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LAOAG CITY - PLACES OF INTEREST |
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SPANISH-ERA WATCH TOWERS THE WATCH TOWERS OF GABU TORRE AND LA PAZ TORRE Ilocos Norte, in the northern Philippines, was the last in the Ilocos Region to have its set of 6 watchtowers recognized as being of national importance. The discovery brought about two realizations: first, that this watchtower, among others, would the one that is erected farthest away from the seashore; and second, more importantly, that this one, due to its closer proximity to the estuary, served to patrol and oversee activities in the mouth of the Padsan river, the main access into Laoag in the past. It is not hard to imagine that there is a “guard” watching over the main entry point to the city back then, as the northern coast was prone to pirate attacks during the Galleon trade days. The proof that there is a watchtower in Laoag further enforces the importance of the city, as significant settlements then would truly require some level of protection and defense. Most recently, talking with more locals of Laoag revealed another lead: that The sand dunes landscape of La Paz also has a barangay called Torre. The exercise of locating a watchtower there proved to be equally worthwhile but less fruitful. Indeed, it appeared that another once stood on the other side of Padsan river’s mouth. So, the access to Laoag had two watchtowers before, in the same way that Spanish period ports of Currimao and Romblon in Romblon also had. Unfortunately, the structure, or its remains, had been bulldozed off in the 1970s. There are a few broken ladrillos (old bricks) scattered around in the barren landscape, sitting as the only proof that a watchtower proudly stood once in the area as well. Photo and Content: Bernard Joseph Esposo Guerrero
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