Archdiocese of Nueva Segovia

In a land area of 2,647 square kilometers, the diocesan territory covers the Civil Province of Ilocos Sur. The total population is 699,793.

Language

The principal dialect of the province is Ilocano representing most of the total population in the diocesan area. Other dialects/languages spoken in the province include Tagalog, Pangasinense, Visaya, Chinese, English, Kankana-ey, Tingguian and Arabic.

History

In 1595, the Catholic hierachy was erected in the Philippines with the Archdiocese of Manila and the suffragan dioceses of Cebu, Nueva Segovia and Nueva Caceres. The erection of Nueva Segovia Diocese was on Aug. 14, that year. On June 29, 1951, the diocese was elevated to an archdiocese. The Archdiocese of Nueva Segovia lost territory to the than newly erected Diocese of San Fernando de la Union on Jan. 19, 1970. Now, the dioceses of Baguio, Bangued and Laoag are suffragan dioceses of Nueva Segovia Archdiocese.

Political

A Philippine province is headed by a Governor. A Provincial Council (Sangguniang Panlalawigan) is composed of a Vice Governor (Presiding Officer) and Provincial Board Members. A Philippine city or municipality is headed by a Mayor. A City Council (Sangguniang Panlungsod) or Municipal Council (Sangguniang Bayan) is composed of a Vice Mayor (Presiding Officer) and City or Municipal Councilors. A barangay is headed by a Barangay Captain, who is also the presiding officer of the barangay council. The Barangay Council is composed of seven (7) Barangay Kagawads. A similar unit called a Youth Council (Sangguniang Kabataan) is headed by an SK Chairperson with a similar rank to a Barangay Captain. The council is composed of SK Members.

Transportation

Sea Transportation
There are two sub-ports in the province located at Salomague, Cabugao and Sulvec, Narvacan. The port of Salomague has been upgraded from provisional status to Permanent Port of Entry as per memorandum Order No. 436 of the president of the Philippines dated June 14, 1997.
Air Transportation Rehabilitation efforts are currently being undertaken at the Vigan Airport which is classified as a feeder airport. It can accommodate small types of aircraft. The nearby Laoag International Airport in the adjoining province, can provide transport facilities for tourists and businessmen, it can cater both domestic and international transshipments of commodities and supplies.
Modes of Transportation
Ilocos Sur is accessible by various transport vehicles from Manila and other nearby provinces and cities. It may be reached through public utility buses which range from ordinary, first class air conditioned, up to cozy deluxe types. Car rentals are most available at the international airport.

Private planes and helicopters may gain access to Ilocos Sur through the Vigan Airport. However, the Laoag International Airport in nearby Laoag City caters to commercial domestic planes as well as international flights particularly to and from Taipei, Taiwan and certain parts of mainland China. Special arrangements may also be done for private taxi services to Ilocos Sur through proper coordination with the available van rentals in Vigan. Air conditioned buses, whose terminals are located in downtown Laoag City and are plying the Laoag-Manila route may be a cheaper alternative for every traveler.

Getting Around

Tricycle
These local taxis are widely available around the province. For just a minimal cost, you can reach nearby destinations or even hire them further as you please.

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Geography

The province is composed of 32 municipalities, 2 component cities and 768 barangays. Of the municipalities, 20 are identified as lowland areas and the remaining 12 are considered upland areas. The province of Ilocos Sur is located along the western coast of Northern Luzon. It is bounded by Ilocos Norte in the North, Abra in the Northeast, Mountain Province in the east, Benguet in the Southeast, La Union in the South and the Luzon Sea and the Lingayen Gulf in the West.

Economy

Ilocos Sur is one of the country's major producers of tobacco. Its northernmost town Sinait is also recognized as the "Garlic Center of the North."

Its other major agricultural products include onion, tomato and banana. Industries in the province are mostly small and medium scale ones in the areas of pottery, ceramics and furniture making. These industries absorb more than half of the population total employment.

The people are engaged in farming, producing food crops, mostly rice, corn, vegetable, rootcrops, and fruits. Non-food crops include tobacco, cotton, and tigergrass. Cottage industries include loomweaving, jewelry making, blacksmithing, and food processing.

Crops
Rice, corn, legumes, root crops, vegetables, tobacco, garlic, onions, fruits
Livestock
Beef, carabeef, pork, chevon, poultry, eggs. With the ongoing efforts to upgrade native goats as a result of the acquisition of US-breed goats (Boer and Oberhasli), Ilocos Sur will soon become the Goat Center of the Philippines.
Marine
Tilapia, milkfish (bangus), Malaga, seaweeds, sea urchins, prawns, oysters, groupers. Because of the very large supply of bangus fry swing to its long coastline (stretching to 11.67 kms.), the province is the number 1 supplier of bangus fry in the region.

Telecommunication

Domestic and direct-distance dialing is provided by the Digital Telecommunication Philippines, Inc. and Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company in 17 of the 34 municipalities of the province. Its operation is complemented by five (5) other companies (Globe, Smart, PLDT, Bayantel) providing fixed and mobile cellular phone system.

The proliferation of cellular phones expands the communication system in the province. The presence of advanced technologies like computer and internet services likewise improves the communication network in the province.There are seven (7) local radio stations operating in the province, 5 AM and 2 FM Stations.

There is an existing local television station in the province - NBN4, but the telecast of other national TV stations can be received locally and 5 cable TV companies thereby improving access to local and international news. The province also offers a complete range of telegraphic and postal services

Education

Literacy rate (simple literacy) 94.09 according to the government census.

Christian formation of the young is undertaken by two Catholic Colleges, eight parochial schools and educational institutions run by the Religious. The Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary is a high school seminary nurturing the priestly desire in young boys while the Immaculate Conception School of Theology, the Regional Theology Seminary forms seminarians not only for Nueva Segovia but for the whole of Northern Luzon.

Culture

Ethnic groups include the Kankana-ey, Bag-o, Itneg, Tingguian and the Ilocano. These ethnic groups are residing in the upland municipalities.

Viva Vigan Festival is held every 1st week of May. It features a calesa parade (horse-drawn vehicle), binatbatan street dancing, ramada games, religious rituals, santacruzan, bankathon, exhibits, trade/food fairs, abel-iloco fashion show and other exciting events. It features around 100 calesa decorated with indigenous materials in accordance to the theme of the Viva Vigan.

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