Ilocos Region’s Historical Gem
Economic Strengths
- Tourism (heritage sites, beaches)
- Agriculture (tobacco, rice, corn)
- Fishing and aquaculture
- Manufacturing (textiles, food processing)
Demographic Advantages
- Young population (28.12% aged 14 and below)
- Growing workforce (64.21% aged 15-64)
- Median age: 28
Key Attractions
- Vigan City (heritage site, UNESCO World Heritage)
- Laoag City (provincial capital)
- Pagsanjan Falls (tourist spot)
- Cape Bojeador Lighthouse (historical landmark)
Opportunities
- Infrastructure development (roads, airports)
- Eco-tourism expansion
- Agricultural modernization
- IT-BPO industry growth
Challenges
- Traffic congestion
- Environmental conservation
- Poverty reduction
- Public health
Why Invest in Ilocos Sur?
Ilocos Sur offers:
- Strategic location (Ilocos Region)
- Rich cultural heritage
- Natural attractions
- Skilled workforce
- Government support
| Name | City/ Municipality | Population (2020) | Population (2015) | Annual Population Growth Rate (2015‑2020) | Area (km2) | Density (2020), per km2 | Brgy count |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alilem | municipality | 7,361 | 6,695 | 2.02% | 119.33 | 62 | 9 |
| Banayoyo | municipality | 7,931 | 7,748 | 0.49% | 24.63 | 322 | 14 |
| Bantay | municipality | 37,118 | 35,731 | 0.81% | 76.60 | 485 | 34 |
| Burgos | municipality | 12,793 | 12,224 | 0.96% | 44.38 | 288 | 26 |
| Cabugao | municipality | 38,884 | 37,501 | 0.77% | 95.56 | 407 | 33 |
| Candon | city (CC) | 61,432 | 60,623 | 0.28% | 103.28 | 595 | 42 |
| Caoayan | municipality | 19,574 | 19,861 | -0.31% | 17.42 | 1,124 | 17 |
| Cervantes | municipality | 19,449 | 17,211 | 2.61% | 234.70 | 83 | 13 |
| Galimuyod | municipality | 10,244 | 10,748 | -1.01% | 34.40 | 298 | 24 |
| Gregorio del Pilar | municipality | 4,472 | 4,875 | -1.80% | 41.66 | 107 | 7 |
| Lidlidda | municipality | 4,705 | 4,647 | 0.26% | 33.84 | 139 | 11 |
| Magsingal | municipality | 31,308 | 30,792 | 0.35% | 84.98 | 368 | 30 |
| Nagbukel | municipality | 5,465 | 5,259 | 0.81% | 43.12 | 127 | 12 |
| Narvacan | municipality | 46,234 | 44,006 | 1.05% | 122.21 | 378 | 34 |
| Quirino | municipality | 9,306 | 8,573 | 1.74% | 240.10 | 39 | 9 |
| Salcedo | municipality | 11,110 | 11,288 | -0.33% | 103.44 | 107 | 21 |
| San Emilio | municipality | 7,206 | 7,407 | -0.58% | 141.44 | 51 | 8 |
| San Esteban | municipality | 8,381 | 8,349 | 0.08% | 19.62 | 427 | 10 |
| San Ildefonso | municipality | 8,190 | 7,787 | 1.07% | 11.35 | 722 | 15 |
| San Juan | municipality | 26,674 | 26,411 | 0.21% | 64.37 | 414 | 32 |
| San Vicente | municipality | 13,118 | 12,758 | 0.59% | 12.60 | 1,041 | 7 |
| Santa | municipality | 14,992 | 15,340 | -0.48% | 109.10 | 137 | 26 |
| Santa Catalina | municipality | 14,493 | 13,945 | 0.81% | 9.68 | 1,497 | 9 |
| Santa Cruz | municipality | 41,366 | 39,868 | 0.78% | 88.78 | 466 | 49 |
| Santa Lucia | municipality | 25,966 | 25,402 | 0.46% | 49.72 | 522 | 36 |
| Santa Maria | municipality | 30,006 | 30,321 | -0.22% | 63.31 | 474 | 33 |
| Santiago | municipality | 19,471 | 18,759 | 0.79% | 46.36 | 420 | 24 |
| Santo Domingo | municipality | 29,041 | 27,975 | 0.79% | 55.49 | 523 | 36 |
| Sigay | municipality | 2,552 | 2,737 | -1.46% | 81.55 | 31 | 7 |
| Sinait | municipality | 25,998 | 25,640 | 0.29% | 65.56 | 397 | 44 |
| Sugpon | municipality | 4,930 | 4,585 | 1.54% | 57.11 | 86 | 6 |
| Suyo | municipality | 10,766 | 11,446 | -1.28% | 124.00 | 87 | 8 |
| Tagudin | municipality | 41,538 | 39,277 | 1.19% | 151.19 | 275 | 43 |
| Vigan | city (CC), capital | 53,935 | 53,879 | 0.02% | 25.12 | 2,147 | 39 |
| Ilocos Sur Total | 706,009 | 689,668 | 0.49% | 2,596.00 | 272 | 768 | |
Economy
| Fiscal Year | Annual Regular Income | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 734,945,745.61 | – |
| 2010 | 1,840,408,798.55 | 150.41% |
| 2011 | 1,850,393,845.57 | 0.54% |
| 2012 | 1,563,288,028.36 | -15.52% |
| 2013 | 2,459,006,230.68 | 57.30% |
| 2014 | 1,194,116,437.46 | -51.44% |
| 2015 | 1,311,914,281.75 | 9.86% |
| 2016 | 3,285,231,293.03 | 150.42% |
| End notes:Annual Regular Income = Locally Sourced Revenue + Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) Current Year + Other Shares from National Tax CollectionLocally Sourced Revenue = Real Property Tax (General Fund) + Tax on Business + Other Taxes + Regulatory Fees + Service/User Charges + Receipts from Economic Enterprises | ||
Tourism
Ilocos Sur is a gem for tourism in the Philippines. The province boasts a rich cultural heritage, with its capital, Vigan City, declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors are captivated by Vigan’s preserved Spanish colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, and horse-drawn carriages. Beyond Vigan, Ilocos Sur offers stunning beaches, rolling hills, and adventure destinations.
Tourists can explore the renowned Calle Crisologo, visit ancestral houses, and indulge in local delicacies. The province also hosts various festivals and events, such as the Vigan City Fiesta and the Kannawidan Ylocos Festival, showcasing its vibrant culture and traditions.
Furthermore, Ilocos Sur’s natural wonders are equally enticing. Travelers can explore the rock formations of Kapurpurawan White Rock Formation in Burgos or relax on the beaches of Magsingal and Santa Maria.
