Ilagan

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Not to be confused with Iligan.

Ilagan
Component City
City of Ilagan

Seal

Nickname(s):
The Center of Eco-Tourism Adventure in Region 2
Home of the World's Largest Wooden Lounge
Chair (Butaka)
Corn Capital of the Philippines
Primary Growth Center of Region 2
Isabela Provincial Capital
Motto: Sulong Pa! City of Ilagan
(More Progress! City of Ilagan)

Location in the province of Isabela

Ilagan
Location within the Philippines

Coordinates:

1708N 12153ECoordinates:
1708N 12153E

Country

Philippines

Region

Cagayan Valley (Region II)

Province

Isabela

District

1st District of Isabela

Incorporated

May 4, 1686

Cityhood

August 11, 2012

Barangays

91

Government[1]
Mayor

Josemarie "Jay" L. Diaz, DMD

Vice Mayor

Vedasto D. Villanueva

Area[2]
Total

1,166.26 km2 (450.30 sq mi)

Elevation

110 m (360 ft)

Population (2010)[3]
Total

135,174

Density

120/km2 (300/sq mi)

Demonym

Ilagueo (m) / Ilaguea (f)

Time zone

PST (UTC+8)

ZIP code

3300

Dialing code

78

Income class

3rd class, partially urban

Ilagan, officially the City of Ilagan (Filipino: Lungsod ng Ilagan) (PSGC: 023114000), is a
component city in the province ofIsabela, Philippines.[4] It is the provincial capital, the most populous
city in the province, and with a total land area of 116,626 hectares (288,190 acres), the largest city in
the island of Luzon and the fourth largest city (in terms of land area) in the Philippines, after Davao
City, Puerto Princesa and Zamboanga City.[5] Ilagan City has a population of 135,174 according to
2010 census.[3]
In the recent elections, Ilagan City has a voting population of 90,250 as revealed by Commission on
Elections but only 67% participated in the Midterm Election. Ilagan City still holds the title as the
most number of voters in the province.
Ilagan City was a first class municipality before becoming a city.[6]

Contents
[hide]

1 History
o 1.1 Incorporation as a city
2 Geography
o 2.1 Land
3 Demographics
o 3.1 Religion
4 Economy
o 4.1 Food and beverage
o 4.2 Furniture making
o 4.3 Tobacco industry
o 4.4 Agri-support activities
o 4.5 Jeep and tricycle body building

o
o

4.6 Shopping malls

4.7 Real estate
5 Culture
o 5.1 Festivals and events
o 5.2 Aggaw na Ilagan
6 Places of interest
7 Sports
8 Local government
o 8.1 Former Mayors
o 8.2 Barangays
9 Infrastructure
o 9.1 Transportation
9.1.1 Major Bridges
9.1.2 Public transportation
9.1.3 Bus companies
o 9.2 Telecommunications
o 9.3 Internet connectivity
o 9.4 Postal and courier services
o 9.5 Power
o 9.6 Water and sewerage system
10 Medical and healthcare services
11 Education
12 Media
o 12.1 Television
o 12.2 Radio
o 12.3 Print Media
13 See also
14 References
15 External links

History[edit]
The town was then called by its native Gaddang settlers as "Bolo" during the pre-Spanish conquest
era. It is one of the populous settlement during that period and site of the vast tobacco plantation in
the region making it one of the most important economic areas in northern Luzon. Shortly after Juan
de Salcedo conquered Northern Luzon in 1587, Gov. Rodrigo de Penalosa sent Capt. Pablo de
Carreon to explore Cagayan Valley as well as to establish missions in towns. Among the Spanish
missionaries who penetrated deeply into the region was P. Pedro Jimenez, who founded Ilagan.
The town of Bolo was founded by the Dominicans in 1619 in honor of Saint Ferdinand of Castile.
The old Bolo was situated in the western side of Cagayan river in what is known today as
Barangay Naguilian-Baculod. The cultural shock brought by the dominating social and economic
regulations introduced by the Spanish authorities propelled the natives to dissent in the Malligand
Ilagan-Tumauini territories in what was known as the Gaddang Revolution. The natives abandoned
their settlement after burning their church and houses until 1622 when the Spanish government
pardoned and exempted them from paying tribute within three years. After the Gaddang revolt, the
natives re-established their settlement upon the efforts of Fr. Pedro Jimenez in 1678 on the east side
of the river thereby giving the legendary name for Ilagan which is the reverse of the

word "Nagali" meaning "transfer". The Dominicans accepted the settlement as an ecclesiastical
mission given the name San Fernando de Ilagan in honor of its patron, Saint Ferdinand of Castile.
In May 4, 1686, Ilagan was founded and missionaries converted the natives to Christianity. Ilagan
was made the capital of Cagayan Valley when Brig. Manuel Sanchez Mira was then the governor of
the whole territory. Ilagan was the scene of the 1763 revolt in Isabela led by Dabo and Marayag
against the collection of tribute, the enforcement of tobacco monopoly committed by the friars during
the Spanish occupation. Upon the separation of Isabela in May 1, 1856, Ilagan became the capital of
the province.
On August 4, 1901 the American occupation under the United States-Philippine Commission has
enacted the Provincial Government Act 210 that has re-established Isabela and other provinces in
the Philippines. Rafael Maramag, a former municipal president (mayor) of Ilagan was appointed as
the first governor. The act then re-established Ilagan as the provincial capital.
In November 13, 1925, Gaffud has approved a resolution filed by all "Municipal Presidents of the
Isabela" (the counterpart of the present-day Mayors' League) following a four-day convention. The
resolution called for the erection of a monument in honor of the country's National Hero Jos Rizal in
the old Ilagan public plaza in Barangay Bagumbayan. By the turn of the 1950s the new Poblacion
was located uphill from the old Saint Ferdinand Parish Church (formerly known as Saint Ferdinand
Cathedral in Barangay Bagumbayan) to Barangay San Vicente; site of the current City Hall.[7]

Incorporation as a city[edit]
Ilagan has attempted to gain cityhood status at least five (5) times in its history:

During the Spanish colonization period, Ilagan applied to gain cityhood status from the Spanish
Government but was unsuccessful. Ilagan could have been the second city of
the Philippines after Nueva Segovia City, now Lal-Lo, Cagayan.

