1. San Augustine Parish Church and Belltower – one of the oldest churches of Ilocos Sur, was built in 1590 with Fr. Juan Bautista de Montoya, as the first parish priest. The Augustinian friars named it after St. Augustine, the Patron Saint. At the end of the 19th century, the church was roofed with splitted bamboo and nipa but then parish priest Most Rev. Alfredo Verzosa (1912-1916) have it changed with galvanized iron. The church was severely damaged when it was indirectly knocked down by a bomb (during World War II) so a temporary shack has to be built where masses could be held but was later reconstructed in 1950. The now restored facade is of neo-gothic designed mixed with pseudo-Romanesque materials and elements. Its grandiose design afforded a reminiscent of the old Spanish architecture using indigenous materials, which are of bricks and slime… According to our great ancestors, fishermen found the Image of Our Lady of Charity placed in a wooden box floating in Bantaoay river and when the news broke, people from other towns and Provinces came to take the Image but could not be moved and only people from Bantay were able to carry the miraculous Image. The feast day of Apo Caridad (La Naval, 1st Sunday of September) is fittingly observed with a solemn novena, heightened by a procession attended by many of the faithful every first Sunday of September. On January 12, 1956, the Parish became the sanctuary of Our Lady of Charity, when the Most Reverend Msgr. Egidio Vagnozzi, the Papal Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines, crowned the miraculous Image as the Patroness of Ilocandia. Since then, Bantay, as a parish, celebrates in a sacred manner, the canonical coronation of Apo Caridad every 2nd Sunday of January, where devotees from different parts of Ilocos come to pay homage. At first, individual persons and families hosted the celebration (or serve as Hermana Mayor) but starting 1973, Barangay Pastoral Councils play hosts in the annual festivity. In preparation of the silver anniversary celebration of Her coronation in 1981, major face lifting was undertaken when the church underwent significant restoration such as the repair of its roofing, refurbished facade, re-construction of lateral turrets, plastering and reinvention of its walls and interiors. To signify the presence of a Marian Shrine, a commemorative Marian Arch was also erected, realized through the munificence of some of the yearly hermanas, which serves as the “Alleluia stage” and site of the “domingo sabet” during Easter Sunday. In 1993, the first Nueva Segovia Pastoral Assembly (NSPA 1) decreed that an Archdiocesan gathering takes place every anniversary of Her coronation. On January 12, 2006, on the occasion of Her golden anniversary, a grand and festive program of activities to Her honor was tendered.
The picturesque bell fry sits on a hilltop (atop the Calvario Hill) overlooking a vivid green vast of pastureland and the mountain view of the Province of Abra. It was used as a watchtower for invading enemy forces during World Wars I (during the invasion of Zambals) and II (on December 19, 1941, the bells rang incessantly when Japanese ships were sighted at MIndoro,Vigan). On April 15, 1945, the bell tower rigorously rang announcing immediate evacuation of the people as several bombs were dropped by the American forces at the church and bell tower vicinity because Japanese in here quartered and took refuge. Evidently, the Bantay Church and bell tower are monumental witnesses to various atrocities, uprisings and staged revolts. As the main local tourist attraction, it is included in the itinerary of the primeval Vigan caleza tour ride and in order that its historical significance and majestic beauty are accentuated, landscaping and face lifting work of the bell tower began February of 2004, courtesy of the Provincial Tourism Council. It was chosen as one of our national heritage due to its endurance from 1592 to the present.
2. Quirino Bridge – this grandiose four span metallic bridge is named after the late former President Elpidio Quirino and spreads across the Abra river connecting the rocky mountain hills of the town of Santa and the tail end of Bantay. Also referred to as ‘Banaoang bridge’, it majestically connects and separates two transcending mountains and widely praised because of its marvellous engineering and grand architectural design as glorified by its splendid panoramic beauty, strength and durability when it survived the bombings of World War II. From here, one can appreciate underneath the serenity and tranquillity of scenic spots overlooking an enormous stretch of riverbed, zigzagging sloping contour of the mountain side and a serene land mass as far as the eye can see. It is considered as one of the most superior bridges built by men because of the utilization of natural endowments combined with fabricated materials. Unfortunately, it was recently destroyed and damaged when one of its steel spans was washed away at the height of super typhoon ‘Feria’ that devastated the province on July 4-6, 2001. Construction work began on October of 2007 (and still on-going) where a Japanese firm was contracted by the National government to relocate the bridge to a higher level ground.
3. Victoria Park – locally known as Caniao falls, this square established in 1962 was named in honor of one of the daughters of former President Elpidio Quirino. It is located at Mount Caniao and features a crystal clear natural spring water-source supplying the Municipality and its neighboring town, Vigan. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources maintains herein an Office and a botanical garden. A favorite venue for lovers of nature, particularly wildlife hunters, hikers, mountain trailers, campers and as picnic groove to residents and vacationers.
4. Mt. Tupira – situated on top of Mount Caniao, from this site the entirety of Bantay and nearby towns could be viewed, even as far as the Abra and the Cordillera mountains. It is often referred to simply as “radar” because in the early 60’s, a lofty twin metallic-sheet satellite towers are prominently seen radiating during the day and beaming at night. It is situated in such an elevated position that gives access and advantage in telecommunications and antennae relay stations. Transmission lines and network facilities of PLDT, RCPI, PILTEL and other cellular communication companies could now be found atop its rugged slopes. Untamed animals such as wild deer (‘ogsa’), wild pig (‘alingo’), python snakes (‘bet-lat’), wildfowl (‘abuyo’), monkeys and other variety of birds could still be caught from this mountainside. Climbing its pinnacle is a toiling task for the unpaved pathways leading thereto is steeper and precarious than Baguio’s Kennon road, but upon reaching its peak, one gets rewarding prize- a cool breeze of air, smell of pine trees, bounteous flora and fauna and breathe-taking natural scenery at high altitude. A perfect destination for mountain climbers and thrill seekers.
5. Diego Silang Park (town plaza) and LGU gym – The Diego Silang Park was named in tribute to the heroic feat of this Ilocano hero who was killed at this very site. Ironically, the memorial monument was built in 1763 during the Spanish reign to lend distinction and pay honor to Miguel Vicos, the Spanish mestizo who killed Diego Silang. It is actually the heart and soul of the [main] town plaza where political exercises, social functions and cultural gatherings are held. The spacious Bantay gym found at the back of the plaza serves as function hall where civic, sports and recreational activities are conducted. In June of 2005, it was further enhanced and now made the site of, and home to, Ilocos Sur Badminton Center.
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