Filipinos traded with China and by the 12th Century AD Arab
merchants reached the Philippines and they introduced Islam.

Then in 1521 Ferdinand Magellan sailed across the Pacific. He landed in the
Philippines and claimed them for Spain. Magellan baptized a chief called Humabon and
hoped to make him a puppet ruler on behalf of the Spanish crown. Magellan demanded
that other chiefs submit to Humabon but one chief named Lapu Lapu refused. Magellan
led a force to crush him. However the Spanish soldiers were scattered and Magellan was
killed.

The Spaniards did not gain a foothold in the Philippines until 1565 when Miguel
Lopez de Legazpi led an expedition, which built a fort in Cebu. Later, in 1571 the
Spaniards landed in Luzon. Here they built the city of Intramuros (later called Manila),
which became the capital of the Philippines. Spanish conquistadors marched inland and
conquered Luzon. They created a feudal system. Spaniards owned vast estates worked by
Filipinos.

Along with conquistadors went friars who converted the Filipinos to Catholicism.
The friars also built schools and universities.

The Spanish colony in the Philippines brought prosperity - for the upper class
anyway! Each year the Chinese exported goods such as silk, porcelain and lacquer to the
Philippines. From there they were re-exported to Mexico.

The years passed uneventfully in the Philippines until in 1762 the British captured
Manila. They held it for two years but they handed it back in 1764 under the terms of the
Treaty of Paris, signed in 1763.
 b. Philippine Geography

The Republic of the Philippines, a nation of 7,107 islands with a total area of 111,830
square miles (307,055 square kilometers), is located on the Pacific Rim of Southeast
Asia. Two thousand of its islands are inhabited. Luzon, the largest island with one-third
of the land and half the population, is in the north. Mindanao, the second largest island, is
in the south. The Philippines are 1,152 miles (1,854 kilometers) long from north to south.
The width is 688 miles (1,107 kilometers). There are no land boundaries; the country is
bordered on the west by the South China Sea, on the east by the Philippine Sea, on the
south by the Celebes Sea, and on the north by the Luzon Strait, which separates the
country from its nearest neighbor, Taiwan. The closest nations to the south are Malaysia
and Indonesia. Vietnam and China are the nearest neighbors on the mainland of Asia.

The islands are volcanic in origin. Mount Mayon in southern Luzon erupted in 2000.
Mount Pinatubo in central Luzon erupted in 1991 and 1992. Both eruptions caused
destruction of villages and farms and displaced thousands of people from their tribal
homelands. Because the country is volcanic, the small islands have a mountainous center
with coastal plains. Luzon has a broad central valley in the northern provinces along the
Cagayan River and plains in the midlands near Manila, the capital. Mindanao and Panay
also have central plains. Northern Luzon has two major mountain ranges: the Sierra
Madres on the eastern coast and the Cordilleras in the center. The highest peak is Mount
Apo in Mindanao at 9,689 feet (2,954 meters).

The weather is hot because of the country's closeness to the equator. The temperatures
are constant except during typhoons. The dry season is from January to June; the wet
season with monsoon rains is from July to December. Temperatures are cooler in
November through January, dropping below 30 degrees Celsius (85 degrees Fahrenheit).
The summer months of April and May have temperatures in excess of 39 degrees Celsius
(100 degrees Fahrenheit). Typhoons occur from June through November.
 c. Linguistic Affiliation

The official languages are Filipino, which is based on Tagalog with words from other
native languages, and English. Since only 55 percent of residents speak Filipino fluently,
English is used in colleges, universities, the courts, and the government. The country's
seventy to eighty dialects are derived from Malay languages. Three dialects are of
national importance: Cebuano in the southern islands, Ilocano in the north, and Tagalog,
the language of the National Capital Region. When Tagalog was chosen as the basis for a
national language, Cebuanos refused to use Filipino. "Taglish," a mixture of Filipino and
English, is becoming a standard language. Filipinos are proud that their country has the
third largest number of English speakers in the world. Spanish was taught as a
compulsory language until 1968 but is seldom used today. Spanish numbers and some
Spanish words are included in the dialects.

d. Culture

Philippines is a country that contains different cultures and influences. Most of these
influences are results of previous colonization and derived mainly from the cultures of
Spain and the United States. Despite the visual Hispanic and Western influences, the
older Asian aspects of Filipino culture are seen through the way of life, beliefs and
customs of the people.

The colorful and lively culture of the Philippines is one thing that separates the
Filipinos from the rest of the world. This includes traditions, language, arts, music, and
literature which are found in museums, churches and galleries, found within the heart of
the key cities.Most provinces have their own identifying folk dances too wherein they
showcase the elegance and beauty of the way they do things, the way they dress, the way
they see things as shown in different paintings, as they have been influenced by events
that happened in their history.

e. Tourism

Tourism plays an important role in Philippine economy. Philippine tourism started to

flourish in 1970's up to 1980’s, but in the mid 1980’s, the growth of Philippine tourism
started to slow down. Signs of a faster growth showed up in the early 1990's. In 2000, the
Philippines’ tourist arrivals totaled 2.2 million. In the period of January to September
2009 alone, the government recorded 5.2 million tourists visiting the country.

III. Geography, Culture, and Tourism in

a. Luzon

i. Ilocos Region

Ilocos Region (Region I) came into existence on September 24, 1972 when
provinces of the Philippines were organized into 11 regions by Presidential Decree No.1
of the Integrated Plan of President Ferdinand Marcos. Region It is located in the
northwest of Luzon. In its eastern borders are regions of Cordillera Administrative
Region and Cagayan Valley and in the south is Central Luzon. To the west north is the
West Philippine Sea.

It is composed of four provinces and a city: Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union,
Pangasinan, and Dagupan City. Majority of the population speaks Ilocano, the third
largest spoken language in the Philippines, although a significant number also
speak Pangasinense.

The region has a coast and hilly ranges that are prone to typhoon in the wet
months, but devastatingly hot during the dry season. This is the backdrop of Ilocano food.
It’s salty due to the proximity to the sea. There is even an entire province named
after asin (salt) in Pangasinan.

ILOCOS NORTE

GEOGRAPHY

Ilocos Norte is located on the northernmost edge of western Luzon. Its boundaries
are formed by the Babuyan Channel on the north and its sister province, Ilocos Norte, on
the south. To the west are the tribulent waters of the South China Sea, while the eastern
borders are formed by part of the Cagayan Valley, Abra and the Mountain Province. A
well-paved coastal highway connects the province with the rest of the country.

Ilocos Norte has a total land area of 3,622.91 sq. kms. It is rugged and rocky and
has mountains which run northwest in the Cordilleras in the east. There are thirteen
mountains in the area, most of which are located in the southeastern portion.

POLITICAL SUBDIVISION

Ilocos Norte has 2 congressional districts comprising 21 municipalities and 2

component cities. The province has a total of 557 barangays. This is to include the 80
barangays of Laoag City (capital of Ilocos Norte) and the 43 barangays of Batac City.

CLIMATE

The climate is characterized by two extremes: very dry from December to April
and very wet for the rest of the year. The average temperature in Ilocos Norte is 81 deg F.
May is the warmest month, with an average temperature of 83 deg F, and December is
the coldest.

MAJOR INDUSTRIES

Agriculture is the main source of livelihood in the province, all lands for 
cultivation can be planted with rice, corn, garlic, onion, sugarcane, tobacco, and cotton. 
Ilocos Norte is also noted for its various cottage industries, among which are cloth 
weaving, pottery­making, blacksmithing, woodcarving and furniture making.