During the administration of Mayor Paguirigan, but was shelved during the American occupation.

In February 2, 1998, congress passed Republic Act No. 8474 which sought to convert Ilagan
into a city. But the plebiscite held on March 14, 1999 turned down its bid for cityhood under the
Administration of former Mayor Mercedes P. Uy. The majority of the people voted no in that
event.[8]

During the administration of the late Mayor Delfinito "Jojo" C. Albano, Ilagan's cityhood status
did not push through when the mayor was gunned down by three unidentified men in the night of
June 27, 2006 in Quezon City.[9] Mayor Jojo used the term C-U-DAD Ilagan for campaigning the
cityhood status of Ilagan.

In 2012, the leaders of Ilagan, led by former Isabela first district representative Rodolfo Albano
Sr., renewed its bid for its cityhood. Former Vice Governor Rodolfo T. Albano III said that, "The
provincial government fully supports Ilagans renewed cityhood bid, considering that such goal is
already long overdue". Former Department of Justice secretary Silvestre Bello III expressed
support to the renewed move of the local officials of Ilagan, Isabela, headed by Mayor
Josemarie L. Diaz, for the towns conversion into a city.[10] On May 22, 2012, the congress
approved the cityhood bill of Ilagan on its House Resolution No. 144 and was signed by His
Excellency, President Benigno Aquino III.[11] Plebiscite was held on August 11, 2012, with a
majority of votes voting "yes". By virtue of Republic Act 10169, Ilagan was then proclaimed as a
new component city, the third in the province of Isabela and the fourth in Cagayan Valley on the
same day by COMELEC Commissioner Armando Velasco.[12]

Over the past decade, Ilagan was able to receive various awards through the initiative and able
leadership of Mayor Josemarie L. Diaz. Together with the joint effort and dedication of the current
administration and the support of the Ilagueos, Ilagan was awarded as the Most Child-Friendly
Municipality, Sandugo Award (2009), Peace and OrderPhilippine National Police (PNP), Most
Outstanding Municipality in Region 2 (Department of Interior and Local Government Gawad Pamana
ng Lahi Heritage Award), 2011 Seal of Good Housekeeping for Transparency (DILG), Most
Outstanding Municipality in the Philippines in Civil Registration (National Level), 2011 Gawad Saka
Award for Corn Production, Most Outstanding Municipality in Blood Donation Program by the
Northern Luzon Blood Depository System (DOH), Most Outstanding implementer of Anti-Red Tape
Act in Region 2 (City Category), Most Outstanding City in Cagayan Valley in the implementation of
Health Programs by the Department of Health (DOH), Best Tourism-Oriented LGU in the Philippines
(1st Runner-Up) by the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Association of Tourism Officers of the
Philippines (ATOP), 2014 Most Outstanding Local Government Unit for Peace and Order
(Component City Category) by the Philippine National Police (PNP), 2015 Most Outstanding
implementer of Anti-Red Tape Act in Isabela and 2014 & 2015 Outstanding National Quality Corn
Achiever.
In August 11, 2015, marked another day in the history of Ilagan as the Department of
Agriculture proclaimed the city as the new Corn Capital of the Philippines during its third cityhood
anniversary. Sec. Proceso Alcala was represented by Asec. Edilberto M. De Luna who travelled all
the way to Ilagan to attend the said event.

Geography[edit]
Ilagan City is located on the central portion of the province of Isabela. It is bounded by nine (9)
municipalities: on the north by the municipalities of Divilacan, Tumauini, and Delfin Albano; on the
west by the municipality of Quirino; on the east by the municipalities of Divilacan, Palanan, and
the Pacific Ocean; and on the south by the municipalities of Gamu,Naguilian, Benito
Soliven and San Mariano. Ilagan City is approximately 96 kilometres (60 mi) from Tuguegarao
City and 397 kilometres (247 mi) from Metro Manila (linked by a national highway via Santa Fe,
Nueva Vizcaya).

Land[edit]
Of the total 1,166.26 km2 land area of Ilagan; 31% are agricultural, 36% are forest areas and the
remaining 33% are build-up areas and open grassland areas that are available for industrial,
commercial and residential uses.[13] Of all cities in the country, Ilagan ranks as the top producer of
corn. As an agriculture-based city, it produces ample supply of corn, rice, vegetables and legumes.
Fruits like the banana are year-round products especially in the mountainous areas of the city. Ilagan
City also produces seasonal fruits such as mangoes and pomelo. The Cagayan Valley Research
Center (CVRC) is the primary plant breeding institution in Region 02. It is located in Barangay San
Felipe along National Highway. Ilagan City has rich forest resources. Hectares of forest land are
strictly protected by authorities like the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR),
several NGOs and the Local Government Unit.

Demographics[edit]
Population census of Ilagan
Year

Pop.

1990

99,120

% p.a.

