Gregorio del Pilar, Ilocos Sur

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Gregorio del Pilar
Concepcion
Municipality of Gregorio del Pilar
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Gregorio del Pilar Ilocos Sur.png
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Map of Ilocos Sur with Gregorio del Pilar highlighted
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Gregorio del Pilar, Ilocos Sur
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Gregorio del Pilar
Location within the Philippines
Coordinates: 17°08′54″N120°36′40″E / 17.1483°N 120.6111°E / 17.1483; 120.6111
Country Philippines
Region Ilocos Region
Province Ilocos Sur
District 2nd district
Named after Gregorio del Pilar
Barangays 7 (see Barangays)
Government
[1]
  Type Sangguniang Bayan
   Mayor Henry S. Gallardo
   Vice Mayor Rolando P. Onie
   Representative Kristine Singson-Meehan
   Municipal Council
Members
  • Rogelio B. Bicasan Jr.
  • Ulysses R. Duquing
  • Rico W. Dangtayan
  • Romy C. Bitongan
  • Daniel M. Ciriaco
  • Levi A. Bugtong
  • Alfonso S. Baliling
  • Jacob B. Ciriaco
   Electorate 3,375 voters (2025)
Area
[2]
  Total
41.66 km2 (16.09 sq mi)
Elevation
569 m (1,867 ft)
Highest elevation
1,438 m (4,718 ft)
Lowest elevation
95 m (312 ft)
Population
 (2024 census) [3]
  Total
4,385
  Density110/km2 (270/sq mi)
   Households
956
Economy
   Income class 5th municipal income class
   Poverty incidence
15.19
% (2021) [4]
   Revenue 317 million (2022)
   Assets 1,234 million (2022)
   Expenditure 104.6 million (2022)
   Liabilities 68.28 million (2022)
Service provider
  ElectricityIlocos Sur Electric Cooperative (ISECO)
Time zone UTC+8 (PST)
ZIP code
2720
PSGC
IDD : area code +63(0)77
Native languages Ilocano
Tagalog

Gregorio del Pilar, officially the Municipality of Gregorio del Pilar (Ilocano : Ili ti Gregorio del Pilar; Tagalog : Bayan ng Gregorio del Pilar) is a municipality in the province of Ilocos Sur, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 4,472 people. [5]

Contents

Etymology

In the past, the name of the town used to be 'Ananaaw' before it was changed into Concepcion (in honor of its patron saint, Nuestra Senora de Concepcion). It was eventually renamed in memory of General Gregorio del Pilar on June 10, 1955 by virtue of Republic Act No. 1246, [6] which was sponsored by Congressman Ricardo Gacula. The municipality is the site of the Battle of Tirad Pass, where General del Pilar and his men fought a last stand against the Americans. [7]

History

Battle of Tirad Pass

On December 2, 1899, the United States 33rd Volunteer Infantry Regiment under Major Peyton C. March, prepared for an assault of the Filipino forces fortification under the command of General Gregorio del Pilar. On the narrow trail of Tirad Pass, the Filipino soldiers watched as the enemy began to move up the trail. On around a few hundreds yards above the pass, General Gregorio del Pilar, with his staff and accompanied by two civilians from Sitio Mabatano, spotted the American forces through his spy glass as they were starting to move. But as he watched, he noticed that the American forces broke formation and instead sent a messenger on horse back with a white banner. As the messenger was coming near the fortification of Filipino forces, the sound of a gun was heard and the messenger fell. The American forces divided into three separate groups. One group followed the trail towards the pass.

Another group ascended the hill facing the Filipino soldiers stationed in the pass. The third group, led by a Filipino from the lowlands named Januario Galut, made their way up unnoticed through the old trail which was hastily barricaded by felled trees a few days before the Americans arrived. This old path led to the place where General del Pilar stood watching. As the American forces dispersed, the general ordered the two civilians, Tucdaden and Abeng to proceed to the trenches and deliver the breakfast of the Filipino soldiers. All of a sudden, continuous gunshots were heard continuously and went unabated for several hours. General del Pilar was shot and killed.[ citation needed ]

Geography

The town lies among the western hills of the Cordilleras in the interior eastern portion of the province of Ilocos Sur. It is bounded to the north by the town of San Emilio, Quirino to the east, Sigay to the south, and Salcedo to the west. Its 7 barangays and sitios are connected by winding foot trails and seasonal rugged roads. The town is likewise endowed with natural scenery and wonders such as the payoh or rice terraces, pristine waterfalls, and the distinctive peak of Mount Tirad. There are also trails crisscrossing Tirad Pass, which were built through polo y servicio (forced labor) during the Spanish Period.

