Batac is located on the southwestern part of Ilocos Norte in the northwestern point of Luzon Island. It is around 471 kilometers north of Manila and 15 kilometers south of Laoag City. It is bounded on the north by the town of San Nicolas, on the east by the towns of Sarrat and Banna, on the south by Pinili, and on the west by the town of Paoay where the world-famous Paoay church of St. Augustine is located. The city's topography is relatively flat with a some rolling hills in the southwest. The Maharlika Highway traverses the city and is the main access road to this town. Travel by air is possible via Laoag International airport which is just 20 minutes away.

Batac City Hall

Batac covers an area of 161 square kilometers and is politically subdivided into 43 barangays, most of which are considered rural areas. In terms of demography, Batac's population is less than one-half that of Laoag City, the capital and is one of the least populated cities in the country. Ilocano is the primary dialect but English and Tagalog are widely used in the scholls, business and government. Aglipayan and Roman Catholic are the dominant religion in this city.

The city's economy is basically agricultural. Rice, onion, garlic, other rootcrops and vegetables are the main farm products.

Batac prides itself as the hometown of great leaders. Foremost among them is former President Ferdinand Edralin Marcos who was deposed by the so-called people power I. He was exiled and subsequently died in Hawaii. His remains is still on display at his home which has been converted into a museum. Others leaders from Batac include:

1. Rodolfo Biazon, currently a senator of the Republic
2. Gregorio Aglipay - a former Catholic priest who founded the Aglipayan Church
3. Artemio Ricarte - a revolutionary general

Batac needs investment in the real estate sector which include the establishment of commercial complexes and tourist facilities such as hotels, recreational centers and demonstration farms. Investors can also develop commercial farms as well as industrial estates.

1. Marcos Museum
2. Immaculate Conception Church

Immaculate Conception Church in Batac City

Photos credit to philippinetravelnotes.blogspot.com
Church photo credit to trekearth.com