1995

106,912

+1.43%

2000

119,990

+2.50%

2007

131,243

+1.24%

2010

135,174

+1.08%

Source: National Statistics Office[3][14]

The rapid increase of population in Ilagan City is attributed to the current growth of economic
activities specially in the sectors of Commerce, Industry, Agriculture and Housing. Ilagan City is one
of the 147 emerging cities in the Philippines with more than 100,000 residents.[15]Statistics from
the National Statistics Office show that Ilagan City had a population 131,243 in 2007, which
increased to 135,174 people in the 2010 census making Ilagan as the most populous city in the
province of Isabela and the second in Cagayan Valley after Tuguegarao City.

Religion[edit]
Ilagan City's population is pre-dominantly Roman Catholic. The Diocese of Ilagan has 39 catholic
churches all over the province of Isabela. There are also Protestants, Bible Baptist, Church of
Christ, Adventists, Born Again groups, Victory Christian Fellowship, Latter Day Saints,Jehovah's
Witnesses, Islam, and Philippine-based groups like Iglesia Ni Cristo and Ang Dating Daan that
accounts to the city's population. These religious organizations have their own temples and churches
sparsely located in the city. Some Ilagueos were converted to Islam where their mosque is found in
Barangay Baligatan.

Economy[edit]
Agriculture and fishery remains to be the main backbone of Ilagan's economy. There are almost
23,803 hectares that are basically cultivated land and 314 hectares are utilized for fish culture.
However, the suitable farm area of Ilagan is 32,153.19 hectares potentials for crops, livestock and
fish production. This figure shows that a significant percentage (24.99%) is not being fully utilized for
agricultural production leaving them idle and under utilized.
Commerce and trade is the second economic based income of the people of Ilagan. In the year
2006, statistics showed that there are currently 1,795 registered business establishments. For year
2000, commercial trade was at 1,996 revealing that there were more or less than 201
establishments that had been closed down within the period 20002006. There were even more
establishments in 1995 with a total of 1,877 in all. The trend shows that from 1995 to 2000, there
was a growth of 2.94%, but from 2000 to 2006 a decreasing growth rate of -1.75% was registered.
Just like the past years, for the year 2006, commercial activities within the municipality are classified
into wholesale, retail and service-oriented businesses.
The industrial sector of the municipal economy comprises 210 establishments in year 2006 as
compared with 207 in 2000. This reflects a 2.4% increase in industrial activities over a period of six
years (20002006). The existing industries are mostly on a micro scale except for the Coca-Cola
Bottlers Philippines, Inc. located in Barangay Guinatan which is the only significant employment
generator within the locality at that time. Following the previous years trend, industries currently
operating are agro-industries, wood-based manufacturing or service-oriented industries.

The commercial area includes areas which are occupied by public markets, wholesale and retail
stores, restaurants, banks, shops and other establishments or structures engaged in commercial
activities. The bulk of those who are engaged in trade and commerce are found in the public
markets. The area covered by the commercial area is approximately 90.56 hectares or 2.62% of the
urban core.
As compared to the 2000 existing commercial area of 17 hectares, the increase of 73.56 hectares in
2007 is an indication that Ilagan is racing towards commercialization.
The transformation of Ilagan into a fast growing municipality in Cagayan Valley became evident
upon the assumption in office of Mayor Josemarie L. Diaz, the re-structuring of the economic
landscape of the municipality and the eventual transformation of its business climate into a business
friendly environment successfully lured multi-national companies in investing their capitals into its
market. Economic boom began to ingulf Ilagan with the entry of 8 banks and financial institutions in
just a number of months.
The Local Government of Ilagan responded positively with these developments by the enactment of
legislative measures including the provision of the Investment Incentive Code which provided for tax
incentives to investments. These measures eventually opened the flood gates for big investments to
enter the local market that included the establishments of malls like the Northstar Mall and Talavera
Square Mall that house the Savemore, Robinsons Supermarket, Jollibee, McDonalds, Red
Ribbon, Goldilocks, Mang Inasal and many other stores.
At present, Ilagan City has one of the fastest-growing economy in the province of Isabela as well as
in the whole Cagayan Valley over the past years. The city is the primary growth center and
investment hub of the Cagayan Valley region due to the rapid commercialization and stabilization of
the different sectors involved in its economy. It has two major public markets which is the
old Pamilihang Bayan ng Ilagan located in Centro Poblacion (now called Xentro Market) moved to
barangay San Vicente to give way for the construction of Xentro Mall and the multi-million
pesos New Ilagan Public Market Complex in barangay Baligatan which is currently under
construction to be converted into a three-storey structure which will soon be called as Ilagan City
Mall. The increasing number of market goers coming from the different regions of the city and
adjacent municipalities, prompted city officials to facilitate the construction of the modern market.
Ilagan is the location to almost 15 banks which is composed of commercial, savings and rural banks.
There are also thousands of commercial establishments composed of distributors, retail and
wholesale. Pawnshops, lending companies, insurance agencies and cooperatives are spread all
over the city.

Food and beverage[edit]

There are several food and beverage companies in the City. The largest of which is the Coca-Cola
Bottlers Philippines, Inc. (CCBPI),[16] which operates a softdrink bottling plant in Barangay Guinatan.
Another, is a vinegar and soy sauce fermentation company locally known as 'Best Choice', which is
operated and owned by Robelly's Food Products and also the Jack Confectionery, which operates a
wine fermentation plant. There are 15 bakeries/bakeshops and 1 ice cream/ice drop company. Aside
from the increasing number of local cafs, restaurants and several multi-national fastfood companies
opened their respective branch/es in the city.

