San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte

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San Nicolas
Municipality
Robinsons Ilocos Norte
Robinsons Ilocos Norte
Official seal of San Nicolas
Seal
{{#property:P242}}
Map of Ilocos Norte showing the location of San Nicolas
San Nicolas is located in Philippines
San Nicolas
San Nicolas
Location within the Philippines
Coordinates: Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
Country [[{{#property:P17}}]]
Region Ilocos (Region I)
Province [[{{#property:P131}}]]
District 2nd District
Barangays 24
Government[1]
 • Mayor Melanie Grace Pizaña Valdez
Area[2]
 • Total 40.18 km2 (15.51 sq mi)
Population (2010)[3]
 • Total 34,237
 • Density 850/km2 (2,200/sq mi)
Demonym(s) San Nicoleño
Time zone PST (UTC+8)
ZIP code {{#property:P281}}
Dialing code {{#property:P473}}
Income class 2nd class; partial urban
Website sannicolasilocosnorte
.gov.ph

San Nicolas or Bayan ng San Nicolas is a second class municipality in the province of Ilocos Norte, Philippines. According to the 2010 census, it has a population of 34,237 people.[3] San Nicoleños are famous for their traditionally-designed pots (called "bangas").

History

The present name of San Nicolas was given in the year 1733, after Saint Nicholas de Tolentino who was believed to have protected the people against floods, earthquakes, fires, typhoons and other calamities. It is significant that in Ilocos Norte, only San Nicolas was named after a Saint.[4][citation needed]

Like any other town in the ancient province of Ilocos, San Nicolas was established by Augustinian missionaries. Vigan, the first Spanish mission center in this region, was founded in 1575. In the year 1572, when the Spaniards first explored the Laoag (Padsan) River, they met hostile resistance from the natives of San Nicolas and Laoag. In another expedition dispatched from Vigan in 1584 San Nicolas was established and Laoag followed a year later.[4]

San Nicolas Catholic Church built in 1701 is one of the oldest buildings in this province. Its original structure is one of the must see places of the town. The Church and the attached Sta. Rosa Academy Building, the well preserved Municipal Hall and the old Town Plaza sprawled between them constitute the heart of the town center. These buildings and structures are originally built and continue to be festooned with earthen bricks, which is among the products of the surviving local earthenware industry.[4]

Geography

Barangays

The Municipality of San Nicolas is politically divided into 24 barangays:

Names of Barangay Type Brgy.No. Local Names
San Agustin Rural 21 Bugnay
San Baltazar Urban 2
San Bartolome Urban 4
San Cayetano Urban 12
San Eugenio Urban 13
San Fernando Urban 11
San Francisco Urban 1
San Gregorio Urban 14
San Guillermo Rural 22 Catuguing
San Ildefonso Urban 3
San Jose Urban 15
San Juan Bautista Urban 6
San Lucas Urban 9
San Marcos Rural 16 Payas
San Miguel Urban 7
San Pablo Rural 20
San Paulo Urban 10
San Pedro Rural 18 Bingao
San Lorenzo Rural 19
Santa Monica Rural 24 Nagrebcan
Santa Cecilia Rural 23 Barabar
Santa Asuncion Rural 17 Samac
San Silvestre Urban 5
San Rufino Urban 8

Profile of Barangays

  • Barangay 1, San Francisco
    The first Malayan settlers were situated on the northern side of Brgy.1.This way besides the Rio Gaco,nowadays called Padsan(Laoag)River,where they could get water supply.But because of floods,the settlers move south and what is now Brgy.3.
  • Barangay 2, San Baltazar
    In Spanish time, this barrio was named Navarra after a place in Spain.
  • Barangay 3, San Ildefonso
    Named after Alfonso XII, a Spanish king.
  • Barangay 4, San Bartolome
    Named Luzon after the biggest group of island,Luzon.
  • Barangay 5, San Silvestre
    Named by the Spaniards Visayas.
  • Barangay 6, San Juan Bautista
    Named Mindanao.
  • Barangay 7, San Miguel
    Named by the Spaniards Filipinas because it is situated in the east of the Pueblo, noting that the Philippines is on the east side of the globe.
  • Barangay 8, San Rufino
    In line with its Economic Program Pottery was introduced by the Spanish Authorities. It soon became a Pilot Center where people from different barangays took lessons in Pottery. Hence, it was called "Alfareria" means "Art of Pottery".
  • Barangay 9, San Lucas
    Also known as Cabugnayan and Capitacan. During the early part of the 18th century, areas of San

Nicolas were still wilderness and there was not a single road leading to this place. Unfriendly Tinggians and Igorots lived in these places and people in the poblacion avoided them.

