Batac City, Ilocos Norte, Philippines

Batac City is in  Ilocos Norte and within Region 1-Ilocos, in the Republic of the Philippines with a population of 55,484 as of the 2020 census. In 2015 it had a population of: 55,201.

Location, Connectivity, and Economic Snapshot

The City of Batac is a landlocked component city located in the central portion of Ilocos Norte, the northernmost province of the Ilocos Region (Region I). Its strategic position makes it a crucial administrative, commercial, and educational hub for the central municipalities of the province. Batac is situated roughly 470 kilometers north of Metro Manila and lies south of the provincial capital, Laoag City.

Getting to Batac: Most visitors and residents travel to Batac via land routes. The city is highly accessible through major bus lines (including Partas, Farinas, and Maria De Leon) that run along the main highway network, connecting Batac directly to Laoag City and southward to Vigan, La Union, and Metro Manila. These bus and van services are the lifeblood of local transportation. For those traveling from outside Luzon, the primary gateway is the **Laoag International Airport (LAO)**.

Proximity of Government Headquarters to Major Ports: The Batac City Hall, the seat of the local government, is centrally located for logistical efficiency:

• Air Gateway: The City Hall is approximately 15 to 20 kilometers from the Laoag International Airport (LAO), translating to a quick journey of around 30 to 45 minutes.
• Sea Gateway: Batac relies on the nearby coast. The nearest major commercial port is the **Port of Currimao**, about **15 kilometers** away from the city center, accessible within a 30-minute drive.

Population and Economy: As per the **2020 Census of Population and Housing (CPH)**, the City of Batac recorded a total population of **55,484** residents. This stable population supports a vibrant local community focused on both agricultural production and education.

Main Contributing Industry: Batac’s economy rests on a dual foundation. The most significant original industry is **Agriculture**. The city is renowned for its fertile lands, yielding high-value crops such as rice, garlic, and tobacco. The secondary, yet equally vital, industry is **Education**. The presence of the Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) transforms Batac into a regional academic center, driving a considerable service sector economy.

GDP and Economic Rank: Batac is classified as a **5th city income class**. While official, localized Gross Domestic Product (GDP) figures for individual component cities are not frequently released or ranked nationally, Batac is a major component of the Ilocos Norte provincial economy. The province has been acknowledged by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) as having one of the **fastest-growing provincial economies** in the entire Ilocos Region, positioning Batac as a key driver in that regional growth story.

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Education, Culture, and Tourist Highlights

Where Young People Go to School: Batac City is widely recognized as the academic hub of Ilocos Norte, primarily due to the presence of the **Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU)**. The **MMSU Main Campus**, situated right in Batac, serves thousands of students from the region and beyond, offering highly respected programs in agriculture, engineering, business, and teacher education. The university is frequently cited as a Center of Excellence and Center of Development, making the education sector a significant magnet for youth.

Tourist Attractions: The city offers a unique array of cultural and historical sites, centered largely on the life of its most famous native son:

• **Marcos Museum and Mausoleum:** The city’s most famous tourist draw, featuring extensive memorabilia and exhibits about the life of former Philippine President Ferdinand E. Marcos.
• **Batac Riverside Empanadaan:** A bustling culinary stretch where visitors can sample the renowned **Batac Empanada**. This savory, deep-fried delicacy is known for its distinctive orange crust.
• **Immaculate Conception Parish Church (Batac Church):** One of the oldest religious structures in Ilocos Norte, dating back to the late 16th century, showcasing Spanish-era architecture.
• **General Artemio Ricarte Shrine:** A tribute to Gen. Artemio Ricarte, a native of Batac and a hero of the Philippine Revolution.

Yearly Festivals: Batac celebrates its heritage and economy through two major annual events:

• **Batac Farmers’ Festival:** Held typically in the **first quarter of the year** (around February or March), this festival honors the city’s agricultural workforce, featuring street dancing and trade fairs showcasing products like rice and garlic.
• **Batac Empanada Festival:** Celebrating the city’s iconic pastry, this festival often coincides with the City Charter Day on June 23rd, and includes cooking demonstrations and culinary contests.

History: The name **Batac** is believed to have originated from the Ilocano word *“batak,”* which means **“to gather”** or **“to pull.”** The settlement was officially founded by the Augustinian friars in **1587**. Throughout its history, Batac has been a cradle of significant national figures, most notably **President Ferdinand E. Marcos**, **General Artemio Ricarte**, and **Gregorio Aglipay**. Batac’s history took its final major turn on June 23, 2007, when it was converted from a municipality into a **component city** through Republic Act No. 9407.

Current Elected City Leaders (2025-2028 Term)

Based on the official, verified results from the **May 2025 National and Local Elections**, the following officials have been elected to serve as the local government leaders for the City of Batac for the three-year term spanning 2025–2028:

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