San Emilio Ilocos Sur Philippines

Historical Background of San Emilio

The Municipality of San Emilio, Ilocos Sur which is located along the Cordillera Ranges was formerly a part of the old mountain province during the Spanish Colonial Regime.

It was in 1847 that it came to exist as a Municipal District when the Spanish government established a Commandancia Politico Militar in Tiagan for consolidation of its military forces for defence purposed during their conquest in the Cordillera in search for gold.

In 1890, Tribal Elders of Tiagan as well as residents opted to transfer to the lowlands and seek residency to avoid hard and compulsary labor imposed by the Spanish Government under Commandante Rafael Yanguas for the construction of a road passing thru Tirad Pass to the direction of Cervantes and so with the construction of Stone Municipal House and School in Paltoc.

During the Spanish-American War in 1898, General Emilio Aguinaldo and his Filipino Forces retreated and stayed in Tiagan and befriended the residents gaining their love, respect and sympathy. General Emilio and his forces left for Isabela and was captured by the American forces. In honor of the great General, the local folks of Tiagan named their place San Emilio.

San Emilio has been existing for long as municipal district headed by a Local Executive called Presidente installed by an appointment by virtue of an irregular election usually supervised by the Provincial Board or a Deputy Governor. In the year 1964, it finally gained its status as a regular municipality, up to the present its municipal officials are elected by majority votes by the people themselves.