  • Barangay 10, San Paulo
    Also known as Pamitacan from the word Pitak or mud, because its muddy when it rains.
  • Barangay 11, San Fernando
    Located along the McArthur Highway and bordered between Barangays 10, 12, 3 and 22.
  • Barangay 12, San Cayetano
    Located next to Barangay 11
  • Barangay 13, San Eugenio
    Located next to Barangay 12 and has a little rice fields situated in its area.
  • Barangay 14, San Gregorio
    Situated in the south of Barangay 15. It is the home to Eladio Barangan Elementary School.
  • Barangay 15, San Jose
    Its here we can find the cemetery (also in Brgy.1) and the Gertes Hospital.
  • Barangay 16, San Marcos
    Locally known as Payas.
  • Barangay 17, Santa Asuncion
    Known as Samac. It can be reach via Payas Road or by Brgy.18.
  • Barangay 18, San Pedro
    Southern most (eastern portion) barangay of San Nicolas. Known as Bingao meaning "Art of Burning".
  • Barangay 19, San Lorenzo
    Lies in the north of Bingao.
  • Barangay 20, San Pablo
    Southern most (western portion) of San Nicolas.
  • Barangay 21, San Agustin
    Known as Bugnay and where the Venvi is situated.
  • Barangay 22, San Guillermo
    Known as Catuguing because of its many tuguis or kamoteng kahoy.
  • Barangay 23, Santa Cecilia
    Known as Barabar.
  • Barangay 24, Santa Monica
    known as Nagrebcan. It is also known as Daan nga Ili.

Area and location

San Nicolas is a land-lock town. It is border by Laoag in north and western part, Paoay and Batac in south and Sarrat in eastern part. In terms of area, San Nicolas is the smallest througthout Ilocos Norte. Yet, it is one of the most wealthiest and most populous in the province. Sometimes, Padsan River (Laoag-San Nicolas Border part) is often called as a part of San Nicolas than Laoag.

Climate

San Nicolas has a tropical savanna climate with warm to hot temperatures year round. Temperatures dips sightly during the winter months between December to February.

Climate data for San Nicolas
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Average high °C (°F) 30.0
(86)
30.8
(87.4)
32.0
(89.6)
33.4
(92.1)
33.8
(92.8)
32.5
(90.5)
31.8
(89.2)
31.0
(87.8)
31.3
(88.3)
31.9
(89.4)
31.2
(88.2)
30.5
(86.9)
31.68
(89.02)
Daily mean °C (°F) 24.4
(75.9)
25.0
(77)
26.5
(79.7)
28.2
(82.8)
29.1
(84.4)
28.4
(83.1)
27.8
(82)
27.4
(81.3)
27.5
(81.5)
27.4
(81.3)
26.5
(79.7)
25.4
(77.7)
26.97
(80.53)
Average low °C (°F) 18.8
(65.8)
19.2
(66.6)
20.9
(69.6)
23.1
(73.6)
24.4
(75.9)
24.3
(75.7)
24.0
(75.2)
23.9
(75)
23.6
(74.5)
22.9
(73.2)
21.9
(71.4)
20.2
(68.4)
22.27
(72.08)
Average rainfall mm (inches) 11.8
(0.465)
1.1
(0.043)
2.5
(0.098)
19.8
(0.78)
125.1
(4.925)
376.8
(14.835)
386.4
(15.213)
547.3
(21.547)
324.1
(12.76)
86.1
(3.39)
45.1
(1.776)
10.2
(0.402)
1,936.3
(76.234)
Average rainy days 1 1 1 2 8 15 17 20 15 8 5 2 95
Source: PAG-ASA[5]

Demographics

Population census of San Nicolas
Year Pop. ±% p.a.
1990 27,632 —    
1995 29,083 +0.96%
2000 31,688 +1.86%
2007 33,642 +0.83%
2010 34,237 +0.64%
Source: National Statistics Office[3][6]

Religion

Christianity is the predominant religion in the Philippines and is likewise the same in San Nicolas. Among the denominations of Christianity, Aglipayan Church make up the majority. Other Christian denominations that are practiced and situated in the town include Jehovah's Witnesses, which has increasing number of members and two conregations in Iloco and Tagalog, Iglesia ni Cristos and Mormons. Below are religious buildings situated in San Nicolas:

  • Calvary Baptist Church (Brgy. 15)
  • Free Gospel Church (Brgy. 2)
  • Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses (Brgy.2)
  • Saint Nicholas de Tolentino Parish Church (Brgy.3)
  • Iglesia Filipina Independiente (Brgy.3)
  • Church of Jesus Latter-Day Saints (Brgy.2)
  • Church of Jesus Latter-Day Saints (Brgy.21)
  • Iglesia ni Cristo (Brgy.1)
  • Jesus is Lord (Brgy.12)

Economy

Pottery making is the main trademark of San Nicolas. It was introduced by the Spaniards mainly in Brgy. 8, and they called it Alfareria, meaning "Art of Pottery". Other traditional crafts include the making of Tagapulot, Lapida, Chicharon and Longganisa. The town also has a large ricefields.

