ABRA 
Abra was a mere encomienda attached to the Ilocos region in 1619.By the year 1846, Abra had established a bishopric with its seven curacies under the Augustinians. On July 29,1892, there were already 28 schools, most of which taught catechism. 
In 1867, Abra suffered a flood that destroyed farms and plunged the people into such desperation that the Economic society of the friends of the Country, through Governor-General Jose Basco, decided to purchase farming implements for the inhibitants. 
Abra is also the historic place where Gabriela Silang made her last stand.  She was captured in 1769 and was brought to Vigan where she was executed. 
Former Name: El Abra de Bigan (1619)
Land Area:  3,975.5 square kilometers
Capital: Bangued
Population: 160,198 (1980)
Principal Dialect: Ilocano
Income Classification: Fourth Class Province
No. of Cities: None 
NO. of Municipalities: 27 (Bangued, Boliney,Bucay, Bucloc, Daguioman, Danglas, Dolores, Lacub, Lagangilang, Lagayan, Langiden, La Paz, Licuan, Luba, Malibcong, Manabo, Peñarrubia, Pidigan, Pilar, Sallapadan, San Isidro, San Juan, San Quintin, Tayum, Tineg, Tubo, and Villaviciosa)

No. of Municipal Districts: 5(Boliney, Bucloc, Danguioman, Lacub, and Tineg)
Topography: Terrain is extremely rugged except for some cultivated area in the Abra River basin. The Abra River traverses. 
The entire province from south to north, and turns west toward Ilocos Sur, draining into the China Sea. The river and its tributaries make Abra the richest province of Region 1 in terms of water resources. 
No. of Principal Rivers:3 (Abra river is the largest)
No. of Mountains: 27 
Climate: Dry season from October to April, rainy from May to September. The coldest month is January; the warmest month is May. 
Average Annual Rainfall: 127.1 inches
Principal product / crops: Rice, tobacco, corn, and banana. 
Industries: Logging (major industry), horse and cattle raising, bamboo craft, footwear industry, mat weaving, hollow block making, ceramics, pottery, hat weaving, and basketry. 
Mineral Resources: Iron, white clay, coal, limestone, gold, silver, and copper.
Forest Resources: Timber, rattan, honey, and wax. 
Tourist Attraction: Abra River, gold dust along Bolongan river, dome-shaped reservoir, Victoria Park and the “Ruined Church of Pidigan” 
Governor: Vicente P. Valera
Congressman: Rodolfo A. Hernandez

BENGUET 
 Benguet is known as the “Salad Bowl of the Philippines”. It is also famous for its basket-weaving industry as well as its multi-million-peso vegetable industry. Many mining companies into a comendencia during the Spanish era. This was after two expeditions had been sent to the region: the first in 1829, was led by Guillermo Galvay and the second, in 1836, sent by Governor General Salazar It was in Benguet on October 8, 1943 where the 16th Infantry under Major Parker Calvert was officially activated during the reorganization of guirilla units in Northern Luzon. Some of the Philippines’ highest peaks are in Benguet and are covered by virgin forest and huge mantles of greenery which add to their magnificence and gradeur. 
Former Name:None
Land Area:2,655.4 square kilometers
Capital: La Trinidad
Population: 354, 751(1980)
Principal Dialect: Ilocano
Income Classification: Third Class Province
No. of Cities: 1(Baguio)
No. of Municipalities: 13 (Atok, Bakun, Bokod, Buguias, Itogon, Kabayan, Kapangan, Kibungan, La Trinidad, Mangkayan, Sablan, Tuba, and Tublay)
No. of Municipal Districts: None 
Topography: The province is a plateau, rising as high as 2,255.5 m. (7,400 feet) above sea level. It is characterized by mountains and V- shaped valleys. 
No. of Principal Rivers: 15 (with Kalinga-Apayao, Ifugao and Mountain Province) 
No. of Mountains: 85 (with Kalinga- Apayao, Ifugao and Mountain Provinces)  
Climate: Because of the high elevation, the province has a cool and invigorating climate throughout the year.There are two distinct seasons of equal duration. The rainy season starts in June and ends in late October, while a climate similar to spring in temperate countries lasts from November to May. 
Average Annual Rainfall:127.10 inches
Principal products / crops: Vegetable, fruits, coffee and cacao 
Industries: Mining (major industry), vegetable farming and timber production.
Mineral Resources: Gold, silica, pyrite, limestone and white clay. 
Forest Resources: Gum resin processed into gum turpentine and pine oil, and timber. 
Tourist Attractions: Kennon Road, considered as one of the most beautiful highways in the world, Baguio City (the “Summer Capital of the Philippines”) and the Crystal Caves. 
Governor: Andres R. Bugnosen
Congressman: Samuel M. Dangwa, Honorato Y. Aquino
 
ILOCOS NORTE 
Ilocos Norte is the birthplace of a number of historical figures, such as painter Juan Luna, founder of the Philippine Independent Church Gregorio Aglipay, and poet and dramatist Claro Caluya. The province is also known for its historic churches, some of which date back to the 16th century. The Church of Laoag was founded in 1580, the Church of San Nicolas in 1584, the Church of Paoay in 1593, and the Church of Sarrat in 1724, Ilocos Norte itself however was founded later on February 2, 1818 by Gov. Mariano Fernandez de Folgueras.
The ruggedness of the land and the constant exposure to typhoons have made the Ilocanos known for thrift and industry.
These factors have also influenced the migration of the people of Ilocos Norte to other parts of the Philippines, as well as to other countries. In fact, Ilocos Norte is a steady source of migrant in the United States since the 1920s. 
Former Name: None
Land Area: 3,399.3 square kilometers
Capital: Laoag City
Population: 390, 666 (1980)
Principal Dialect: Ilocano

Second Class Province
No. of Cities: 1 (Laoag)
No. of Municipalities: 22 (Adams, Bacarra, Badoc, Bangui, Batac, Burgos, Carassi, Currimao, Dingras, Dumalneg, Espiritu, (Banna), Marcos, Nueva Era, Pagudpud, Paoay, Pasuquin, Piddig, Pinili, San Nicolas, Sarrat, Solsona, and Vintar) 
No. of Municipal Districts: 3 (Adams, Carassi and Dumalneg) 
Topography: The terrain of Ilocos Norte is rugged and rocky. The province is cut by chains of mountains and hills of the Cordillera. There are also rivers, the longest of which is the Laoag River. 
No. of Principal Rivers: 5 (Laoag is the longest)
No. of Mountains: 17 
Climate: The climate is characterized by two extremes: very dry from November to May and very wet for the rest of the year. The province is exposed to the southwest monsoon and cyclonic storms, but it is shielded from the northwest and trade winds by the mountain ranges. 
Average Annual Rainfall: 100.58 inches
Principal products/crops: Rice and tobacco
Industries: Weaving , pottery, mat weaving, cigar making, salt making, basi making
Mineral Resources: Feldspar, cement, copper and manganese
Forest Resources: Timber 
Tourist Attraction: Cape Bojeador, Sinking Tower of Laoag, Raquiza Garden, Waterworks, Marcos Museum, Sumilang Park, Mabogabog Falls, Payupyupan Beach, Paoay Lake, and the old churches of the province.  
Governor: Rodolfo C. Farinas
Congressman: Roque R. Ablan Jr., Mariano R. Nalupta Jr.
 
