n the year 1800, people called AGSALOG (Igorots) in the east hinderlands of GOLOT (Mountain Province) who experience disturbance from animal rustlers, robbers traveled to the west and settled to a valley with a wide grassy plain, a river, creeks and brooks along its side and surrounded by hills and mountains.  They built houses and converted the land into farmlands.

One time, a group of strangers headed by an elderly rich man visited their place and made friends and introduced Christianity.  To show respect and hospitality, they performed their native dances, songs, and offered ricewine and food.

The elderly rich man before leaving promised to return and teach the people how to read, write and things relative to Christian values.  His last message was, “To all of you my beloved brethren, I am pleased and proud to say that from day to day your living condition will surely improve due to your rich and fertile soil.  Let us name therefore this place ‘LIDLIDDA” based on the tall grasses (ledda) which in the near future will be gone forever and be transformed into rice stalks”.

From then on, the place was called LIDLIDDA.

POLITICAL BACKGROUND

In 1890 the sub-province of Bangued, Abra occupied the western part of Ilocos Sur. During the period, a person named by name Mr. Ortega of Filipino race was the Governor, who gave orders to all heads of townships in his jurisdiction. San Esteban town was in charge of Lidlidda locality so that it was within the control of the President of San Esteban. It did not last long, however, because the people of Lidlidda lunched a general campaign meeting to request the Honorable Governor Ortega to make Lillidda a township.

The Governor delegated the President of San Esteban town to assists in appointing Mr. Manog Caoas, the choice of the people, as the first President of Lidlidda township. The 17 barrios of Lidlidda were: Calitong, Patac, Sabangan Pinngan, Bessang, Balugang, Mapanit, Banucal, Benqui-Walin, San Vicente (Camatliwan), Nalasin (Poblacion Norte), Kuwangi (Poblacion Sur), Suysuyan, Carcarabasa, Bugui, Calungbuyan, Labut and Tay-ac. After Caoas term (1908-1910) a man named Andan Damaoa became the Second President. Before his term ended, he had been convinced to move that barrios of Mapanit, Bessang, Patac, Balugang, Calitong and sabangan Pinngan be separated and made part of the town of Burgos, Ilocos Sur. He served from 1911-1913. Miguel Segundo became the Third Head of the town.

Upon assuming his office, he immediately worked for the conversion of the township into full town. After his term (1914- 1916) the following served as heads of the town to wit: