 | This articleneeds additional citations forverification. Please helpimprove this article byadding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. Find sources: "Ilocos Region" – news ·newspapers ·books ·scholar ·JSTOR(January 2008) (Learn how and when to remove this message) |
Ilocos Deppaar ti Ilocos Sagor na Baybay na Luzon | |
|---|---|
     .jpg)     | |
 Location in the Philippines | |
OpenStreetMap  | |
| Coordinates:16°37′N120°19′E / 16.62°N 120.32°E /16.62; 120.32 | |
| Country |  Philippines |
| Island group | Luzon |
| Regional center | San Fernando(La Union) |
| Largest city | San Carlos(Pangasinan) |
| Area | |
• Total | 13,013.60 km2 (5,024.58 sq mi) |
| Highest elevation | 2,361 m (7,746 ft) |
| Population | |
• Total | 5,342,453 |
| • Density | 410.5284/km2 (1,063.264/sq mi) |
| GDP(Nominal, 2024) | |
| • Total | US$15.4 billion[2] |
| • Per capita | US$2,872[2] |
| Time zone | UTC+8 (PST) |
| ISO 3166 code | PH-01 |
| Provinces | |
| Independent cities | |
| Component cities | |
| Municipalities | 116 |
| Barangays | 3,267 |
| Cong. districts | 12 |
| Languages | |
| HDI |  0.743 (High) |
| HDI rank | 6th in the Philippines (2019) |
TheIlocos Region (Ilocano:Rehion/Deppaar ti Ilocos;Pangasinan:Rehiyon na Ilocos;Tagalog:Rehiyon ng Ilocos), designated asRegion I, is anadministrative region of the Philippines. Located in the northwestern section ofLuzon, it is bordered by theCordillera Administrative Region to the east, theCagayan Valley to the northeast and southeast,Central Luzon to the south, and theSouth China Sea to the west.[4] The region comprises four provinces:Ilocos Norte,Ilocos Sur,La Union, andPangasinan, along with oneindependent-component city,Dagupan City. The regional center is the city ofSan Fernando in La Union, which serves as the administrative hub of the region. The largest settlement in terms of population isSan Carlos City in Pangasinan.
The 2020 Philippine Statistics Authority census reported that the ethnolinguistic group composition of the region is predominantly made up ofIlocanos (58.3%), followed byPangasinans (29.7%),Tagalogs (4.1%), and various Cordilleran (Igorot) indigenous groups.[5]
Natural attractions include hiking along the foothills of theCordillera, scenic waterfalls and rivers, various surfing destinations withSan Juan as the Surfing Capital of the North, beaches, and island-hopping in theHundred Islands National Park. Cultural attractions include Spanish colonial buildings and structures, including twoUNESCOWorld Heritage sites: theBaroque churches ofPaoay, Ilocos Norte andSanta Maria, Ilocos Sur; and the colonial city ofVigan.
The region was originally inhabited byNegritos as early as 30,000 BC but over time, these early settlers were displaced by successive waves ofAustronesian migrants who arrived via the region's narrow coastal areas using traditional boats known asbalangay boat (referred to asbiray orbilog in Ilocano). The migrations are explained by the widely accepted "Out of Taiwan" hypothesis, which posits that Neolithic Austronesian peoples migrated fromTaiwan, forming the ancestral populations of contemporary Austronesians.[6]
Austronesians are believed to have originated fromSouthern China or Taiwan and arrived in the Philippines through at least two major migration waves. The first wave, approximately 10,000 to 7,000 years ago, brought the ancestors of indigenous groups in theCordillera Central mountain range. Subsequent migrations introduced additional Austronesian populations, along with agricultural practices, which eventually supplanted the languages of earlier inhabitants.[7]
These Austronesian settlers included the Cordilleran (Igorot) groups, such as theItneg (Tingguian) and theIsnag in the northern highlands, as well as theKankanaey andIbaloi in the southern highlands, who arrived during the first wave of migration. The second wave brought theIlocanos, who settled in the northern coastal areas, alongside thePangasinans,Bolinao andZambals, who established communities in the southern and southwestern coastal zones.
With the establishment of commercial trading routes in Southeast Asia, settlements in the region flourished both culturally and economically through maritime trade.
TheIlocanos, known asSamtoy in pre-colonial times, actively traded goods and products with local and foreign merchants, including theChinese andJapanese. One notable coastal trading post wasBee Gan (Chinese: 美岸;měi'àn;bí-gān), meaning "beautiful shore," which is now the city ofVigan. This site served as a significant hub for early Ilocano trade.[8]
.jpg)
In the southern part of the region, the pre-colonial polity (panarian) of Caboloan was situated at theAgno River basin withBinalatongan as the capital, whilePangasinan was located at the delta and near theLingayen Gulf, became a center for maritime trade. Gold mined from theCordillera Mountain Range was transported along theAringay-Tonglo-Balatok gold trail and traded in settlements likeAgoo.[9][10] At the time, Agoo's coastal shape made it an ideal harbor for foreign vessels.[11][12]
This trade network connected the region to maritime routes spanning theIndian Ocean and theSouth China Sea. Goods exchanged includedporcelain, silk (inabel), cotton, beeswax, honey, gemstones, beads, precious minerals, locally craftedburnáy (stoneware jars), and particularly gold.
Evidence of this trade has been uncovered in the Pangasinense port of Agoo, whereporcelain andceramic or pottery fragments were found during renovations of the Catholic church. These artifacts are now preserved in theMuseo de Iloko.[11] Japanese fishermen later established one of their first settlements in the Philippines in Agoo, introducing advanced fishing techniques and technologies to the local population.[11]
Another notable aspect of the region's early history is the discovery of theBolinao Skull, which dates to the 14th or 15th century and is associated with the early inhabitants of Pangasinan.[13] The skull is particularly notable for itsdental ornamentation, with teeth inlaid withgold. It was found alongside 67 other similarly adorned skulls and trade wareceramics from the earlyMing Dynasty.[14] This discovery highlights the advanced aesthetic traditions, burial, trade practices, and social structures of ancient Filipino communities, offering valuable insights into the region's precolonial culture and history.[15][16]
A year afterMiguel López de Legazpi declaredManila the capital of the Philippines on June 24, 1571, Spanish colonization efforts expanded to Northern Luzon to"pacify the people."[17]
Spanish conquistadorMartín de Goiti began the conquest ofPangasinan and established several Spanish settlements between 1571 and 1573. By April 5, 1580, Pangasinan became an administrative and judicial district of the province, withLingayen as its capital. However, its territorial boundaries were first delineated in 1611, with the area originating from the Spanish settlement in Manila throughPampanga.
On May 20, 1572, a year after Goiti's conquest, conquistadores led byJuan de Salcedo, the grandson of Legazpi, ventured northward with eight armed boats and 80 men. They sailed toLingayen Gulf and landed at the mouth of theAgno River. In 1574,Limahong, a Chinese pirate, fled to Pangasinan after his fleet was driven away from Manila. Limahong attempted to establish a colony in Pangasinan but failed as an army led by Salcedo chased him out of the region after a seven-month siege.
Salcedo then continued his journey toAgoo, where he discovered a Japanese settlement and named it "El Puerto de Japón" after its conquest. He then reachedVigan on June 13, 1572, which had been a Chinese trading post from theFujian province ofChina. In Vigan, he founded 'Villa Fernandina de Vigan' and made it the diocesan seat ofNueva Segovia in honor ofKing Philip II's son, Prince Ferdinand. Salcedo then proceeded toLaoag,Currimao, andBadoc, rounded the tip of Luzón, and continued to pacify theBicol Region.