ILOCOS SUR 
The first Spanish expedition to the Ilocos region was led by Juan de Salcedo. In 1572, he founded Villa Fernandina or Ciudad Fernandina in honor of King Ferdinand VI of Spain. Now called Vigan, the place was the ancient Spanish capital of Northern Luzon. Salcedo became encomendero of Vigan and lieutenant general of the Ilocos province.
Ilocos Sur has its own share of historic spots. Ancient Spanish-type houses dating as far back as the 17th century line the streets of the province . There are also the Vigan Cathedral or the Cathedral of St. Paul which was originally erected in 1574 and the Santa Maria Church built in 1769. 
Former Name: None
Land Area: 2,579.6 square kilometers
Capital: Vigan
Population: 443,591 (1980)
Principal Dialect: Ilocano
Income Classification: Third Class Province
No. of Cities: None 
No. of Municipalities: 34( Alilem, Banayoyo, Bantay, Burgos, Cabugao, Candon, Caoayan, Cervantes, Calimuyod, Gregorio del Pilar, Lidlidda, Masingal, Nagbukel, Narvacan, Quirino, Salcedo, San Emilio, San Esteban, San Ildefonso, San Juan, San Vicente, Santa Catalina, Santa Cruz, Santa Lucia, Santa Maria, Santiago, Santo Domingo, Sigay, Sinait, Sugpon, Suyo, Tagudin, and Vigan) 
No. of Municipal Districts: 2 ( Sigay and Sugpon) 
Topography: The topography of the province is rugged, with mountain ranges occupying the southeastern portions. The elevation is as high as 1,200 meters in some parts. The coastal regions and the northwestern potion are plains. 
No. of Principal Rivers: 3 ( Abra, Chico, and Amburayan)
No. of Mountains: 2 
Climate: Dry season from November to April and wet the rest of the year. Because of the lack of natural barriers, Ilocos Sur is vulnerable to monsoons and storms coming from the China Sea. About 32 percent of all typhoons affecting the country pass through the province. 
Average Annual Rainfall: 100.58 inches
Principal products/crops: Tobacco and rice
Industries Fishing and small-scale industries
Mineral Resources: Limestone and iron ore (magnetite)
Forest Resources: None
Tourist Attractions: Besang Pass, Tirad Pass, Northern Luzon Heroes Hill National Park, Darapidap Beach Resort, Pug-os Beach Resort, Sabongan Beach Resort, and the Sevilla Beach Resort.
Governor: Evaristo Singson
Congressman: Luis “Chavit “ Singson, Eric D. Singson  

LA UNION
La Union is the gateway to the Ilocos Region. During the second phase of the Philippine Revolution, La Union was controlled by the revolutionaries.
The province lies at the juncture of Central Luzon and the northern provinces, which makes it center for business and commerce. It has the only national port of entry in the region . San Fernando port serves cargo ships for coastwise or overseas trade. It is the exit point for products coming from the mines in the Mountain Provinces.La Union was created by Gov. Gen. Antonio Maria Bueno on March 2,1850. 
Former name: none
Land Area: 1,493.1 square kilometers
Capital: San Fernando
Population: 452,578 (1980)
Principal Dialect : Ilocano
Income Classification: Third Class Province
No. of Cities: None
No.of Municipalities: 20 ( Agoo, Aringay, Bacnotan, Bagulin, Caba, Luna, Naguilian, Pugo, Rosario, San Fernando, San Gabriel, San Juan, Santo Tomas, Santol, Sudipen and Tubao)
No. of Municipal Districts: None 
Topography: The province is rugged and hilly, although it has no mountains. Plains are found along the coast to Lingayen Gulf and in the Northern and Southern ends of Province. Five major rivers traverse the province. These rivers are short and swift, and not one of them is navigable by a large craft. 
No. of Principal Rivers: 5 (Baroro, Aringay, Lon-oy, Maragapay, and Naguilian)
No. of Mountains: None
Climate: La Union experiences extreme opposite seasons during the year. In the wet season, there is a great deal of rain, while the summer is extremely dry.
Average Annual Rainfall:108 inches
Principal products/crops: Rice, tobacco, sugarcane, cotton, rootcrops and fruits
Industries: Agriculture and fishing  
Mineral Resources: Limestone and red clay
Forest Resources: Firewood (There is no substantial forest in the province to produce timber)
Tourist Resources: Imelda Garden, Chinese Pagoda, Shrine of Sra. de la Caridad, Freedom Park, Cresta Ola Beach Resort, Nalinac Beach, Miramonte Beach Resort, and Sta. Rita White Beach. 
Governor: Joaquin Ortega
Congressman: Victor E. Ortega, Jose D. Aspiras

