LAOAG CITY_QUIZ.pdf

LAOAG CITY The name of the city “Laoag” is a derivative of the Ilocano term, which means light or brightness. Buzeta, an Augustinian missionary, in his Diccionarios Gografico Estatistico Historico de las Filipinas, states that Laoag has a clear athmosphere which presents a beautiful, blue skyline a...

LAOAG CITY The name of the city “Laoag” is a derivative of the Ilocano term, which means light or brightness. Buzeta, an Augustinian missionary, in his Diccionarios Gografico Estatistico Historico de las Filipinas, states that Laoag has a clear athmosphere which presents a beautiful, blue skyline and that the reason why the place was given the name “Laoag”. Laoag City is a vibrant and dynamic growth center in the north, a truly unique destination offering surprises, panoramic sand dunes, lush vegetation, scenic beaches, high land lures, historical and heritage sites. As the capital of Ilocos Norte, it is the business and trading center of the province, boasting of numerous diversified business activities and establishments. Hotels, restaurants, bars, banks and other establishments are located in the central business district. Of particular interest is the Laoag City Commercial Complex, where establishments offer Ilocano products such as Inabel, Bagnet, Longganisa, Sukang Iloko and other Ilocano products. Laoag City is the gateway to the North Luzon Tourism Hub and Growth Quadrangle. It boast of the Laoag International Airport where there are international flights from Hawaii, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Guangzou, Shenshen, Macau and Korea. The airport serves asa a jump-off point for flights to Basco, Batanes alongside with different flights to Manila. Truly radiating endless rays of possibilities, Laoag City is the country’s “Sunshine City Mandate Mandate As a Local Government Unit, the City of Laoag’s mandate emanated from the provisions of Republic Act No. 7160 also known as the Local Government Code of 1991. Pursuant to the General Welfare provision of the code, the LGU is mandated to ensure and support the preservation and enrichment of culture, enhancement of the right of the people to a balanced ecology, promotion of health and safety, maintenance of peace and order, improvement of public moral, enhancement of economic prosperity and social justice, promotion of full employment among the residents, development of appropriate and self-reliant technological and scientific capabilities and preservation of the comfort and convenience of the people. Mission The City of Laoag shall endeavor to develop empowered citizens who value environment and culture, support agro-industrialization, and adopt state-of-the-art technologies towards global competitiveness. Vision The City of Laoag shall be the “BARO A LAOAG that empowers its people through inclusive governance to sustain economic growth and vibrant culture while preserving the environment and moving towards resilience.” Mandate As a Local Government Unit, the City of Laoag’s mandate emanated from the provisions of Republic Act No. 7160 also known as the Local Government Code of 1991. Pursuant to the General Welfare provision of the code, the LGU is mandated to ensure and support the preservation and enrichment of culture, enhancement of the right of the people to a balanced ecology, promotion of health and safety, maintenance of peace and order, improvement of public moral, enhancement of economic prosperity and social justice, promotion of full employment among the residents, development of appropriate and self-reliant technological and scientific capabilities and preservation of the comfort and convenience of the people. History of Laoag Long before the coming of the Spaniards, there already existed an extensive region consisting of the present provinces of Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Abra and La Union renowned for its gold mines. Merchants from Japan and China would often visit the area to trade gold with beads, ceramics and silk. The Austronesian inhabitants of the region called their place samtoy, from sao mi itoy, which literally meant “this is our language.” In 1571, when the Spanish conquistadors had Manila more or less under their control, they began looking for new sites to conquer. Legaspi’s grandson, Juan de Salcedo, volunteered to lead one of these expeditions. Together with eight armed boats and 45 men, the 22-year-old voyager headed north. On June 13, 1572, Salcedo and his men landed in Vigan and then proceeded towards Laoag, Currimao, and