In 1574, Salcedo returned to Vigan with soldiers andAugustinian missionaries to initiate the evangelization of the Ilocos region. He established a Spanish city to control the neighboring territories and convert the native population toCatholicism.
As a reward for his services, Salcedo was granted the province ofYlocos, covering what is nowIlocos Norte,Ilocos Sur,Abra,La Union, and parts ofMountain Province, as his estate. He was also given the titleJusticia Mayor de esta Provincia de Ylocos (Province Mayor of Ilocos). By the end of the 1700s, Ilocos had a population of 44,852 native families, 631Spanish Filipino families, and 10,041Chinese Filipino families.[18]: 539 [19]: 31, 54, 113 [19]: 9
Despite Spanish efforts, the Ilocanos in the northern parts of the region were less easily swayed and remained resistant to Spanish rule. These resentments led to several uprisings throughout the region's history, including the insurrections ofAndrés Malong in 1660,Palaris of Pangasinan in 1762,Pedro Almazán in Ilocos Norte in 1661,Diego Silang andGabriela Silang in 1764 andBasi Revolt in 1807. After the Basi Revolt, tensions culminated in the division of Ilocos into two provinces (Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur) on February 2, 1818. The Pangasinans in the south were the last to resist Spanish rule.[20]
During thePhilippine Revolution of 1896–1898,General Manuel Tinio allied withEmilio Aguinaldo to lead the revolution in Northern Luzon (Ilocos Siege), alongsideGeneral Francisco Makabulos. Makabulos led his forces to liberate Pangasinan and led revolutionaries in the Battle of Dagupan against the Spanish army. By August 1898, the revolutionaries had driven Spanish forces out of several towns, including Laoag, Ilocos Norte, marking a turning point in the revolution.
On June 12, 1898, General Emilio Aguinaldo proclaimedPhilippine independence and became the first president of the Republic of the Philippines.
The American colonization of the Ilocos Region began following the conclusion of theSpanish-American War in 1898, when the Philippines was ceded to theUnited States under theTreaty of Paris. This marked a period of profound transformation for the region, which came under American colonial administration after thePhilippine-American War (1899–1902).[21]
On November 18, 1899, American forces landed in the Ilocos Region in pursuit of Emilio Aguinaldo, the leader of the Philippine resistance. While American troops swiftly occupied towns, they faced persistent resistance in the rural areas (barrios), where guerrilla forces led by Gen. Manuel Tinio continued the struggle. Tinio, a veteran of the 1896 Philippine Revolution against Spain, orchestrated a widespread guerrilla campaign, harassing American forces in the countryside.[22]
One of the most iconic events during this period was theBattle of Tirad Pass on December 2, 1899.Gen. Gregorio del Pilar and his 60 soldiers faced over 300 troops of the U.S. 45th Infantry Division, led byGen. Peyton C. March. Despite a valiant defense, the Filipinos ultimately lost their position, marking a significant, albeit symbolic, moment in the resistance against American forces.
The Philippine-American War officially ended in 1902, following years of intense conflict, with the establishment of a Filipino civilian government under American oversight.Civil governance was introduced in the Ilocos Region, as well as the rest of the Philippines, on July 1, 1901, withWilliam H. Taft serving as the first Civil Governor. The position was later renamed Governor-General by the U.S. Congress on February 3, 1903.[23][24] One of the most notable reforms was the establishment of a centralized public school system in 1901, using English as the medium of instruction. To address a shortage of educators, the colonial government deployed 600 American teachers known as theThomasites.
By September 1902, public secondary schools had been established across the region, including institutions inLingayen (Pangasinan),[25] Vigan andSanta Maria (Ilocos Sur),Bauang,Bacnotan, and San Fernando (La Union), andLaoag andDingras (Ilocos Norte) with several US Thomasites serving as educators. TheTaft Commission per instructions ofUS President McKinley introduced free primary education, designed to prepare citizens for civic duties. Additionally, church lands were purchased and redistributed following the disestablishment of the Catholic Church, further signaling the shift in socio-political structures under American rule.[26]
_(14580109277).jpg)
In 1901, several towns fromNueva Ecija includingBalungao,Rosales,San Quintin, andUmingan were annexed to the province of Pangasinan.[27] On November 30, 1903, additional municipalities from northernZambales such asAgno,Alaminos,Anda,Bani,Bolinao,Burgos,Dasol,Infanta, andMabini were transferred to Pangasinan.[28] These towns, originally part of the homeland of theSambal people, were reassigned due to their geographic distance from their original provincial capitals. Despite resistance from local communities, this decision has remained unchanged.
Under thePhilippine Organic Act of 1902, the Ilocos Region experienced significant political, economic, and social changes. Infrastructure development flourished, with the construction of public schools, bridges, railways, airports, and ports, enhancing the region's connectivity with other parts of the country.
However, these developments were accompanied by local unrest. Reports of war crimes, forced relocations,extrajudicial killings, and destruction of property by American forces fueled discontent among the population. While the introduction of modern governance and infrastructure brought progress, these human rights abuses left a lasting impact on the region's history.
American colonization ended on July 4, 1946 in WWII's aftermath gaining Philippine Independence from the United States.
The Japanese invasion of thePhilippine Commonwealth began on December 8, 1941 duringWorld War II, when Japan launched an attack on U.S. military installations and residential areas, following the attack onPearl Harbor. Just two days later, the JapaneseKanno Detachment landed inVigan, Ilocos Sur, aiming to secure airstrips for further military operations. Although initially unopposed, the landing was delayed by bad weather and American air attacks, which damaged Japanese ships and caused casualties. By December 11, the Japanese forces had successfully captured Vigan and dispatched additional troops to seizeLaoag and its airfield. As American forces retreated,Lieutenan Gen. Masaharu Homma left a small garrison in Vigan and redirected the main forces to support operations atLingayen Gulf.[29]
By December 20, the combined forces of the Col. Kanno andGen. Shizuichi Tanaka Detachments advanced south along Route 3. After overcoming Philippine defenses inBacnotan, they reachedSan Fernando, La Union, by December 22. The Japanese 14th Army, commanded by Lieutenant General Masaharu Homma, had also landed at Lingayen Gulf, gaining control of key areas inPangasinan andLa Union. This marked the beginning of Japanese occupation of Northern Luzon, including the Lingayen Gulf region, which remained under Japanese control for three years, until it was recaptured by Allied forces in 1945.
During the occupation, the region was part of the Japanese-controlledpuppet republic led byPresident José P. Laurel. The local population endured widespread atrocities committed by theJapanese Imperial Army, including gang rape, sexual slavery (comfort women), torture, and other human rights violations. These brutal acts sparked significant resistance movements across the region, with several guerrilla groups forming to oppose the Japanese occupation. One prominent leader of the local resistance wasCaptain Candonino Villalon Gaerlan, who led a successful ambush against Japanese forces inCandon, Ilocos Sur, symbolizing local defiance against the invaders.[30]
By 1944, with theUnited States beginning its campaign to liberate the Philippines, the region became a crucial focal point for military operations. On October 20, 1944, theAllied forces initiated the liberation of the Philippines, setting the stage for theBattle of Lingayen Gulf in early 1945. On January 6, 1945, theU.S. Navy, supported by theRoyal Australian Navy, began heavy bombardments of Japanese coastal defenses and infrastructure, lasting until January 8. Japanesekamikaze attacks targeted Allied vessels from January 7 to 9, but despite the damage, the U.S. Navy maintained control of the Gulf, securing it for the imminent invasion.[31]
On January 9, known asS-Day,Gen. Douglas MacArthur and U.S. Army forces from the Sixth Army landed on a 25-mile beachhead betweenLingayen andSan Fabian. The landings, supported by over 800 ships and extensive air support, faced light resistance, as the Japanese had concentrated their defenses inland. By January 15, 1945, Allied forces had firmly secured the Lingayen Gulf region and began advancing into the heart of Luzon, paving the way for theliberation of Manila and the eventual defeat of Japanese forces in the Philippines.
