2.Ilocos

(Ilocos Region)

  I. Background Information
  * Location and Population
    The region is composed of four provinces, namely: Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union and Pangasinan. Its regional center is San Fernando City, La Union.
    Region I is composed of 4 provinces, 9 cities, 116 municipalities, and 3265 barangays.
    The Ilocanos compose 66% of the region, the Pangasinan people compose 27%, and the Tagalogs compose 3%.
  *   Economic Activities
    Southern Portion-   especially Pangasinan, is anchored on agro-industrial and service industry. Such as milkfish (bangus) cultivation and processing, livestock raising, fish paste processing (bagoong), and others. And also importance of trading, financial services, and educational services in the economy cannot be denied.
    Northern Portion- agricultural sector such as cultivating rice, tobacco, corn, sugarcane, and fruits; raising livestock such as pigs, chicken, goats, and carabaos (water buffalos).
    The region is also rich in crafts, with renowned blanket-weaving and pottery.The Ilocanos' burnay pottery is well known for its dark colored clay.

  * Culture and Beliefs
    Minorities- Tingguan and Isneg communities who inhabit the foothills of the Cordillera Mountains.   In Dingaras resides Isneg and Yapayao. These tribes were two of the first inhabitants of the region.
    Values- The Ilocanos are known for being hardworking, brave, cheerful and simple. They are independent and work hard. Bain is the Ilocano trait for hiya or amor propio (sense of shame).
    - panagdayaw (respect for the sensitivities of others).   Ilocanos tend to speak about themselves in the humblest of terms.
    -thriftiness or The Ilocanos value the fruit of their labor and are wise in spending the money they earned.
Traditions-
    Wedding: The man should ask the consent of his parents first. The groom’s parents will pay the dowry and finance the wedding. http://baikilasaiden.blogspot.com/2013/06/i-isles-of-my-portfolio-in-literature.html