Philippine E-Journals

Tirad Pass as Historic Landscape and of National Identity in a Modern Philippines

Jimmy R. Soria

Discipline: Philippine History

 

Abstract:

Tirad Pass is an important passage in going to the Cordillera in Northern Luzon where a battle was fought when Gen. Del Pilar held his ground in defending the main force of Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo in his escape to Isabela from the ensuing American forces. The study was conducted for historical emphasis which is considered necessary for more objective comprehension among the present generation. Photos and documentations were used and subjected to focus group discussion and in depth analysis. A guide questionnaire was also used to interview key informants. Findings revealed that the place is a steep slope with natural barricade of rocks that its geographic character would be of advantage to anybody who uses it. The escape of Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo from Bulacan all the way to Ilocos Sur led him to consider going northeast towards the Cordillera via the Tirad Pass upon the advice of Gen. Del Pilar as the Americans started to deploy their troops along the Ilocos Coast for a total blockade, giving them more chances to be ensnared. It is concluded that Tirad Pass influenced the country’s history and the cooperation of the people is an element in the preservation of this historic landmark. Recommendations, among others, were centered on the drafting of a Sustainable Development Plan for Tirad Pass being a historical site as well as a tourist destination.