Letter LakbayAral

November 15, 2012

San Carlos City PPO’s “Lakbay Aral” 2012

In observance of the National Correctional Consciousness Week (NACOCO), the San Carlos City PPO had decided to commemorate the occasion by conducting an Educational Tour on “Lakbay Aral” in Vigan City last October 26, 2012.

This kind of activity which was a long-time dream was already included in the proposed program of activities for 2012 last year. The personnel and the Officers and members of the volunteer association of their office had worked hand in hand to outsource all the possible mean. The office personnel volunteer and our client had brought along one (1) member of their family in order to see and witness themselves the different tourist spots in Vigan City likewise to experience its one-of-a-kind and rich cultural heritage.

As requested from Hon. Eva Marie S. Medina, City Mayor of Vigan City, Ilocos Sur thru the intercession of OIC/SPPO Corazon Dagdag of Vigan City Parole and Probation Office, Vigan City, Ilocos Sur, we were provided with a Tour Guide who have served us to get more acquainted with the rich history of the place as we enjoy our tour.

We have chosen to visit Vigan City, knowing that it is one of Philippines most beautiful cities as it showcase the Spanish heritage of the country. Vigan City is located at the northern part of the Philippines and its historical center, which is called the heritage village, is listed on the UNESCO world heritage list since December 2, 1999 for its unique Spanish colonial history in Asia and the very well preserved Spanish monumental building which were build in the 18th century.

The following are the tourist spots which were visited:1. Baluarte Vigan – Fortress of Vigan

It is a resort complex which lies in hectares of land that stretches from the rolling plain towards the hills where the former Governor Chavit Singson’s multi-storey house sits with a grand view of Vigan and the South China Sea. It has mini Zoo, landscaped garden, butterfly farm, a track for horse riding and a skeet shooter range which are open to public.

2. Bantay BelfryThe historic Bantay Belfry sits on a hill and it was built in 1591. It

was said to be the peoples’ watch tower, part of the city’s defense in alerting it against possible enemies.

Republic of the Philippines Department of Justice

PAROLE AND PROBATION ADMINISTRATION Region I

SAN CARLOS CITY PAROLE AND PROBATION OFFICEHall of Justice, Bliss Compound, Pagal, San Carlos City, Pangsinan

(075) 532-2112 Email: [email protected]

3. St. Paul’s CathedralThe St. Paul’s Cathedral is also known as the metropolitan

Cathedral. The original structure was built in 1574 and it was a mere chapel then, made of wood and thatch. In 1641, the chapel was replace by a church. The church as it stands now was completed in 1800.

4. Plaza SalcedoRight in front of the Saint Paul Cathedral is the Plaza Salcedo,

named after the Spanish conqueror, Ivan de Salcedo who subdued the early native settlement in Vigan and established upon it Villa Ferandiva for the monarch of Spain in 1572.

5. Crisologo Museum

6. Calle Crisologo – Meva Crisologo Street

7. Leona Florentino House

8. Syquia Mansion of President Elpidio Quirino

9. Abel weaving – Vigan Traditional Craft

10.Burnay Jars – Burnay Pottery

11.Dannili – Red Clay Craft

12.Hidden Garden

Submitted by:

HIDILIZA G. BELMONTESr. Probation and Parole Officer

Noted:

HERCULES N. TANDOCChief Probation and Parole Officer