Tobacco Monopoly Monument
Posted on August 29, 2006
When the Spaniards discovered that the land and climate of Ilocos is perfect for growing tobacco, they forced the people to plant only tobacco and no other crop. The sakadas were also forced to sell the tobacco leaves only to the Spanish government. This has lead to numerous resistance among the locals. There were also stories of untold abuses done by the authorities. For one hundred long years, 1781 until 1881, the tobacco monopoly existed in Ilocos. A period of dark history in Ilocandia.
It was only in 1881 when King Alfonso XII lifted the tobacco monopoly. The people of Ilocos then erected the Tobacco Monopoly Momunent as a thanksgiving to the Crown of Spain for recognizing the stuggles of the Ilocano people against the Monopoly.
The tall yet graceful monument is located right at the center of Laoag City plaza, in front of the Provincial Capitol.
» Filed Under Landmarks, Road Trip
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7 Responses to ”Tobacco Monopoly Monument”
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Thanks for sharing this historical information with us! I have got to travel and see these places.
Nice blog. I shall return!
Cheers!
eric aka senor enrique
What a strange monument. It was built to thank the Spaniards for removing the monopoly? Weren’t the Spaniards the ones who put the monopoly there in the first place? Am I missing something?
it was erected as a symbol of thanksgiving for King ALfonso XII for lifting the monopoly. Remeber that at that time, the monopoly is already in existence for 100. thus, it is safe to say that it wasnt King Alfonso who initiated the tobacco monopoly.
hi you know tobacco is good to our health it is delicious
[...] Located right in the heart of city, Aurora Park is one of the tourist spots in Laoag City. One of the most historic monuments in the country can be found here: the Tobacco Monopoply Monument. A water fountain can also be found here dancing gracefully. On the other end of the park lies the Ilocos Norte Provincial Capitol, while on the other side lies the Laoag City Hall. [...]
[...] Located right in the heart of city, Aurora Park is one of the tourist spots in Laoag City. One of the most historic monuments in the country can be found here: the Tobacco Monopoply Monument. A water fountain can also be found here dancing gracefully. On the other end of the park lies the Ilocos Norte Provincial Capitol, while on the other side lies the Laoag City Hall. [...]
[...] This marker rests at the foot of the Tobacco Monopoly Monument in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte. [...]