Alilem Ilocos Sur Philippines

ETYMOLOGY:

The name of the municipality, which is "Alilem", was coined from two terms in the local dialect "alicono" or whirpool and "lemlem or a continuous heavy downpour.

Long before the Spanish colonizers came to the Philippines, there were already natives living in this place. These people lived in huts built on the hillsides located at the northern and eastern parts of the valley. The valley area was then the course of the Bakun River. For many years, the natives lived simply but peacefully until such time that they were being disturbed by an unusual and fearful enviromental occurrence. It all started with the continuous heavy downpour or "lemlem" which caused the Bakun River to swell to an extraordinary size and overflow its banks. In the middle part of the river, there was a big "alicono" or whirpool that the people feared so much. The "alicono" remained even after the rain ceased so the people believed its Kabunian's (God) punishment for their sins. As it was their custom, the people held a native feast called "Kaniaw" to appease God's wrath on them. They butchered many pigs and carabaos and offered to Kabunian. After the "Kaniaw", the "alicono" vanished and Bakun River changed its course to the foot of the mountains in the southern part leaving a dry leveled land suited for residential lots and farms. The people then moved their houses to the valley and named the place "Alilem" after "alicono" and "lemlem".

CREATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY:

The exact date of the founding of the town cannot be ascertained because of inadequate information from such available records written by researchers who are mostly foreigners. However, it could be deduced that the town was founded sometime after 1820 (Socio-Economic Profile, 1980).

MAJOR SIGNIFICANT EVENTS LEADING TO THE PRESENT STATUS OF THE MUNICIPALITY:

The history of Alilem cannot be written without touching on what concerns the long demised sub-province of Amburayan. During the Spanish occupation, it was certainly known that the layout of the town was set-up by the Spaniards. It was noted that Alilem was the center of the district government of the Commandancia Politico-Militar (CPM) of Amburayan. This Commandancia, which was established on April 10, 1890, was composed of Alilem, Sigay, Suyo, Tagudin, Sudipen, San Gabriel and Bakun. Included were the rancherias of Up-uplas, Maliclico, Quimposa, Daquis, Bacanoa, Batangen and Tamurong.

At the onset of the American Era, Amburayan Sub-province survived decapitation when the original nine (9) sub-provinces were reduced to seven (7) comprising the Mountain Provinces created by virtue of Philippine Commission Act 1876 on August 18, 1912. The seat of the District Government was then transferred to Tagudin and as a result, Alilem was reverted back as an ordinary township.

During the last World War, almost all records and documents were lost as the Japanese plundered the municipal building when they fled the place in their retreat. What remains is an undated chronology of government officials who served as gobernadorcillos during the period towards the end of the Spanish regime. After the war, Alilem existed without so much development, which may be due to financial constraints that rehabilitation works were so hard to effect.

On December 31, 1963, by virtue of E.O. No. 61, from ordinary township, Alilem was converted into a regular municipality of Ilocos Sur (NSO Manual, Report No. 3- 42A:1990). From then on, the municipality was able to exist from its lowest level up to this time.

Tourism Areas:

Baey Anito Waterfalls, Apang Hot Spring, Daddaay-Batbato Rice Terraces, Picnic Ground along Bakun and Amburayan Rivers, Bakun A/C Hydro Power Plant and Alilem irrigation Tunnel.

Alilem LGU Website