SOME LANDMARKS AND TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

PAOAY CHURCH

The Paoay Church was built of coral blocks and stucco­plastered bricks. Its 
architecture is a unique combination of Baroque and Oriental. The materials used for the 
walls were a mixture of coral stone and bricks. Large coral stones were used at the lower 
level of the walls, while bricks, smaller and more manageable to transport, were used at 
the upper levels. The mortar used for the coral stones and bricks points out the desire of 
the builders to make sure that the church stood against natural calamities. The stucco was 
said to have been made by mixing sand and lime with sugarcane juice, which were boiled
with mango leaves, leather, and rice straw. The church is considered as one of the most 
striking edifices in the country with its huge buttresses flanking the sides and rear facade.

MARCOS MAUSOLEUM AND MUSEUM

The   Marcos   Museum   and   Mausoleum   in   Batac,   Ilocos   Norte   showcases

memorabilia of the late Philippines President Ferdinand E. Marcos and a large stately and
gloomy tomb housing his embalmed remains which are contained in a vacuum­sealed
glass coffin. Within the property of the Marcos family is a cluster of three houses and the
hallowed grounds of the mausoleum. The Museum is the first structure seen from the
main street and is the one which follows the lines of a colonial wood­and­brick house,
with solid ground floor walls and an upper storey of wood decorated with floral motifs.
The Mausoleum is a cube of adobe blocks and is stepped towards the top of the structure.
The   dark   interior   is   divided   into   an   entry   foyer   in   which   are   exhibited   old   English
standards and a bust of the former president.

MALACANANG OF THE NORTH

This imposing two­storey structure was built as the official residence of the 
President Marcos in Ilocos Norte. It overlooks the legendary Paoay Lake and was 
designed to resemble a 19th Century "bahay na bato." 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. During the term of Fidel Ramos, he has also used this 
former official residence in Ilocos Norte and so did President Gloria M. Arroyo whenever
she travels to the north.

FORT ILOCANDIA RESORT AND HOTEL

The resort is located in Barangay 37, Calayab, and about 9 kilometers from Laoag
City. It is the only first class property of its kind in the province of Ilocos Norte. The
hotel is sprawled over 77 hectares of land at the middle of sand dunes and prime forests. 
 The Fort Ilocandia Resort complex is composed of 5 buildings all inspired by
Spanish colonial architecture and finished in coal red bricks. It has guest rooms with
private balconies offering a panoramic view of the sea. These rooms have features and
qualities of Ilocano century­old living quarters and constructed to accentuate the antiquity
of a colonial house.

The main building houses the lobby, a number of restaurants, shopping arcade, 
casino, discotheque, and a glass­topped atrium where you can relax as you sip your 
favorite drinks, tea or coffee. For those who love Asian cuisines, Lucky House and 
Golden Pavilion are the best places to dine. It offers the finest Cantonese dishes and one 
can find delicious dishes from Korea, Japan and Taiwan. At the Sunset Bar which is 
located at the beachside you can have a drink and after which you can dine in a Spanish 
Restaurant, or CoCo Lobster where you can enjoy authentic Filipino cuisine. After your 
dinner, you can visit the Casino Filipino at the second floor. It is open 24 hours a day 
with multi­lingual attendants. The gaming area includes more VIP game rooms to satisfy 
your appetite for thrill. At the Passion Night Club and Karaoke glamorous shows are held
every night. There are VIP rooms where guests can show their singing prowess or none 
of it, and have a fun and relaxing time.

FESTIVALS

GAMENG FESTIVAL (January 24-27) (Solsona, Ilocos Norte)

Gameng is an Ilocano word for treasure. This festival’s main objective is to

strengthen Solsona’s culture, promote its cultural products and designs and preserve and
conserve its historical and cultural treasure and resources.

PAMULINAWEN FESTIVAL (February) (Laoag City)

Pamulinawen is the official celebration of the yearly fiesta of Laoag City. This is
considered as the main tourist attraction in the City.The highlights of the celebration
include Pamulinawen Street Pageantry, “Dulang” Food Festival, Calesa Festival,Comedia
Ilocana,Sarsuela, Balikbayan Nights, Pamulinawen Grand Parade,Pamulinawen Agro-
Industrial Trade Fair, Miss Laoag City Pamulinawen Beauty Pageant, Search for Miss
ABC (Association of Barangay Councils) and Rural Improvement Club (RIC) Day.

ANI FESTIVAL (March) (Dingras, Ilocos Norte)

Ani Festival is celebrated to pay tribute to Dingras as the rice granary of the
province of Ilocos Norte.

ILOCOS SUR

GEGOGRAPHY

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.

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.

CITIES AND MUNICIPALITIES

Ilocos Sur is subdivided into 32 municipalities and 2 cities: Vigan City and
Candon City.

CLIMATE
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.

MAJOR 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 food­processing industries, and also 
practice a number of crafts and cottage industries: blanketweaving, basketry, shellcraft, 
broommaking, pottery­making, wine and vinegar making, jewelry making, wood and 
stone craft, among others jars and antiques can also be bought in Vigan.
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 "kabiga­an" pertaining to the plant "biga" which is a 
tuberous plant that once grew along the banks of its rivers.
Vigan is a World Heritage Site in that it is the most intact example of a Spanish 
colonial town in Asia, and is well­known 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).

SOME LANDMARKS AND TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

CRISOLOGO MUSEUM
The Crisologos, Vigan’s most prominent political dynasty, have converted their
ancestral home into a strange but interesting family shrine, the Crisologo Museum. In
addition to the usual fare of books, photos and other personal items, there is the old
Chevy that Governor Carmeling Crisologo was in when she was (unsuccessfully)
ambushed by gunmen in 1961.

BANTAY CHURCH AND BELL TOWER

Bantay Church and Bell Tower is one of the famous landmarks in the town/barrio
of Bantay (Ili ti Bantay in Ilokano) in Ilocos Sur. The church is also known as "St.
Augustine Parish" and "Sanctuary of Nuestra Señora de La Caridad.
It was founded in 1593 and was named Saint Augustine de Hippo, the Doctor of
Grace, as the Patron Saint by the Augustinian friars who established it. The church was
originally made of bamboo and cogon structure by Bantay residents to house the
miraculous Image of Our Lady of Charity, but it was later-on changed into a permanent
edifice (built and completed in 1590). In the past, there were so many attempts in burning
the church but Nuestra Señora de la Caridad protected it that’s why the church remained
standing up to present.

BALUARTE MINI ZOO

The Baluarte or fortress is a must-see attraction for first time visitors, and even for
those who have visited Vigan. It has a mini zoo with animals from other countries and
others endemic to the Philippines. It is a private collection and is therefore continuously
being improved. It is owned by Mr. Chavit Singson, a well-loved son of Vigan and well-
known to most Filipinos and foreigners who follow the Philippine political scene.The
resort complex lies in hectares of land that stretches from the rolling plain towards the
hills, where the former governor’s multi-storey house sits with a grand view of Vigan and
the South China Sea.

FESTIVALS

VIVA VIGAN FESTIVAL

 Every first week of May, Vigan plays host to visitors for this festival featuring
painting and product exhibits, a Calesa parade, and other cultural activities.

LONGANIZA FESTIVAL

The Longaniza Festival of Vigan City held every January 22features the “longest
Longaniza” with the hope of entering to the Guinness Book of Records as the longest
Longaniza of the world. The Longaniza plays a major role in promoting the identity of
the city as a major producer of Longaniza which s famous not only locally but also
abroad.