Furniture making[edit]
One major industry in Ilagan City is furniture making. Several furniture shops, located along the
National Highway in Barangays Alinguigan 2nd & Alinguigan 3rd, manufacture and sell furnitures
made of quality narra wood. These barangays were dubbed as "Butaka City" of Ilagan,[17][18] where
the Guinness Book of Records' entry for the biggest lounge chair in the world, the Butaka, was
manufactured.[19]

Tobacco industry[edit]

Ilagan became one of the largest producers of tobacco during the Spanish time. The Tobacco
Monopoly have caused the valley to languish in poverty from 1785 to 1797. The lifting of the
monopoly was caused by the heavy loss incurred by the government. A Royal Decree released in
1882 totally abolished the monopoly and attracted foreign capitalist to invest in the country. In Ilagan,
the Compania General de Tabacos de Filipinas or the Tabacalera was established in 1881 and
produced the famous La FLor de Isabela which was the largest company of its kind in the world at
that time. The Tabacalera acquired two haciendas in Ilagan: the Hacienda San Antonio and
Hacienda Sta. Isabela.

Agri-support activities[edit]
At present, most of the industries in the city are agri-based. For the past ten years, there has been a
great number of local investment in poultry and hog raising. At present, there are seven poultry
contract growers and 33 small and medium scale hog raisers in Ilagan City. Other support facilities,
warehouses and small rice mills, strategically located in different barangays of Ilagan City address
the storage needs of farmers during the harvest season.

Jeep and tricycle body building[edit]

There are 9 motor vehicle assembly shops in Ilagan City; 5 jeepney assembly shops and 4 tricycle
side-car makers. These motor vehicle assembly shops respond to the increasing need for
transportation service in the City.

Shopping malls[edit]
Major malls in Ilagan are the following:

Northstar Mall
Triton Mall
Talavera Square Mall[20]
Shop Mart
Xentro Mall
Ilagan City Mall (currently under construction)

Real estate[edit]
Real estate developers include homegrown investors like the Northstar Resources Group of
Companies, Inc., a subsidiary of AM City Realty & Development Corp.. They are accredited to
market high-end properties from trusted real estate developers in Ilagan City and in Isabela. These
properties are residential (house and lot or lot only) and commercial estates located in
masterplanned and exclusive properties in Ilagan. Among their properties are Cityhomes
Subdivision, Capitol Hills Subdivision, Richmond Hills Subdivision and Northstar Commercial
Complex which are all located in Barangay Alibagu. These properties are fully developed,
masterplanned, secure and comfortable places to live in with high class facilities and amenities.
The Brent-Nathan Realty and Development Corporation (BNRDC) nestled one of their projects in
the foothills of Alibagu. The most prestigious gated community now recognized and fondly called
Francisca Village Phase I and Francisca Village Phase II, the Landmark of BNRDCs contemporary
standard of majestic homes that embody the ideal of comfort and convenience. It showcases
beautiful homes with impressive split level configurations that offer an unparalleled view of the
breathtaking natural environment and a perpetually cool and calm surrounding found in a 46-hectare
site. These masterplanned communities have been duplicated in two other BNRDC Villages; the
Brethan Subdivision in Marabulig 1, Cauayan City, and Pascual Village in Roxas, Isabela. At
present, there are eleven (11) reputable subdivisions located in the city.

Culture[edit]

The Isabela Museum and Library (former location of the Isabela Provincial Capitol) houses a
collection of artifacts, literature, and other historical elements that best describe the culture of the
people of Isabela. While the City Government of Ilagan is on the process of collecting antique items
to be placed on its own City Library.

Festivals and events[edit]

Balai na Ilagan - Aside from the traditional furniture industry, Balai na Ilagan has been set up to
give a communal space of Ilagueos with the aim to nurture artistic talents of residents and to
provide a multipurpose hall within the diocese of the Roman Catholic Church.[21] Balai na Ilagan
is intended to celebrate arts and culture in the province of Isabela.

Binallay - Every 30 May, the City of Ilagan celebrates the Binallay Festival.[22] Binallay is a
native rice cake prepared year-round in Ilagan. It was during the administration of Mayor
Delfinito "Jojo" C. Albano that Binallay Festival became the official festivity of Ilagan. But upon
the assumption in office of Mayor Josemarie L. Diaz, it was changed by the Mammangui
Festival. At present, a small souvenir shop located in Barangay Baligatan called as Binallay
Caf which was originally established during the time of Mayor Albano; now being used as the
city's tourist assistance and information desk. It is being maintained and managed by the city
government. It offers hand-crafted souvenir products and two of the most famous delicacies that
can be found in the city, the Inatata and Binallay.

Cityhood Anniversary - In 2013, the city government unit celebrated the first anniversary of
Ilagan's cityhood. Highlighting the city's achievements for whole year. Activities were conducted
with basketball games with local celebrities following a night concert on August 11, 2013.[23]

In the celebration of its second cityhood anniversary in August 11, 2014, the city government
inaugurated new government facilities and structures which are vital in the delivery of basic services
to the people such as the city's General Services Office (GSO) building, Legislative building,
Business Permits and Licensing Office (BPLO), Youth Reformation Center for Children in Conflict
with the Law (CICL), Philippine National Police (PNP) building, diagnostic center in San Antonio City
Hospital and the foot bridge in barangay Baligatan which is said to be the first in the valley.

Mammangi Festival - Ilagan also celebrates the Mammangi Festival.[24] Celebrated during the
last week of May; an Ybanag word meaning the harvest or planting of corn. It honors the farmers
who are the real foundation of Ilagans economy and is celebrated as a thanksgiving activity for
a good harvest. Mammangui came from the Ybanag wordmangui or corn. In the year 2011,
General Ordinance No. 33 promulgated during the administration of Mayor Josemarie L. Diaz,
DMD ordained Mammangui Festival as the official festivity of Ilagan to be celebrated on the
month of May.

