PIA Press Release
Monday, January 09, 2012 Batac firms up position as top tourist destinationby Cristina Arzadon BATAC CITY, Ilocos Norte, Jan. 9 (PIA) -- Mindful of the growing tourism industry, officials have put together events and activities that would put this city as among the top tourist destinations. Batac is a natural magnet for tourists due to its gastronomic delight “empanada.” Empanada is the Ilocanos’ version of Mexican taco which is made of grated papaya, mongo, egg and longganiza and wrapped in an orange-colored crust. Batac is also the home of Philippine Independent Church founder and war leader Gregorio Aglipay who rallied the church against Spain’s atrocities during the Spanish colonization. Residents honor the late prelate by marking September 1 of every year as Aglipay Day and a special non-working holiday in Batac. To sustain tourism entry, Batac has institutionalized two major festivals: the Empanada festival and the Farmers’ festival to showcase the city’s traditional products and enthrall tourists with the performing arts. Its newest attraction is the “Electric and Lights Parade,” which made a street debut three years ago. Batac is also the site of Marcos ancestral homes where the preserved remains of the late President Ferdinand Marcos are kept. Former First Lady now Ilocos Norte Rep. Imelda Marcos plans to spruce up the Imelda Cultural Center beside the city hall where major events are normally staged. (ANL/CCA-PIA 1 Ilocos Norte) | 