SEMANA SANTA

St. Paul’s Metropolitan Cathedral is the venue of religious rites during the Holy
Week. The Good Friday procession features decorated carrozas bearing life-size statues
of Spanish vintage. On Easter Sunday, the dawn celebration depicting the Resurrection of
Christ, called “Sabet,” is a scene to behold.

LA UNION

GEOGRAPHY

La Union is located in the southwestern part of Region I. It is bounded on the

north by Ilocos Sur, on the south by Pangasinan, on the east by Benguet, and on the west
by the China Sea.

It has a land area of 149,309 hectares with a predominantly hilly terrain that
gradually rises eastward from the shore. Its irregular coastal plain is narrowest in
Damortis, Sto. Tomas and widest in Balaoan. Its highest peak is in Bagulin with an
elevation of 1,200 feet above sea level. The province has several rivers which are short
and rapid.

CITIES AND MUNICIPALITIES

La Union has 19 municipalities and one component city, (San Fernando) which
are subdivided into 576 barangays. The northern towns of Sudipen, Bangar, Luna,
Balaoan, Santol, San Gabriel, Bacnotan, San Juan, and San Fernando City comprise the
First District. Belonging to the Second District are Bagulin, Naguilian, Burgos, Bauang,
Caba, Aringay, Agoo, Tubao, Sto. Tomas, Rosario, and Pugo.

CLIMATE

The climate condition prevailing in La Union is dry from November to April and
wet from May to October. The southwest monsoon brings about the abundant rainfall
experienced during the wet season. The relatively dry season is caused by the northeast
monsoon passing over the Cordillera Mountains. The average temperature is 27.21°C.

MAJOR INDUSTRIES

Agriculture remains to be the primary industry. Cottage industries are

blanketweaving, basketry, bamboocraft, pottery, and broommaking. Commercial activity
consists mostly of wholesale and retail business.

SOME LANDMARKS AND TOURISTS ATTRACTIONS

LA UNION BOTANICAL GARDEN

The Garden is situated on a hilly twenty-hectare land, eight kilometers east form
the city proper of San Fernando, La Union, with fully maintained concrete roads. The
first of its kind in the Philippines, a scientific garden and the center for laboratory
research in Northern Luzon was inaugurated on March 2, 1996.

The Garden as main tourist destination is meant to give an accurate impression of

the various plant worlds, which grow in tropical, sub-tropical and desert climates. All
plants are labeled in their local and scientific names with their origin. It is a country-style
garden where plant life and wildlife, ornaments and oddments go hand in hand. The
resulting harmony, together with the solitude and peace naturally give the Garden a great
therapeutic effect.

CHRIST THE REDEEMER

In grateful thanksgiving to the City of San Fernando and Province of La Union,

Congressman Victor F. Ortega and Former Mayor Mary Jane C. Ortega and their family
personally commissioned the 25 foot statue of Christ the Redeemer at Reservoir Hill,
overlooking the city proper and San Fernando Bay.
DAGUPAN CITY

Dagupan, officially the City of Dagupan is an independent component city in the

province of Pangasinan in the Philippines. The city's name was derived from the local
Pangasinense word pandaragupan, meaning "gathering place" as the city has been a
regional market center for centuries.
Dagupan is among the top producers of milkfish in the province. Dagupan is
known as the “Home of the tastiest milkfish in the world” and birthplace of Philippine
Modern Art & National Artist Victorio Edades.

GEOGRAPHY

Dagupan City covers a total land area of 3,723 hectares bounded by the Lingayen
Gulf in the north, San Fabian in the northeast, Mangaldan in the east, Calasiao in the
south and Binmaley in the west. Land use is primarily for agriculture with 35.98% of the
total land area, fishpond, cropland, residential with 22.88%; others uses are commercial,
industrial, institutional, government private, parks, and roads.

MAJOR INDUSTRIES

Dagupan has a high concentration of 57 banks and 44 financial institutions that

support its status as the major trading and commercial center in North Luzon. It has
several malls, supermarkets and multi-national food chains.

Dagupan is also named as one of the most competitive cities outside Metro
Manila according to the Philippine Cities Competitiveness Ranking Project 2009.

SOME LANDMARKS AND TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

MACARTHUR’S LANDING SITE MARKER

Macarthur’s landing site marker is one of the places with historical

significance worth visiting in Dagupan City . It is one of the landing sites of the
Liberation Forces on January 9, 1945. It is located near the shoreline of what is known as
Bonuan Blue Beach or Tondaligan Beach. General Douglas MacArthur landed here to
fulfill his promise of "I Shall Return" at the end of the World War II.

OLD WATER TOWER

Remnants of the past can still be found in the heart of the city. Such is the Water
Tower at the back of the City Hall which once provided the city’s water needs. As
municipal president from 1931-1934, Jose Fernandez Llamas left as a memorial of his
administration, the water tank behind the city hall building. He also constructed the
original kiosk in the plaza which has been demolished in later years to give way to
improvements.

MUSEO NA DAGUPAN

Capturing Dagupan's colorful heritage is the Museo na Dagupan, which shelters

old photographs, artifacts and antique household items originally owned by famed
Dagupeno clans. In the Edades Hall, paintings of native contemporary artists and the
masterpieces of National Artist Victorio Edades are showcased. Dagupan City is one of
the few places to have two national artists. The other Dagupeño national artist is Salvador
Bernal.

FESTIVALS

BANGUS FESTIVAL

Bangus Festival is the first thing that comes to the mind of every Filipino person upon
hearing the place "Dagupan." Bangus Festival is a famous celebration which happens
annually in the month of April. Bangus, or Milkfish, is the main product of Dagupan, and
it citizens are proud to showcase it to others during the festival. It is a two-week
celebration with different planned activities on each day. These activities include the
bangus food trip, bangus rodeo and many other exciting activities.

PIGAR-PIGAR FESTIVAL

This festival promotes pigar-pigar, a product of the people of Dagupan that is

made from fresh meat. There are a huge number of stalls in Dagupan which serve pigar-
pigar. To prepare this, they have the fresh meat dipped in a sauce. This sauce is a mixture
of onions and cooking oil. The meat is usually a beef or carabeef. The main activity in
this festival is the Pigar-Pigar Cooking Contest, wherein the owner and staff of the
different pigar-pigar stalls battle with each other in various categories.

CUISINE AND DELICACIES OF ILOCOS REGION

Almost all of the provinces in the Ilocos region share similar taste in food. Most
of their pride delicacies consist of rice and vegetables. Obviously, this is derived from the
abundance of harvest in their rich mountainous land.Ilocanos are very fond of bagoong (a
salty shrimp paste). They use bagoong as condiments or as an added ingredient in their
dishes.

PINAKBET

Pinakbet is considered as the most popular Ilocano dish and has become known
throughout the Philippines as well. The term ‘Pinakbet’ is derived from the Ilocano word
pinakebbet, which means shrunken or shriveled.This dish is cooked with bagoong with
native Ilocano vegetables like tomato, bitter gourd (ampalaya), eggplant, string beans,
okra, lima beans (patani), chilli pepper, and other Filipino vegetables including parda and
winged beans. The Tagalog version of pinakbet is called pakbet, which includes cabbage.

DINENGDENG
Dinengdeng (also called inabraw) is a dish of the Ilocano people of the Philippines,
similar to pinakbet. It is classified as a bagoong soup based dish. Unlike pinakbet,
dinengdeng contains fewer vegetables and contains more bagoong soup base.

