ALBERT DANIEL R.

CAMANGIAN BSHRM-3A

Located in the Cagayan Valley Region in Luzon, the province is surrounded by Ifugao,

Isabela, Quirino, Aurora Nueva Ecija, Pangasinan and Benguet. It also bounds three mountain

ranges Sierra Madre, Cordillera and Caraballo. Nueva Vizcaya is a province with an interesting

history, which shows in its structures. And its also a place for wonderful outdoor activities. Nueva

Vizcaya is surrounded by North Luzon's three large mountain ranges, Nueva Vizcaya is generally

mountainous, varying from steep mountains to rolling hills, with some valleys and plains

(http://nuevavizcaya.gov.ph/provincial-profile). It is bordered on the west by the Cordillera

mountains, on the east by the Sierra Madre mountains, and on the south by the Caraballo

Mountains (Lancion, 1995). The province (and the entire Cagayan Valley) are separated from the

Central Luzon plains by the Caraballo Mountains. Nueva Vizcaya comprises 15 municipalities,

with Bayombong as the provincial capital and major educational center, Bambang (the

agricultural hub) and Solano (the financial district) as the major commercial centers,

and Kayapa as the summer capital and "vegetable bowl" of the province. All municipalities are

encompassed by a lone legislative district. The population of Nueva Vizcaya in the 2015 census

was 452,287 people, with a density of 110 inhabitants per square kilometre or 280 inhabitants per

square mile (Philippine Statistics Authority).

Nicknamed the Citrus Capital of the Philippines, this landlocked province is the place to

be when you want to get oranges, honey dew, sweet ponkan, yacon, red chandler pomelo and

seedless Satsuma. But other than offering a great variety of citrus fruits, the province is also home

to several other attractions. Given this makeup, its no wonder why Nueva Vizcaya is a popular

destination among outdoor enthusiasts.

 Dalton Pass is the gateway to Cagayan Region and, because of its strategic importance,

was the scene of intense battle at the end of World War 2. A shrine has been erected to honor

sacrifices of Filipino troops. Kirang Pass has a monument erected by the Japanese to commemorate

the gallantry of soldiers on both sides. (http://www.touristspotsphilippines.com/category/luzon-

tourist-attractions/).

Capisaan Cave System is the fifth longest cave system in the Philippines. Measuring 4.2

kilometers long, this is a cave where youll see some rare calcite formations, as well as pristine

stalactite and stalagmite formations. The cave also has a subterranean river that also doubles as a

passageway. Although it may be dark and dangerous, it is nonetheless intriguing. Its also called

the Lion-Alayan Cave for its main and exit points are the Lion and Alayan Caves. The Lion-Alayan

Cave is a large horizontal cave system with an array of stalactites, stalagmites and columns

with draperies, where water flows towards an underground river. Not only are the caves site for a

great spelunking adventure, but its also an important wildlife habitat. Species that were observed

in the area include Taritic Hornbill, Philippine macaque, Philippine creeper and cloud rat. Trekking

in the multi-chambered cave takes about four hours (Capisaan Cave Image source:

www.jjexplorer.com). Imugan Falls measuring thirty five feet, this waterfall is located high up in

the Caraballo Mountain Range. Raging water pours itself onto a shallow basin-like pool which

leads all the way to the Imugan River. The falls is located about 30 minutes from the National

Highway after which youll be greeted with a very pristine and rarely touched jewel. Yes, getting

to the actual falls requires a bit of exercise, some six to seven kilometers of it, but reaching the end

of your journey is well worth the physical exertion (Imugan Falls Image source:

www.skyscanner.com.ph ). Put simply, this is nature at its best. Mt Ugo, sometimes called Mt Ugu

is one of the major destinations in the Cordilleras. Compared to Mt Pulag, this one has a lower
elevation. But here, you get to see some lovely pine forests and really awesome views. One thing

to note: the traverse that connects Nueva Vizcaya to Benguet is quite the challenge. From here,

its quite possible to traverse to Mt Pulag. St Dominic Cathedral, is a living testament to the

grandeur of what the old town was. This church was built around the 17th century and was razed

by fire twice and rebuilt on the same ground. The facade remains the same as it was years ago and

is a treasured gem from a time long passed. Other interesting destinations in town include: Peoples

Museum and Library, Mt Palali and Kayapa Fruits and Vegetable Farms.

The Church of San Vicente Ferrer is situated in a well-preserved complex. It was built

during the second half of the 18th century under the Dominicans. It was declared as a National

Cultural Treasure. As impressive as the facade of the church is, the four-storey bell tower is equally

impressive as well. It is made of red bricks and makes a wonderful distinction from the church.

What makes the place great are the age-old acacia trees that surround the compound. Photography

lovers will sure love framing the church with the branches and all. If youve got a thing for very

old trees, youll be pleased to know that one acacia dates back to around 1880 and was planted by

settlers from Nueva Ecija, a nearby province. For that reason alone, this church is well worth the

visit (http://triptheislands.com/destinations/5-of-the-best-tourist-attractions-in-nueva-vizcaya/).
References:

Capisaan Cave Image source: www.jjexplorer.com

http://www.touristspotsphilippines.com/category/luzon-tourist-attractions/

http://nuevavizcaya.gov.ph/provincial-profile
http://triptheislands.com/destinations/5-of-the-best-tourist-attractions-in-nueva-vizcaya/
Imugan Falls Image source: www.skyscanner.com.ph

Lancion, Jr., Conrado M.; de Guzman, Rey (cartography) (1995). "The Provinces". Fast Facts
about Philippine Provinces (The 2000 Millenium ed.). Makati, Metro Manila: Tahanan Books.
pp. 118, 48, 49, 84. ISBN 971-630-037-9. Retrieved 16 January 2015.
Pinus kesiya forest Mt. Ugo Image source: anne_jimenez on Flickr/creative commons

"Province: Nueva Vizcaya". PSGC Interactive. Quezon City, Philippines: Philippine Statistics
Authority. Retrieved 8 January 2016.
Region II (Cagayan Valley)". Census of Population (2015): Total Population by Province, City,
Municipality and Barangay (Report). PSA. Retrieved 20 June 2016