Badoc. As they sailed along the coast, they were surprised to see numerous sheltered coves (looc) where the locals lived in harmony. As a result, they named the region “Ylocos” and its people “Ylocanos”. As the Christianization of the region grew, so did the landscape of the area. Vast tracts of land were utilized for churches and bell towers in line with the Spanish mission of bajo de las campanas (‘under the bells’) – a proclamation by King Philip’s 1573 Law of the Indies. In the town plaza, it was not uncommon to see garrisons under the church bells. The colonization process was slowly being carried out. The Spanish colonization of the region, however, was never completely successful. Owing to the abusive practices of many Augustinian friars, a number of Ilocanos revolted against their colonizers. Noteworthy of these were the Dingras uprising (1589) and Pedro Almasan revolt in San Nicolas (1660). In 1762, Diego Silang led a series of battles aimed at freeing the Ilocanos from the Spanish yoke. When he died from an assassin’s bullet, his widow Gabriela continued the cause. Unfortunately, she too was captured and hanged. In 1807, the sugar cane (basi) brewers of Piddig rose up in arms to protest the government’s monopoly of the wine industry. In 1898, the church excommunicated Gregorio Aglipay for refusing to cut off ties with the revolutionary forces of Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo. Unperturbed, he established the Iglesia Filipina Independiente. Aglipay’s movement and the national sentiment it espoused helped restore the self-respect of many Filipinos. “The great increase in population from 1715 to 1818 from 18,980 to 282,845 made the administration of the province very difficult. Due to the excessive monopolies and forced labor, there were several uprisings: first by the people of Dingras in 1589; one that was led by Pedro Almazan in 1616; the revolt of Diego Silang in 1762–1763; by Ambaristo in 1788; by Pedro Mateo in 1808 (also known as Basi Revolt) and uprising of Sarrat in 1815. For this reason, the division of the Ilocos into two provinces was recommended by the local authorities. On February 2, 1818, a Spanish Royal Decree was promulgated dividing the Province of Ilocos Norte from Ilocos Sur. Laoag City, which was then the biggest center of population, was made the capital of Ilocos Norte.” Though Laoag was converted into a city in 1965 through a plebiscite, leaving its municipal status, it remained the capital of Ilocos Norte. The first city mayor was Eulalio F. Siazon. Laoag Cathedral Church Saint William's Cathedral, commonly known as Laoag Cathedral, is a Roman Catholic church in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte, Philippines. It serves as the seat or central church of the Diocese of Laoag. The current church was built in 1612 by Augustinian friars to replace a wooden chapel. The first church of Laoag was made of wood and thatch when the Augustinians established the parish in 1580. The foundations of the current church was laid on 1612. It was damaged by fire in 1843 and was restored from 1873 to 1880 by the Obras Publicas under Engineer Antonio de la Camara and Father Santiago Muniz. The church was occupied by the revolutionists in 1898, and by the American forces in 1899. The ownership of the church was contested by the Aglipayans from the Roman Catholic from which the Catholic church won ownership. The church facade was renovated by adding lime plaster in 1936. It became a cathedral when the Diocese of Laoag was created in 1961. The church was again renovated from 1971 to 1972. It was slightly damaged by an earthquake in 1983. The church is known for its Italian Renaissance design. It also has an unusual two-storey façade, supported by two pairs of columns on each side of the arched entrance. The top of the façade holds a recessed niche that showcases the image of the city's patron saint, San Guillermo el Ermitaño. It has windows made from capiz with wrought iron screens. It has a main retablo and two smaller ones on its sides. The lower level of the huge retablo contains the image of Saint William, the parish's patron saint. Sinking Bell Tower The Sinking Bell Tower The church is also famous for its "Sinking Bell Tower", which sinks into the ground at a rate of an inch a year. It has survived several minor earthquakes since its construction, causing scholars to label it an Earthquake Baroque style structure. The tower, built presumably after the 1707 earthquake, has a foundation of 90 metres (300 ft). It is made of locally manufactured bricks joined by molasses and juice of sablot leaves mixed with lime and sand, and reinforced with four massive columns on each corner and a winding stairway leading to the belfry. It used to have a large clock on the tower's western face. Laoag Laoag Laoag is the capital city of Ilocos Norte, which boasts of a charming blend of small-town traditional culture and a dynamic, modern lifestyle. It also features a mix of a rich Spanish influence, marked by beautifully preserved ancestral houses, colonial architecture buildings, and century-old churches, and an Ilocano heritage that is mostly evident in its local customs and delectable cuisine. The word laoag means “light” in the native language spoken in the region, earning the town its titles of being the “The Sunshine City” and “City of Lights” in the country. The city also enjoys a tropical savanna climate with mostly sunny days and warm temperatures all year round. Both the official languages of the country, namely Filipino and English, are widely understood and spoken here, so communication, especially for international travelers won’t be a problem. However, the town’s local language is Ilocano, and it will be useful to learn some basic phrases and words of the language to capture the hearts of the locals. Aside from incredible sights and historical landmarks, Laoag is also jam packed with attractions and activities that will satisfy every kind of traveler. From breathtaking scenery complemented with a laid-back ambience, to nearby seascapes and surf towns, down to adventure excursions on its rugged and mountainous terrains, The Sunshine City is truly nothing short of a brilliant destination that puts the Ilocandia region in the spotlight. Best time to visit As with the rest of the Philippines, Laoag City and the rest of the Ilocos region experiences both dry and wet seasons. However, this northern part of the country gets notoriously hot during the summer months, so it is best to carefully plan when you choose to visit. Main festival/events in Laoag Travel to Laoag City during the first week of February to experience the Pamulinawen Festival, celebrated in honor of the city’s patron saint, St. William the Hermit. Delight in a week-long festivity that includes civic- military parades, parade of floats, and a colorful Street Dancing Competition. Museo Ilocos Norte Museo Ilocos Norte is situated in Laoag, Ilocos Norte. It is an excellent representation of the rich heritage of Ilocos and the ethnography of the Ilocanos, Igorots, Itnegs, Yapayaos and other ethnicities of the province. This museum in the Philippines is housed in an existing Tabacalera, or tobacco warehouse, close to the Provincial Capitol. The warehouse used to be a plain brick structure, one of the chains of brick structures built in Ilocos during the 19th century. The Tabacalera was then converted into an enthralling two-story museum. From the old household implements to farming equipment to the ancient bahay na bato house models to the significance of garlic in their lives, a trip to the Ilocos Museum is a visual treat. Tobacco Monopoly Monument The Tobacco Monopoly Monument in Ilocos Norte is a historical landmark commemorating an important era in Philippine history. It is a brick obelisk in Aurora Park in Laoag City, which stands as a testament to the significant role tobacco played during the Spanish colonial period when the government monopolized the cultivation and sale of tobacco. It commemorates the abolition of the tobacco monopoly, which forced farmers into abusive labor. An inscription on the obelisk reads, “erected by the people as an expression of joy” over the termination of the monopoly. The colonizing Spaniards found that the land and climate of Ilocos is very suitable for growing tobacco. And so, by royal decree of King Carlos III in February 1780, the Spanish government established the monopoly of the tobacco industry in Ilocos and the northern region. It was to position the Philippines as a leading tobacco producer in the world. The monopoly resulted in great revenue but fueled corruption by the authorities against the Filipino farmers. They forced the townsfolk to plant no other crop but tobacco and sell only to the Spanish government. All the products were strictly controlled in warehouses like the Tabacalera building in Laoag. The building still stands to this day as Museo Ilocos Norte. The monopoly was abolished a hundred years later by King Alfonso XII, who was eventually bestowed