BAGOONG MONAMON

Bagoong monamon, bagoong monamon-dilis, or

simply bagoong and bugguong munamon in Ilocano, is
a common ingredient used in the Philippines and
particularly in Northern Ilocano cuisine. It is made by
fermenting salted anchovies which is not designed, nor
customarily used for immediate consumption since it is
completely raw. Therefore it is used as a cooking
ingredient, upon when it is cooked alone, it can be used
as an accompaniment to traditional food dishes. To most
Westerners unfamiliar with this condiment, the smell can be extremely repulsive.
Bagoong is however, an essential ingredient in many curries and sauces.

BATAC EMPANADA

The empanada is a popular street food in Ilocos Norte. There are several
variations of this delicacy. There’s an ordinary empanada, which is made from papaya,
bean sprouts, and egg. The ordinary eggless empanada only contains vegetables. The
special empanada includes longganisa and egg. The special eggless has longganisa but
without egg and many other variations.

BIBINGKANG GALAPONG
 Bibingkang Galapong is a native Filipino food that originated in La Union. It is a
mixture of sticky rice or ganta glutinous rice, grated young coconut, coconut cream and
brown sugar. The toppings are coconut cream (first extraction without water) and brown
sugar.

BAGNET

Bagnet is the Ilocano version of lechon kawali. This dish is the delicacy in Ilocos
region. Normally the pork belly is boiled and deep fried until crispy. It is usually served
with vinegar.

CAGAYAN VALLEY

Cagayan Valley or the “Lambak ng Cagayan” in Filipino is a region of the

Philippines, designated as Region II. It is the 4th largets region in the Philippines and is
composed of five provinces, namely: Batanes, Cagayan, Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya, and
Quirino. It has four cities: industrial center - Cauayan City, its regional center -
Tuguegarao, its investment hub - Ilagan City and its Premier City - Santiago City. Most
of the region lies in a large valley in northeastern Luzon, between the Cordilleras and the
Sierra Madre mountain ranges. Cagayan River, the country's longest river runs through
its center and flows out to Luzon Strait in the north, in the town of Aparri, Cagayan. The
Babuyan and Batanes island groups that lie in the Luzon Strait also belong to the region.
Cagayan Valley is the second largest region of the Philippines in terms of land area.

The region is hailed as the “Tilapia Capital of the Philippines”.

LANGUAGE/DIALECT

Cagayan Valley has diverse dialects, but it could be said that the most commonly used
dialect in the valley is Ilokano. However, other dialects are also being used such as:
Gaddang (Nueva Vizcaya); Ibanag and Itawes (Cagayan); Ibanag and Isneg (Isabela); and
Gaddang & Malaweg (Quirino)
BATANES

Batanes, which is the smallest province in the Philippines in terms of population

and land area, lies at the northernmost tip of the country, where the Pacific Ocean merges
with the South China Sea. It is composed of three major islands, namely: Batan which
contains the capital town of Basco, Sabtang, and Itbayat. Batanes has been identified as
the country’s potential gateway to East China.
Batanes is known as the “Home of the Winds”.

GEOGRAPHY

The island-province is strewn on a 4,500 square kilometer expanse of territorial

waters, the Luzon Strait and Balintang Channel, where the Pacific Ocean merges with the
South China Sea, a sealane between the Philippines and the southern parts of Japan,
China, Hongkong, and Taiwan. It is bounded on the north by the Bashi Channel, on the
east by the Pacific Ocean, on the west by the South China Sea, and on the south by the
Balintang Channel. It is characterized by gently rolling hills, cliffs, and black and white
sand beaches.

CLIMATE

The Batanes weather is rather pleasant. Compared to the rest of the country,
Batanes is blessed with a cooler, balmier climate. It enjoys practically four seasons, the
best one being summer which is from March to June.

MAJOR INDUSTRIES

The province has a total agricultural land area of 5,438 hectares and has a wide
area open for agricultural expansion. Due to its terrain, it is a major livestock producer
with cattle as its main stock. Carabaos and goats are also popularly raised. Another major
industry is fishing which reaches its peak during the summer months, from March to
June, when the seawater is relatively calm.

LANDMARKS AND TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

ITBAYAT ISLAND

Itbayat Island is located north of Batan Island. Itbayat is shaped like a giant bowl. The
island is surrounded by massive boulders and cliffs rising from 20-70 feet above sea level
and has no shoreline.
CHAWA CAVE

Believed to be an enchanted cave, it

has a natural salt bed and a mouth that
opens to the South China Sea and is
accessible through the boulders of Chawa
Point in Mahatao, located four kilometers from Basco.

RUINS OF SONGSONG

Ruins of Songsong is a ghost barangay which is a cluster of roofless shells of old

stone houses abandoned after a tidal wave that hit the island of Batan in the 50s. It has a
long stretch of beach. The ruins are 23 kilometers from Basco.
SABTANG ISLAND

The island is undisturbed and unspoiled. It has lots of natural attractions guaranteed to
satisfy the most sophisticated nature lovers. It has intermittent white sand beaches with
steep mountains and deep canyons with small level areas sporadically found along the
coastline.

FESTIVALS

PALU-PALO FESTIVAL

This is a cultural presentation of the municipality of Basco, Batanes, showcasing

their ethnic group’s rugged yet storied existence. Palu-palo means sticks or arnis that
were used by the native Ivatans to fight the forces of the colonizers such as Spaniards and
the Dutch. The natives wear the traditional suit made of indigenous materials from the
bark of trees which were flattened.

FEAST OF THREE KINGS

This is celebrated every first Sunday of January in Basco, Batanes. It is a day of gift 
giving as when the Christ Child was born, initiated province­wide by the Church and 
local officials. Practically all Ivatan homes are visited on this day.
CUISINE AND DELICACIES

SINIGANG NA MAYASANG

It is boiled fish with kangkong leaves and green sili, great for the cold weather.

SEAWEED SOUP

It’s a soup made from seaweed which they say is very common to each Ivatans’ 
diet. It is definitely a must­try when in Batanes.

COCONUT CRAB
 This is also a must­try when visiting Batanes. They said that when the crabs are in
season, they do not use coconut milk anymore because the crab secretes its own coconut­
milk­like flavor.

CAGAYAN

Cagayan is the Regional Seat of the Cagayan Valley Region.

Tuguegarao City, the capital, is the seat of commerce and trade and center for
learning. The province has 73 percent of the region’s potential fishing area.

The word “Cagayan” was derived from the word “tagay,” a kind of plant that
grows abundantly in the northern part of the province. Thus, “Catagayan” which means
a place where the tagay grows abundantly was shortened to “Cagayan,” the present name
of the province.

Known as the spelunker’s, trekker’s, and gamefisher’s paradise rolled into one,
Cagayan provides a never-ending adventure with ecotourism in the forefront of its
offering. Both foreign and local tourists continue to explore its caves, engage in
gamefishing expeditions, trek its mighty mountains and retreat to its centuries-old
churches.

GEOGRAPHY

The province is bounded by the Pacific Ocean on the east, on the south is Isabela
province, on the west is the Cordillera Mountain, and on the north by the Balintang
Channel and the Babuyan Group of Islands. About two kilometers from the northeastern
tip of the province is the island of Palaui, a few kilometers to the west is Fuga Island. The
Babuyan Group of Islands, which includes Calayan, Dalupiri, Camiguin, and Babuyan
Claro, is about 60 nautical miles north of Luzon mainland.

The province comprises an aggregate land area of 9,002.70 square kilometers,

which constitutes three percent of the total land area of the country, making it the second
largest province in the region.

POLITICAL SUBDIVISION

Cagayan has 28 municipalities and one city divided into three congressional
districts. It has 816 barangays. Tuguegarao City is the provincial capital, regional seat,
and center of business, trade, and education. It has a land area of 144.80 square
kilometers and a population of 120,645 as of 2000.

