Burgos Ilocos Norte Philippines

Brief Description of Burgos

Burgos was formerly named Nagparitan (paritan means to prohibit). The natives prohibited people from neighboring places to migrate to the place.

The Spaniards called it Nagpartian (parti means to butcher). Nagpartian means a place where an animal was butchered, because the natives of the place butchered a Spanish priest.

In 1913, the town was renamed Burgos in honor of Father Jose Burgos. This was by virtue of an act passed by the Philippine Legislature through the effort of Hon. Santiago Fonacier, who was then the representative of the first district of Ilocos Norte.

Burgos has a heritage structure called the Cape Bojeador Lighthouse, also known as Burgos Lighthouse. It is the highest-elevated lighthouse in the Philippines and the northwesternmost in location (the northeasternmost being Cape Engaño Lighthouse in Palaui Island, Santa Ana, Cagayan). It was established on March 31, 1892 under the Spanish government on a high hill overlooking the scenic Cape Bojeador, where galleons passed by. Its purpose is also to guide ships away from the rocky coasts of the town. It still continues to operate with new lenses run by solar panels.

Access to the lighthouse is through a two-lane narrow concrete road that starts at the north side of the Maharlika Highway, just after passing a bridge. From there the road winds and climbs up a steep hill. Upon arrival, visitors climb a flight of concrete stairs to the perimeter wall, which offers a good view of the Cape Bojeador and South China Sea. To enter, the caretaker should be notified. Upon entering the courtyard, one can see two antique buildings on both sides and two more on the foreground. Climbing the terrace of the first building, you will pass by a short dark corridor to get to the foot of the stairs leading to the tower. Another steep flight of stairs leads to the entrance/exit door of the tower. To climb to the lens room, where a certain number of people are only allowed to do so one at a time, you will climb an antique spiral staircase to the top.

The majestic lighthouse can also be seen from as far away as Pasuquin town in the south and Bangui on the east on a clear day. The octagonal stone tower, being the most prominent structure in the light complex, is 65 feet (20 meters) high. It is recommended to visit in the months of November to January, when the cold winds from winter China are felt throughout the normally hot Ilocos Region.