Lidlidda

Lidlidda
Municipality

Seal

Map of Ilocos Sur showing the location of Lidlidda
Lidlidda

Location within the Philippines

Coordinates: 17°16′N 120°31′E / 17.267°N 120.517°E / 17.267; 120.517Coordinates: 17°16′N 120°31′E / 17.267°N 120.517°E / 17.267; 120.517
Country Philippines
Region Ilocos (Region I)
Province Ilocos Sur
District 2nd District
Barangays 11
Government[1]
 • Mayor Benilda D. Tawali
Area[2]
 • Total 33.84 km2 (13.07 sq mi)
Population (2010)[3]
 • Total 4,398
 • Density 130/km2 (340/sq mi)
Time zone PST (UTC+8)
ZIP code 2723
Dialing code 77
Income class 5th class

Lidlidda is a fifth class municipality in the province of Ilocos Sur, Philippines. According to the 2010 census, it has a population of 4,398 people.[3] It is home to the Lidlidda Protected Landscape, a protected area situated in the municipality's watershed.

Barangays

Lidlidda is politically subdivided into 11 barangays.[2]

In the year 1800, there lived a group of people called Agsalog (Igorot) in the East Hinterlands of Golot (Mountain Province). Some groups of these people were hospitable, while some were fierce fighters, head hunters, animal rustlers, robbers and the like which worsened the already impoverished state of their place. Tired of such constant inconveniences, the hospitable and peaceful people plotted to leave after holding a secret meeting. They grouped themselves into three: one group to head for the North, another to the South and the third to the West. Being Igorots with customs and traditions firmly instilled by their ancestors, they observed their usual religious rites before starting the journey. A number of chickens were killed and offered to Kabunian (God) and his son Lumawig. It is a peace offering meant to appease the gods in order not to anger them. After the ceremony, a safe and peaceful passage to a wonderful land destined especially for them, is expected. The night after the ceremony was held, the peaceful people started their journey. They moved silently under cover of the tall, thick trees eastward and the shining stars up above served as their guide. The group that traveled to the west were the ones who reached the place, which would be known in the future as Lidlidda. Members of this group had such names as Conay, Caoas, Digay, Caoeng, San-E, Gumanab, Anggon, Calugay and others. Along the way, they met obstacles and hardships associated with the mountainous terrain and the constant feeling of hunger and tiredness. After twenty days of hiking, they arrived in a place that looked suitable for building homes. It was a valley with grassy plains, a river along its sides, creeks, brooks, and wells. There were plenty of fish, wild animals and game for food. The surrounding hills and mountains abundantly covered with tall trees and bamboo could provide them with shade and fruit. The immediate belief that soon a peaceful, progressive and happy community would be positively established in the said place compelled the travelers to stop their seemingly nomadic existence and settle on the area.

They made a begnas (fiesta) to express their gratitude to Kabunian because of their successful journey. Within three days after the fiesta, they started digging and pulling the ledda (Thick tall grasses or ‘Talahib’ in the Tagalog dialect) to convert the land into rice paddies. Years passed and the population increased. The inhabitants started to search further places for food and dwelling. One time, a group of hunters saw smoke near seashore from atop of the mountains west of the place. Eager to see what was there, they bravely hiked to the place. Suddenly they came to reach a street and houses. The people who inhabited the place were Ilokanos, who were also kind and friendly. An elderly rich man met them and told them of his great desire to visit their place. He said that he wanted to make friends with them as well as barter with their goods. Furthermore, he wishes to teach religion (Christianity) to the tribe. In the process, he will teach them the three R’s of education: Reading, Writing, and Arithmetic. The impressionable elderly man’s offer was highly appreciated. The rich man along with his neighbors bundled some clothes, utensils, reading and writing materials and went with the hunters. After a few hours, they reached the top of ‘Baggiing Hill’ where they rested. The rich man anxiously asked how far more to go. A hunter stood and said, “Sir, our home is located there at the edge of that plain covered with those ‘Adu nga Ledda’ (many thick tall grasses)”. Then, they hurried down and in a few minutes reached the place. The natives came around and made friends with the strangers. As a show of respect and hospitality, they performed their native dances and songs and offered ricewine along with other delicious and nutritious foods. The rich man and his companions were exhilarated to meet these peaceful people.

Before departing, he promised the folks that he’d visit them again. His parting words were, “To all of you my beloved brethren, I am pleased and proud to say that, day by day, your living condition will surely improve and prosper because of your rich and fertile soil. Let us therefore name this place “Lidlidda” in memory of these thick tall grasses (Ledda) whose area in the near future will be converted into ricefields”. This is how Lidlidda got its name.

In 1890, the sub-province of Bangued, Abra occupied the western part of Ilocos Sur. During that period Governor Ortega, of Filipino race, was the Governor. San Esteban town was in-charge of the Lidlidda locality which automatically means that it was within the control of the Presidente of San Esteban. It did not last long, however, because the people of Lidlidda launched a general campaign to request Governor Ortega to make Lidlidda a township.

The governor authorized the Presidente of San Esteban town to assist in appointing Mr. Manog Caoas, the choice of the people, as the first Presidente of Lidlidda Township. The barrios of Lidlidda were: Callitong, Patac, Sabangan Pinggan, Bessang, Balugang, Mapanit, Banucal, Bequi-Walin, Camatlioan (San Vicente), Nalasin (Poblacion Norte), Kuwangi (Poblacion Sur), Suysuyan, Carcarabasa, Bugui, Calungbuyan, Labut and Tay-ac. After Caoas’ term (1908–1910) a man named Andan Domaoa became the Second Presidente. Before his term ended, he sanctioned the separation of the barrios of Mapanit, Bessang, Patac, Balugang, Callitong, and Sabangan Pinggan from the township of Lidlidda to be made part of the town of Burgos, Ilocos Sur. He served from 1911-1913. Miguel Segundo became the third head of the town. Upon assuming his office, he immediately worked for the conversion of the township into a full municipality.

Demographics

Population census of Lidlidda
YearPop.±% p.a.
1990 3,515—    
1995 3,700+0.97%
2000 4,022+1.80%
2007 3,798−0.79%
2010 4,398+5.48%
Source: National Statistics Office[3][4]

Annual events

Local government

Elected officials (2013–2016):[1]

List of former chief executives

Presidentes

Municipal Mayors

References

  1. 1 2 "Official City/Municipal 2013 Election Results". Intramuros, Manila, Philippines: Commission on Elections (COMELEC). 1 July 2013. Retrieved 20 September 2013.
  2. 1 2 "Province: ILOCOS SUR". PSGC Interactive. Makati City, Philippines: National Statistical Coordination Board. Retrieved 20 September 2013.
  3. 1 2 3 "Total Population by Province, City, Municipality and Barangay: as of May 1, 2010" (PDF). 2010 Census of Population and Housing. National Statistics Office. Retrieved 20 September 2013.
  4. ↑ "Province of Ilocos Sur". Municipality Population Data. LWUA Research Division. Retrieved 20 September 2013.
 Burgos
Santiago San Emilio
   Lidlidda  
Banayoyo Candon
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