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SALINLAHISeptember 2026Vol. 245ISPSC PublishingBEAUTY OF SAN ESTEBAN BEAUTY OF SAN ESTEBAN A journey through San Estban A journey through San Estban Golden Shore Golden Shore Witness the untold beautiful story of San Esteban Witness the untold beautiful story of San Esteban Everythinng you want to know about the municipality of Everythinng you want to know about the municipality ofSan EstebanSan Esteban
CONTENTS Table ofIssue. 1TABLE OF CONTENTS Golden Shore (Apatot Beach) Masthead / Staff Page Kabaybayan Festival Watching Over the Shore (Bateria / Moro Watchtower – Spanish-era, WWII history) Carved by Hand (mortar & pestle making, San Esteban’s OTOP) Anong Ganap (community column) Vision, Mission, Core Values, Philosophy of ISPSC Shape of a Place Prayer Garden & San Esteban Church Alam mo ba? (quick trivia about the town) So much Fun, San Esteban ---------------------------- 2 -------------------------------- 3 ---------------------- 4 ----------- 5-6 --------------------------------- 7 ------------------- 8 --------------------------- 10 --------------- 9 ------------------- 11 ----------------- 12 -------------- 14 Hearts and Crafts The Town of San Esteban, The Story of a Coastal Town ---------------------- 13 ------------- 15 i
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF SHEELA MARIE CASTRO JOMARIE GUILLERMOKYLA RAGUSANTE SHEELA CASTRO PHOTOJOURNALISTS REVRIC ANGELO TOBIAS ANGEL GUZMAN M A S T H E A D The people behind the pages EDITOR’S NOTE: Welcome to Salinlahi, a journey through the heart of San Esteban, Ilocos Sur. In this issue, we explore the municipality beyond what meets the eye, from its history and culture to its people, places, traditions, food, and everyday life. Each page offers a glimpse into the stories and heritage that make San Esteban truly unique. Come with us as we discover, appreciate, and celebrate the beauty of San Esteban, one story at a time. Turn the page and discover San Esteban through our eyes. By Group 3COMMUNITY COLUMNLAYOUT ARTISTFEATURE WRITERS FRANCES JANE BENICTA JINNEL CABATIC EDITOR-IN-CHIEF 02
PLACE MEMORY PEOPLE CRAFT THE SHAPE OF A PLACE A visual journey through San Estban’s coast, heritage, people, and everyday life. 03
APATOT BEACHGOLDEN SHORE 04 Apatot Beach in San Esteban, Ilocos Sur features a scenic coastline with cream-to-golden sand, shallow tidal pools, and a rich World War II history. Key Features Sand and Shoreline: The beach features a mix of creamy-golden sand, rocky sections, and shallow tidal pools that make it a relaxed local spot for picnics and family gatherings. Historical Significance: Known as the site of a historic US-Filipino guerrilla operation and submarine resupply landing (commemorated by the San Esteban Landing marker and replica submarine) as World War II neared its end. Vibe and Facilities: It functions primarily as a quiet local getaway rather than a heavily commercialized tourist hub, featuring local beach resorts, docked fishing bancas, and great views of the sunset over the West
Watching Over the Shore The San Esteban Moro Watchtower (Bateria) in Ilocos Sur is a coral-stone and brick coastal fortification, bonded with a traditional lime-and-egg-white mortar, likely built in the late 18th to early 19th century during the Spanish colonial period. Spanish era: Built as an early-warning defense post against “Moro” pirate raids from the southern seas. Lookouts watched for approaching ships and signaled the town via bells or fires so residents could flee to the mountains or fortified church. WWII: Repurposed as a communication post for USAFIP-NL (United States Armed Forces in the Philippines–Northern Luzon), supporting the local resistance during the Japanese occupation. It’s the oldest landmark in San Esteban, officially recognized by the Philippine Tourism Authority and listed in the National Historical Institute’s registry. Unlike restored towers elsewhere in Ilocos, it remains weathered and unrestored, and sits atop a hill offering panoramic views of the West Philippine Sea and San Esteban’s hills. 05
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07HEARTS AND CRAFTS In the quiet community of Barangay San Pablo, San Esteban, Ilocos Sur, the sound of wood being cut, shaped, and polished tells a story of hard work, family, and perseverance. Behind this craft is Randy Somera, 57, a wood crafter who has spent 35 years turning pieces of wood into useful and meaningful parts of people’s homes. Randy began working in the wood craft industry at the young age of 21. At that time, his decision to enter the field was simple: there were few other work opportunities available to him. What started as a way to earn a living eventually became something more. Over the years, he developed a genuine love and appreciation for the art of woodcraft. With his hands and years of experience, Randy creates different wooden products such as bedframes, chairs, tables, doors, and other wooden items. Each piece reflects not only his skills but also the patience and dedication he has built throughout decades of working with wood. For Randy, however, woodcraft has always meant more than simply making furniture. It has been a way to support his family. Together with his wife, Melissa Ramos, a housewife, Randy was able to provide for their daily needs and, most importantly, send their three children—Ramelyn, Rudy, and May-Ann—to school. Today, two of his children have already graduated and entered professional life, while his youngest is currently in her fourth year of college. Seeing his children reach these milestones is one of the