the name the Peacemaker. In gratitude, the people of Ilocos constructed the monument in November 1882. Monuments like these are usually important to local culture and might be protected by local authorities as heritage sites or landmarks. They also act as educational tools and reminders of the region's historical struggles and achievements. La Paz Sand Dunes Laoag, Ilocos Norte has a natural tourist attraction that offers something different from the usual beaches of the Philippines. Found close to Laoag City, the capital city of Ilocos Norte, the La Paz Sand Dunes is a sandy coastal desert that covers an area of 85 square kilometers near the coast of the West Philippine Sea and is one of the top tourist spots in Ilocos Norte. The La Paz Sand Dunes is a segment of the Ilocos Sand Dunes that spans the length of Currimao (north of Laoag) to Pasuquin (south of Laoag). On November 26, 1933, its significance was cemented as the National Committee on Geological Sciences (NCGS) identified it as one of the National Geological Monuments in the Philippines. This wild terrain is popular for its varying sand dunes that can be as high as 30 meters. The La Paz Sand Dunes are only 10 to 15 minutes away from the city via tricycle or public jeepney. For a stress-free experience, you may also book Laoag tours that will pick you up from your accommodations in Ilocos Norte and take you to the sand dunes. It’s highly recommended to visit the area before sunrise or before sunset to avoid the heat and to have the most scenic view of the beach from the top of the sand dunes. Aurora Park is situated at the center surrounded by the St. William Cathedral Church, Laoag City Hall, Marcos Hall of Justice, Ilocos Norte Provincial Capitol and the Sinking Bell Tower. The plaza was called Plaza de Alfonso XII after the King of Spain. In the same plaza, there is a multi-tiered obelisk erected in 1881, dedicated to the Spanish King Alfonso XII for terminating the Tobacco Monopoly. Today, the Obelisk still stands and had defied deterioration through the passing of the time. The plaza is now called Aurora Park, on the center is where the Statue of Maiden Pamulinawen is strategically placed on top of the fountain. According to historical records, before the end of the 16th century, Plaza de Alfonso XII marks the center of community of Laoag. It where the early Laoageños resettled after the missionaries moved the center from Ermita Hill to the plaza. Following the gridiron pattern of Greco-Roman origin in laying out towns, they have laid down the center of the rectangle where the location of the plaza, church, convent, tower, the casa tribunal, and other important edifices were indicated. These were followed by the laying of rectangular street blocks. The laying out of the poblacion done, the indegenous population was prevailed upon to construct their houses in proper places within the reach of the church bells. MUSEO ILOCOS NORTE The building was a former Tabacalera Building or tobacco factory, a historical landmark standing within the museum. The old building was the Administration Center of the Tobacco Monopoly in Ilocos Norte during the Spanish times. One highlight of the museum is tobacco, the main product of the province. It exhibits some old tools used in farming and fishing - the locals' main livelihood; typical Ilocano house furnishings; and framed pictures of old Ilocos. It also showcases Rattan-woven handicrafts, Traditional Ilocano clothing (Abel-Iloko cloths, and typical Ilocano costumes) and artifacts across the province. The Museum is open on Monday-Saturday from 9AM to 5PM. LAOAG SAND DUNES Most famous for its sand dunes, the Sand Dunes is one of the most visited tourist spots in Laoag. This area is estimated to be 85 square kilometers long coastal beach and desert area. Locally, the Laoag Sand Dunes goes by the name of Bantay Bimmaboy because of its shape which resembles that of pigs. Aside from that, it is also called the Desert of the North because of its popularity when it comes to shooting locations for famous films both inside and outside the country. The sand dunes are found in the coastal village of Barangay La Paz, which lends the site its name. The Laoag Sand Dunes forms a part of the Ilocos Norte Sand Dunes (INSD), which stretches from the town of Currimao, north of Laoag, to Pasuquin, south of Laoag. The INSD was identified as one of the National Geological Monuments or significant geological formations in the Philippines by the National Committee on Geological Sciences (NCGS) on November 26, 1993. A marker erected by the NCGS in Barangay Calayab in Laoag City gives recognition to the uniqueness of the desert environment in the Philippines and its scientific and educational value. The sand dunes of Ilocos were created by the interaction of the wind, sea, and river that together cause erosion and deposition. The size of the dunes varies depending on a number of factors, including the currents, weather conditions, nature of winds, amount of sediment, and type of vegetation in the area. The dunes that directly face the coast of the South China Sea are not as old as the others and tend to be more volatile. Sand dunes in some of the more sheltered areas of the INSD can reach as high as 90 meters. LAOAG CITY HALL The City Hall, once known as the The Casa Tribunal, is located on the western side of the town Aurora Park. It is made of bricks with roof of tiles. It houses the Executive and Legislative division of the city, as well the Treasury and other departments. Built during the Spanish era, an amount of 4,028.32 pesos was realeased on July 18, 1861 for its construction. For this, it could be gleaned that its construction was started after the said date. ERMITA HILL Ermita Hill is located at the southeastern part of Laoag City. Even before the coming of the Spaniards, the hill was already the dwelling of early people of Laoag, where they built their houses compactly arranged around it. The natives must have chosen this spot for the location of their community not only for its proximity to the river which is indespensable to them as the source of food and water for drinking. Before the end of the 16th century, the missionaries, in their desire to improve the living conditions of the natives, resettled the big center of Laoag from Ermita Hill to its present location, the site of now the Aurora Park. A 28-meter high concrete cross was installed in 1972 to commemorate the fourth centennial of the Christianization of the Ilocos. Interestingly, the first mass in Laoag City happened at Ermita Hill and later became the first missionaries’ quarters and their first chapel. Unfortunately, the old building caught fire in June 14, 1998 and has been demolished. The letters L-A-O-A-G structure was installed on top of the hill and now served as the "Laoag Marker." When on top of the hill, you will not only discover serenity but you will also has a chance upon the view of the City, the Padsan River, and nearby towns like San Nicolas, Sarrat and Vintar. To the east, you can also see the mountains of Apayao, known as the Cordillera Mountain Ranges. SPANISH-ERA WATCH TOWERS THE WATCH TOWERS OF GABU TORRE AND LA PAZ TORRE Ilocos Norte, in the northern Philippines, was the last in the Ilocos Region to have its set of 6 watchtowers recognized as being of national importance. The discovery brought about two realizations: first, that this watchtower, among others, would the one that is erected farthest away from the seashore; and second, more importantly, that this one, due to its closer proximity to the estuary, served to patrol and oversee activities in the mouth of the Padsan river, the main access into Laoag in the past. It is not hard to imagine that there is a “guard” watching over the main entry point to the city back then, as the northern coast was prone to pirate attacks during the Galleon trade days. The proof that there is a watchtower in Laoag further enforces the importance of the city, as significant settlements then would truly require some level of protection and defense. Most recently, talking with more locals of Laoag revealed another lead: that The sand dunes landscape of La Paz also has a barangay called Torre. The exercise of locating a watchtower there proved to be equally worthwhile but less fruitful. Indeed, it appeared that another once stood on the other side of Padsan river’s mouth. So, the access to Laoag had two watchtowers before, in the same way that Spanish period ports of Currimao and Romblon in Romblon also had. Unfortunately, the structure, or its remains, had been bulldozed off in the 1970s. There are a few broken ladrillos (old bricks) scattered around in the barren landscape, sitting as the only proof that a watchtower proudly stood once in the area as well. LAOAG CITY COMMERCIAL COMPLEX Located at the heart of of Laoag's business district, the commercial complex houses diffrent business stalls for dry-goods, kitchenwares, glasswares and more. The 3-storey building's basement is dedicated to local handicrafts, native