Things to Do in Batac

Things to Do in Batac. Batac City is a place of history, agriculture and local food in the southern part of Ilocos Norte. Known as the home of several important Philippine historical figures, Batac is associated with revolutionary leader General Artemio Ricarte, religious leader Gregorio Aglipay and the Marcos family. Its churches, shrines and museums provide visitors with an opportunity to explore their connections to the city and the country’s history.

Batac is also well known for its empanadas, served freshly fried at the Riverside Empanadaan and celebrated through the city’s Empanada Festival. Beyond the city centre, agriculture remains important to the community, with crops such as garlic, corn and vegetables contributing to the food and farming traditions of Ilocos Norte.

Things to Do in Batac - History

Batac has a long history dating back to the Spanish colonial period. The Augustinians founded the town in 1587 under the patronage of the Immaculate Conception, and the parish church remains an important landmark in the city.

Over the centuries, Batac developed as a centre for the surrounding agricultural communities. Its people have made significant contributions to Philippine political, military, religious and educational life, which is why Batac is often described as the “Home of Great Leaders.” Batac became a component city following a plebiscite on 23 June 2007. The date is commemorated as the city’s Charter Day.

Things to Do in Batac - Batac Church

The Immaculate Conception Parish Church, commonly called Batac Church, is associated with the Augustinian history of the town. It remains an active place of Catholic worship and a landmark for visitors interested in the city’s religious heritage.

The church and parish have been part of Batac’s community life since the Spanish era. A visit provides an opportunity to see one of the city’s historic religious sites while exploring the centre of Batac.

Things to Do in Batac - Gregorio Aglipay

Batac is the birthplace of Gregorio Aglipay, the religious leader associated with the establishment of the Philippine Independent Church, also known as the Aglipayan Church. Aglipay was involved in the Philippine Revolution and became the first supreme bishop of the independent church. His life is closely connected with the country’s struggle for independence and the development of a church separate from the authority of Rome.

The Gregorio Aglipay National Shrine marks his birthplace in Batac and recognises his importance in Philippine religious history. It is one of the places to include if you are interested in the people who shaped the city’s history.

Things to Do in Batac - General Artemio Ricarte

Another important figure from Batac is General Artemio Ricarte, a revolutionary leader often called the Father of the Philippine Army. He served in the struggle for Philippine independence and remains one of the city’s most recognised historical figures.

The General Artemio Ricarte National Shrine and Museum commemorates his life and his connection with Batac. The shrine was established at the site of the house where he was born, with provision for preserving relics associated with his life. For visitors interested in Philippine history, the Ricarte and Aglipay sites provide different perspectives on the revolutionary period and the people who emerged from Ilocos Norte.

The Marcos Presidential Center

Batac is closely associated with the Marcos family, and the Marcos Presidential Center is one of the city’s best-known visitor sites. The complex includes the Marcos ancestral house and displays connected with the family and former president Ferdinand E. Marcos. Although Marcos is strongly associated with Batac, he was born in the nearby town of Sarrat. The Batac property reflects the family’s connections with the city and Ilocos Norte. The former mausoleum once held a glass-encased display associated with Marcos after his remains were returned to Ilocos Norte. His remains are no longer there as he was buried at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig in 2016. The centre presents material connected with a major and contested period in Philippine history. Marcos’s presidency included martial law, during which political opponents and other citizens experienced imprisonment, torture and other human rights abuses.

Mariano Marcos State University

Batac is home to the main campus of Mariano Marcos State University, commonly known as MMSU. The university is an important educational institution for Ilocos Norte and the wider region, with programmes and research covering a range of subjects. Agriculture is among the areas connected with the university’s work. MMSU has hosted events bringing together garlic farmers, researchers and other participants to discuss production and the future of the local industry.

Things to Do in Batac - Farming Around Batac

Agriculture remains an important part of life in Batac and the surrounding areas of Ilocos Norte. Crops grown in the region include garlic, tomatoes, corn, mangoes, tobacco and cotton. For visitors travelling through the countryside, farmland and agricultural communities are a reminder that the province’s food traditions depend on the work of local growers. Markets in and around Batac provide opportunities to see the produce and ingredients used in Ilocano cooking.

Things to Do in Batac - Ilocos White Garlic

Ilocos White garlic is one of the region’s best-known agricultural products. The bulbs may be smaller than some imported varieties, but the garlic is valued for its strong aroma and full flavour. I enjoy the taste of local garlic, and its green tops are also used in Ilocano cooking, including versions of pinakbet. Buying locally grown garlic is one way to support the farmers who continue to cultivate it. Garlic farming has faced serious challenges, including competition from cheaper imports, production costs, weather and the prices farmers receive at harvest. These pressures deserve attention because local growers contribute to both the agricultural economy and the food traditions of Ilocos Norte. Garlic has also been used in traditional remedies. Those uses form part of local knowledge, although they should not be taken as evidence that garlic is an effective treatment for particular illnesses.

Support your local growers, do not buy imports from China or Taiwan!

Things to Do in Batac - Batac Empanada

The Batac empanada is one of the city’s most popular foods and a reason in itself to stop in Batac. Its crisp, orange-coloured shell encloses a filling that commonly includes grated green papaya, mung beans, local longganisa and an egg. The empanada is made to order and deep-fried, then served hot with vinegar. The combination of the crisp shell, savoury sausage and sharp sukang Iloko makes it a distinctive Ilocos Norte snack. Fillings and serving styles vary between vendors, so there is more than one version to try. It is an excellent snack while exploring Batac or travelling between Laoag and Paoay.

Riverside Empanadaan

The Batac Riverside Empanadaan brings together vendors serving empanadas and other local food. It is one of the city’s best-known food stops and a good place to watch empanadas being prepared and fried. While there, also try Batac miki, a noodle soup served in a savoury broth. The soup is commonly coloured with annatto, and some versions are topped with boiled egg or pieces of bagnet. Other snacks to look for include balut, fried squid and fried quail eggs. The selection makes Riverside a worthwhile stop for visitors who want to try more than one local speciality.

The Empanada Festival

Batac celebrates its food heritage through the Empanada Festival, with performances and activities inspired by the ingredients, preparation and selling of its famous snack. Past celebrations have featured street dancing, floats, dance presentations and empanada-related contests. The festival gives local communities an opportunity to present both their food traditions and the work of the farmers and vendors behind them. The festival was previously associated with Batac’s 23 June Charter Day celebrations. More recent reporting states that it was moved to December as part of the city’s founding-anniversary celebrations, so the programme and dates should be checked for the year of your visit.

Things to Do in Batac

Things to Do in Batac. Batac City is a place to explore the people, history and food of Ilocos Norte. From the shrines of Gregorio Aglipay and General Artemio Ricarte to the Marcos Presidential Center, local farms and the Riverside Empanadaan, there are several worthwhile things to do in Batac during a journey through the province. Things to Do in Batac for all you need to know.