Ilocos Sur
Nowhere is the Spanish influence more pronounced Than in Ilocos Sur, specifically in the capital town of Vigan. It is located along the Western Coast of Northern Luzon. It is bounded by Ilocos Norte on the North, Abra in the Northeast, Mountain Province on the East, Benguet in the Southeast, La Union in the South and China Sea in the West. It has an area of 2,579.58 square kilometers and occupies about 20.11% of the total land area of Region 1. The topography of ILocos Sur is uneven; it has rolling elevations ranging from 10 to 1,700 meters above sea level. The province is politically subdivided into 34 municipalities and 764 barangays.
A trip to Vigan, Ilocos Sur will provide the visitor with more details of the Spanish reign. Spanish houses built on the 16th century still line the main streets of the old city section. Vigan is the best preserved example of a planned Spanish colonial town in Asia. Vigan is on the UNESCO’s world Heritage List, since November 1999.
Ilocos Sur is a province of numerous cultures and histories that come together making the place a living museum of a spirited past. Ilocos Sur is a national shrine, a national landmark, and a national museum in itself.
Ilocos Sur is adorned with Historical as well as cultural entity, that are worthy of one’s attention. Among the historical sites is the Tirad Pass, which was declared a National Shrine. The pass is located in the municipality of Gregorio del Pilar. It was the last stand of the Philippine revolutionary army under Emilio Aguinaldo. The Bessang pass, is a monument that stands on a strategic gap, 5250 feet above sea level, traversed by a highway, located west of Cervantes. This served as the backdoor of General Yamashita’s last ditch defense during the last stage of World War 11.
The Cultural repositories include the Padre Burgos house. This is the residence of Father Burgos, one of the three martyred priests during the Spanish era. His house was turned into a museum, containing
Ilocano artifacts and ethnic arts of the Tingians. The Crisologo Museum in De los Reyes Street; and the Madrigal Museum, which houses a collection of pottery and porcelain artifacts.
Ilocos Sur also boasts of a century-old church, the Sta. Maria church. This was made as a National Landmark. This church is perched on top of a hill at the town proper of Sta. Maria. The church was used as
a fortress by the Filipino guerillas during the 1896 revolution.
Somewhere in the province, is the Northern Luzon heroes Hill National Park. This is a shrine dedicated to the country’s heroes native from the province, especially to Diego and Gabriela Silang who valiantly led the revolution in the province.
A part of what the Spaniards left to the people of Ilocos is the manmade sundial located in front of the Tagudin Municipal Hall, built by the Spaniards in 1848. This is still used as of the present.
Ilocos Sur is also known for its festive activities, like the Semana Santa, held every during Holy Week. This a procession on the main streets highlighted by prayers and singing. Every first week
of May, Ilocos Sur held its Viva – Vigan Arts and Industrial Festival. Package in this festival is a painting contest, product exhibits, calesa parade and other cultural activities.
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