LAOAG CITY — Ilocos Norte’s irrigation systems are dying for repair. But on summer days, young boys and girls including adults could hardly resist the cold waters as it cascade at the foot of the river dam. A portion of the Japan-assisted Sabo Dam located in the easternmost part of Carasi town offers an alternative picnic destination for tourists. The local government unit here set up temporary co
ttages and videoke available for rent. Offering a scenic view of the running river at the foot of the mountain, the Sabo Dam project forms part of Ilocos Norte’s flood control project developed by the Department of Public Works and Highways. Tourists started to peak up when the Itneg-dominated town, set up cottages near the area. Traversing the newly-constructed hanging bridge overlooking Carasi’s blue skies, mountain ranges and crystal clear waters is also an added adventure to picnickers. Like in Carasi’s Sabo Dam, other dams in Ilocos Norte such as Madongan in Dingras and Galong-galong in Solsona town continue to attract tourists during summer. These places offer raw beauty of nature, ideal for outdoor activities like trekking, rock climbing, swimming and overnight camping. About an hour drive away from Laoag City, the mineral rich town of Carasi used to host an iron-ore mining processing facility but it was shut down after the provincial board of Ilocos Norte approved a resolution banning black sand mining in 2013. As one of the province’s cultural minority groups, the Itneg community here mostly derived their income on hunting and gathering, fishing and farming.