The Ilocos region produced two presidents of the Republic of the Philippines within the first two decades after the recognition of Philippine independence:Elpidio Quirino andFerdinand Marcos.
This period also marked a return of thetobacco industry to the Ilocos Region. Ever since the end of the tobacco monopoly, tobacco production had declined in the Ilocos as Filipinos started shifting from locally made cigars to foreign made cigarettes.[32] But after reading a feature article series byMaximo Soliven which explained why Virginia tobacco would grow well on Ilocos soil, businessmanHarry Stonehill was convinced to invest extensively in rebuilding the industry, establishing the Philippine Tobacco Flue-Curing and Redrying Corporation (PTFCRC) in 1951 and recruiting farmers from throughout Region 1 to produce tobacco.[33][34] The following year, La Union Congressman Manuel T. Cases filed a bill to "limit the importation of foreign leaf tobacco," which was eventually signed by PresidentElpidio Quirino as Republic Act 698.[35] This allowed Stonehill's investments to make a handsome profit,[36] and the newly rebuilt local industry to bloom.[33] Stonehill was later deported a decade later, in the 1960s, for tax evasion and bribery of government officials, in what would later be called theStonehill scandal,[36] but the tobacco industry continued to grow.[34][36]
Varioushuman rights violations were documented in the Ilocos region during theMarcos martial law era, despitepublic perception that the region was supportive of Marcos' administration.[37] In Ilocos Norte, various farmers from the towns of Vintar, Dumalneg, Solsona, Marcos, and Piddig were documented to have been tortured,[37] and eight farmers in Bangui and three indigenous community members in Vintar were "salvaged" in 1984.[37]
Ilocanos who were critical of Marcos' authoritarian rule included Roman Catholic Archbishop andAgoo, La Union nativeAntonio L. Mabutas, who spoke actively against the torture and killings of church workers.[38][39] Other La Union natives who fought the dictatorship were student activists Romulo andArmando Palabay ofSan Fernando, La Union, whose torture and death in a military camp in Pampanga would lead them to being honored as martyrs in the fight against the dictatorship in the Philippines'Bantayog ng mga Bayani memorial.[40]
In Ilocos Norte, one of the prominent victims of the Martial Law era who came from Laoag was Catholic layperson and social workerPurificacion Pedro, who volunteered in organizations protesting theChico River Dam Project in the nearby Cordillera Central mountains.[41] Wounded while visiting activist friends in Bataan, she was later killed by Marcos administration soldiers while recuperating in the hospital.[42][43] Another prominent opponent of the martial law regime was human rights advocate and Bombo Radyo Laoag program hostDavid Bueno, who worked with theFree Legal Assistance Group in Ilocos Norte during the later part of the Marcos administration and the early part of the succeeding Aquino administration. He would later be assassinated by motorcycle-riding men in fatigue uniforms on October 22, 1987 – part of a wave of assassinations which coincided with the1986-87 coup d'état which tried to unseat the democratic government set up after the1986 People Power Revolution.[44] Both Bueno and Pedro were later honored among the first 65 people to have their names inscribed on the wall of remembrance of the Philippines'Bantayog ng mga Bayani, which honors the martyrs and heroes who fought the dictatorship,[45] and Pedro was listed among Filipino Catholics nominated to be namedServant of God.[46]
The integration of provinces into the Ilocos Region has evolved over time, shaped by political decisions aimed at administrative restructuring and cultural integration.
In 1973,Presidential Decree No. 1, issued byPresident Ferdinand Marcos, transferred the province ofPangasinan from Region III (Central Luzon) to Region I (Ilocos Region). Before this decree, Pangasinan had not been part of the Ilocos Region.[47]
During the same period, the provinces ofMountain Province andBenguet were also included in the Ilocos Region. Abra was already part of Ilocos Region before 1973.[48]
On July 15, 1987,President Corazon Aquino issuedExecutive Order No. 220, creating theCordillera Administrative Region (CAR). This order transferred Abra, Mountain Province, and Benguet from the Ilocos Region to the newly established CAR, recognizing the Cordillera's indigenous peoples' unique cultural and historical identities.[49]
As of today, the Ilocos Region consists of four provinces:Ilocos Norte,Ilocos Sur,La Union, andPangasinan. Meanwhile, Abra, Mountain Province, and Benguet are part of the Cordillera Administrative Region.
The Ilocos region has produced 3 more Philippine Presidents in the years since the 1986People Power revolution: PangasinenseFidel V. Ramos,Gloria Macapagal Arroyo (Ilocano on mother's side), and Ferdinand Marcos' sonBongbong Marcos.
The southern parts of the region were severely hit by the1990 Luzon earthquake. Five municipalities inLa Union were affected:Agoo,Aringay,Caba,Santo Tomas, andTubao with a combined population of 132,208. Many buildings, including the Agoo Municipal hall,[50] theMuseo de Iloko, the parish church of Aringay,[51] and theBasilica Minore of our Lady of Charity,[11] collapsed or were severely damaged. Sitio Nagpanauan in Aringay completely submerged when the sea level rose and the land collapsed during the earthquake.[52] 100,000 families were displaced when two coastal villages sank due toliquefaction. The province suffered many casualties leaving 32 people dead. In Pangasinan, about 90 buildings inDagupan were damaged, and about 20 collapsed. Some structures sustained damage because liquefaction caused buildings to sink as much as 1 metre (39 inches). The earthquake caused a decrease in the elevation of the city and several areas were flooded. The city suffered 64 casualties of which 47 survived and 17 died. Most injuries were sustained during stampedes at a university building and a theater.
The Ilocos Region, situated in the northwestern part of Luzon, Philippines, encompasses a total land area of 12,840.2 square kilometers. Of this area, 810,062 hectares are classified as alienable and disposable land, while 473,957 hectares are designated as forest land.[53] The region is strategically positioned with direct access to international sea lanes and features diverse geographical landscapes. It is bordered by theSouth China Sea to the west and theCentral Cordillera Mountain Range to the east. In contrast, Pangasinan occupies the northwestern section of the vast Central Luzon Plain, with theZambales Mountains forming its natural western boundary.[54]
.jpg)
The region's highest peak isMount Sicapoo, located within theCentral Cordillera range in Ilocos Norte and Abra. This mountain, characterized by densepine forests, reaches an elevation of 7,746 feet (2,361 meters) above sea level, making it the tallest point in region.
The Ilocos Region is traversed by 29 river systems, including two significant river basins: the Agno River Basin and the Abra River Basin. TheAgno River, originating inBenguet, flows through Pangasinan and forms a broad delta inLingayen before emptying into Lingayen Gulf. It is one of the largest river systems in the Philippines, with a drainage area of 5,952 square kilometers (2,298 square miles). TheAbra River, originating nearMount Data in Benguet, flows throughAbra and Ilocos Sur and is the country's seventh-largest river system, with a drainage area of approximately 5,125 square kilometers (1,979 square miles) and a length of 179 kilometers (111 miles). The river's delta and mouth are located between the municipalities ofSanta andCaoayan in Ilocos Sur, before emptying into theSouth China Sea.
TheLingayen Gulf, a notable body of water in the region, is particularly significant in Pangasinan and La Union. It hosts numerous islands, including the famedHundred Islands National Park. To the north of the region lies theLuzon Strait, underscoring its strategic geographic importance.
