Ever since its establishment in the 17th century, Piddig played a vital role in molding of history and culture in its town, province of Ilocos Norte and the Philippines as a whole.
Piddig is known for its famous Basi Revolt. This revolt was led by Pedro Mateo, a native of Piddig. The revolt sparked by the imposition of the basi monopoly. It’s because the monopoly gave the the government the power to control the sale and comsumption of basi in the country. All the best tasting basi is taken by the government forcibly leaving only the lowest quality for the locals and the manufacturers.
Teofilo Yldefonso from the town of Piddig, was highly noticeable for he was the first ever Filipino Olympic medalist. He is known as the “Ilocano Shark” and is considered to be the finest Filipino swimmer in history.
In the field of arts, Don Claro Caluya, the acclaimed prince of Ilocano poets was famous for translating the poem wrote by Jose Rizal entitled Mi Ultimo Adios (My Last Farewell) to Ilocano.
Piddig was acknowledged for the beauty of its women, like Ms. Julia Agcaoili who was chosen as Miss Philippines in the 2nd Philippine carnival in 1916. Her father, Don Julio Agcaoili was the 2nd Governor Civil of Ilocos Norte during the closing years of the Spanish regime.
Piddig is really proud to have prominent and outstanding Piddigueños not only in the town but also in the province, the Philippines and to the whole world. Like for example Antonio V. Raquiza who served as Congressman for 5 consecutive terms and as Governor of Ilocos Norte. In 1970’s, he was the Secretary of Public Works and Communications. He was a brilliant lawyer, orator and debater. It is indeed a history for the town of Piddig to have him as an outstanding citizen because he has never ever lost a political fight.
Other outstanding Piddigueños were Ambassador Anastacio Bartolome who was the Former Vice President of the United Nations General Assembly, Philippines Deputy Chief of Mission to the UN, Ambassador to South Vietnam and a career diplomat and Ambassador Melchor Aquino who was the Former ambassador to West Germany, Finland and Poland. He was also a Newspaperman, Columnist and Economist.
These are the evidences that Piddigueños are endowed with different talents. Piddig will continue making and molding its own history and shall continue propagating its legacy.
