AGGAY

        Aggay is bounded on the North by Brgy. Capangdanan, South by Brgy. San Julian, West by Brgy. Cabaroan and East by Brgy. Puspus. It has an approximate population of 950 individuals, registered voters of 449 and with a total land area of about 350 hectares.

          Aggay was once a mountainous placed ruled by “Aggaed”, a native of the Teneg descendants, before the Spanish era.  He ruled the place with inhabitants coming from the Itneg descent.  This tribe is noted because of fair height and complexion and for their beautiful rounded eyes. They would gather around a bonfire early in the morning especially during the cold days, with their native shawls called ‘cagay’ woven by the women, wrapped around them.  Weaving was the main occupation of the tribe, followed by carpentry.

          During the occupation of the Spaniards, many stayed in the place and observed the living condition, way of life, customs and tradition of the tribe members. They say that due to constant use of the word ‘cagay’ and ‘aggaed’, the Spaniards coined both words and formed the word ‘Aggay’, the namesake given them.

          It is said that Diego Silang and his wife, Gabriela, well-known leaders who initiated the Ilocos revolt (1762-63), camped, together with their followers, at the highest peak of Aggay where now stands the ‘Silang Elementary School’, named in honor of these two great Ilocano figures. When the Ilocos revolt was suppressed, the tribe ‘aggaed’ bartered their occupied lots with people coming from different places, who later became the residents of Aggay.  They then left the place and moved to the southern mountainous part of the Province.  With the conglomeration of different people, the surnames of residents of Aggay are various.

          Once, Aggay has gained the reputation of notoriety and was referred to as the ‘place of the fearless, a sort of ‘no man’s land’ because some of the most hardened criminals (hoodlums, hired killers, delinquents and offenders) reside here. Presently, however, it is one of the most developed Barangays that has produced Municipal Mayors, Vice Mayors, Councilors, outstanding community leaders and educators. In here can be found a public cemetery lot (LGU-owned) exclusively intended for Muslims and a private housing (subdivision) project being developed.