Vigan is the seat of the provincial government. The province experiences two pronounced seasons - dry from November to April and wet from May to October. Ilocano is the common dialect of the people. English and Pilipino are widely spoken and still remain as basic tools of instruction in schools. Major industries are farming and fishing.
Principal products are rice, corn, tobacco, garlic, sugarcane and cassava.
Cottage industries include blanketweaving, basketry, shellcraft, broommaking, pottery-making, blacksmithing, jewelry making, among others jars and antiques can also be bought in Vigan. The last stand of the Filipino Revolutionary soldiers against the Americans led by Gen. Gregorio del Pilar during the Filipino-American War. Declared as a National Shrine, the pass is located in Gregorio del Pilar town. A strategic gap that lies along the highest promontory traversed by Highway 4 west of Cervantes. Recognizing the importance of Bessang Pass in Philippine history and in honor of the gallant men who fought for peace and freedom, the Philippine Historical Committee built a monument at the site in 1954.