During the annual celebration of the festival, the local government is able to initiate activities such as
basketball games, cheerdance competitions, motor and car show, fun-run and a concert held at the
Ilagan Community Center featuring local celebrities which was attended by thousands of Ilagueos.
Highlights of the celebration are the much awaited events like the colorful float parade, street
dancing spectacles executed by young Ilagueo dancers wearing native costumes made of
indigenous materials and beauty pageants like the Little Miss Ilagan, Miss Gay Mammangui and the
search for Mammangui Festival Queen which showcases the beauty and talents of Ilagueas.

City and Patronal Fiestas - Fiestas are common celebrations in the city. Traditionally, people
celebrate the feast days of the respective patron saints of each barangays every year. While the
city celebrates the feast day of its patron, San Fernando, every 30 May.

Aggaw na Ilagan[edit]

The Aggaw na Ilagan is celebrated annually every May 4. It was the date when Ilagan was founded
as a town.

During the 317th year celebration, Ilagan unveiled the World's Largest Armchair (Butaka) in
2003 and was recorded in Guinness World Record.[25]
The year 2012 gave way to the inauguration and blessings of the zipline inside the Ilagan
Sanctuary as the first in Cagayan Valley during the celebration of 326th Aggaw na Ilagan.
Another is the inauguration of the newly constructed boundary marker in Barangay Alibagu and
Barangay Upi in Gamu featuring the local heroes and warriorsMarayag and Dabo.
In the celebration of the 328th founding anniversary of Ilagan, the city government unveiled the
latest added attractions in Ilagan Sanctuary which are the cable car, wall climbing, rappelling,
tree-top adventure, large lagoon for fishing, boating area and the large wave pool to attract more
foreign and local tourists throughout the valley and as well as in the whole country.

Places of interest[edit]
Natural attractions

Ilagan Sanctuary - Ilagan City's major tourist attraction is the Ilagan Sanctuary also known as
the Fuyot Springs National Park located in Barangay Santa Victoria. It is popular for hikers,
mountaineers, spelunkers and birdwatchers who come to explore its mountain trails, caves, odd
rock formations and aviary. Established in 1938 with an area of 819 hectares (2,020 acres).

Santa Victoria Caves - The Santa Victoria Caves are more than 12 Philippine limestone caves
that are found in the foothills of the Sierra Madre Mountain Ranges. The caves are known for
their beautiful and unusual rock formations, sparkling rocks, and subterranean waterfalls. It is
believed to have been occupied by the nomadic Agta or Dumagat people in the past. The caves
are located within the Ilagan Sanctuary, which is part of the Fuyot Springs National Park (FSNP)
in the eastern region of Ilagan City. This area is included in the Palanan Wilderness Area or
Northern Sierra Madre National Park in the province of Isabela in Cagayan Valley.

Pinzal Falls - Another major attraction located within Ilagan Sanctuary. Tourists visiting Pinzal
falls will enjoy the relaxation it offers.

Abuan River - Abuan River is the Philippines Next Big Whitewater Destination. The sixty-five
kilometres (65 km.) Abuan River is the main river channels inside the 50,625 hectares Abuan
Watershed located in the City. The headwater of the said river is located inside the Northern
Sierra Madre Natural Park which is one of the richest and remaining virgin forest in the country
and from within it is a verdant vision of plant and animal life where Philippine eagles
(Pithecophaga jefferyi) soar.

Man-Made Attractions

World's Largest Butaka - The Butaka (Armchair) was built in 29 days at the cost
of 175,000with a total of 1,762 board feet of seasoned narra, 1,740 foot-1 inch diameter of
rattan; it is 11.4 feet tall, 9.70 feet wide and 20.8 feet long and weighs 2,368 kilos, now on
display along Maharlika highway beside Bonifacio park.[26]

Balay na Maguili or Balai na Ilagan and Friendship Hall located beside the Rizal Park and
serves as a multi-purpose space to nurture the artistic talents of locals. It is the headquarters of
Stewards and Friends of Ilagan Incorporated, an NGO assisting the city government in its socio-

tourism efforts. The Balay na Maguili is an arts hall where music lessons are taught to children.
The chapel inside the compound is a well-preserved 18th century structure.

Saint Ferdinand Parish Church is known to house one of the oldest bells in the region. The
church is dedicated to the patron saint, San Fernando. The church is located in the heart of the
city and stands beside the St. Ferdinand College.

Coca-Cola Bottlers Philippines Plant is one of the industrial complexes in the region
frequently visited by excursionists to learn about the mechanized processing system of one of
the countrys favorite soft drinks.

Old Capitol Building was once the seat of power in the province of Isabela. It is now being
used to showcase the history of Isabela in a museum and library.

Isabela Provincial Capitol in Barangay Alibagu is the seat of power of the present day Isabela.
It houses the offices of various national line agencies. In front of the capitol is an open air
amphitheater recommended for evening activities.

Isabela Museum and Library was inaugurated last May 11, 1999 and is housed at the old
capitol building in Barangay Calamagui 2nd. It is the repository and custodian of the rich
historical and cultural heritage of Isabelinos. It features a gallery exhibit-collection of artifacts,
fossils, heirloom pieces, visual arts, dioramas and other historical documents. It is open on
weekdays.

Monuments & Parks

Rizal Park - a replica of the original Rizal Monument in Luneta. At the back of the park is an
open-air mini concert ground for small and minor events. It is strategically located in front of the
Saint Ferdinand Parish Church and Balai na Ilagan in Barangay Centro Poblacion.