greatest results of his years of hard work. Despite having children who are already professionals, Randy continues to work. His reason is simple yet deeply meaningful: he does not want to become a burden to his children. Instead of depending on them, he chooses to continue earning through the skill he has mastered for more than three decades. His story shows that work is not only about earning money. Sometimes, it is about providing opportunities for the people we love, building something with our own hands, and finding pride in a craft that has become part of our identity. From a young man searching for an opportunity to a 57-year-old craftsman who continues to work with dedication, Randy’s journey represents the quiet strength of many local workers in San Esteban. His hands have shaped countless pieces of wood, but perhaps his greatest work is the life he helped build for his family. Thirty-five years later, Randy continues to carve—not only wood, but a legacy of hard work, independence, and love for his family. In the quiet community of Barangay San Pablo, San Esteban, Ilocos Sur, the sound of wood being cut, shaped, and polished tells a story of hard work, family, and perseverance. Behind this craft is Randy Somera, 57, a wood crafter who has spent 35 years turning pieces of wood into useful and meaningful parts of people’s homes. Randy began working in the wood craft industry at the young age of 21. At that time, his decision to enter the field was simple: there were few other work opportunities available to him. What started as a way to earn a living eventually became something more. Over the years, he developed a genuine love and appreciation for the art of woodcraft. With his hands and years of experience, Randy creates different wooden products such as bedframes, chairs, tables, doors, and other wooden items. Each piece reflects not only his skills but also the patience and dedication he has built throughout decades of working with wood. For Randy, however, woodcraft has always meant more than simply making furniture. It has been a way to support his family. Together with his wife, Melissa Ramos, a housewife, Randy was able to provide for their daily needs and, most importantly, send their three children—Ramelyn, Rudy, and May-Ann—to school. Today, two of his children have already graduated and entered professional life, while his youngest is currently in her fourth year of college. Seeing his children reach these milestones is one of the greatest results of his years of hard work. Despite having children who are already professionals, Randy continues to work. His reason is simple yet deeply meaningful: he does not want to become a burden to his children. Instead of depending on them, he chooses to continue earning through the skill he has mastered for more than three decades. His story shows that work is not only about earning money. Sometimes, it is about providing opportunities for the people we love, building something with our own hands, and finding pride in a craft that has become part of our identity. From a young man searching for an opportunity to a 57-year-old craftsman who continues to work with dedication, Randy’s journey represents the quiet strength of many local workers in San Esteban. His hands have shaped countless pieces of wood, but perhaps his greatest work is the life he helped build for his family. Thirty-five years later, Randy continues to carve—not only wood, but a legacy of hard work, independence, and love for his fami
APATOT BEACH08 Hand-chiseled from San Esteban stone, shaped entirely by local artisans Carved by hand from native Ilocos stone, quarried and crafted in San Esteban Piedra Pinoy hand-carved stone from the hills of San Esteban, Ilocos Sur Traditional stonecraft, hand- hewn in the stone-rich town of San Esteban. Carefully carved by hand from San Esteban’s native stone the same durable rock that paved Vigan’s heritage streets, shaped by descendants of generations of Ilocano stonecarvers Chiseled entirely by hand, no machines bearing the honest, rugged marks of the artisan’s tool and touch, from the stone-rich hills of San Esteban, Ilocos Sur Quarried and carved by hand in the coastal town known as the "land of stones" each piece carrying the strength and legacy of San Esteban’s centuries-old stonecraft tradition. Shaped one chisel stroke at a time from local San Esteban stone solid, enduring, and distinctly Ilocano in character Hand- carved Piedra Pinoy, sourced from the low hills of San Esteban stones that have built churches, watchtowers, and streets across Ilocos Sur Born of San Esteban’s stony hills, carved by hand with patience and pride a piece of Ilocos earth, shaped by human hands. From the same land that gave the "stone from heaven" legend, each piece is chiseled by hand, carrying the quiet strength of San Esteban,Ilocos Sur Hand-hewn, weathering like the Moro Watchtower that stands guard over San Esteban’s coast solid stone, shaped by skilled hands, built to last. Carved by hand from native San Esteban stone a heritage craft passed down through Ilocano artisans for centuries. San Esteban, Ilocos Sur famed for its fine stone. Everypiece quarried, shaped, and finished entirely by hand. Hand-chiseled from San Esteban stone, shaped entirely by local artisans Carved by hand from native Ilocos stone, quarried and crafted in San Esteban Piedra Pinoy hand-carved stone from the hills of San Esteban, Ilocos Sur Traditional stonecraft, hand- hewn in the stone-rich town of San Esteban. Carefully carved by hand from San Esteban’s native stone the same durable rock that paved Vigan’s heritage streets, shaped