LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte (PIA) – The Department of Tourism (DOT) rolled out its Philippine Experience Program (PEP) in Ilocos Norte on March 19.
 
The PEP is a flagship program of the tourism department wherein foreign visitors and local guests can immerse themselves in the rich cultural heritage and history of the provinces across the country.
 
Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco joined almost a hundred program participants from the government and private sector.
 
In his message, DOT Regional Director Jeff Ortega told the participants they would be experiencing Ilocos Norte and the provinces in the most genuine way.
 
“We just want you to experience our region in the most authentic and most genuine manner. We pride ourselves in very rich historical cultures such as the churches. In this Philippine Experience, we just want you to relax, chill, and enjoy the food. If you haven’t found the one, may you find the one in Region 1,” said DOT Regional Director Jeff Ortega.
 
The first leg of the Ilocos Norte tour is in the municipality of Bacarra where guests are treated to breakfast showcasing Ilocano cuisines such as poqui poqui (roasted eggplant, tomato, and eggs), longganisa, and dinengdeng (vegetable stew).

Domeless Bell Tower and Museo de Bacarra

Bacarra town is known for its historic Domeless Dignified Bell Tower in Asia.
 
Once towering at a height of 50 meters, the belfry withstood earthquakes.
 
It continues to stand as a symbol of the resiliency of the people in the town.
 
Meanwhile, the Museo de Bacarra is a cultural and lifestyle museum aimed at preserving, enriching, and celebrating the historical, cultural, religious, ethnic, and economic life in Bacarra.
 

Malacañang of the North 

Built as the residence of former President Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr, the Malacañang of the North is well-known in Ilocos Norte for its strategic location, overlooking the Paoay Lake.
 
It now serves as a museum of history, showcasing the life and achievements of the elder Marcos, particularly his political career, family, and accomplishments during his term as president.

St. Augustine Church

The St. Augustine Church was declared a National Cultural Treasure in 1973 and classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993.
 
It underwent restoration in 2018, courtesy of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), to preserve the beauty of its buttresses, walls, tower, and interior.
 
Its tower was used to serve as the observation post for katipuneros during the revolution by guerrilla soldiers during the Japanese occupation.

Pinakbet Pizza and Crispy Dinuguan

Vegetarians are given a healthier option for pizza with Paoay’s modern twist on the crowd-favorite pinakbet, a mix of vegetables sautéed in fish sauce.
 
The pizza is topped with pinakbet’s vegetable ingredients, namely tomatoes, eggplant, long beans, okra, and bitter gourd.
 
The crispy dinuguan or blood stew dish has been made crispier as the pork meat is fried and tossed in a thick pork blood sauce. 
 
The PEP in Region 1 started in Ilocos Norte and will traverse the provinces of Ilocos Sur, La Union, and Pangasinan until March 21. (JCR/MJTAB/PIA Ilocos Norte)