Cabarruyan Island is the largest island in the region. It is situated in the municipality ofAnda, Pangasinan, along the Lingayen Gulf. The island has an approximate area of 77.78 square kilometers (30.03 square miles) and a coastline length of roughly 59.16 kilometers (36.76 miles).
Paoay Lake is one of the largest natural lakes in the region, located atPaoay, Ilocos Norte, It has a surface area of approximately 3.86 square kilometers (1.49 square miles), with an average depth of 6 meters (20 feet) a maximum depth of 10 meters (33 feet) with surface elevation is below sea level.
Aw-asen Falls, atSigay, Ilocos Sur, is the tallest waterfall in the region. It stands at a height of 120 meters (394 feet) and has a plunge pool depth of approximately 8 meters (26 feet).[55]
Given its location, the Ilocos Region plays a pivotal role inEast Asia, being in close proximity to dynamic economies such as Taiwan, South Korea, Japan, and Southern China.
The Ilocos Region (Region I) is composed of four provinces, namely Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, and Pangasinan. It also includes oneindependent component city (Dagupan City) and eight component cities:Laoag,Candon,Vigan,San Fernando,Alaminos,Urdaneta,San Carlos, andBatac. The region is further subdivided into 116 municipalities and 3,265 barangays. There are 12congressional districts: 2 each in Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, and La Union, and 6 in Pangasinan. These political divisions reflect the administrative organization of the region, facilitating governance and development initiatives.[56]
| Province | Capital | Population(2020)[57] | Area[58] | Density | Cities | Muni. | Barangay | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| km2 | sq mi | /km2 | /sq mi | |||||||||
 Ilocos Norte | Laoag City | 11.5% | 609,588 | 3,418.75 | 1,319.99 | 180 | 470 | 2 | 21 | 559 | ||
 Ilocos Sur | Vigan City | 13.3% | 706,009 | 2,596.00 | 1,002.32 | 270 | 700 | 2 | 32 | 768 | ||
 La Union | San Fernando City | 15.5% | 822,352 | 1,499.28 | 578.88 | 550 | 1,400 | 1 | 19 | 576 | ||
 Pangasinan | Lingayen | 59.7% | 3,163,190 | 5,450.59 | 2,104.48 | 580 | 1,500 | 4 | 44 | 1,364 | ||
| Total | 5,301,139 | 12,964.62 | 5,005.67 | 410 | 1,100 | 9 | 116 | 3,267 | ||||
• Figures for Pangasinan include theindependent component city ofDagupan. | ||||||||||||
| Province | Image | Governor | Political Party | Vice Governor | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |  | Cecilia Araneta Marcos | Nacionalista | Matthew Joseph Marcos Manotoc | |
 |  | Jeremias C. Singson | Bileg | Ryan Luis Singson | |
 |  | Mario Eduardo C. Ortega | PFP | Eric O. Sibuma | |
 |  | Ramon Guico III | Nacionalista | Mark Ronald DG. Lambino | |
| City/Municipality | Population(2020)[1] | Area[59] | Density | Class | Income class | Province | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| km2 | sq mi | /km2 | /sq mi | |||||
| Adams | 2,189 | 159.31 | 61.51 | 14 | 36 | Municipality | 5th | Ilocos Norte |
| Agno | 29,947 | 169.75 | 65.54 | 180 | 470 | Municipality | 3rd | Pangasinan |
| Agoo | 66,028 | 52.84 | 20.40 | 1,200 | 3,100 | Municipality | 1st | La Union |
| Aguilar | 45,100 | 195.07 | 75.32 | 230 | 600 | Municipality | 3rd | Pangasinan |
| Alaminos | 99,397 | 164.26 | 63.42 | 610 | 1,600 | Component city | 4th | Pangasinan |
| Alcala | 48,908 | 45.71 | 17.65 | 1,100 | 2,800 | Municipality | 3rd | Pangasinan |
| Alilem | 7,361 | 119.33 | 46.07 | 62 | 160 | Municipality | 4th | Ilocos Sur |
| Anda | 41,548 | 74.55 | 28.78 | 560 | 1,500 | Municipality | 3rd | Pangasinan |
| Aringay | 50,380 | 84.54 | 32.64 | 600 | 1,600 | Municipality | 2nd | La Union |
| Asingan | 57,811 | 66.64 | 25.73 | 870 | 2,300 | Municipality | 2nd | Pangasinan |
| Bacarra | 33,496 | 65.32 | 25.22 | 510 | 1,300 | Municipality | 3rd | Ilocos Norte |
| Bacnotan | 44,388 | 76.60 | 29.58 | 580 | 1,500 | Municipality | 1st | La Union |
| Badoc | 32,530 | 76.68 | 29.61 | 420 | 1,100 | Municipality | 2nd | Ilocos Norte |
| Bagulin | 14,428 | 107.33 | 41.44 | 130 | 340 | Municipality | 5th | La Union |
| Balaoan | 40,339 | 68.70 | 26.53 | 590 | 1,500 | Municipality | 1st | La Union |
| Balungao | 30,004 | 73.25 | 28.28 | 410 | 1,100 | Municipality | 4th | Pangasinan |
| Banayoyo | 7,931 | 24.63 | 9.51 | 320 | 830 | Municipality | 4th | Ilocos Sur |
| Bangar | 38,041 | 37.36 | 14.42 | 1,000 | 2,600 | Municipality | 3rd | La Union |
| Bangui | 15,019 | 112.98 | 43.62 | 130 | 340 | Municipality | 4th | Ilocos Norte |
| Bani | 52,603 | 179.65 | 69.36 | 290 | 750 | Municipality | 2nd | Pangasinan |
| Banna | 19,297 | 92.73 | 35.80 | 210 | 540 | Municipality | 4th | Ilocos Norte |
| Bantay | 37,118 | 76.60 | 29.58 | 480 | 1,200 | Municipality | 1st | Ilocos Sur |
| Basista | 37,679 | 24.00 | 9.27 | 1,600 | 4,100 | Municipality | 4th | Pangasinan |
| Batac | 55,484 | 161.06 | 62.19 | 340 | 880 | Component city | 5th | Ilocos Norte |
| Bauang | 78,449 | 73.15 | 28.24 | 1,100 | 2,800 | Municipality | 1st | La Union |
| Bautista | 35,398 | 46.33 | 17.89 | 760 | 2,000 | Municipality | 4th | Pangasinan |
| Bayambang | 129,011 | 143.94 | 55.58 | 900 | 2,300 | Municipality | 1st | Pangasinan |
| Binalonan | 56,382 | 47.57 | 18.37 | 1,200 | 3,100 | Municipality | 1st | Pangasinan |
| Binmaley | 86,881 | 118.50 | 45.75 | 730 | 1,900 | Municipality | 1st | Pangasinan |
| Bolinao | 83,979 | 197.22 | 76.15 | 430 | 1,100 | Municipality | 1st | Pangasinan |
| Bugallon | 74,962 | 189.64 | 73.22 | 400 | 1,000 | Municipality | 2nd | Pangasinan |
| Burgos | 10,759 | 128.90 | 49.77 | 83 | 210 | Municipality | 5th | Ilocos Norte |
| Burgos | 12,793 | 44.38 | 17.14 | 290 | 750 | Municipality | 4th | Ilocos Sur |
| Burgos | 9,006 | 70.80 | 27.34 | 130 | 340 | Municipality | 5th | La Union |
| Burgos | 23,749 | 131.32 | 50.70 | 180 | 470 | Municipality | 4th | Pangasinan |
| Caba | 23,119 | 46.31 | 17.88 | 500 | 1,300 | Municipality | 4th | La Union |
| Cabugao | 38,884 | 95.56 | 36.90 | 410 | 1,100 | Municipality | 1st | Ilocos Sur |
| Calasiao | 100,471 | 48.36 | 18.67 | 2,100 | 5,400 | Municipality | 1st | Pangasinan |
| Candon | 61,432 | 103.28 | 39.88 | 590 | 1,500 | Component city | 4th | Ilocos Sur |
| Caoayan | 19,574 | 17.42 | 6.73 | 1,100 | 2,800 | Municipality | 4th | Ilocos Sur |
| Carasi | 1,607 | 82.97 | 32.03 | 19 | 49 | Municipality | 5th | Ilocos Norte |
| Cervantes | 19,449 | 234.70 | 90.62 | 83 | 210 | Municipality | 4th | Ilocos Sur |
| Currimao | 12,215 | 34.08 | 13.16 | 360 | 930 | Municipality | 4th | Ilocos Norte |
| ^Dagupan | 174,302 | 44.47 | 17.17 | 3,900 | 10,000 | Independent component city | 2nd | Pangasinan |
| Dasol | 31,355 | 166.60 | 64.32 | 190 | 490 | Municipality | 3rd | Pangasinan |
| Dingras | 40,127 | 96.00 | 37.07 | 420 | 1,100 | Municipality | 2nd | Ilocos Norte |
| Dumalneg | 3,087 | 88.48 | 34.16 | 35 | 91 | Municipality | 5th | Ilocos Norte |
| Galimuyod | 10,244 | 34.40 | 13.28 | 300 | 780 | Municipality | 4th | Ilocos Sur |
| Gregorio del Pilar | 4,472 | 41.66 | 16.09 | 110 | 280 | Municipality | 5th | Ilocos Sur |
| Infanta | 26,242 | 254.29 | 98.18 | 100 | 260 | Municipality | 3rd | Pangasinan |
| Labrador | 26,811 | 90.99 | 35.13 | 290 | 750 | Municipality | 4th | Pangasinan |
| Laoac | 34,128 | 40.50 | 15.64 | 840 | 2,200 | Municipality | 4th | Pangasinan |
| Laoag | 111,651 | 116.08 | 44.82 | 960 | 2,500 | Component city | 3rd | Ilocos Norte |
| Lidlidda | 4,705 | 33.84 | 13.07 | 140 | 360 | Municipality | 5th | Ilocos Sur |
| Lingayen | 107,728 | 62.76 | 24.23 | 1,700 | 4,400 | Municipality | 1st | Pangasinan |
| Luna | 37,318 | 42.90 | 16.56 | 870 | 2,300 | Municipality | 3rd | La Union |
| Mabini | 26,454 | 291.01 | 112.36 | 91 | 240 | Municipality | 3rd | Pangasinan |
| Magsingal | 31,308 | 84.98 | 32.81 | 370 | 960 | Municipality | 3rd | Ilocos Sur |
| Malasiqui | 143,094 | 131.37 | 50.72 | 1,100 | 2,800 | Municipality | 1st | Pangasinan |
| Manaoag | 76,045 | 55.95 | 21.60 | 1,400 | 3,600 | Municipality | 1st | Pangasinan |
| Mangaldan | 113,185 | 48.47 | 18.71 | 2,300 | 6,000 | Municipality | 1st | Pangasinan |
| Mangatarem | 79,323 | 317.50 | 122.59 | 250 | 650 | Municipality | 1st | Pangasinan |
| Mapandan | 38,058 | 30.00 | 11.58 | 1,300 | 3,400 | Municipality | 3rd | Pangasinan |
| Marcos | 18,010 | 72.77 | 28.10 | 250 | 650 | Municipality | 4th | Ilocos Norte |
| Nagbukel | 5,465 | 43.12 | 16.65 | 130 | 340 | Municipality | 5th | Ilocos Sur |
| Naguilian | 52,189 | 104.60 | 40.39 | 500 | 1,300 | Municipality | 1st | La Union |
| Narvacan | 46,234 | 122.21 | 47.19 | 380 | 980 | Municipality | 2nd | Ilocos Sur |
| Natividad | 25,771 | 134.36 | 51.88 | 190 | 490 | Municipality | 4th | Pangasinan |
| Nueva Era | 11,968 | 515.02 | 198.85 | 23 | 60 | Municipality | 3rd | Ilocos Norte |
| Pagudpud | 25,098 | 194.90 | 75.25 | 130 | 340 | Municipality | 4th | Ilocos Norte |
| Paoay | 25,001 | 76.24 | 29.44 | 330 | 850 | Municipality | 4th | Ilocos Norte |
| Pasuquin | 29,678 | 210.54 | 81.29 | 140 | 360 | Municipality | 3rd | Ilocos Norte |
| Piddig | 22,475 | 216.20 | 83.48 | 100 | 260 | Municipality | 3rd | Ilocos Norte |
| Pinili | 17,626 | 89.48 | 34.55 | 200 | 520 | Municipality | 4th | Ilocos Norte |
| Pozorrubio | 74,729 | 134.60 | 51.97 | 560 | 1,500 | Municipality | 1st | Pangasinan |
| Pugo | 19,337 | 62.84 | 24.26 | 310 | 800 | Municipality | 5th | La Union |
| Quirino | 9,306 | 240.10 | 92.70 | 39 | 100 | Municipality | 4th | Ilocos Sur |
| Rosales | 66,711 | 66.39 | 25.63 | 1,000 | 2,600 | Municipality | 1st | Pangasinan |
| Rosario | 60,278 | 73.98 | 28.56 | 810 | 2,100 | Municipality | 1st | La Union |
| Salcedo | 11,110 | 103.44 | 39.94 | 110 | 280 | Municipality | 4th | Ilocos Sur |
| San Carlos | 205,424 | 169.03 | 65.26 | 1,200 | 3,100 | Component city | 3rd | Pangasinan |
| San Emilio | 7,206 | 141.44 | 54.61 | 51 | 130 | Municipality | 4th | Ilocos Sur |
| San Esteban | 8,381 | 19.62 | 7.58 | 430 | 1,100 | Municipality | 5th | Ilocos Sur |
| San Fabian | 87,428 | 81.28 | 31.38 | 1,100 | 2,800 | Municipality | 1st | Pangasinan |
| †San Fernando | 125,640 | 102.72 | 39.66 | 1,200 | 3,100 | Component city | 3rd | La Union |
| San Gabriel | 18,943 | 129.87 | 50.14 | 150 | 390 | Municipality | 4th | La Union |
| San Ildefonso | 8,190 | 11.35 | 4.38 | 720 | 1,900 | Municipality | 5th | Ilocos Sur |
| San Jacinto | 44,351 | 44.18 | 17.06 | 1,000 | 2,600 | Municipality | 3rd | Pangasinan |
| San Juan | 26,674 | 64.37 | 24.85 | 410 | 1,100 | Municipality | 3rd | Ilocos Sur |
| San Juan | 40,507 | 57.12 | 22.05 | 710 | 1,800 | Municipality | 2nd | La Union |
| San Manuel | 54,271 | 129.18 | 49.88 | 420 | 1,100 | Municipality | 1st | Pangasinan |