by descendants of generations of Ilocano stonecarvers Chiseled entirely by hand, no machines bearing the honest, rugged marks of the artisan’s tool and touch, from the stone-rich hills of San Esteban, Ilocos Sur Quarried and carved by hand in the coastal town known as the "land of stones" each piece carrying the strength and legacy of San Esteban’s centuries-old stonecraft tradition. Shaped one chisel stroke at a time from local San Esteban stone solid, enduring, and distinctly Ilocano in character Hand- carved Piedra Pinoy, sourced from the low hills of San Esteban stones that have built churches, watchtowers, and streets across Ilocos Sur Born of San Esteban’s stony hills, carved by hand with patience and pride a piece of Ilocos earth, shaped by human hands. From the same land that gave the "stone from heaven" legend, each piece is chiseled by hand, carrying the quiet strength of San Esteban,Ilocos Sur Hand-hewn, weathering like the Moro Watchtower that stands guard over San Esteban’s coast solid stone, shaped by skilled hands, built to last. Carved by hand from native San Esteban stone a heritage craft passed down through Ilocano artisans for centuries. San Esteban, Ilocos Sur famed for its fine stone. Everypiece quarried, shaped, and finished entirely by hand.CARVED BY HAND
CHURCHCHURCHSAN ESTEBANSAN ESTEBANPRAYER GARDENPRAYER GARDENSTATION OF T HE CROSSSTATION OF T HE CROSS09Nestled beneath a canopy of towering trees, San Esteban Church stands as a beacon of faith and heritage in the heart of the community. Its striking white façade and arched entryway welcome visitors into a space of quiet reflection and worship. Adjacent to the church, the Station of the Cross Prayer Garden offers a serene pathway for meditation, where visitors can walk among the shaded trees and pause at each station to reflect on faith and devotion. Illuminated at night, the garden takes on a peaceful, contemplative atmosphere a fitting complement to the church’s timeless architecture. Nestled beneath a canopy of towering trees, San Esteban Church stands as a beacon of faith and heritage in the heart of the community. Its striking white façade and arched entryway welcome visitors into a space of quiet reflection and worship. Adjacent to the church, the Station of the Cross Prayer Garden offers a serene pathway for meditation, where visitors can walk among the shaded trees and pause at each station to reflect on faith and devotion. Illuminated at night, the garden takes on a peaceful, contemplative atmosphere a fitting complement to the church’s timeless architecture. Together, the church and prayer garden serve as a spiritual anchor for the municipality, welcoming both parishioners and visitors alike. Together, the church and prayer garden serve as a spiritual anchor for the municipality, welcoming both parishioners and visitors alike.
KABAYBAYAN FESTIVAL 10 The annual town fiesta of San Esteban, Ilocos Sur, is a significant religious and cultural celebration held in honor of St. Stephen the Protomartyr, the titular patron of the town’s parish. The St. Stephen Protomartyr Parish, located in Barangay Poblacion, was established in 1884, reflecting the long- standing religious heritage of the municipality. Its parish fiesta is celebrated every December 26, coin- ciding with the feast day of St. Stephen. The fiesta provides an important occasion for the people of San Esteban to express their faith and devotion through religious observances. Histo- rical records from the Archdiocese of Nueva Segovia also identify December 26 as the patronal feast of St. Stephen Proto-Martyr Parish in San Esteban. Beyond its religious significance, the town fiesta re- presents the unity, heritage, and community spirit of San Esteban. It brings families, residents, and visitors together and provides an opportunity to strengthen social connections while preserving traditions that have been passed down through generations. The celebration forms part of the identity of San Esteban a municipality known for its coastal setting, historical sites, and cultural heritage. Through its fiesta, the community continues to honor its religious roots while celebrating the shared traditions and values that make the town a meaningful place to call home. The annual town fiesta of San Esteban, Ilocos Sur, is a significant religious and cultural celebration held in honor of St. Stephen the Protomartyr, the titular patron of the town’s parish. The St. Stephen Protomartyr Parish, located in Barangay Poblacion, was established in 1884, reflecting the long- standing religious heritage of the municipality. Its parish fiesta is celebrated every December 26, coin- ciding with the feast day of St. Stephen. The fiesta provides an important occasion for the people of San Esteban to express their faith and devotion through religious observances. Histo- rical records from the Archdiocese of Nueva Segovia also identify December 26 as the patronal feast of St. Stephen Proto-Martyr Parish in San Esteban. Beyond its religious significance, the town fiesta re- presents the unity, heritage, and community spirit of San Esteban. It brings families, residents, and visitors together and provides an opportunity to strengthen social connections while preserving traditions that have been passed down through generations. The celebration forms part of the identity of San Esteban a municipality known for its coastal setting, historical sites, and cultural heritage. Through its fiesta, the community continues to honor its religious roots while celebrating the shared traditions and values that make the town a meaningful place to call home.