Elpidio Quirino Park - a monument built in honor of the former Philippine President Elpidio
Quirino. It is located in front of the Ilagan City Hall in Barangay San Vicente.

Bonifacio Park or Butaka Shrine this monument was built in honor to the Father of the
Philippine Revolution, Andrs Bonifacio. It is also known as the Freedom Park where various
groups exercise their freedom of expression. It also houses the worlds biggest Butaka or
armchair which was brought to Intramuros, Manila during the first WOW Philippines exhibit. It is
located along the National Highway in Barangay Baligatan.

Queen Isabela Park - the newest and the biggest park/monument found within the city that
features a world class ambience and one of a kind architectural design of a great monument in
honor of Queen Isabela II of Spain. The Queen Isabela Park is a culture and arts open air
amphitheatre which is the biggest LGU-built arena in the country. Located in front of the Isabela
Provincial Capitol in Barangay Alibagu along the National Highway.

Catholic Churches & Chapels

Saint Ferdinand Parish Church (Barangay Bagumbayan)

Saint Ferdinand PNP Chapel (Barangay Baligatan)
Our Lady of Perpetual Help Chapel (Barangay Calamagui 1st)
San Antonio de Padua Church (Barangay Centro-San Antonio)
Saint Elizabeth of Portugal Church (Barangay Sta. Isabel Norte)

Sports[edit]
In 1993, Ilagan hosted the Palarong Pambansa (National Games) and in 2011 the SCUAA National
Olympics.[27] It was held at the Isabela Sports Complex.[28] The sports complex was erected by the
National Government and local officials during the presidency of Fidel V. Ramos as a permanent
facility for the province of Isabela, in Barangay Alibagu, Ilagan, the capital. The impressive facility of
50 hectares, on which has built a stadium with a 39,000 seating capacity, likewise has an athlete's
village for housing participants. Some of the houses for the athlete's village were donated by certain
civic-minded citizens and organizations who were approached by the officials of the province
through the initiative of the late former Isabela Governor Benjamin G. Dy. The complex is also
equipped with a basketball court, volleyball courts, swimming pool, badminton and tennis courts,
sepak takraw court, oval rubber track and a baseball field. The Ilagan Community Center was
inaugurated and blessed after its renovation to accommodate minor sports events and celebrations
such as basketball games, badminton and volleyball tournaments, cheerdance competitions,
concerts, and other important activities; it is now fully airconditioned. Paguirigan Memorial Athletic
Stadium in Barangay San Vicente is currently on the process of rehabilitation. It is the chosen venue
of the Cagayan Valley Region Athletic Association (CAVRAA) meet on 2016. It will be equipped
with new modern rubber track and a new swimming pool. The place is expected to host major
sports/athletic events in the future.
Table Tennis is also a popular sport in the city. It is played regularly at Ping-Pong Central at
Francisca Village, Barangay Baligatan and hosted by Table Tennis Association in the City of
Ilagan (TATAC-Ilagan).[29] Regular ranking tournament is held monthly among residents of Ilagan.
Open tournament is held annually. The only Golf course[30] in Isabela is located in Ilagan. This Golf
course has produced several World Junior Golf Champions.
The SK Federation in Ilagan City has a yearly basketball tournament for the youth of Ilagan City.

Local government[edit]
Ilagan City, belonging to the 1st Legislative District of Isabela, is governed by a City Mayor
designated as its Local Chief Executive and by a City Council as its Legislative body in accordance
with the Local Government Code. Both the Mayor and the City Councilors are elected directly by the
people through an election which is being held every three (3) years.
As component city of the province of Isabela, government officials are voted by the residents of the
city. The provincial government still have political jurisdiction over local transactions of the city
government.

Members of the Ilagan City Council (20132016)

Position

District Representative (1st Legislative District of

Isabela)

Chief Executive of the City of Ilagan

Name of City Official

Rep. Rodolfo T. Albano III

Mayor Josemarie L. Diaz, DMD

Presiding Officer of the City Council of Ilagan

Vice Mayor Vedasto D.

Villanueva

Evelyn C. Diaz, PT, RN

Delfinito Emmanuel L. Albano

Antonio J. Uy

Emmanuel Joselito B. Aes, MD

Samuel A. Maddara
Councilors of the City of Ilagan
Perlita G. Gaoiran

Antonio T. Manaligod Jr.

Ma. Josephine B. Borromeo

Margarette U. Chin

Hilario Edmund V. Birung

President of the League of Barangays

- Ilagan Chapter

President of the Youth Council Federation

- Ilagan Chapter
Former Mayors[edit]
Main article: List of mayors of Ilagan City

Gaylor M. Malunay

(position vacant)

There were 28 municipal mayors during its municipal period since 1904. Its first city mayor is
currently Hon. Josemarie L. Diaz, DMD since 2012.

Barangays[edit]
Ilagan City is politically subdivided into 91 barangays, the most number of barangays in the
province.[2] Each barangay consist of seven (7) puroks and some have sitios. Currently, there are
twelve (12) barangays in the city that are considered urban.
Barangays in Ilagan City are grouped into four (4) clusters, namely:

Centro Poblacion Cluster

Northeastern Cluster
San Antonio Cluster
Western Cluster

[show]Barangay

Population
(2010)[3]

Economic
Class[31]

Land Area

Punong Barangay

(km2)

(Term 2010-2013)[32]

*Italicized names are former names, except for Barangays Cabeseria 2 to Cabeseria 27 where their names can be interchanged or both are used respectively.

