DajabÃ n is bordered to the north by the Monte Cristi province , to the east by the Santiago RodrÃ guez province and to the south by the ElÃ as PiÃ a province . It is located in the northwestern part of the country , and is surrounded by the provinces Monte Cristi ( north ) , Santiago RodrÃ guez ( east ) and ElÃ as PiÃ a ( south ) .