CLIMATE

Seasons in the province are not very pronounced. Relatively dry season occurs
during the months of March to June and rainy season from July to October, although it is
relatively cold during the months of November to February.

MAJOR INDUSTRIES

Agricultural products are rice, corn, peanut, beans, and fruits. Livestock products
include cattle, hogs, carabaos, and poultry. Fishing various species of fish from the
coastal towns is also undertaken. Woodcraft furniture made of hardwood, rattan, bamboo,
and other indigenous materials are also available in the province.

LANDMARKS AND TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

CALLAO CAVE

This is Cagayan North’s premier tourist destination. Aside from spelunking in its
diverse cave systems, the tourist zone also offers various ecotourism activities like bird
and bat watching, hiking, mountaineering, rock climbing, rappelling, boating, kayaking,
and swimming.

MAGAPIT SUSPENSION BRIDGE

 This is the only one of its kind in the Philippines, and is the first suspension
bridge in Asia. The bridge is still operational and is used for access to the Ilocos Region.

PORTABAGA FALLS

This beauty is located in Sta.

Praxedes. It is a captivating scenic
spot that provides a display of the
beautiful flora of the place.

PALAUI ISLAND

This is one of the island barangays of the Province and is an ideal place for
snorkeling, scuba diving, game fishing, forest exploration and mountain climbing.
FESTIVALS

BANGKARERA FESTIVAL

The Bangkarera Festival of the municipality of Aparri, which is celebrated every

10th of May, features an exciting race participated in by up to a hundred boats of different
sizes and shapes, as thanksgiving to their patron saint, St. Peter Thelmo.

PIAT SAMBALI FESTIVAL

Piat Sambali Festival (June 23 - 30) which religious devotees from all over look
forward to. It features a reenactment of the "sambali", a war dance of tribes that were
united and converted to Christianity through the intercession of the Lady of Piat (known
also as the Black Mary).

ARINGAY FESTIVAL

The Aringay Festival in Lasam, (May 15 - 21), depicts farming as the

municipality's major livelihood since old times.

CUISINE AND DELICACIES

PANCIT BATIL PATUNG

You’ll know that you're in Tuguegarao City because there's a panciteria in almost
every corner offering their versions of this famous Cagayan delicacy. It is perhaps the city
in the Philippines with the most number of panciterias.

Batil means mix and patung means topping. Its

basic ingredients include sauteed carabao beef, pork
liver, egg, bean sprouts, sliced leeks, carrots, crushed pork-rind cracklings (chicharon),
lots of onions and freshly-made flattened noodles (miki) with seasonings of soy sauce
(toyo) and fish sauce (patis). The distinct ingredient of it is the egg placed on top and
cooked by the heat of the pancit.

TINUBONG

Tinubong is a rice cake of sorts in Cagayan where sticky rice is cooked with coconut milk
inside bamboos.

PAWA

This sticky rice delicacy made with peanut-and-sugar filling can be found in Piat,
Cagayan.

ISABELA
 Isabela is a province of the Philippines, the second largest province in the country
next to Palawan. It is located in the Cagayan Valley region in the island of Luzon. Its
capital is Ilagan City and borders, clockwise from the south, Aurora, Quirino, Nueva
Vizcaya, Ifugao, Mountain Province, Kalinga, and Cagayan. This primarily agricultural
province is known as the “Rice and Corn Granary of Luzon” due to its plain and rolling
terrain. In 2012, the province was declared as country's top producer in corn with
1,209,524 production.
It is the 10th richest province in the Philippines recorded last 2011, being the only
province of Northern Luzon to be included in the list. The province has four trade centers
in the cities of Ilagan, Cauayan, Santiago and the municipality of Roxas.

GEOGRAPHY

Isabela comprises a total land area of 10,665 square kilometers, representing

almost 40 percent of the regional territory. It is the largest province in the island of Luzon
and the second largest province in the Philippines in terms of land area. It is located on
the right-most part of the Northern Luzon facing the Pacific Ocean and comprising parts
of the Sierra Madre. Isabela is one of the provinces which is often hit by typhoons due to
its location.

POLITICAL SUBDIVISION

Isabela is subdivided into 34 municipalities and three cities: Cauayan City, Ilagan
City, and Santiago City.

The province has ten first class municipalities, two third class cities and one first
class independent city. Ilagan City, which became a city 13 years after its failed cityhood
in 1998 of proposal is now Luzon’s largest and the country’s fourth biggest city after
Davao City, Puerto Princesa and Zamboanga City in terms of land area.

CLIMATE

Generally, the province has two types of climate. The eastern and coastal areas
experience moderate rainfall more or less distributed throughout the year while western
Isabela has more pronounced wet and dry seasons.

MAJOR INDUSTRIES

Agriculture is the major industry of the people of Isabela. Farming is highly

mechanized as most of the agricultural lands are irrigated. With the presence of the
Isabela State University, joint ventures and other foreign assisted projects and the Magat
Dam contribute to the high productivity in agriculture.

Isabela is acknowledged as the hub of trade and commercial activities in the

region due to its central location in the region. Furniture making using narra and other
indigenous forest materials/products like Gmelina continue to exist. Potential investments
are in fisheries and tourism. The reservoir of the Magat Dam is utilized for fishcage
operations, particularly tilapia production. Tourism is relatively a new industry being
developed in the province especially in the coastal areas. Support services and
accommodation facilities are likewise being developed.

LANDMARKS AND TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

WORLD’S LARGEST BUTAKA

Isabela is home to the world’s largest butaka. It is found in Ilagan town along the
Maharlika Highway. Built at a cost of P175,000.00 for 29 days with a total of 1,762 board
feet of seasoned narra, 1,740 foot-1 inch diameter of rattan; it is 11.4 feet tall, 9.70 feet
wide and 20.8 feet long and weighs 2,368 kilos.

MAGAT HIGHRISE DAM AND HYDRO-ELECTRIC POWER PLANT

The Magat Highrise Dam is about 350 kilometers of good roads from Metro
Manila. Constructed in 1970, the dam costs P6.5B to include the dam itself, powerhouse,
office buildings and other related facilities. This infrastructure project used to be the
biggest dam in the whole of Asia. Project benefits include year-round irrigation supply of
some 102,000 hectares of agricultural land and an ultimate capacity of 540 megawatts of
hydroelectric power sufficient to supply the whole of Northern Luzon Grid. Its reservoir
area of 4,460 hectares has a great potential for water-based recreation like fishing,
swimming, boating and water skiing, among others.
AGUINALDO SHRINE

This is located in Palanan. The Aguinaldo Shrine a historic place where the First
President of the Philippine Republic, General Emilio Aguinaldo surrendered to the
American forces, thus ending the Philippine Revolution in March 1901.

ILAGAN SANCTUARY ZIPLINE

The Zipline inside the Ilagan sanctuary started operating last May of 2012, all the
materials of this adventure ride is European made and have passed International Security
Standards. Ilagan's zip-line is the fastest zipline in the country , it is a 350 meter zipline
with a speed of 80kmph or approximately in the maximum speed of 15 seconds. It is
gravity that makes the zipline ride fast, the platform is located on top of the hill which is
700 feet above ground, the speed also depends on the weight of the rider; the heavier you
are, the fastest ride you'll experience.
FESTIVALS

GAKIT FESTIVAL

The province of Isabela is known for celebrating several feasts and festivals. One
of its most popular feasts is the Gakit Festival, which is held at the Cagayan River. This
celebration was revived by Mayor Bentot of Angadanan. According to the Mayor, the
revival of celebrating this festivity is a reminder to Angadanians of their cultural tradition
of resourcefulness and self-reliance.