products such as garlic, sukang-iloko, coconuts, ilocos sibuyas (onions), and others. The second floor is the Wet Market section and the meat section, where you can buy bagnet and longganisa. Souvenir items can be bought at the northern part just outside the building, as well as Ilocano chips like Chichapop, Chichacorn, Camote Chips, Taro Chips, Cassava Chips and other products for pasalubong. PUENTES DE AMOR This is one among the unnoticed heritage structures we have in the Province of Ilocos Norte. Located in Brgy. Barit in the City of Laoag, this "Puente de Barit" was one of the 4 Spanish bridges of Laoag: Barit, Tupec, Bulangon and San Mateo, mentioned by Ilocos Norte Civil Governor Camilo Millan in his report on the status of the province in 1887 (the handwritten report is extant at the National Archives of the Philippines). Content: Fr. Ericson Josue ILOCANO HEROES HALL Another milestone in the province’s infrastructural development happened in the 70’s when a significant landmark found in the heart of Laoag was finally completed – the Ilocos Norte Heroes Memorial Hall (INHM) or more popularly known as “Heroes Hall”. Formerly called “Ablan Heroes’ Memorial Hall”, this edifice is situated just a stone-thrown away from the Laoag City Plaza, Marcos Hall of Justice, Laoag Central School, Laoag Bell Tower, Aglipay and Roman Catholic Churches, the Laoag City Hall and the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte. It took over a period of 33 years for tis building to be finished. The area where the Heroes Hall stands today has a significant contribution to our province’s history. It once was a spacious open ground which served as the regular venue for large social, cultural and political events such as civic-military parades, folk dances, playground demonstrations, trade fairs, political rallies, evening dances, coronation rites and carnival shows. When the Gabaldon building of the Laoag Central School was established in 1929, it remained an open ground until its construction began after the Second World War. The construction of the Ablan Heroes’ Memorial Hall started during the incumbency of Dr. Damaso T. Samonte as the first district congressman of Ilocos Norte 1946 to 1949. Unfortunately, shortage of funds caused the project to stop. However, with Gov. Elizabeth Marcos Keon’s motion, the provincial board of ilocos Norte approved in 1971 resolution no. 48 appropriatin P10,000.00 from the Roads and Bridge Fund of the province for the completion of the Ablan Heroes Memorial Hall and more improvements were made in 1974. With the direction of Gov. Elizabeth Marcos-Keon, the Ablan Heroes’ Memorial Hall was renamed Ilocos Norte Memorial Hall in dedication to all the heroes of Ilocos Norte. Once regarded as an architectural marvel and symbol progress in the province, the Heroes Hall today is a covered four-storey with rooftop overlooking the Padsan River or Laoag River and the entire span of the Gilbert Bridge. Its design is characterized by a dramatic use of columns and arch-windows like those of American government buildings. GOV. ROQUE B. ABLAN SR. SHRINE The Ablan Shrine and Library, rebuilt by the National Historical Institute (now the National Historical Commission), houses a mini-library and museum where the memorabilia of the late Ilocos Norte Gov. Roque Ablan Sr., a valiant WWII hero, are on display. A hero of the Second World War, Governor Ablan was born in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte on August 9, 1906. Graduated from the University of the Philippines of Philosophy in 1929 and of Law in 1930, he passed the bar exam that same year. He was elected Governor of Ilocos Norte in 1937 and 1941. Later on, he led the Ablan-Madamba Guerilla Group of Northern Luzon which he founded, in a successful battle against the Japanese forces in Pampanniki, Solsona, Ilocos Norte on November 8, 1942. On December 10, 1942, he left for Cagayan to confer with Gov. Marcelo Adduru and never came back, probably perishing in an encounter with the Japanese. The Ablan Shrine is a testimony and in honor of his heroic deeds. LAOAG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT Laoag International Airport (IATA: LAO, ICAO: RPLI) is the main airport serving the general area of Laoag, the capital city of the province of Ilocos Norte in the Philippines. It is the only airport in Ilocos Norte and is the northernmost international airport in the Philippines by geographical location. The airport is a popular charter destination for tourists from China. It