ALAM MO BA?ALAM MO BA?11•ALAM MO BA NA ANG SAN ESTEBAN AY DATING TINATAWAG NA “CABAGBAGOTOTAN” BAGO ITO NAGING SAN ESTEBAN? •ALAM MO BA NA ANG BAYAN AY ITINATAG NOONG 1625 NG MGA PARING AGUSTINO MAHIGIT 400 TAON NA ANG NAKALIPAS? •ALAM MO BA NA HINDI NAGING INDEPENDIYENTENG MUNISIPALIDAD ANG SAN ESTEBAN HANGGANG 1911, MATAPOS ITONG NAKALAKIP SA BURGOS AT SANTIAGO? •ALAM MO BA NA ANG LUMANG BATERIA WATCHTOWER AY GINAMIT NOONG PANAHON NG WWII BILANG BANTAYAN LABAN SA MGA MANANAKOP? •ALAM MO BA NA ANG MORTAR AT PESTLE NA GAWA SA BATO AY ISA SA OPISYAL NA ONE TOWN, ONE PRODUCT (OTOP) NG SAN ESTEBAN?
Biag ti Mangngalap Biag ti MangngalapAlfonso Castillo 42yrs old Ania ti kangrunaan a pagbiagam ditoy San Esteban? (What is your main way of life here in San Esteban?) “Panagkalap iti ikan iti kadaanan a baybay ti San Esteban dayta ti biag mi, tulad met laeng ti inar- aramid dagiti kapuonan mi idi ubing pay ni tatang. Inaldaw-aldaw a rumuar kami iti taaw sakbay pay ti bumangon ti init, ken agsubli kami a nabaklay iti sida a maipaay iti pamilia ken ili. Saan laeng a trabaho daytoy para kaniak pusaken ken tawid a inted da apong kadakami. (“Fishing along San Esteban’s historic waters is our way of life the same one our ancestors passed down to us. Every day we head out to sea before sunrise and come back with a catch that feeds our family and community. This isn’t just work for me it’s a passion and a legacy given to us by our elders.”) For generations, the fishermen of San Esteban have carried on a tradition shaped by the very sea their ancestors once had to defend a livelihood as much a part of the town’s identity as the historic watchtower that still stands watch over the coast.Rowena Palma 26yrs old Ania ti makunam iti ili tayo nga San Esteban? (What would you say about our town, San Esteban?) “Ti San Esteban ket saan laeng a simple nga ili iti igid ti baybay napno daytoy iti kasaritaan ken tawid nga intedda kadatayo dagiti kapuonan. Manipud iti Bateria Watchtower a nangsalaknib iti ili idi Kastila pay, agingga iti kinatalna nga adda kadatayo ita, makitkitak ti kinapateg ti panagbiag ditoy. Uray ania pay ti mapasamak, sipapannakkel nga ibagak nga taga-San Esteban ak.” (“San Esteban is more than just a simple coastal town it’s full of stories and heritage handed down by our ancestors. From the Bateria Watchtower that once protected the town during the Spanish era, to the peace we have here today, I see the value of living here. Whatever happens, I proudly say I’m from San Esteban.”) From the watchtower that once guarded the coast to the quiet pride residents carry today, San Esteban’s story is one of resilience and heritage a small town shaped by history, faith, and the enduring love of its people for the Rowena Palma 26yrs old Ania ti makunam iti ili tayo nga San Esteban? (What would you say about our town, San Esteban?) “Ti San Esteban ket saan laeng a simple nga ili iti igid ti baybay napno daytoy iti kasaritaan ken tawid nga intedda kadatayo dagiti kapuonan. Manipud iti Bateria Watchtower a nangsalaknib iti ili idi Kastila pay, agingga iti kinatalna nga adda kadatayo ita, makitkitak ti kinapateg ti panagbiag ditoy. Uray ania pay ti mapasamak, sipapannakkel nga ibagak nga taga-San Esteban ak.” (“San Esteban is more than just a simple coastal town it’s full of stories and heritage handed down by our ancestors. From the Bateria Watchtower that once protected the town during the Spanish era, to the peace we have here today, I see the value of living here. Whatever happens, I proudly say I’m from San Esteban.”) From the watchtower that once guarded the coast to the quiet pride residents carry today, San Esteban’s story is one of resilience and heritage a small town shaped by history, faith, and the enduring love of its people for theAnon g Gan ap? 1212
So much fun,So much fun,So much fun,San Esteban!San Esteban!San Esteban!13