San Nicolas is known for its car stores and sales. In Ilocos Norte, San Nicolas is the only one who has new car dealers. There are also many businesses inside Robinson's Mall and SM Save More.

Local government

As of Election 2013-2016, these are the officials of San Nicolas:[1]

  • Mayor: Melanie Grace P. Valdez
  • Vice Mayor: Alfredo P. Valdez Jr. (NP)
  • Councillors:
    • Aladine T. Santos (NP)
    • Norberto S. Dadiz Jr.
    • Domingo C. Ambrocio (NP), also the President of the Philippine Councilors League of Ilocos Norte
    • Orlando B. Badua
    • Ariel B. Villa Jr.(NP)
    • Oscar V. Domingo
    • Reynaldo A. Corpuz
    • Efren C. Butay

Government seal

Shield, derived from the Provincial Seal of Ilocos Norte

Gear, symbolizes the systematic livelihood of the people of San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte

Tong and Hammer, represents the blacksmithing and labor

Jar, signifies the pottery industry which dates back to the Spanish time

Hide, denotes tannoing and leather craft

Water, represents the irrigation system that produces two croppings a year

Carabao Head, the common work-animal; friend of the farmer; symbolizes agriculture

Tourism and Business

San Nicolas is a place of historic buildings. Examples are San Nicolas de Tolentino Parish Church and San Nicolas Municipal Hall.

  • Damili Festival- A festival annually celebrated at the last week of December to showcase the tradition of San Nicolenos. And the highlights of the festival is the Damili Street Daance and Showdown Competition usually held every December 28.
  • Valdez Center-The biggest project of Venvi Group of Companies. Robinsons Mall, 365 Plaza, Freddo, Balai Condominium, and McDonalds San Nicolas, Venvi IT Park (Accenrture, a BPO Company), VYV San Nicolas (EGS, a BPO Company) are situated here. More infrastructure is seen to rise in this place. this is the center of business in San Nicolas and also business center of Ilocos Norte.
  • Robinsons Ilocos Norte -The first full-operating mall in the province, was built in San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte. Opening last December 3, 2009, it makes a good income to the town and the province. Last December 18, 2012 the mall expansion was announced.
  • Northwestern University Ecotourism Park and Botanical Gardens-A member of the Botanic Garden Conservation International (BGCI), which caters to the conservation of important indigenous plant species of the province which are now on the verge of extinction.
  • St. Nicholas de Tolentino Parish Church
  • San Nicolas Town Plaza
  • Buabo-Buabo
  • Valdes Residencia
  • Valdez-Lardizabal House - used in World War II as a Headquarters of the Japanese Army and also used in the American Regime.
  • San Nicolas Municipal Hall

Schools

High Schools

  • San Nicolas National High School (SNNHS) - is the most popular high school destination for teens living in the urban-part of the town. It is also the most populated school in San Nicolas. As of S.Y. 2015-2016 the school's attendance is than 1,500 of students. The school offers various curriculum. (Special Science Curriculum, SPA, Open High, SPED, and Regular)
  • Bingao National High School - formerly SNNHS Bingao Campus. But last June 9, 2015,the school was announced to be a different school from SNNHS.
  • Sta. Rosa Academy - the least populated school in San Nicolas and town's only private and Catholic School. Named after St. Rose of Lima, the patron saint of one of its founders. It is one of the oldest schools in the Diocese of Laoag. It was established in 1936 by the late Msgr. Fidel Albano, together with the late Miss Rosa Valdes, Mrs. Teresa Llopis Zabala and Miss Castora Bonoan.

Elementary Schools

  • San Nicolas Elementary School - also known as Central School, located at Brgy.3.
  • Eladio V. Barangan Memorial Elementary School - Located at Brgy.14
  • Cayetano Bumanglag Memorial Elementary School - Formerly Payas Elementary School, located at Brgy.16
  • Catuguing Elementary School - Located at Brgy.22
  • Asuncion Elementary School - Located at Brgy.17
  • Bugnay Elementary School - Located at Brgy.21
  • Bingao Elementary School - Located at Brgy.18
  • Filipinas East Elementary School - Formerly Filipinas Elementary School-Main Campus and located at Brgy.7 (East)
  • Filipnas West Elementary School - Formerly Filipinas Elementary School-Annex Campus and located at Brgy.7 (West)
  • Pasion Barangan Memorial Elementary School - Located at Brgy.24
  • Barabar Elementary School - Located at Brgy.23

Health facilities

  • The Black Nazarene Hospital, Inc - located in Brgy. 2
  • Municipal Health Center - located in Brgy. 3
  • Gertes Hospital - located in Brgy. 15
  • Mamaclay Clinic - located in Brgy. 7

Sports

Basketball is widely played in the town.Every year,there is a competition in Basketball sponsored by the local government.As the countries' National Game, Sepak Takraw is also played.Volleyball,Baseball,Softball and Badminton is also played mainly in schools.

Sister Cities

References

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External links