Infrastructure[edit]
Transportation[edit]
Ilagan City is linked by a national highway called Maharlika Highway (designated as Asian Highway
26, AH26 by Asian Highway Network). On-going road constructions are the Ilagan-Divilacan road
and the Ilagan-Delfin Albano-Mallig Road[33] which are expected to be completed in five years and
the former later this year 2013. Ilagan City's longest bridge is the Malalam Bridge in Barangay
Malalam going north.
In the year 2014, the city government inaugurated the Baculud overflow bridge that connects the
poblacion region to the northeastern barangays going to Tuguegarao City. On February 19, 2015,
the Lullutan Bridge was made open by the local government to the public. On April 7, 2015,
President Benigno S. Aquino traveled to Isabela to lead the inauguration of the new bridge, which
connects the east and west banks of the Cagayan River. It is expected to serve the city's western
barangays and nearby municipalities. Before the construction of the new bridge, residents have to
use barges to transport agricultural products to the market. With its completion, residents would no
longer have to pay barge fees, and travel time between barangays on either side of the river has
been cut short drastically. The bridge in Sta. Maria (Cabiseria 8) begun its construction in the year
2014 and it is expected to be completed by 2015.[34] There are several projects that are being
implemented by the city government such as road concreting and widening, farm to market roads to
help mobilize the transportation of goods and services within the city's jurisdiction and adjacent
municipalities.
There are 29.313 kilometers of concrete road out of 24.56 kilometers of national road that passes
through the City. Other road networks are 33,005 km provincial roads, 8,909 City streets and
269,713 km of barangay roads. Ilagan City is accessible by all means of land transportation. From
the Poblacion to the 91 barangays and five adjacent municipalities. Regular jeepney trips are from
6:00 am to 9:00 pm. Tricycles are available 24 hours a day.

Major Bridges[edit]

Lullutan Bridge

Malalam Bridge

Public transportation[edit]
Ilagan City is the only place in the region that currently uses jeepneys as the primary means of
public transportation within the vicinity. There are 432 Jeepneys used as the major public
transportation in Ilagan with corresponding routes from (Centro-Calamagui-Alibagu-Upi junctionGuibang vice versa), (Centro-Calamagui-Bliss Village-Salindingan vice versa), (Centro-San Antonio
region vice versa), (Centro-Bintacan vice versa) and neighboring towns, plus 4,000 tricycle units and
a dozen of bus companies within the locality. Each company operates a fleet of air conditioned
buses with daily trips to Manila from their respective terminals. Several bus companies also use the
Ilagan route fromTuguegarao City and Northern Isabela to Manila, Dagupan, Baguio City and other
destinations.
The Local Government Unit (LGU) inaugurated the Ilagan City Central Transport Terminal beside
the Northstar Mall in Alibagu on November 28, 2011.

Bus companies[edit]
(with integrated terminals located within the city)

Victory Liner (Ilagan-Manila vice versa), (Ilagan-Dagupan vice versa)

GV Florida Transport (Ilagan-Manila vice versa)

Dalin Liner (Ilagan-Manila vice versa), (Ilagan-Baguio vice versa)

Telecommunications[edit]
PLDT and Digitel are the main Telecommunications service providers in Ilagan City. They operate
and maintain several telecommunications facilities and offices within the city. They offer various
services such as telephony and broadband internet (DSL). Mobile network operators in Ilagan
include Smart Communications, Globe Telecom, Sun Cellular,Talk 'N Text, Touch Mobile, and Red
Mobile. Other companies providing various telecommunications services such as telegraph and fax
services are PT&T, and RCPI now Universal Storefront Services Corporation.

Internet connectivity[edit]
The city has a growing number of internet cafs which enables the public to surf, chat, and play
online games. The majority of the country's Internet Service Providers (ISPs) are available in Ilagan
City such as Smart Broadband, Globe Tattoo, Sun Broadband, PLDT myDSL and Digitel. There are
also wi-fi equipped establishments located in the city proper. Recently, cable TV provider Polaris
Cable Vision is now offering broadband.

Postal and courier services[edit]

The Philippine Postal Corporation (PhilPOst)[35] is the major postal service provider in Ilagan City.
Express delivery services are provided by LBC, FedEx (Air21),JRS Express,[36]and EMS (through
PhilPost).

Power[edit]
Residences and establishments are able to get their energy needs through the service provided by
the Isabela Electric Cooperative II, Inc. (ISELCO II). Its main office is located at Barangay Alibagu.
Based on MPDO record, 63 out of 91 barangays are energized.[37] As of 2011, Ilagan is now 100%
energized. Also, a sub-station of National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) is located in
Barangay Baligatan.

The Department of Energy (DOE) has approved on May 27, 2015 the service contract of the largest
solar PV power plant in the Philippines. Cheap solar energy will be available for residents here soon
after the proponents of the P7-billion solar power plant have already secured its funding.
A twenty-five (25) year Service contract was signed between Living Project 4 People Philippines Inc.
(LP4PP) and the Department of Energy. The signing will start the process of completion of
development, installation, construction, commissioning and operation of a 100.0 MW Solar PV
Project in the city. LP4PP said that the solar project will be constructed in 10 phases to install 10.0
MW for each phase that will start construction in August 2015.
Accordingly, it is a pure solar PV Grid connected installation that will avail on the privileges under
the Renewable Energy Law of the country. The renewable energy to be generated will be sold
directly to the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) under the Feed-in-Tariff Scheme
of the RE law.
The 100.0 MW Solar PV project will help alleviate the current electricity shortage in the country that
causes regular black-outs resulting in industry closures as well as inconvenience to the consumers.
The solar power facility will be constructed at a 100-hectare land at Barangay Cabannungan, several
kilometers away from the city proper

Water and sewerage system[edit]

The City of Ilagan Water District (CIWD) is a government-owned and controlled corporation which is
the supplier of all the water needs of the residents and establishments. It has managed to set-up
several pumping stations all throughout the city to cater the increasing demand of Ilagan's growing
population and economy. Some residents and privately owned business entities have their own
electric pumps and some are able to put up their own traditional deep wells for their own water
needs specially those residents from far-flung barangays who are not able to avail the service
provided by the water district. Its main office is located in Barangay Osmea. At present, several
water refilling stations have opened to serve as an alternative option of the residents for their water
needs. Also, the city government is on the process of implementing some solutions in line with the
water and sewerage problems of the city such as the construction of deep wells in every barangay
and the construction of drainages and canals in those area affected by floods during the rainy and
stormy season.

