Ilocano, also known as Iloko, is spoken by more than nine million people, primarily in the northern regions of the island of Luzon. For many Ilocanos, it is not just a means of communication but a carrier of history, identity, and cultural pride. In the 1700s, there was hope by locals that they could achieve independence and sovereignty defined by this, their tribal language.

Ilocano belongs to the Austronesian language family, a vast group of languages stretching from Taiwan to Madagascar and across the Pacific to Hawaii and New Zealand. Within this family, Ilocano is part of the Malayo-Polynesian branch, specifically the Northern Luzon subgroup. Its vocabulary reflects centuries of contact: deep indigenous roots mixed with Spanish words introduced during colonial rule, and English terms adapted in modern times.

Today, Ilocano remains a vibrant spoken language in homes, marketplaces, and communities, while also being preserved in literature, radio, and education. For Ilocanos, speaking the language is a way of remembering where they came from and keeping alive the spirit of their people.