| San Nicolas | 38,895 | 40.18 | 15.51 | 970 | 2,500 | Municipality | 2nd | Ilocos Norte |
| San Nicolas | 39,778 | 210.20 | 81.16 | 190 | 490 | Municipality | 1st | Pangasinan |
| San Quintin | 33,980 | 115.90 | 44.75 | 290 | 750 | Municipality | 3rd | Pangasinan |
| San Vicente | 13,118 | 12.60 | 4.86 | 1,000 | 2,600 | Municipality | 5th | Ilocos Sur |
| Santa | 14,992 | 109.10 | 42.12 | 140 | 360 | Municipality | 4th | Ilocos Sur |
| Santa Barbara | 92,187 | 61.37 | 23.70 | 1,500 | 3,900 | Municipality | 1st | Pangasinan |
| Santa Catalina | 14,493 | 9.68 | 3.74 | 1,500 | 3,900 | Municipality | 5th | Ilocos Sur |
| Santa Cruz | 41,366 | 88.78 | 34.28 | 470 | 1,200 | Municipality | 1st | Ilocos Sur |
| Santa Lucia | 25,966 | 49.72 | 19.20 | 520 | 1,300 | Municipality | 3rd | Ilocos Sur |
| Santa Maria | 30,006 | 63.31 | 24.44 | 470 | 1,200 | Municipality | 3rd | Ilocos Sur |
| Santa Maria | 34,220 | 69.50 | 26.83 | 490 | 1,300 | Municipality | 4th | Pangasinan |
| Santiago | 19,471 | 46.36 | 17.90 | 420 | 1,100 | Municipality | 4th | Ilocos Sur |
| Santo Domingo | 29,041 | 55.49 | 21.42 | 520 | 1,300 | Municipality | 3rd | Ilocos Sur |
| Santo Tomas | 40,846 | 64.00 | 24.71 | 640 | 1,700 | Municipality | 4th | La Union |
| Santo Tomas | 14,878 | 12.99 | 5.02 | 1,100 | 2,800 | Municipality | 5th | Pangasinan |
| Santol | 14,166 | 93.70 | 36.18 | 150 | 390 | Municipality | 4th | La Union |
| Sarrat | 25,186 | 57.39 | 22.16 | 440 | 1,100 | Municipality | 1st | Ilocos Norte |
| Sigay | 2,552 | 81.55 | 31.49 | 31 | 80 | Municipality | 5th | Ilocos Sur |
| Sinait | 25,998 | 65.56 | 25.31 | 400 | 1,000 | Municipality | 3rd | Ilocos Sur |
| Sison | 52,320 | 81.88 | 31.61 | 640 | 1,700 | Municipality | 3rd | Pangasinan |
| Solsona | 24,851 | 166.23 | 64.18 | 150 | 390 | Municipality | 3rd | Ilocos Norte |
| Sual | 39,091 | 130.16 | 50.26 | 300 | 780 | Municipality | 1st | Pangasinan |
| Sudipen | 17,187 | 97.59 | 37.68 | 180 | 470 | Municipality | 4th | La Union |
| Sugpon | 4,930 | 57.11 | 22.05 | 86 | 220 | Municipality | 5th | Ilocos Sur |
| Suyo | 10,766 | 124.00 | 47.88 | 87 | 230 | Municipality | 4th | Ilocos Sur |
| Tagudin | 41,538 | 151.19 | 58.37 | 270 | 700 | Municipality | 2nd | Ilocos Sur |
| Tayug | 45,241 | 51.24 | 19.78 | 880 | 2,300 | Municipality | 3rd | Pangasinan |
| Tubao | 31,763 | 50.75 | 19.59 | 630 | 1,600 | Municipality | 4th | La Union |
| Umingan | 77,074 | 258.43 | 99.78 | 300 | 780 | Municipality | 1st | Pangasinan |
| Urbiztondo | 55,557 | 81.80 | 31.58 | 680 | 1,800 | Municipality | 3rd | Pangasinan |
| Urdaneta | 144,577 | 100.26 | 38.71 | 1,400 | 3,600 | Component city | 2nd | Pangasinan |
| Vigan | 53,935 | 25.12 | 9.70 | 2,100 | 5,400 | Component city | 4th | Ilocos Sur |
| Villasis | 65,047 | 75.83 | 29.28 | 860 | 2,200 | Municipality | 1st | Pangasinan |
| Vintar | 33,339 | 614.35 | 237.20 | 54 | 140 | Municipality | 1st | Ilocos Norte |
The economy of the Ilocos Region grew by 7.1% in 2023, reaching ₱701.5 billion from ₱654.8 billion in 2022, making it thethird fastest-growing economy among the country's 17 regions. Contributing 0.2 percentage points to the Philippines' 5.5% economic growth, the region accounted for 3.3% of the nationalGross Domestic Product (GDP). The Services sector led the regional growth with a contribution of 4.4 percentage points, followed by Industry at 2.1 percentage points, andAgriculture,Forestry, andFishing at 0.6 percentage points.[60]
(2018-11-25).jpg)
.jpg)
In 2022,Pangasinan's GDP reached ₱352.93 billion, representing 53.9% of the Ilocos Region's Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) and affirming its role as the region's economic driver.La Union followed with a contribution of ₱118.60 billion (18.1%), whileIlocos Norte andIlocos Sur contributed ₱93.10 billion (14.2%) and ₱90.24 billion (13.8%), respectively.[61]
Pangasinan ranked seventh among the 82 provinces in the Philippines in terms of GDP at ₱352.9 billion. Ilocos Norte recorded the fastest growth rate in the region in 2022 at 8.7%, followed by La Union at 7.7%, Pangasinan at 7.4%, and Ilocos Sur at 7.1%. Ilocos Norte had the highest per capita GDP in the region at ₱150.15 thousand, followed by La Union at ₱140.84 thousand and Ilocos Sur at ₱124.58 thousand, while Pangasinan recorded the lowest per capita GDP at ₱111.45 thousand.[61]
In 2023, the poverty incidence among families in the Ilocos Region was recorded at 8.4%, with a Full Year Per CapitaPoverty Threshold of ₱34,454. The Coefficient of Variation for the poverty incidence in the region was 9.8%, reflecting the statistical reliability of the estimate and indicating a significant improvement compared to previous years. Among the provinces in the region, Ilocos Norte recorded thelowest poverty incidence rate among families at 0.3% and among the population at 0.5%, the lowest in the provincial category nationwide for 2023.[70] This was followed by Ilocos Sur with a poverty incidence among families of 5.2%, La Union at 6.3%, and Pangasinan at 11.4%.[71]
The economy of the Ilocos Region is diverse, with distinct industries in the northern and southern areas. Pangasinan, located in the southern part of the region, is a major contributor to the economy of the Ilocos Region throughaquaculture,agro-industrial ventures, and theservice sector, which closely mirrors the economic activities ofCentral Luzon.