In this festival, the town people offer fruits, vegetables, poultry, and livestock as
thanksgiving for their abundant bounty. This practice reminds Angadanians of their
tradition of planting crops and raising poultry in their backyard. This should reduce the
people’s reliance on others and will inculcate resourcefulness in every one Angadanian.

PAGAYAYA FESTIVAL

Another famous festival in Isabela is the Pagayaya. Pagayaya is an Ibanag term,

which literally meant merrymaking and joyous gathering. This festival features proud
products of the Cagayan Valley Region. Provinces to show case their culture, crafts, and
cuisine include Isabela, Batanes, Nueva Vizcaya, Cagayan, and Quirino.

Most booths feature souvenir items, toys, houseware, processed and fresh fruits
and vegetables. Some of the stands showcase the creative, signature designs of furniture.
Native dishes such as the Tuguegarao longganisa, rice cakes like the inatata, muriekos,
and binallay are on display. The pancit cabagan of Isabela and pancit batil patung of
Tuguegarao are also available.

BAKA FESTIVAL

A survey revealing quite number of ranches in San Pablo led to the establishment
of the Baka Festival. Held on January 15 it is expected not only to be the highlight of
future patronal fiestas of San Pablo but also to sustain efforts to promote the local cattle
industry and the products that have been developed since a convergence project was
located in the municipality.
The festival is a fine time to see cowboys of San Pablo display skills that are
reminiscent of the American Wild West.
CUISINE AND DELICACIES

PANCIT CABAGAN

Pansit Cabagan is originally from Isabella. It uses a pansit miki which is thinner 
than the batil­patong. The main ingredients are lechon carahay, itlog ng pugo, and mixed 
vegetables. It goes with a dark broth soup of the cabagan with egg.

INANDILA

This delicious delicacy can only be found in Echague, Isabela. It is made from
glutinous rice wrapped in banana leaves served with a caramel like sauce on the side. In
Isabela, they call it “Inandila” or “Dendelot”.

There are also other local kakanin delicacies like muriecos or glutinous rice
stuffed with sweet latik concoction; inatataw which is comparable to suman,
and binallay, also made from glutinous rice which is dipped in sweet coconut milk sauce.

NUEVA VIZCAYA

The history of Nueva Vizcaya could still be reflected from the culture and
customs of its early settlers, which included the Ilongots (now called Bugkalots), Igorots,
Ifugaos, Isinais, and Gaddangs. The influx of civilization and the infusion of modern
technology to the lifestream of the province induced many immigrants from the adjacent
provinces, primarily Ilocanos, Tagalogs, Pangasinenses, Kapampangans, among others.
 Located about 268 north of Metro Manila, the province is tagged to be the new
alternative destination for outdoor and environment enthusiasts. Considered a watershed
haven, it is 70 percent forestland. It is strategically bounded by the Sierra Madre
Mountain Ranges, Caraballo Mountains, and Cordillera Mountains. It is also the gateway
to the Cagayan Valley Region and the Banaue Rice Terraces, which is hailed as the 8 th
Wonder of the World.

This   landlocked   province   is   famous   for   its   high   quality   citrus   fruits.
Unsurprisingly, this has given it the nickname of “ Citrus Capital of the Philippines.”

GEOGRAPHY

Home of the Isinais, Nueva Vizcaya is located in the northcentral part of Luzon in
Region 2. It is surrounded by notable mountain ranges such as the Sierra Madre on the
east, Caraballo on the south, and Cordillera on the west. The province has several
principal rivers: Magat, Matuno, Marang, Sta. Fe, and Sta. Cruz. All these rivers are
tributaries of the Magat River which flows into the Cagayan River. The province is
bounded on the north and northeast by the province of Ifugao and Isabela, on the east and
southeast by Qurino and Aurora, on the south by Nueva Ecija, and on the west by
Benguet and Pangasinan.

POLITICAL SUBDIVISION

The province is considered as one congressional district and has 15 municipalities

and 274 barangays. Bayombong is the provincial capital while Solano and Kayapa are its
commercial and summer capital, respectively.

CLIMATE

Nueva Vizcaya is relatively dry from November to April and relatively wet during
the rest of the year. Maximum temperature ranges from 22-25 degrees Celsius. December
and January are the coldest months when temperature falls to about 20 degrees Celsius
while the warmest months are April and May. Nueva Vizcaya is often referred to as
“Lowland Baguio” because of its pleasant climate.

MAJOR INDUSTRIES

The province has basically an agricultural economy with commerce, trade, and
industry contributing to its growth and development. Among other major economic
activities are farming and cattle and swine raising. Primary crops are palay and corn.
Minor crops are rootcrops, vegetables, and fruits. The province produces quality onions
and vegetables often sold in Metro Manila. Oranges and mangoes are now major crops
being exported fresh to Asian countries.

LANDMARKS AND TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

ST. DOMINIC CATHEDRAL

A must-see in the province of Nueva Vizcaya is the St. Dominic Cathedral in the
capital town of Bayombong. It was said that the first mass was celebrated here on April
12, 1739 that was officiated by Fray Pedro Freire, in the church of St. Augustine. It was
in only in September 8, 1739 when the Augustinians relinquished its mission to the
Dominicans when this church was re-dedicated; to St. Dominic de Guzman.

CAPISAAN CAVE SYSTEM

Located 700-900 meters above sea level in Brgy. Capisaan in the citrus-filled
Malabing Valley in Kasibu, Nueva Vizcaya, the 4.2-kilometer long Capisaan Cave is
considered as the fifth longest cave system in the Philippines. It is also known as the
Lion-Alayan Cave because its two main entry and exit points, from end to end, are the
Lion and Alayan Caves.

MT. PULAG

Mt. Pulag is located within the municipalities of Buguias, Kabayan and Bokod in
Benguet, Tinoc in Ifugao and Kayapa in Nueva Vizcaya. Deep ravines, gorges and steep
terrain characterize Mt. Pulag. Mount Pulag is the highest peak in Luzon, the third
highest in the Philippines.

DALTON PASS

A rugged piece of terrain where Caraballo Sur reaches south and joins with the
Sierra Madre. Being the only access between Pampanga and Cagayan Valley, the pass
became the scene of much bloody fighting during the final stages of WW II and bore
witness to the death of almost 17,000 Japanese, American, and Filipino soldiers.
Commemorative markers stand by the road’s highest point, which also offers a good view
into the headlands. The Dalton Pass National Shrine commemorates the death of General
Dalton by a sniper’s bullet during WW II. At 3,000 feet above sea level, Dalton Pass is
also the gateway to the Cagayan Valley Region and the Ifugao Rice Terraces.

FESTIVALS

CITRUS FESTIVAL

Nueva Vizcaya has pride itself of its farmlands, enriching its industry and now is
fast becoming the fruit basket of the Philippines and proudly calling itself the Citrus
Capital of the Philippines due to high quality citrus products grown locally. The Citrus
Festival is held every August, and during the festivities, visitors are allowed to pick-and-
pay in the town’s popular citrus farms.
PANAGYAMAN FESTIVAL

Held every May 19-24, the Panagyaman Festival is the Anniversary of the
establishment of the civil government of Nueva Vizcaya. Activities include street
parades,street dancing, cultural shows, float parades and contest, sports events by
municipality, agro-industrial fairs, others. It is celebrated with parades, beauty pageant,
trade shows, and agro-industrial fair, among others.

