Region 1 – Ilocos Region

List of the 18 Regions in the Philippines
National – Capital Region ● I – Ilocos ● II – Cagayan Valley ● III – C. Luzon ● IV‑A – Calabarzon ● IV‑B – Mimaropa ● V – Bicol ● VI – W. Visayas ● VII – C. Visayas ● VIII – E. Visayas ● IX – Zamboanga Peninsula ● X – N. Mindanao ● XI – Davao ● XII – Soccsksargen ● XIII – Caraga ● XIV – CAR ● XV – BARMM ● XVI – Negros Island Region (NIR)

Educational Note: Only 17 of the 18 administrative regions of the Philippines are under the jurisdiction and general supervision of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG). The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) is the sole exception — it operates under its own organic law and answers directly to the President of the Philippines.. (This distinction is often misunderstood, as many Filipinos assume BARMM is under the DILG — it is not.)

Overview

Region 1, also known as the Ilocos Region, is located in the northwestern part of Luzon in the Philippines. It comprises four provinces

Ilocos Norte

Ilocos Sur

La Union

List of Municipalities in the La Union province within Region I in the Republic of The Philippines
Agoo || Aringay || Bacnotan || Bagulin || Balaoan || Bangar || Bauang || Burgos || Caba || Luna || Naguilian || Pugo || Rosario || San Gabriel || San Juan || Santo Tomas || Santol || Sudipen || Tubao
Cities in the Province of La Union: San Fernando City (Capital)

Pangasinan

List of Municipalities in the Pangasinan province within Region I in the Republic of The Philippines
Agno || Aguilar || Alcala || Anda || Asingan || Balungao || Bani || Basista || Bautista || Bayambang || Binalonan || Binmaley || Bolinao || Bugallon || Burgos || Calasiao || Dasol || Infanta || Labrador || Laoac || Lingayen (Capital) || Mabini || Malasiqui || Manaoag || Mangaldan || Mangatarem || Mapandan || Natividad || Pozorrubio || Rosales || San Fabian || San Jacinto || San Manuel || San Nicolas || San Quintin || Santa Barbara || Santa Maria || Santo Tomas || Sison || Sual || Tayug || Umingan || Urbiztondo || Villasis
Cities in the Province of Pangasinan: Alaminos City || Dagupan City || San Carlos City || Urdaneta City

San Fernando City serves as the regional center. The region is renowned for its Spanish colonial architecture, UNESCO World Heritage sites, scenic beaches, and vibrant food culture. As of 2020, the region’s population was 5,301,139, making up about 4.8% of the Philippine population.

Geography

Ilocos Region covers approximately 12,840 square kilometers. It features a long coastal stretch along the South China Sea and is bordered by the Cordillera mountains to the east. Pangasinan, the largest province, occupies the northwestern section of the Central Luzon Plain. The region is marked by fertile plains, rolling hills, river systems (Agno and Abra Rivers), lush forests, and mountainous districts. Its climate is tropical with a pronounced dry season due to the Cordillera’s wind barrier.

People and Culture
Ilocos is home to a diverse population, primarily Ilocanos (about 58%), Pangasinenses (about 30%), and smaller groups of Tagalogs and Cordilleran peoples. Ilocano is the dominant language, followed by Pangasinan, Tagalog, and English. The region is celebrated for its rich traditions, woven blankets, pottery, folk dances, religious fiestas, and iconic cuisine including bagnet and longganisa sausage. Community ties are strong, and ancestral rituals remain integral to local culture.

Economy

The economy is driven by agriculture—rice, corn, tobacco, sugarcane, mango, and garlic production are key. Pangasinan leads in aquaculture, especially milkfish farming and salt production. Cottage industries such as weaving, pottery, and food processing supplement local incomes. Regional GDP grew by 7.1% in 2023, with services, industry, and agriculture all contributing. Tourism, remittances, and investments in manufacturing and infrastructure further bolster the region’s economy.

Festivals

Pista’y Dayat (Pangasinan): A sea festival marking the fishing season’s opening.
Longganisa Festival (Ilocos Sur): Celebrates the famous local sausage with food fairs and street parades.
Bawang Festival (Sinait, Ilocos Sur): Honors garlic production with lively street dances.
Every city and municipality holds vibrant fiestas honoring patron saints, historical events, and local products featuring music, parades, and indigenous dances.

Government

Region 1 is governed by four provincial governments, each headed by an elected governor, and contains nine cities, over 100 municipalities, and 3,265 barangays. San Fernando, La Union, serves as the regional administrative hub. Local governments prioritize infrastructure development, agriculture, disaster preparedness, and sustainable growth, working closely with national agencies to enhance regional progress.

January 7, 2026

1️⃣ Andas for Traslación 2026 now ready, with upgrades

The Andas carrying the Black Nazarene for January 9 Traslación features new steering wheel and reinforced underchassis to handle massive devotee crowds safely.

2️⃣ Over 3,500 affected by Mayon volcano unrest

NDRRMC reports 3,515 people from 964 families evacuated in Albay due to recent magmatic eruptions, ashfall, and pyroclastic flows; all in permanent danger zone.

3️⃣ Magnitude 6.4 quake hits off southern Philippines

USGS detects 6.4 quake off Davao Oriental coast—no tsunami threat reported, but locals feel shaking; no immediate damage confirmed.