Samahang Ilokano

The Confederation of Ilocano Association, Inc., doing business as Samahang Ilokano (lit., Ilocano Association), is an International fraternity and sorority composed of students from colleges and universities in the northern part of the Philippines and professionals. Members are either of Ilocano lineage and/or have the capability of speaking and understanding the Ilokano language.

History
Samahang Ilokano was founded in the 1940s as a fraternity to unite Ilocano-speaking students. Ilocano-speaking students from Northern Luzon provinces would pursue higher education in universities away from home and seek fellow Ilocanos for company and protection.

As the fraternity grew, it attracted scrutiny from other fraternities. The growth of the member population also sparked uncontrollable brawls and riots, some of which landed members in prison. The Genuine Ilocano gills (GIG) was formed as a group for SI members who were incarcerated and soon accepted members from within the prison.

Power struggles within the fraternity led to further separation of members. Hence, the birth of another faction now known as United Ilocandia Fraternity/Sorority (UI). The lack of organization created tension between the three groups.

Unity and expansion
During martial law, the leaders and founders of the different groups agreed to unite the three organizations. This led to the creation of an umbrella organization, registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the name "Confederation of Ilocano Association, Incorporated" as a non-stock, non-profit, and non-dividend corporation. Members of UI and GIG often do not use CIAUI or CIAGIG and instead prefer their respective original faction names. This reorganization occurred in 1971. Despite significant changes within the structure, the ultimate purpose of the Samahang Ilokano still stands: an organization to cradle the Ilocanos.

Symbols
The Samahang Ilokano seal includes a gear with laurel leaves underneath and a white dove in flight above. On top of the gear is an arrow and a red snake. The gear symbolizes the aspiration to develop one's potential in many endeavors. The laurel leaves represents the members' goal of academic and professional excellence. The dove represents freedom, friendship, and peace. The arrow points upwards to acknowledge the Supreme Creator. The snake represents new life and the ability to conquer fear and survive in the wilderness.

Activities
The Saudi Arabia chapter has helped clean up beach litter. Members of the Taiwan chapter celebrate Christmas with an annual Ang Brad Kong Beauty all-male competition and celebrate the Lunar New Year with a basketball tournament.

Membership
Most members of SI-K became professionals, which allowed the group to diversify into factions of the following types within the organization: international, military, professional, women's auxiliary, out-of-school youths, and students.

The fraternity claims 3.5 Million card-carrying members. It initiated one million members between 1971 and 2019. Members include professionals and students from colleges and universities situated in the northern Philippines.

Chapters
Samahang Ilokano includes more than 421 chapters as of October 2019. Following is a list of known chapters that includes both professional and collegiate groups. Chapters are name for their location.

Misconduct

 * On August 17, 1982, eight members of Samahang Ilokano, including four students at the Philippine Marine Institute, approached fellow student Wilfredo Quiambao, asking if he was a member of the fraternity. When Quiambao replied that he was not a member, the brother demanded payment of one peso. The brothers pulled knives on Quiambao when he refused to make the payment, ultimately killing Quiamboa. Fraternity members Rolando Cacile and Valentino Gamiao were found guilty of the murder and sentenced to pay restitution to the victim's family.

Notable members

 * Ferdinand Marcos -President of the Republic of the Philippines (1965-1986)