KALANGUYA FESTIVAL

The festival aims to conserve, preserve and protect the almost-forgotten

Kalanguya cultural heritage, especially to the younger generation, amidst modernization
and high technology. Slowly, the Kalanguyas are being recognized as a component for
society’s progress and a feeling of brotherhood now exists between the two peoples. The
festival also brought enormous progress and development in the town and its people’s
lives.

CUISINE AND DELICACIES

Nueva Vizcaya has several delicacies that people of Nueva Vizcaya can proudly
present to everyone. Locals are proud to present: bupis, it is made out of liver of pigs;
Intunno nga Pinakbet, this food is grilled vegetables with bagoong; Dinengdeng, it is
likely pinakbet, it has bagoong also; and Palitaw, this consists of cornstarch, coconut and
sugar.

QUIRINO

Long before its formal creation as an independent province, Quirino was the
forest region of the province of Nueva Vizcaya, inhabited by tribal groups known as the
Negritos. They roamed the hinterlands and built their huts at the heart of the jungle.

Quirino lies in the southeastern portion of Cagayan Valley. It is situated within the
upper portion of the Cagayan River basin and bounded by Isabela on the north, Aurora on
the east and southeast, and Nueva Vizcaya on the west and southwest.

The Ilocano dialect is used widely in the lowlands of the province’s various
municipalities while Ifugao is predominant in the uplands.

GEOGRAPHY

The Sierra Madre Mountain Range provides a natural barrier on the eastern and
southern border of the province and the Mamparang Range on the western part. The
province is generally mountainous, with about 80 percent of the total land area covered
by mountains and highlands. A part of the province’s comparative advantage is its
accessibility to the town of Aurora.

POLITICAL SUBDIVISION

Quirino has six municipalities: Cabarroguis, the capital town, Saguday, Diffun,
Maddela, Nagtipunan, and Aglipay. The province has one congressional district and 110
barangays.

CLIMATE

The province has a mean annual temperature of 26.6 degree Celsius. Warmest
month is May and the least dry months are March to August while the rest of the year is
neither too dry nor too wet. Rainy days occur from September to November.

MAJOR INDUSTRIES

Agriculture is the main industry with rice and corn as major crops. These supply
the demand of neighboring provinces and the metropolis. Banana as well as banana chips
are major products sold in Metro Manila and Pampanga. Small scale industries like
furniture making, basketry, rattan craft, and dried flower production are prevalent.

LANDMARKS AND TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

BISANGAL FALLS

Bisangal Falls in Maddela rests on a virgin forestland. The place serves as a

sanctuary for endangered species of wildlife and is located 35 kilometers from
Cabarroguis, the capital town. The falls offers several drop basins for bathing and picnic
huts are available for excursion.

GOVERNOR RAPIDS
 Governor Rapids is famous for its gigantic perpendicular walls of limestone
jutting out from one side of the Cagayan River framing the Sierra Madre Mountain and
its swift turbulent deep blue waters is perfect venue for kayaking, white river rafting,
swimming and fishing. The riverside offers a suitable picnic ground with a magnificent
view of the river. This part of the region is also home to Agtas or Negritos.

NAGTIPUNAN TOWN

Nagtipunan Town is the home of lush virgin forest and is being developed as a gateway to
Aurora Province through Barangay Sangbay. About 54 kilometers from Cabarroguis, the
town is a recommended venue for camping and eco-tourism activities. It is also home to
the famous rock formation called Bimmapor, a rock formation similar to a ship’s stern
which is about to sink. The area is recommended for rock climbing trekking, swimming,
rafting, excursion and fishing, among others.

NAGBUKEL CAVE

Nagbukel Cave at Diffun, Quirino is perfect for retreats. Local tourists usually
visit during the holy week for picnic, hiking, and communing with nature. The place is
being maintained and developed by the Lamplighter, a religious sect, the cave is four
kilometers away from the capital town.

FESTIVALS

PANAGDADAPUN FESTIVAL

This festival aims to showcase the unique culture, convergence of the people, and
colorful history of the province of Quirino every 8-10th day of September.
CENTRAL LUZON

Central Luzon or the Region III of the Philippines has 7 provinces namely:
Aurora, Bataan, Bulacan, Pampanga, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac and  Zambales.

Known as the fertile central plains, and “The Rice Basket of the Philippines, 
Central Luzon produces most of the country’s dining staple: rice.  And because of this 
abundance of rice and vegetables, this region has a rich cuisine. 

Central Luzon is also one of the earliest areas converted into Christianity by the 
Spanish 50 years after conquistador Hernando Magallanes first stepped on Philippine 
soil. Not without a fight though.  Pampanga, whose original lair extended almost the 
entire Region 3, was once part of the Kingdom of Tondo, dating back to a bygone era 
when Rajas ruled. These provinces further gave birth to noble heroes who fought for 
freedom against oppressors—all three major world super powers in the span of 500 years.

AURORA

The province is named after the lady­love and wife of President Manuel 
Quezon. The province itself is a one of the last frontiers of Central Luzon. With 70% 
forest cover and 328 kilometers of pure coast, it has gems yet to be discovered. Baler is 
the capitol town, and it’s famous for a historical siege and killer waves.

The town is the backdrop of the infamous Siege of Baler. When the Spaniards 
ceased and sold the Philippines to America, there was a group of renegade Spanish 
soldiers who decided that it wasn’t their time yet. They occupied the Church of Baler for 
almost a year until they finally gave up. This was the last Spanish stronghold in the 
Philippines. It is now called, “Siege of Baler.”

GEOGRAPHY
 Aurora Province is located on the East-Central side of Luzon Island. It is the
north-eastern most province of Central Luzon (Region III). It is bordered on the north by
the provinces of Isabela and Qurino, on the west by Nueva Ecija and Nueva Viscaya, on
the south by Bulacan and Quezon, and on the east by the Pacific Ocean. The province's
main link to the rest of Luzon is through a narrow mountain gravel road that twists
through the Sierra Madre Mountain Range. The road is located between Baler and
Bongabon, Nueva Ecija.

POLITICAL SUBDIVISION

The Province of Aurora is the 73rd province of the Philippines created by Batas
Pambasa Blg. 07. It is the youngest among the 7 provinces of Central Luzon. It has 8
municipalities with a total of 151 barangays divided into 3 development zones: Northern
Zone (Dilasag, Casiguran, Dinalungan); Central Zone (Baler, Dipaculao, Ma. Aurora and
San Luis ); and Southern Zone (Dingalan).

CLIMATE

Aurora's climate is characterized by rainfall that is evenly distributed throughout

the year, since Aurora faces the Pacific Ocean and has no barriers to shield it from
typhoons coming from the east. Tropical cyclones are also a seasonal occurrence.

The average monthly rainfall is 273.9 millimeters. Rainfall is heaviest during the
months of January, February, April, October, and November, while August is the driest
month.

MAJOR INDUSTRIES

Agriculture is the primary industry in Aurora, employing approximately half of

the population. About 49,991 hectares, or 15% of the provincial land area, consist of
cultivated land. Major crops include rice, coconut, coffee, bananas, root crops, corn,
citrus fruits, peanuts and abaca.

Forestry is another significant industry. About 74% percent of the province's

323,954 hectares can be classified as woodland. Virtually all (99.9%) of the forest areas
are classified as woodland, steep sloping land and inaccessible land. In some of these
forest areas, one can observe the practice of slash-and-burn agriculture (kaingin) by
upland cultivators. Cottage industries in the province make use of such forest products as
rattan, nito, sabutan, luknoy, puroy and pandan.