has one 2,420-meter runway and is designated as a secondary/alternate international airport by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, a body of the Department of Transportation that is responsible for the operations of not only this airport but also of all other airports in the Philippines except the major international airports. The airport was constructed by Americans before World War II as Gabu Airfield. The Japanese occupied the base on December 1941 and subsequently used it. During the Luzon campaign to retake the islands from the Japanese, Major Simeon Valdez led a raid on the airfield, burning the headquarters and setting fire to a fuel dump. Similar attacks follow in the succeeding days until its recapture on 15 February 1945 when it was abandoned due to Commonwealth military and guerrilla raids. By April 1945 the airfield was again operational hosting fighter and transport aircraft. The airfield became a staging area for flights and air missions against Japanese forces in Northern Luzon by April and Okinawa by June 1945. After the war, the airfield was converted into a civilian airport. The airport became one of the stops of the Breitling DC-3 World Tour held in 2017. The aircraft, a Douglas DC-3 with the registration number HB-IRJ landed for refueling in April as part of a round-the-world flight to celebrate the plane's 77th birthday. The airport was also where 4 FA-50 light fighter aircraft were stored during the testing of Israeli radars on Paredes Air Station in Pasuquin, Ilocos Norte. It is also said that in the future, the same FA-50s would be permanently stored in the airport as a warning squadron for any disaster/threat to the city. ILOCOS NORTE PROVINCIAL CAPITOL The Palacio del Gobernador is where the Civil Governors of Ilocos Norte resided and held office. An imposing edifice, it is located at the northern side of the plaza. It has two wings on its western and eastern sides with a kiosk overlooking towards the north. This building housed the office of the Civil Governor, the secretary, government offices and local branches which also included the Oficina de Haciendas, the Treasury and the Civil Guards. This building was replaced in 1918 by an edifice of Neoclassic design and now serves as the Provincial Capitol. ST. WILLIAM THE HERMIT CATHEDRAL Laoag Cathedral, canonically known as Saint William Cathedral (Spanish: Catedral de San Guillermo) is a church in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte, Philippines. The current church was built in 1612 by Augustinian friars to replace a wooden chapel. It also serves as the seat or central church of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Laoag. The first church of Laoag was made of wood and thatch when the Augustinians established the parish in 1580. The foundations of the current church was laid on 1612. It was damaged by fire in 1843 and was restored from 1873 to 1880 by the Obras Publicas under Engineer Antonio de la Camara and Father Santiago Muniz. The church was occupied by the revolutionists in 1898, and by the American forces in 1899. The ownership of the church was contested by the Aglipayans from the Roman Catholic from which the Catholic church won ownership. The church facade was renovated by adding lime plaster in 1936. It became a cathedral when the Diocese of Laoag was created in 1961. The church was again renovated from 1971 to 1972. It was slightly damaged by an earthquake in 1983. The church is known for its Italian Renaissance design. It also has an unusual two-storey façade, supported by two pairs of columns on each side of the arched entrance. The top of the façade holds a recessed niche that showcases the image of the city's patron saint, San Guillermo el Ermitaño. It has windows made from capiz with wrought iron screens. It has a main retablo and two smaller ones on its sides. The lower level of the huge retablo contains the image of Saint William, the parish's patron saint. Laoag city- is the countrys sunshine city LOVE THE PHILIPPINES- tagline department of tourism MA. ESPERANZA CHRISTINA GARCIA FRASCO- director of the Philippine tourism department EULALIO FONACIER SIAZON- first city mayor of Laoag JUNE 19,1965- laoag was converted into city 1572- laoag was occupied by the SPANIARDS JUNE 13, 1572- Salcedo and his men landed in Vigan an proceeded towards laoag, currimao and badoc, they named the region “YLOCOS” AND THE PEOPLE “YLOCANOS” LOOC- sheltered coves where the locals lived in harmony THE CITY OF LIGHT- nickname of Laoag City