The province is well known for its extensivemilkfish (bangus) farming,salt farming,livestock raising, and fish paste (bagoong) production.[72]Aquaculture production in the region during the third quarter of 2023 reached 28.32 thousand metric tons, with Pangasinan accounting for 96.8% of the total, equivalent to 27.42 thousand metric tons. In addition to milkfish,tilapia is the second most-produced species in the region.[73]
Pangasinan is also notable for its significant salt production, with the town ofDasol recognized as thesecond-largest salt producerin the Philippines.[74] In 2021, Dasol produced 24,000 metric tons of salt from its more than 10,000 salt beds, making it a vital contributor to the local and national salt supply.[75]
.jpg)
In the second quarter of 2023, the region's total fisheries production reached 46,846.41 metric tons, reflecting a 5.35% increase from the same period in 2022. This accounted for 4.33% of the national fisheries production, which totaled 1,082,215.17 metric tons, and positioned the region as the7th largest producer in the country.[76]
The region northern section focus primarily onagriculture, which is a major driver of the region's economy. These section producerice,tobacco,garlic,corn,sugarcane, and various fruits and vegetables, making agriculture a cornerstone of their economic activities. In 2023, the Ilocos Regionranked fifth among the top rice-producing regions in the Philippines, with an average yield of 4.83 metric tons per hectare and a total production of 1.9 million metric tons from 418,000 hectares of farmland.[77][78]
The region is also thetop leading producer of garlic andtobacco in the Philippines. In terms of garlic production, contributing 76.51% of the country's total output of 5,884.93 metric tons in 2022. Ilocos Norte accounted for the majority of this production at 97.20%, followed by Ilocos Sur with 2.80%.[79] While in tobacco, recording 24.62 thousand metric tons in the second quarter of 2023, which accounted for 66.4% of the country's total output. Ilocos Sur was the top producer, followed by Pangasinan, La Union, and Ilocos Norte. Among tobacco varieties,Virginia tobacco was the most produced, followed bynative tobacco.[80][81]
The region alsoranked fifth incorn production in 2022, contributing 7.10% to the country's total output. Pangasinan accounted for 62.56% of the region's corn production, followed by Ilocos Sur (19.53%), Ilocos Norte (11.32%), and La Union (6.59%).Yellow corn dominated the region's production, comprising 91.97% of the total output, whilewhite corn accounted for 8.03%.[82]
In 2021, the region's major fruit and vegetable productions includedbananas (44,411.05 metric tons) bananasaba being the highest,mangoes (172,469.08 metric tons)mango carabao as the top variety,papayas (3,573.36 metric tons),watermelons (28,782.39 metric tons),calamansi (3,508.58 metric tons),pineapples (206.66 metric tons),tomatoes (75,127.03 metric tons),onions (38,968.45 metric tons),sweet potatoes (15,512.72 metric tons), andstring beans (12,543.09 metric tons). In 2022,ampalaya production reached 10,831.42 metric tons, ranking third nationwide. By 2023, the region produced 95,281 metric tons ofeggplants.[83][84]
In terms of livestock, the Ilocos Region ranked third among thecattle-producing regions in the Philippines in 2022, contributing 9.87% to the national production of 236,648.40 metric tons liveweight.Livestock farming, includingpigs,chickens,goats, andcarabaos (water buffalos), is another key economic activity in the region.[85]
The region is transitioning from agriculture to industrial and service-based industries. Food processing, blanket weaving,basketry,shell craft, soft broom making,pottery,fish paste,blacksmith, wine and vinegar production, jewelry making, and wood and stone crafts are significant economic drivers. Antiques and jars are also sought-after products.[72]
The region has one international airport,Laoag International Airport, and three domestic airports:San Fernando Airport,Vigan Airport, andLingayen Airport. Four seaports; Currimao Port (Ilocos Norte), Salomague Port (Ilocos Sur), San Fernando (Poro Point) Port (La Union), and Sual Port (Pangasinan)—support maritime trade.[53] The region operates ten power plants with a total capacity of 1,682 MW, using wind, hydropower, coal, and oil. Major facilities include the Bauang Power Plant,Sual Coal-Fired Power Plant, San Roque Multi-Purpose Project, andBangui Wind Farm. Most plants are managed under theBuild-Operate-Transfer (BOT) scheme.[53]
Urban centers, particularlyDagupan City, drive the service and light manufacturing industries. Dagupan serves as a financial, commercial, and educational hub, supported by local businesses such as CSI Group, Magic Group, BHF Group, Guanzon Group, St. Joseph Drugs, and Siapno-Tada Optical.
The 2020 Census of Population and Housing for the Ilocos Region recorded a total household population of 5,292,297, withIlocos Norte having 609,588 (11%),Ilocos Sur with 706,009 (13%),La Union with 822,352 (16%), andPangasinan with 3,163,190 (60%).[86]
| Year | Pop. | ±% p.a. |
|---|---|---|
| 1903 | 948,935 | — |
| 1918 | 1,210,909 | +1.64% |
| 1939 | 1,459,294 | +0.89% |
| 1948 | 1,685,564 | +1.61% |
| 1960 | 2,042,865 | +1.61% |
| 1970 | 2,488,391 | +1.99% |
| 1975 | 2,726,220 | +1.85% |
| 1980 | 2,922,892 | +1.40% |
| 1990 | 3,550,642 | +1.96% |
| 1995 | 3,803,890 | +1.30% |
| 2000 | 4,200,478 | +2.15% |
| 2007 | 4,546,789 | +1.10% |
| 2010 | 4,748,372 | +1.59% |
| 2015 | 5,026,128 | +1.09% |
| 2020 | 5,301,139 | +1.13% |
| 2024 | 5,342,453 | +0.19% |
| Source: Philippine Statistics Authority[87] | ||
The population was composed of 2.68 million males (50.7%) and 2.61 million females (49.3%). The age group 0–14 years, categorized as young dependents, consisted of 1.49 million individuals (28.2%) with asex ratio of 108 males per 100 females. Theworking-age population (15–64 years) was 3.41 million (64.5%), with a sex ratio of 105 males per 100 females. Thesenior citizen population (65 years and older) numbered 388,000 (7.3%), with a sex ratio of 69 males per 100 females.[88]
Children under five years old totaled 480,000 (9.1%), maintaining a sex ratio of 108 males per 100 females since 2015. The school-age population, aged 5–24 years, was 1.98 million (37.4%), showing a slight increase from 2015. The population of senior citizens (60 years and over) was 578,000 (10.9%), an increase from 493,000 in 2015. The overall sex ratio in the region was 103 males per 100 females. Women of reproductive age, 15–49 years old, totaled 1.33 million, comprising 50.7% of the female population. The population distribution highlights a male majority in younger age groups and a predominance of females among senior citizens due to longer female life expectancy.[88]
The Ilocos Region is home to a diverse range of ethnic groups. According to the 2020 census, the ethnic composition of the region is predominantly made up ofIlocanos (58.3%), followed byPangasinans (29.7%),Tagalogs ( 4.1%), and variousindigenous groups.[5]
.jpg)
TheIlocano ethnolinguistic group is the largest in the region, comprising 58.3% of the population, with a total of 3,083,391 individuals. The distribution of the Ilocano population is as follows: Ilocos Norte has 570,849 Ilocanos, Ilocos Sur has 580,484, La Union has 673,312, and Pangasinan has 1,258,746.
ThePangasinan accounts for 29.7% of the region's population, with a total population of 1,570,600. The Pangasinan population is distributed across the region as follows: Ilocos Norte has 1,156, Ilocos Sur has 1,769, La Union has 10,319, and Pangasinan has 1,557,356.
TheTagalog makes up 4.1% of the population, with a total of 219,011 Tagalog speakers. The distribution is as follows: Ilocos Norte has 9,415, Ilocos Sur has 8,721, La Union has 23,518, and Pangasinan has 177,357.
In addition to the major ethnic groups, the Ilocos Region is home to severalCordilleran (Igorot) indigenous peoples. These include theItneg (Tingguian), with a population of 34,262, the highest concentration of which is in Ilocos Sur, theKankanaey people, numbering 85,864, have the largest population in La Union, while the Bago people, with 73,371 members, are primarily found in Ilocos Sur. Other indigenous groups in the region include theIbaloi in La Union,Isnag in Ilocos Norte,Balangao,Ifugao,Kalinga in Ilocos Sur, andSambal in west Pangasinan.[5]
Other minority groups not native in the region includeMaguindanaons,Maranaos,Tausugs,Kapampangans,Cebuanos,Hiligaynons and foreigners and their Filipino-born descendants such asChinese[90] andIndians.[91][92]
Ilocano is the main language of the majority in the region, with La Union recognizing it as an official language since 2012.[93] It is also spoken in neighboring regions ofCagayan Valley (Region II),Cordillera Administrative Region and parts ofCentral Luzon (Region III) as the lingua franca among Ilocano and non-Ilocano residents. Ilocano is also recognized as a minority language inMindoro,Palawan, andMindanao (particularly in some areas inSoccsksargen), where Ilocanos had have been significant residents since the early 20th century. It is the third most widely spoken language in the Philippines, estimating 11 million speakers as of 2022. The language has many speakers overseas, including the American states ofCalifornia andHawaii.[94]
Another major regional Philippine language spoken in the region isPangasinan (a native language in the eponymous Pangasinan province among the ethnic group of the same name). It is the official and the indigenous language of Pangasinan and is the most spoken language in the region's highly urbanized area, Central Pangasinan. Spoken natively in urban centers such asDagupan,Lingayen,San Carlos, among others. Native speakers can also be found in nearby Tarlac, La Union and Benguet. Significant provincial languages such asBolinao andSambal languages in western Pangasinan, andCordilleran languages (near the borders of theCordillera Administrative Region) are spoken in the region.Tagalog is spoken by residents in towns along the border with Nueva Ecija, and its standard dialectFilipino and English are also spoken and understood in the region, utilized in business, education and media.
