Salinlahi is a community magazine published by ISPSC, dedicated to the municipality of San Esteban in Ilocos Sur, Philippines. This September 2026 issue (Vol. 245) explores the town's history, culture, people, places, traditions, food, and everyday life. It is a journey through the heart of San Esteban, from its coastal beauty to its heritage landmarks and local crafts.
Salinlahi is a community magazine published by ISPSC, dedicated to the municipality of San Esteban in Ilocos Sur, Philippines. This September 2026 issue (Vol. 245) explores the town's history, culture, people, places, traditions, food, and everyday life. It is a journey through the heart of San Esteban, from its coastal beauty to its heritage landmarks and local crafts.
The issue opens with a table of contents and a masthead listing the editorial team, followed by an editor's note welcoming readers to discover San Esteban. It then introduces the 'Shape of a Place,' a visual journey through the coast, heritage, people, and everyday life of the town.
A feature on Apatot Beach, also called Golden Shore, describes its creamy-golden sand, shallow tidal pools, and World War II history as a site of a US-Filipino guerrilla operation and submarine resupply landing. The San Esteban Moro Watchtower (Bateria) is covered as a Spanish-era coral-stone fortification, later used as a communication post during WWII, and recognized as the oldest landmark in the town.
The magazine profiles Randy Somera, a 57-year-old wood crafter from Barangay San Pablo who has spent 35 years making bedframes, chairs, tables, and doors. His story highlights hard work, family support, and the pride of a craft that has helped send his three children to school.
A section on 'Carved by Hand' showcases Piedra Pinoy, hand-chiseled stone from San Esteban's hills, known as the 'land of stones.' The stone, which also paved Vigan's heritage streets, is quarried and carved entirely by hand, carrying the legacy of Ilocano stonecraft. The issue also features the San Esteban Church and its adjacent Station of the Cross Prayer Garden, described as a spiritual anchor for the community.
Additional sections include a community column, quick trivia about the town, and a feature on the Kabaybayan Festival. The magazine closes with a vision, mission, and core values statement from ISPSC, tying the publication to the institution's educational purpose.