Fishing is also a major industry. Of eight municipalities, seven lie along coastal
areas. Approximately one-third of the province's population located in 48 barangays
along the coastline is dependent on the fishing industry.

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS AND LANDMARKS

AMPERE BEACH
 This beach is covered with smooth rocks of various sizes and darker color. This
beach is an area called Bunga Point or Ampere Point, where local residents flock to
Okotan Cave, a time-honored locale for forecasting the weather. The Pacific waves, upon
hitting the shoreline cave, produce an explosion, the intensity of which, according to local
lore, determines the intensity of the incoming weather.

BALETE PARK AND MILLENIUM TREE

This park contains a 600-year-old balete tree that was designated the official
"Millennium Tree" of The Philippines. It is the largest tree of its kind in Asia, and it
would take 60 grown men, holding one another at arm's length, to encircle its gigantic
trunk.

Due to its age, the tree's thick roots have grown above ground, such that caves
have formed under various sections of the trunk. This unique tree has generated national
media attention and is now the most visited tourist spot in Aurora.

DINADIAWAN BEACH

Dinadiawan Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Aurora, with a fabulous
view of the Pacific Ocean, the lush, diverse forests of the Sierra Madre Mountain Range,
and the rock formation along the shoreline.

SABANG BEACH

Located on this long stretch of gray sand beach are several resorts namely:
Angara's Beach House, Bay's Inn Resort, MIA Surf and Sports Resort and Baler
Guesthouse and Restaurant, which, offer accommodations near the beachfront and
provide food, relaxation, and respite for swimmers and surfers.

From March through June, the waves are relatively calm providing a good
beachfront for swimmers and an excellent challenge for expert windsurfers. The months
from October to February bring in the large waves for beginner surfers to learn the basics
with relative safety from scratches, since most of the beach is sandy- bottomed.
Undertows, which are helpful to surfers and dangerous for non-swimmers, do occur in
certain areas.

The most popular surfing point is found right in front of Bay's Inn, where
beginners brave the moderate waves and regular surfers practice.

Lindy's Point, found further north along Sabang Beach, is a highly-prized secret
spot among local surfers.

SIERRA MADRE MOUNTAIN

 This mountain range covers a large part of the province of Aurora. In fact, apart
from the Aurora coastline, the mountain range is where the flora and fauna of the
province is concentrated. Waterfalls, rivers and crystal-clear streams of varying sizes are
located within, if not adjacent to, the Sierra Madre Mountain Range. Activities include:
mountain climbing, photo safaris, bird watching, ecological studies, or simply picnicking.

FESTIVALS

SABUTAN FESTIVAL

The Sabutan Festival is celebrated every August 24th-25th in the town of San
Luis, province of Aurora. It highlights the importance of growing palm trees locally
called Sabutan on the community’s economic well-being. The raw material which grows
on mountain terrain and forest land is used to weave a variety of useful products and
ornamentals like hats, placemats, fans and even native dress – all made of Sabutan. The
exclusive art of weaving Sabutan is handed down from one generation to the other. The
festival features native dance presentation among school children, trade fair, cultural
shows and exhibits.

MORO-MORO

Moro-Moro is an interplay of drama and dance. It is held in Baler every February 19th,
taking three days to complete. It is composed of several acts, which revolved around the
main theme of Moro-Moro, Christian and Moslem conflict.

AURORA SURFING CUP

Every February, the province of Aurora plays host to the Aurora Surfing Cup,
which through the years, has established a steady following of local and international
surfing enthusiasts. The province boasts of internationally recognized surf sites such as
Sabang Beach, Cemento Beach, and Charlie’s Point. The best waves in these areas come
around October to March.
AURORA FOUNDATION DAY

The Aurora Day is held every February 14-19. The most awaited event during the
celebration of the annual Aurora Foundation Day is the so-called ‘Karansa’: a Street
Dancing Competition where the concept of cooperation and unity called ‘Paatag’ prevails
as the overall theme of the day’s hilarious activities. The weeklong activity includes
singing and dancing competition, parade of the eight towns of the province with matching
thematic floats and beauty queens, Search for Bb. Aurora and a streetside tourism and
investment exhibits. The festival culminates in a beach party and fireworks display. A
wreath-laying ceremony takes place at the foot of the monument of Dona Aurora Quezon
before the end of the festival.

SUMAN FESTIVAL

The biggest and grandest of all feasts in Aurora is a parade of floats uniquely
designed. Main streets and homes are decked with suman every February 19th.

CUISINE AND DELICACIES

BALER SUMAN
 This sweet suman from Baler comes in two versions ­­ the basic white 
and the ube­colored one made with rice coming from Dilasag, Aurora.

ENSALADANG PAKO

The main ingredient of this recipe is the fiddle-head fern combined with a twist of
different Philippines available mixture.

BATAAN

Bataan is a province of the Philippines that occupies the whole of the Bataan
Peninsula on Luzon. The province is part of the Central Luzon Region. The capital of
Bataan is Balanga City and it is bordered by the provinces of Zambales and Pampanga to
the north. The peninsula faces the South China Sea to the west and Subic Bay to the
north-west, and encloses Manila Bay to the east.
The Battle of Bataan is famous in history as one of the last stands of American
and Filipino soldiers before they were overwhelmed by Japanese forces in World War II.
The Bataan Death March was named for this province, where the infamous march started.
This is also the location of the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant located in the Municipality of
Morong.

GEOGRAPHY
 Bataan is the peninsula in the western part of Luzon that shields the Manila Bay
on its south and east from the South China Sea on its west. Zambales and Pampanga form
its boundaries on the north.

POLITICAL SUBDIVISION

Balanga City is the provincial capital. The twelve towns lying in its coast
integrade 238 barangays and 11 cultural minorities or sitios.

CLIMATE

The climate consists of two distinct seasons: dry from November to April and wet
during the rest of the year.

MAJOR INDUSTRIES

Bataan remains basically an agricultural province in spite of the rapid

industrialization during the last decade. Mariveles is the site of an export-processing zone
that accounts for heavy industry in the province. Cattle and carabao fattening, hog
raising, and poultry industry, especially broilers and ducks and egg production, are some
of the promising livelihood programs in the province.

LANDMARKS AND TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

FALL OF BATAAN MARKER

A landmark commemorating the fall of Bataan during World War II. This was
built in memory of Filipino and American soldiers who died defending Bataan. This is
located in Balanga City.

DEATH MARCH MARKER

Located in Brgy. Silahis, this statue marks the place where thousands of captured
Filipino and American soldiers passed on their way to their final destination in a
concentration camp in Capas, Tarlac. This horrendous episode of war in history is now
known as the infamous Death March.

PAWIKAN CONSERVATION CENTER

Located in Brgy. Nagbalayong, Morong, Bataan is the site of a community-based

Pawikan Conservation Program devoted to the preservation and propagation of
endangered marine turtles aptly called Olive Ridley turtles or Lepidochelys Olivacea.

MT. NATIB
 Mt. Natib is the highest peak in the Bataan Natural Park with an elevation of
1,253 meters above sea level. The slope is characterized by very steep forest cover. Its
mossy forest features a collection of small stunted trees as one approaches the top. The
peak is covered with small patches of grassland.

PHILIPPINE-JAPANESE FRIENDSHIP TOWER

The monument which is located at Bagac, Bataan, symbolizes reconciliation,

peace and friendship between the Philippines and Japan after World War II. Donated by
the Japanese, it was built in 1952 by the Rissho Kosei Kai, a Japanese Buddhist sect.

FESTIVALS

SENAKULO