Languages not native in the region are also spoken there such asMaranao,Maguindanaon,Tausug,Kapampangan (which Bolinao & Sambal languages are related to),Cebuano andHiligaynon to varying degrees by their respective ethnic communities within the region.
The Ilocos Region's household population in 2020 was predominantlyRoman Catholic, comprising 82.0% (4,338,887 persons) of the total population. The second-largest religious affiliation wasIglesia ni Cristo, which accounted for 3.44% (181,885 persons), followed byAglipay with 1.97% (104,366 persons). TheIglesia Filipina Independiente represented 1.65% (87,635 persons) of the population.[95]
_(San_Fernando%2c_La_Union)(2018-11-25).jpg)
Protestant and otherChristian groups, such asJehovah's Witnesses,United Methodist Church, andAssemblies of God, collectively accounted for smaller percentages, each at 0.8% or lower. By province, Pangasinan had the highest proportion of Roman Catholics, representing 62.6% of the region's Catholic population (2,715,621 persons). La Union followed with 16.0% (695,867 persons), Ilocos Sur with 13.2% (574,136 persons), and Ilocos Norte with 8.2% (353,263 persons). For Iglesia ni Cristo, Pangasinan had the largest membership with 111,149 persons, followed by Ilocos Norte with 30,678 persons, and La Union with 23,374 persons.[95]
ForIslam, the Ilocos Region recorded individuals identifying with this religion in 2020. Over half were in Pangasinan, numbering 7,037 (56%), followed by 2,021 (16.2%) in La Union, 1,932 (15.5%) in Ilocos Sur, and 1,489 (11.9%) in Ilocos Norte. On the other hand, there were 653 individuals in the Ilocos Region in 2020 who identified asBuddhists. Of this number, 360 (55.1%) lived in Pangasinan, 25% in La Union, 10.4% in Ilocos Norte, and 9.5% in Ilocos Sur.[95]
The Ilocos Region boasts a diverse cultural heritage that reflects the rich traditions of theIlocano,Pangasinense, andCordilleran peoples. Shaped by centuries of influences from colonial powers, neighboring regions, and nativeAustronesian roots, the region has managed to preserve its distinct cultural identity while skillfully integrating foreign elements with indigenous practices.
In the northern part of the region, the Ilocanos are renowned for their resourcefulness and hardworking nature, shaped by the challenges of living in an area with limited farmland.[96]: 55 Their culture emphasizes family values, frugality, and dedication to hard work. The epic story ofBiag ni Lam-ang exemplifies the thriving literary tradition of the Ilocanos. Ilocano cuisine, featuring dishes likepinakbet anddinengdeng, reflects their practical use of local ingredients and preference for bold, earthy flavors. Traditional arts such asdamili (red clay pottery) andinabel weaving highlight their creativity and resilience. Intricately patterned handwoven textiles, crafted on wooden looms, preserve a centuries-old art form. Music and dances likepamulinawen andbalse are central to festivals and celebrations, adding to the richness of Ilocano traditions.
.jpg)
To the south, Pangasinan is known for its coastal culture and agricultural heritage. The Pangasinense people maintain traditions tied to fishing and salt-making, the latter giving the province its name, which means "place of salt." Their cuisine, featuring delights such astupig (grilled rice cakes) andbangus (milkfish) dishes, reflects a harmonious connection between land and sea. Pangasinan also has a thriving literary tradition with forms liketongtong,uliran,diparan, andpabitla. Pangasinan folk dances likeBinasuan andSayaw ed Tapew na Bangko (Sayaw sa Bangko) reflect the Pangasinense rich cultural heritage, showcasing grace, artistry, and the community's festive traditions. The province'skomedya performances, a theatrical art form introduced duringSpanish colonization, merge Catholic themes with local folklore and remain a cultural highlight.
In the east, the Cordillera highlands bring a distinct mountain culture to the region. Home to theIgorots, this area is known for its iconicterraced rice fields and agricultural rituals that reflect a deep spiritual connection to nature. Cordilleran artistry shines through wood carving, bamboo crafts, metalwork, and traditional rice winetapuy ortapuey, which reflects mastery of fermentation techniques often created for ceremonial purposes. Traditional music features instruments such as thegangsa (gongs) andkalaleng (nose flute), while dances like thekanyaw ortayaw andtadek express gratitude and reverence for ancestral spirits.
Festivals in the region, such as Pangasinan'sBangus Festival andPista'y Dayat (Sea Festival) and Ilocos Sur'sKannawidan Festival, showcase a vibrant blend of customs, cuisine, and traditional dances. Colonial architecture, exemplified by UNESCO-recognizedVigan City, highlights the Spanish influence on the region. Thebinatbatan dance, performed during Vigan's festivals, celebrates the Ilocanos' indigenous weaving traditions. Similarly, Pangasinan's faith-based festivals blend Catholicism with native beliefs, reflecting the province's unique cultural identity.
The region has given birth to numerous artists who have won national acclaim. Among the most notable are writer and activistIsabelo de los Reyes of Vigan, who helped publish the earliest currently extant text ofBiag ni Lam-Ang;Badoc-bornPhilippine Revolution-era activist and leaderJuan Luna; andBinalonan-bornCarlos Bulosan, whose novelAmerica is in the Heart is regarded as "the premier text of the Filipino-American experience."[97]
The region is also home to severalNational Artists of the Philippines, includingVictorio Cándido Edades, National Artist for Visual Arts (Painting, conferred in 1976);Lucrecia Kasilag, National Artist for Music (conferred in 1989);Severino Montano, National Artist for Theater (conferred in 2001);Francisco Sionil José, National Artist for Literature (conferred in 2001); andSalvador Bernal, National Artist for Theater and Design (conferred in 2003).[98]
The region is home to severalNational Living Treasures (Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan), includingMagdalena Gamayo, a master weaver renowned for her expertise in the Ilocano weaving tradition ofpinagabel, andAdelita Bagcal, who specializes indallot and other Ilocano oral traditions, both from Ilocos Norte.
In contemporary arts, the Galila Arts Festival, inaugurated in 2023, features Pangasinense artists and highlights tourist spots in the fourth district of Pangasinan. Aside from fostering arts in the province, the festival also aims to attract tourists.[99]
1.a. Region No. 1 is called the Ilocos Region, and comprises the provinces of Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Abra, La Union, Benguet, Mountain Province, and Pangasinan, and the cities of Baguio, Laoag, Dagupan, and San Carlos, with regional center at San Fernando, La Union.
{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
Media related toIlocos Region at Wikimedia Commons
Ilocos Region travel guide from Wikivoyage
Geographic data related toIlocos Region atOpenStreetMap 
Places adjacent to Ilocos Region | |
|---|---|
