History of Laoag Pre-colonial Period Before the arrival of the Spaniards, the region now comprising Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Abra, and La Union was already rich in gold and engaged in international trade. Japanese and Chinese merchants frequently visited to exchange goods such as beads, ceramics, and silk. The local Austronesian inhabitants called their land samtoy, meaning “this is our language” (sao mi itoy). Spanish Arrival and Colonization (1572 onward) In 1571, after the Spaniards had established control over Manila, Juan de Salcedo led an expedition north with 45 men and eight boats. On June 13, 1572, they landed in Vigan and then proceeded to Laoag, Currimao, and Badoc. Observing the numerous sheltered coves (looc) along the coast, Salcedo named the region Ylocos, and its people Ylocanos. Under Spanish rule, Christianization reshaped the region. Churches and bell towers were built in accordance with King Philip’s 1573 Law of the Indies, which promoted settlements bajo de l...
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