Gregorio del Pilar is situated 86.60 kilometres (53.81 mi) from the provincial capital Vigan, and 362.21 kilometres (225.07 mi) from the country's capital city of Manila.

Barangays

Gregorio del Pilar is politically subdivided into 7 barangays. [8] Each barangay consists of puroks and some have sitios.

Sitios

Gregorio del Pilar is politically subdivided into 5 sitios. [8]

  • Mabatano
  • Tangaoan
  • Ul-oling
  • Tubalina
  • Butarag

Climate

Climate data for Gregorio del Pilar, Ilocos Sur
MonthJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecYear
Mean daily maximum °C (°F)28
(82)
29
(84)
30
(86)
31
(88)
30
(86)
29
(84)
28
(82)
28
(82)
28
(82)
29
(84)
29
(84)
28
(82)
29
(84)
Mean daily minimum °C (°F)18
(64)
19
(66)
21
(70)
23
(73)
24
(75)
23
(73)
23
(73)
23
(73)
23
(73)
21
(70)
20
(68)
19
(66)
21
(70)
Average precipitation mm (inches)27
(1.1)
31
(1.2)
40
(1.6)
71
(2.8)
207
(8.1)
237
(9.3)
286
(11.3)
261
(10.3)
261
(10.3)
254
(10.0)
88
(3.5)
46
(1.8)
1,809
(71.3)
Average rainy days9.49.312.717.025.426.827.426.125.021.015.510.6226.2
Source: Meteoblue (modeled/calculated data, not measured locally) [9]

Demographics

Population census of Gregorio del Pilar
YearPop.±% p.a.
1903 99    
1918 1,436+19.52%
1939 2,046+1.70%
1948 1,819−1.30%
1960 2,164+1.46%
1970 2,657+2.07%
YearPop.±% p.a.
1975 2,950+2.12%
1980 3,080+0.87%
1990 3,417+1.04%
1995 3,940+2.70%
2000 4,134+1.04%
2007 4,308+0.57%
YearPop.±% p.a.
2010 4,219−0.76%
2015 4,875+2.79%
2020 4,472−1.80%
2024 4,385−0.47%
Source: Philippine Statistics Authority [10] [11] [12] [13] [14]

In the 2020 census, Gregorio del Pilar had a population of 4,472. [15] The population density was 110 inhabitants per square kilometre (280/sq mi).

The inhabitants are Igorots, but belong to the Bag-o ethno-linguistic group. This mixture of Ilocano and Igorot intermarriages speak the Kankanaey language but can speak and understand the dialects of their neighboring towns. Many have already acquired college education and some serve the government and private institutions.

Economy

Poverty incidence of Gregorio del Pilar

10
20
30
40
50
60
2000
58.56
2003
34.21
2006
29.30
2009
26.09
2012
26.57
2015
19.27
2018
9.73
2021
15.19

Source: Philippine Statistics Authority [16] [17] [18] [19] [20] [21] [22] [23]

Government

Local government

Gregorio del Pilar, belonging to the second congressional district of the province of Ilocos Sur, is governed by a mayor designated as its local chief executive and by a municipal council as its legislative body in accordance with the Local Government Code. The mayor, vice mayor, and the councilors are elected directly by the people through an election which is being held every three years.

