1818, February 2
July 18, 2009
Upon the recommendation of Governor Manuel Bernaldez Pizarro, a Real Cedula separates the old Ilocos province into Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur, with Sarrat and Vigan as capitals respectively. After a short time, Laoag takes over from Sarrat as capital of Ilocos Norte [Keesing, de los Reyes, Scharpf]