Batac is officially called the City of Batac, a component city of Ilocos Norte Province in Northwestern Philippines. The city prides itself as the “Home of Great Leaders”.
Profile of City of Batac (Geography)
Location –> Southern part of Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Region (See map below)
Distance from Manila – 469.2 kilometers
Neighboring Towns –> San Nicolas, Sarrat, Banna, Pinili, and Paoay
Area –> 161.06 km2 (62.19 sq mi)
Population –> 55,201 (2015 Census)
No. of Barangays –> 43
Terrain –> Flat with rolling hills in the southwest
Industries –> Agriculture, Cottage Industry
Major Products –> Rice, Onion (Bawang), Corn, Vegetables
*Batac is famous for Empanada delicacy.
People/Language –> Ilocano, English, Tagalog
Revenue (2016) –> 578,725,718.13
City Officials
Representative (2nd District) –> Angelo Marcos Barba
Mayor –> Engr. Albert D. Chua (NP)
Predecessor –> Jeffrey Jubal C. Nalupta
Vice Mayor –> Atty. Windell D. Chua (NP)
Predecessor –> Ronald Allan Nalupta
City Councilors (Sangguniang Panlungsod Members):
Bismark Quidang
Lucky Rene Bunye
Giancarlo Angelo Crisostomo
Kichel Jomarie Pungtilan
Bernardo Marders
Ramon Gaoat
Christopher Lagmay
Eugenia Violeta Nalupta
Jaime Tanagon
Macarthur Aguinaldo
History of Batac
Batac was founded by the Spaniards in 1577. The Augustinian missionaries established it as a mission center in 1587 with Fr. Esteban Marin as the first priest. The Immaculate Conception of Mary was chosen as the patroness of the place.
In 1900, Sereno Franco was appointed as mayor of the municipality.
On June 23, 2007, Batac was converted into a city by virtue of Republic Act 9407.
Famous People from Batac
Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr. – Former President
Gregorio Aglipay – Founder the Aglipayan Church
Artemio Ricarte – a revolutionary general
Rodolfo Biazon – Former Senator of the Republic
Economy, Business and Investment
Batac is predominantly agricultural where rice and garlic (Bawang) are the main products. Root crops and vegetables are also produced but not on a commercial scale. Some farmers also raise livestock, hogs, and poultry to supplement their income.
The government is encouraging the development of cottage industries as well as tourism to generate more employment.
The Central Bank of the Philippines Cash Unit operates in the Batac City Government Center. Other private banks also has established branches in the city. The city’s growth has attracted investors who built the Plaza Maestro Complex, a local shopping center that complements the city public market as the focal point of the city’s economy.
Tourist Spots
1. Marcos Museum
2. Immaculate Conception Church
3. Ricarte National Shrine
4. City Plaza
5. Batac Riverside Empanadaan
Festivals
1. Empanada Festival
2. Farmers Festival
RELATED: Laoag City History and Tourist Spots
See also: List of Philippine Cities by Region and Province
Map of Batac City