Elected officials

Members of the Municipal Council
(2022–2025) [24]
PositionName
CongressmanKristine Singson-Meehan
MayorHenry S. Gallardo
Vice-MayorRolando P. Onie
CouncilorsRogelio B. Bicasan Jr.
Romy C. Bitongan
Ullysses R. Duquing
Jacob B. Ciriaco
Rogelio D. Balao
Levi A. Bugtong
Alfonso S. Baliling
Daniel M . Ciriaco

Tourist attractions

Education

The Salcedo-Galimuyod-Sigay-Del Pilar Schools District Office governs all private and public schools within the municipality of Gregorio del Pilar. The Schools District Office (SDO) also oversees the operations of all schools situated in Salcedo, Galimuyod, and Sigay. [25]

Primary and elementary schools

Secondary schools

See also

References

  1. Municipality of Gregorio del Pilar | (DILG)
  2. "2015 Census of Population, Report No. 3 – Population, Land Area, and Population Density" (PDF). Philippine Statistics Authority. Quezon City, Philippines. August 2016. ISSN   0117-1453. Archived (PDF) from the original on May 25, 2021. Retrieved July 16, 2021.
  3. "2024 Census of Population (POPCEN) Population Counts Declared Official by the President". Philippine Statistics Authority. July 17, 2025. Retrieved July 18, 2025.
  4. "PSA Releases the 2021 City and Municipal Level Poverty Estimates". Philippine Statistics Authority. April 2, 2024. Retrieved April 28, 2024.
  5. "2024 Census of Population (POPCEN) Population Counts Declared Official by the President". Philippine Statistics Authority. July 17, 2025. Retrieved July 18, 2025.
  6. "An Act Changing the Name of the Municipality of Concepcion, Province of Ilocos Sur, to Gregorio Del Pilar". LawPH.com. Retrieved April 11, 2011.
  7. "NLP Digital Collection HD01.p1.m20.md1". nlpdl.nlp.gov.ph. Retrieved July 7, 2025.
  8. 1 2 "Province:". PSGC Interactive. Quezon City, Philippines: Philippine Statistics Authority . Retrieved November 12, 2016.
  9. "Gregorio del Pilar: Average Temperatures and Rainfall". Meteoblue. Retrieved May 14, 2020.
  10. "2024 Census of Population (POPCEN) Population Counts Declared Official by the President". Philippine Statistics Authority. July 17, 2025. Retrieved July 18, 2025.
  11. Census of Population (2015). "Region I (Ilocos Region)". Total Population by Province, City, Municipality and Barangay. Philippine Statistics Authority . Retrieved June 20, 2016.
  12. Census of Population and Housing (2010). "Region I (Ilocos Region)" (PDF). Total Population by Province, City, Municipality and Barangay. National Statistics Office . Retrieved June 29, 2016.
  13. Censuses of Population (1903–2007). "Region I (Ilocos Region)". Table 1. Population Enumerated in Various Censuses by Province/Highly Urbanized City: 1903 to 2007. National Statistics Office.
  14. "Province of". Municipality Population Data. Local Water Utilities Administration Research Division. Retrieved December 17, 2016.
  15. "2024 Census of Population (POPCEN) Population Counts Declared Official by the President". Philippine Statistics Authority. July 17, 2025. Retrieved July 18, 2025.
  16. "Poverty incidence (PI):". Philippine Statistics Authority. Retrieved December 28, 2020.
  17. "Estimation of Local Poverty in the Philippines" (PDF). Philippine Statistics Authority. November 29, 2005.
  18. "2003 City and Municipal Level Poverty Estimates" (PDF). Philippine Statistics Authority. March 23, 2009.
  19. "City and Municipal Level Poverty Estimates; 2006 and 2009" (PDF). Philippine Statistics Authority. August 3, 2012.
  20. "2012 Municipal and City Level Poverty Estimates" (PDF). Philippine Statistics Authority. May 31, 2016.
  21. "Municipal and City Level Small Area Poverty Estimates; 2009, 2012 and 2015". Philippine Statistics Authority. July 10, 2019.
  22. "PSA Releases the 2018 Municipal and City Level Poverty Estimates". Philippine Statistics Authority. December 15, 2021. Retrieved January 22, 2022.
  23. "PSA Releases the 2021 City and Municipal Level Poverty Estimates". Philippine Statistics Authority. April 2, 2024. Retrieved April 28, 2024.
  24. "2019 National and Local Elections" (PDF). Commission on Elections. Retrieved March 11, 2022.
  25. "Masterlist of Schools" (PDF). Department of Education. January 15, 2021. Retrieved April 17, 2025.