Mabuhay!   Welcome online to the land of the Ilocanos!

Geography

The Ilocos Region, also known as Region 1, is one of the smallest regions in terms of land area. It is composed of 4 provinces in Northwestern Luzon. It lies east of South China Sea, west of Cordillera Region and northwest of Central Luzon. Except for the vast plain in Pangasinan province, the region's topography consists mostly of hills and mountains which are close to the sea. There is, however, a long and narrow strip of coastal lowlands beginning from south of La Union upwards through the northern part of Ilocos Norte. Climate is dry fom November to April and wet during the rest of the year.

People

Region 1 is occupied mostly by Ilocanos. Pangasinenses, however, are the majority group in Western Pangasinan. Other cultural groups such as the Tingguians, Ibaloys, and Dumagats are found mostly in the mountainous parts of the region..

Economic Profile

Agriculture is the main economic activity in the region. Main products are rice, corn, tobacco, garlic, and mango. Other farm outputs include banana, rootcrops, and vegetables. Poultry, hog, and cattle raising are alternative sources of income. The region's long coastline has made fishing an important livelihood of many Ilocanos. In Pangasinan, many fishponds are devoted to bangus production and Dagupan Bangus has become a brand to differentiate it from the bangus varieties from other places.

Coastal Plains in the Ilocos Region are planted to rice, corn and tobacco.

As a favorite destination of many travellers both local and foreign, tourism is a major income earner for the region. Very few manufacturing enterprises are located in the region and is limited to production of food and feed items.

Major Tourist spots in the Ilocos region

• Vigan City with its heritage houses
• San Juan Surfing Areas and Beaches in La Union
• Pagudpud Beaches in Ilocos Norte
• Wind Mills in Bangui, Ilocos Norte
• Hundred Islands in Alaminos City, Pangasinan
• Lingayen Landing Area in Pangasinan

Food

• Dinengdeng
• Pinakbet
• Empanada
• Bagoong