Medical and healthcare services[edit]

Facilities in health services are distributed in the city. There are two rural health units located in
certain barangays servicing the Ilagueos. There are hospitals like the :

Governor Faustino N. Dy Sr. Memorial Hospital (Public)

San Antonio City Hospital (Public)
Isabela Doctors General Hospital (Private)
Dr. Victor S. Villaroman Memorial Hospital (Private)

The city has its own health center located in barangay San Vicente. There are also dozens of dental
clinics, pharmacies, and drug stores around the city. Recently, the City Government inaugurated a
diagnostic center in San Antonio City Hospital last August 11, 2014.
Overall, the city has two public and two private hospitals, 15 clinics and two RHUs.

Education[edit]
See also: List of schools in Ilagan City

Educational Institutions
Tertiary

Chronicles Institute of Isabela

Colegio de Ilagan
International Technological Institute of Arts and Tourism
Isabela State University - Ilagan Campus
STI Ilagan
Saint Ferdinand College - Main Campus
TESDA-ISAT

Secondary Schools
Private

Casa del Nio Montessori School of Ilagan

Central Isabela Christian Academy
Miracle Light Christian Academy
Saint Ferdinand College - High School Department

Public

Ilagan Sports High School

Ilagan West National High School
Isabela National High School
Isabela School Arts and Trades Cabanungan Annex
Isabela School of Arts and Trades
Rang-Ayan National High School
San Antonio National Agro- Industrial and Vocational High School
San Rafael National and Vocational High School
Santa Isabel National High School

Integrated Schools

Dappat Integrated School

GayongGayong Integrated High School
Lupigue Integrated School
Manaring Integrated School
San Lorenzo Integrated School
San Pedro Integrated School

Elementary Schools

Bagumbayan Elementary School

Casa del Nio Montessori School of Ilagan
Chung Hua Institute
Ilagan East Central School
Ilagan South Central School
Ilagan West Central School

Isabela Unified School

Leap Ahead School of Learning
Montessori Education Center of Asia Pacific at Ilagan
Saint Ferdinand College - Elementary Department
The United Methodist Church - Pre-school & Elementary
The Wesleyan Church

Ilagan City is the center of education in Isabela especially for neighboring municipalities
of Tumauini, Gamu, Roxas, Quirino,Naguilian, Benito Soliven, San Mariano and Delfin Albano.
There are ten (10) Secondary Public Schools around the city and three (3) other Private Secondary
Schools. There are also numerous elementary schools around Ilagan, while the most populated are
located in the poblacion.[38] The Government also supports scholarship grants to deserving students
for college degree programs.
Provincial offices of the different government agencies like the Technical Education and Skills
Development Authority (TESDA) and Department of Education (DepEd) are all located in Ilagan City.
Ilagan City has formerly three (3) districts namely: Ilagan East District, Ilagan West District and
Ilagan South District when Ilagan was under the Division of Isabela, the mother school division.
These districts has clusters of schools geographically located.
On January 21, 2013, the city created its own school division which is now called DepEd Division of
the City of Ilagan with the newly installed head Dr. Denizon P. Domingo, the city school division
superintendent.[39] The city now has its own school divisions following the success of its cityhood bid
in 2012. On June 17, 2013 the school division established six (6) school districts in the city as
follows:

Ilagan North District

Ilagan Northwest District
Ilagan East District
Ilagan South District
Ilagan West District
San Antonio District

Casilagan Elementary School in Barangay Casilagan (Cabeseria 14 and 16) is geographically

located within the San Antonio region of Ilagan City but the school is grouped under Ilagan South
District instead of Ilagan San Antonio District. Other schools who belong to Ilagan South District are
Cabeseria 25 Elementary School and Cabeseria 27 Elementary School.
Ilagan North Central School officials as well as barangay officials in Barangay Bagumbayan, Ilagan
City is on their move to rename the school from its present name to Bagumbayan Elementary
School.
The city has a total of 88 elementary schools, 10 secondary high schools, six (6) integrated high
schools and almost a dozen private schools from all levels.

Media[edit]
Television[edit]
Cable television providers:

Polaris Cable Vision - provides cable TV channels in Centro Poblacion barangay clusters in the
City of Ilagan.[40]

1888 Cable Network - provides cable TV channels in the eastern areas of Ilagan City including
parts of San Antonio.[41]

TV stations:

DZZN TV 4 National Broadcasting Network (now defunct)[42]

GMA TV 5 (Relay) GMA 7

Radio[edit]
AM Radio station:

711 kHz DZYI Sunshine Radio

FM Radio station:

89.7 mHz HotFM Ilagan (now defunct)

Print Media[edit]

The Luzonwide News Correspondent. It is a weekly newspaper (named after the person who
brings the news[citation needed])edited and published by journalist Villamor Visaya Jr. based in Ilagan
City, Isabela[43]

The New Valley Times Press[44]