"BRIEF HISTORY OF PAGUDPUD ILOCOS NORTE"
Before the Second
World War, a native of Batangas came to the place to sell blankets and mosquito
nets. The place was still then named “TONGOTONG”, which was one of the
barrios of the
Months later, a native of the Bicol Region came to seek
employment in one of the logging companies which was operating in the locality.
The place at that time had a lot of virgin forests and mountains, and logging
business was still legal. The stranger did not know where the office of the
company was located, so he just alighted in Tongotong even if it was not still
the place where he was supposed to go. He asked one of the bystanders the name
of the place and he immediately replied, “Ako’y pagud na pagod at ang
sapatos ko’y pudpod,” because the bystander knew that he was Tagalog and
that was the only Tagalog words that he knew. The amazed Bicolano just
interpreted that the place might be Pagud-pudpod.
There and then Tongotong was changed to Pagud-pudpod and
later shortened to PAGUDPUD.
PAGUDPUD - - - that according to the elders is a deep Ilocano word which means
soft sandy soil “kuppuoy” a kadaratan.
The residents are pure Ilocanos. There are still a few of the
cultural minorities of the Apayao origin residing in remote sitios. However,
they are already christened into Christian religions, since their places are
made accessible by feeder roads, bridging them closer to the civilized world,
filling the gap of their uncivilized world. Bicolanos, Visayanos, Igorots and
others, who migrated here are indulge in logging and fishing activities have
liked living in here.
Existing Tourist Destinations in Pagudpud
1.
Saud white beach is very popular not only in the
country but also to the other parts of the world. It is a favorite place for
movie producers, foreign and local correspondents, foreign travel writers to
shoot their films because of its breathtaking views and unique atmosphere. It is
even featured in the Internet that makes it very popular, a world–class
destination. The beach is along stretch sand framing the heart shaped calm
emerald water of the
Every year, hundreds and even thousands of tourists
come to visit the place to see for themselves the wonders of nature that awaits
them. A paradise they really love to see.
2.
Bantay Abot Caves
Bantay Abot Caves means “a mountain with a hole.” A
hole was found at the middle of the mountain where the waves were free to flash
into its walls just like an open shore until it was wrecked by an earthquake
during the 80’s. It is also called “the underground sea” for on top of the
cave is a lustrous vegetative cover. Inside the cave is a church that once you
are inside, you do not only hear the echoing sound of the waves, the chirping of
the birds but you can also feel the cool breeze of the air. It is a favorite
hangout of swallows that swarm to their roost in the late afternoon. It is a
very unique creation partly surrounded by the clear blue sea. Its shore has
white sand mixed with fragments of shells and rocks that can be made as a décor.
Parts of the shore are forms of rocks where you can sit and relax and enjoy a
lucid view of the wide sea and verdant mountains.
3. Timmangtang Rock
Timmangtang rock stands majestically a few meters away
from Bantay Abot caves. It is located along the shore and partly by the sea. You
cannot separate
4. Nacatnagan Cliff
It is a portion of a
The cliff is a virgin forest where different kinds of
trees grow and you could hear the peeping of the birds. Wild animals can also be
found within the place thus it is a perfect place for hunting. Rare ferns and
wild orchids grow abundantly at the foot and at the slopes of the mountain. It
is also a good site for mountain climbing because of its steep and slippery
trails. On top of it, you can glimpse the panoramic view of the Pasaleng Bay,
Maira-ira Point and the totality of the out of this world scene of Sitio Gaoa,
Babuyan Island can also be viewed on a clear day.
5. Malingay Cove (Blue Lagoon)
It is a hidden bay found at Maira-ira Point, which is a
half-moon in shape edifice, by the Nacatnagan Cliff in the east and the Dos
Hermanos in the north. This place is where you can escape the hustle and bustle
of city life. Reaching the place is quite tiresome for it is around 2.5o
kilometers away from the highway with rigged roads and it is found at the
interior part of Sitio Malingay. On the way is thick forest and you can also
have glance of the sea. Malingay Cove is famous for its crystal blue water and
fine white sand.
6. Dos
It is found at Sitio Malingay. It emerges statuesquely
at the northern part of the Blue Lagoon. Motorized boats or bancas or raft can
reach this island. These rocks look like ordinary rocks from a distance, but if
you get closer you could find their distinctiveness. Their very fine formation
make them really masterpiece of nature.
Below the rocks are caves where varied and colorful
tropical fishes swim abundantly that can be seen during low tides. Around Dos
Hermanos Rocks submerged smaller rocks where famous delicious seaweeds :gamet”
are taken.
7.
It is an enchanting falls located at the eastern part
of Barangay Balaoi and it is around 1.8 kilometers away from the national
highway. This 80 feet waterfall is surrounded by thick forest and well-known for
its concaved basin.
8.
* It is a small waterfall situated at Barangay Balaoi, 3.5 kilometers away from
the national highway. This falls is not yet popular for the reason that it is
not easy to get there.
9.
Patapat bridge is a winding bridge found at the foot of
the cliff of the North Cordillera Mountain Ranges. It connects Barangay Balaoi
and Pancian and it is around 1.2 kilometers long. This bridge is often referred
to as the “French Riviera of the North”. Along the bridge, you can pass the
While at the middle of the bridge, you could take a look at
the amazing view of the sea and the luxuriant mountains that is 200 meters above
sea level. The bridge itself is a superb craft of men and the fabulous sceneries
that surrounds it makes it really a breathtaking to behold.
10.
It is a river that divides the