Tirad Pass
The last stand of the Filipino Revolutionary soldiers against the Americans led by Gen. Gregorio del Pilar during the Filipino-American War. Declared as a National Shrine, the pass is located in Gregorio del Pilar town.
It has a total land area of 2,579.6 square km. The province of Ilocos Sur is politically subdivided into 34 municipalities and 761 barangays. Vigan is the seat of the provincial government.
Brief History. The history of Ilocos Sur from the beginning of Spanish rule to the first decade of the 19th century was characterized by revolts in protest against tributes and forced labor, as well as monopolies of some industries. Vigan, its capital, was made the seat of the Bishopric of Nueva Segovia in 1778 and became the center of Spanish rule and influence and the preaching of Catholicism and pacification movements in the Ilocos Region.
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 ranging from 24°C. Hottest months are April and May.
Language / Dialect. Ilocano is the common dialect of the people. English and Pilipino are widely spoken and still remain as basic tools of instruction in schools.
Major Industries. Major industries are farming and fishing. Principal products are rice, corn, tobacco, garlic, sugarcane and cassava. Cottage industries include blanketweaving, basketry, shellcraft, broommaking, pottery-making, blacksmithing, jewelry making, among others jars and antiques can also be bought in Vigan.
Points of interest:
Kamestizoan District. Castillian houses with ancient tile roofs, massive hadwood floorings, balustrades and azoteas on varying Spanish architectural styles still stand in this section of the town propper of Vigan, the Intramuros of the North.
Magsingal Museum. Located about 12.3 kms. north of Vigan, earthenwares and other artifacts are housed in this convent turned into a museum.
Ayala Museum and Library. TheBurgos residence turned into a museum, houses the memorabilia of the martyr-priest Jose Burgos, as well as Ilocano cultural artifacts. Ethnic arts of the Tinggians are also on display. The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday.
Ilocos Sur Provincial Library. The former provincial jail converted into a library on October 27, 1948 was the birthplace of former President of the Philippines, Elpidio Quirino.
Pu-os Beach. A developed beach in Cabugao, known for its pure white sand and shallow shoreline. Resthouses and picnic sheds are found within the area.
Pinsal Falls. Located a few kilometers away from the highway in Sta. Maria. The sorrounding scenery is a favorite setting of many local films. An added attraction is a footprint believed to be that of the legendary Ilocano giant, Angalo.
Sulvec Beach. The rocky shore of Sulvec is a favorite of the local people. A resort stands in the area near the Sulvec Watchtower.
Archbishop's Palace. Finished in 1783 after a span of seven years, it features sliding capiz windows and cut-out decorations with floral motifs.
Bantay Church. Its architecture features earthquake baroque and gothic. Its bellfry tower, located a few meters away was also used as a look-out for approaching enemies.
Sta. Lucia Chruch. The object of devotees who flock the church is the dark image of a Catholic saint, the virgin of sta. Lucia, said to be miraculous. Barely three feet tall, the 18th century image is venerated all over the Ilocos.
Festivals
Semana Santa. This nationwide religious festivity is celebrated in Ilocos Norte in a simpler way. Flagellation is whiping oneself or other (eg as a religious penance of the Catholic church), but this is not practiced at the Semana Santa festival in Ilocos Sur. Processions are common in all municipalities where they are teemed with visitors especially during the Good Friday procession. Carrozas bearing life-size images are usually pulled by the people along the town's processional routes.
Vigan Town Fiesta. The fiesta celebartion in Vigan, is in commemoration of the conversion of the Apostle Paul. Held in January with movable dates, activities include carnival, thanksgiving masses, sports events, civic nights and others.
La Naval. Vigan celebrates the feast of the Vigan with a procession passing all the zones usually in the afternoon of the second Sunday of October.
Bessang Pass
A strategic gap that lies along the highest promontory traversed by Highway 4 west of Cervantes. Resting on an elevation of 5,250 feet above sea level, the pass served as the backdoor to General Yamashita's last ditch defense during the last stage of World War II. Recognizing the importance of Bessang Pass in Philippine history and in honor of the gallant men who fought for peace and freedom, the Philippine Historical Committee built a monument at the site in 1954.
Sta. Maria Chruch.
Located a top a hill reached thru a stone stairway in the town of Sta. Maria. The church was used as a fortress during the 1896 Revolution. It was declared as a National Landmark.
Pagburnayan
An age-old cottage industry in Vigan. Steps in burnay making (jar) can be observed at the factories located along Rizal Street.
Burgos House Museum.
Houses the memoriables of former Cong. Floro Crisologo. Found along Liberation Blvd. at the west end of which lies the village known for its "burnay" or jars.