14 San Esteban was founded by Augustinian friars in 1625, during a period when the Spanish were actively spreading Christianity across Northern Luzon. It was originally known as “Cabagbagototan.” How the Name “San Esteban” Came to Be According to historical accounts, the Spanish named the town San Esteban after receiving reports that a vagabond named Iban had been stoned and beheaded by hostile natives at a place called “Naglawlawayan” believed to have once been a sacred worship site of the natives, and now the location of the town’s municipal cemetery. The name “Iban” is the Ilocano equivalent of “Stephen,” which is why the town was named after St. Stephen the Protomartyr. There is also another theory: because of the abundance of stone along the coastal mountains, the town may have also been named in honor of San Esteban, who was martyred by stoning. A Long Road Before Becoming an Independent Town For more than 280 years, San Esteban was not yet an independent municipality. It was attached to Nueva Coveta (present-day Burgos) and to the town of Santiago until 1911 and was once merely a visita (chapel-of-ease) of Narvacan due to a shortage of ministers. Today San Esteban is now known as the smallest coastal town in Ilocos Sur, with a population of 8,621 (2024 census) across 10 barangays. Stone quarrying remains an active industry, particularly in Barangay San Pablo, while the old Bateria/Moro Watchtower remains a symbol of the town, a witness to both the Spanish colonial era and World War II. San Esteban was founded by Augustinian friars in 1625, during a period when the Spanish were actively spreading Christianity across Northern Luzon. It was originally known as “Cabagbagototan.” How the Name “San Esteban” Came to Be According to historical accounts, the Spanish named the town San Esteban after receiving reports that a vagabond named Iban had been stoned and beheaded by hostile natives at a place called “Naglawlawayan” believed to have once been a sacred worship site of the natives, and now the location of the town’s municipal cemetery. The name “Iban” is the Ilocano equivalent of “Stephen,” which is why the town was named after St. Stephen the Protomartyr. There is also another theory: because of the abundance of stone along the coastal mountains, the town may have also been named in honor of San Esteban, who was martyred by stoning. A Long Road Before Becoming an Independent Town For more than 280 years, San Esteban was not yet an independent municipality. It was attached to Nueva Coveta (present-day Burgos) and to the town of Santiago until 1911 and was once merely a visita (chapel-of-ease) of Narvacan due to a shortage of ministers. Today San Esteban is now known as the smallest coastal town in Ilocos Sur, with a population of 8,621 (2024 census) across 10 barangays. Stone quarrying remains an active industry, particularly in Barangay San Pablo, while the old Bateria/Moro Watchtower remains a symbol of the town, a witness to both the Spanish colonial era and World War II. THE TOWN OF SAN ESTEBAN The Story of a Coastal Town
MissionUIP 2030: A SMART GLOBALLY COMPETITIVE AND RESPONSIVE STATE UNIVERSITY.VisionUIP IS COMMITTED TO PRODUCING GLOBALLY COMPETENT AND VIRTUOUS HUMAN RESOURCES, GENERATING ADVANCED KNOWLEDGE, AND DEVELOPING INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGIES FOR THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF SOCIETY.Core ValuesUIP SHALL ADHERE TO THE FOLLOWING CORE VALUES WHICH WILL FORM PART OF THE GUIDING IMPETUS FOR THE ATTAINMENT OF OUR VISION AND MISSION:INNOVATIVENESS MOTIVATION PROFESSIONALISM EXCELLENCE TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY UNITY AND TEAMWORK SUSTAINABILITYISPSC PhilosophyFLOURISH ISPSC, DELIVER QUALITY EDUCATION AND SERVICES AND LAUNCH ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE.ILOCOS SUR POLYTECHNIC STATE COLLEGE (ISPSC)15