MOUNTAIN PROVINCE
Mountain province, which is covered by giant pine trees, is situated in the midst of the great Cordillera mountains. The beautiful landscapes are made more valuable by the rich mines found in the area. When the Spaniards first arrived in Ilocos Sur, they were amazed to see the natives wearing necklaces and earrings made of pure gold which were obtained from this province.     
Considered as national cultural treasures by the government are the Alab Petroglyphs situated in the barrio of Alab of Bontoc and the stone agricultural calendars of Dap-ay Guiday in the town of Besao. 
Former Name: None
Land Area: 2, 097.3 square kilometers
Capital: Bontoc
Population: 103, 052 (1980)
Principal Dialect: Ilocano
Income Classification: Fifth Class Province
No. of Cities: None
No. of Municipalities: 10 (Barlig, Bauko, Besao, Bontoc, Natonin, Paracelis, Sabangan, Sadangan, Sagada, and Tadian)
No. of Municipal Districts: None
Topography: The Mountain province is a block of high and massive mountains forming park of the Central Cordillera chain. There are no level lands in the province, except those in small river valleys that lie at the foot of its rugged topography, development of the province has been seriously hampered.
No. of Principal Rivers: 2
No. of Mountains: 17 ( Mt. Sabangan is the highest)
Climate: The seasons are Pronounced. The province experiences cloudy atmosphere throughout the year.
Average Annual Rainfall: 73.40 inches
Principal products/crops: Rice, sweet potato, cassava and gabi
Industries: Logging, mining, agriculture, hunting, forestry, and fishing
Mineral Resources: Gold, copper, and silver
Forest Resources: Timber
Tourist Attractions: Mount Data, the Maligcong rice terraces, the Mainit Hot Springs, the Sagada Caves, the Ato Sig- ichan, and the prototype of Igorot villages. 
Governor: Maximo Dalog
Congressman: Victor S. Dominguez 

  PANGASINAN
Pangasinan’s soil is the best agricultural type found in the Philippines. The province has vast, fertile lands enriched and drained by the Agno River and its tributes. Pangasinan, often referred to as the “Rice Granary of the Philippines,” was apportioned to six encomenderos some 25 years after the Spaniards arrived in the province. It was organized into an alcadia mayor in 1580 until it became a province in 1611.
During the Philippine Revolution, the Katipuneros led by Daniel Maramba rose up in arms. They clashed with the Guardia de Honor, a counter-revolutionary movement organized by the friars. It was in the town of Bayambang that Gen. Aguinaldo finally disbanded his army and organized guerilla units to escape the pursuing Americans.
During World War II, in December 1941, the Japanese forces landed in Lingayen Gulf, the same place where the American Liberation Forces landed on January 9, 1945, with a simultaneous landing in San Fabian. 
Former Name: Cabaloan
Land Area: 5,368.2 square kilometers
Capital: Lingayen
Population: 1, 636,057 (1980)
Principal Dialects: Pangasinan and Ilocano  
Income Classification: First Class Province
No. of Cities: 2 (Dagupan and San Carlos)
No. of Municipalities: 46 ( Agno, Aguilar, Alaminos, Alcala, Anda, Asingan, Balingao, Bani, Basista, Bautista, Bayambang, Binalonan, Binmaley, Bolinao, Bugallon, Burgos, Calasiao, Dasol, Infanta, Labrador, Laoac, Lingayen, Mabini, Malasiqui, Manaog, Mangaldan, Mangatarem, Mapandan, Natividad, Pozzorubio, Rosales, San Fabian, San Jacinto, San Miguel, San Nicolas, San Quintin, Santa Barbara, Santa Maria, Santo Tomas, Sison, Sual, Tayug, Umingan, Urbizztondo, Urdaneta, and Villasis) 
No. of Municipal Districts: None
Topography: The southern tip of the province is characterized by narrow valleys and steep slopes. Majority of the rivers are incised in various sharp valleys which broaden into alluvial plains before flowing to the China Sea.
No. of Principal Rivers: 3 (Agno is the largest)
No. of Mountains: 22
Climate: Rainy season from May to October, and dry season from November to April. Mountain barriers protect it from the northwest monsoon and partly from the trade winds. However, it is subject to frequent typhoons.
Average Annual Rainfall: 92 inches 
Principal products/crops: Rice, tobacco, coconut, sugarcane, fruits and rootcrops. 
Industries: Fishing (major industry), logging and cottage industries such as basket, mat and hat weaving, bagoong making and woodcrafts. 
Mineral Resources: Asbestos, limestone phosphate, manganese, and copper.
Forest Resources: Timber 
Tourist Attractions: Hundred Islands off the cost of Lucap, the Umbrella Rocks of Sabangan Nortex in Agno, the Blue Beach in Dagupan City, the White Beach in San Fabian, and the Shrine of Our Lady of Manaog.
Governor: Rafael M. Clet
Congressman: Oscar M. Orbos, Antonio E. Bengson III, Fabian S. Sison, Jose C. de Venecia, Jr., Conrado B. Estrella Jr., Conrado M. Estrella III.
 


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