About the Seal

Shield , derived from the  Provincial Seal of Ilocos Norte

The Seal as a Whole, its white background speaks of the people’s simple way of living; it further suggest that their lifestyle are not yet blemished nor corrupted by civilization and modernization.

Mountain Ranges, Verdant Field and River, show the topography of the place as a potential source of wealth and livelihood.

Mountain Ranges, depict the lofty ideals and the high hopes of the people for a progressive and attractive place to live in.

Brief History

Adams is bounded on the north by the municipality of Pagudpud; on the south by Vintar, on the west by Dumalneg; and on the east by the Provinces of Cagayan, Kalinga and Apayao. Formerly a part of Bangui, it lies on the northeastern portion of Ilocos Norte. It has a land area of 159.31 square kilometers, with a population of 1,287 in 1995.

Majority of the town’s inhabitants belong to cultural minorities such as the Itneg or Apayaos and Igorots. A smaller portion is composed of Ilocanos. Originally called Adan, the town was one of the settlements comprising Bangui and was peopled by the Apayaos. The coastal town of the Bangui was founded by Augustinian missionaries in 1607.

Under the American regime, the settlement was politically separated from the Municipality of Bangui and its name was changed to Adams. It had only one existing barangay, also called Adams.

The Municipality of Adams has remarkable resemblance with the city of Baguio in terms of climate and topography. Its cloud-capped mountains are covered by lush vegetation. Owing to its isolated location, development is slow. The town can only be reached by tedious and risky travel from its neighboring towns.

Unlike some of the progressive towns of Ilocos Norte, however, Adams inhabitants have preserved and protected their old traditions. Burying their dead under or within the backyard is still being practiced. The naming of a child after the circumstances of birth is also a common custom. Old rituals, songs, dances and superstitious beliefs have remained intact to this day.

Adams economy is largely dependent on agricultural produce. The major crops are rice and vegetables. But continuing practice of the kaingin system by the minorities endanger their forest.