POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES

Ilagan, Isabela
(Capital of the Province of Isabela)

Ilagan, officially the City of Ilagan, is a 1st class city and capital of
the province of Isabela, Philippines. According to the 2015 census, it has a population of
145,568 people making it the most populous city in the province.

With a total land area of 116,626 hectares (288,190 acres), it is the largest city in the island
of Luzon and the fourth largest city in land area in the Philippines, after Davao City, Puerto
Princesa and Zamboanga City. It holds the title as the most number of voters in the province
with 88,413 voters.

Ilagan was a first class municipality before it become a city.

History

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.
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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 Mallig and 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.

On 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 on
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.

On 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 José 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.
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Etymology

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.

Geography
Ilagan is located on the central portion of the province of Isabela. It is bounded by 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 is approximately 96 kilometres
(60 mi) from Tuguegarao and 397 kilometres (247 mi) from Metro Manila (linked by a
national highway via Santa Fe, Nueva Vizcaya).

Land
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. 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 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
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
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In the 2015 census, the population of Ilagan, was 145,568 people, with a density of 120
inhabitants per square kilometre or 310 inhabitants per square mile.

The rapid increase of population in Ilagan is attributed to the current growth of economic
activities specially in the sectors of Commerce, Industry, Agriculture and Housing. Ilagan is
one of the 145 emerging cities in the Philippines with more than 100,000 residents. Statistics
from the Philippine Statistics Authority show that Ilagan had a population 131,24311 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.

Economy

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
underutilized.

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 2000–
2006. 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 (2000–2006). 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
year’s trend, industries currently operating are agro-industries, wood-based manufacturing
or service-oriented industries.
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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 then 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 eight (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, Puregold, Jollibee, McDonald's, Red Ribbon, Goldilocks, Mang
Inasal, Greenwich, Chowking and many other stores.

At present, Ilagan 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) and the multi-million pesos New Ilagan Public Market Complex in Barangay
Baligatan. In front of the public market is a three-storey structure called as Ilagan City Mall,
the first LGU-owned and operated mall in the city. 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 home to eighteen (18)
banks which is primarily composed of universal, commercial, savings and rural banks. There
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are also thousands of commercial establishments composed of distributors, retail and

wholesale. Pawnshops, lending companies, insurance agencies, cooperatives and other
financial institutions are spread all over the city.

Food and beverage

There are several food and beverage companies in the City. The largest of which is
the Coca-Cola FEMSA Philippines, Inc. (CCFPI), 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 cafés, restaurants and several multi-national fastfood companies opened their
respective branch/es in the city.

Furniture making

One major industry in Ilagan 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, where the Guinness Book of Records' entry for the biggest lounge chair in the world,
the Butaka, was manufactured.

Tobacco industry

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.
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Agri-support activities

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. Other
support facilities, warehouses and small rice mills, strategically located in different
barangays of Ilagan address the storage needs of farmers during the harvest season.

Jeep and tricycle body building

There are 9 motor vehicle assembly shops in Ilagan; 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.

Real estate

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 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
BNRDC’s 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, and Pascual Village in Roxas, Isabela. At present, there are eleven (11) reputable
subdivisions located in the city.
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Culture

Ilagueños today reflects a combination of indigenous, Chinese and Hispanic descent. The
core community was composed of tribes notably the Agta, Ibanag, Gaddang, Yogad, and
Kalinga which mirrors the habitation of the Philippines believed to have started 26,000 years
ago with various strains of Aetas, then Indonesians coming 5,000 years ago and the Malays
in droves starting of Aetas, then Indonesians coming 5,000 years ago and the Malays in
droves starting 200 years B.C. up to 1500 A.D. Trade and cultural relations with Chinese
preceded the 16th century incursion of the Spaniards.

Ilocanos who already developed their own distinct traits were recorded to have migrated
massively in the 19th century owing to the accessibility of the land and vast opportunities in
the area straddling from the present day provinces of Cagayan and Nueva Vizcaya. It was
proclaimed a province by a Royal Decree and Named Isabela de Luzon on the first day of
May in 1856.

The present day Ilagan is an area that was detached from the old province of Nueva
Vizcaya. The first municipal president of the town, Rafael Maramag, added luster to the
history of his hometown by becoming the first governor of the province of Isabela after its
reorganization by the Americans in 1901.

Since then, the fortunes of Isabela as a province and Ilagan as a town followed a similar
path to the rest of the country’s history as a commonwealth nation and as a free republic in
1942, the Japanese occupation, liberation, political and military independence to this day.

Ilagan today, acknowledged as the corn capital of the country lives its economic boom while
playing a vital contributory role for the province of Isabela as its capital since its creation as
a province. To the predominantly agricultural economy of the province of Isabela, the city
adds the vigor of its trade, commercial and cultural life.
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Festivals and events

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

 Binallay is a native rice cake prepared year-round in Ilagan. It

was during the administration of then Mayor Albano that Binallay
Festival became the official festivity of Ilagan but was later
replaced by the Mammangui Festival.
 Cityhood Anniversary -
Celebrated every 11th day of August.
The city government celebrated the
first anniversary of Ilagan's cityhood
charter in 2013.
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Mammangi Festival- Celebrated during the last week of May; Mammangi is

an Ybanag word meaning the harvest or
planting of corn. It honors the farmers
who are the real foundation of Ilagan’s
economy and is celebrated as a
thanksgiving activity for a good harvest.
In 2011, General Ordinance No. 33
promulgated during the administration
of then Mayor Diaz
ordained Mammangui Festival as the official festivity of Ilagan to be celebrated on the month
of May.

 Patronal Fiesta – As a predominantly Catholic nation, the culture of observing the feast
days of the most venerated Roman Catholic icons are common and widespread in the
Philippines. In Ilagan, the city celebrates the feast day of its patron, San Fernando,
every 30 May.
 Balai na Ilagan has been set up to give a communal space of Ilagueños with the
aim to nurture artistic talents of residents and to provide a multipurpose hall
within the diocese of the Roman Catholic Church. Balai na Ilagan is intended to
celebrate arts and culture in the province of Isabela.
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Natural attractions

 Ilagan Sanctuary – Ilagan'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).
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 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. 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.
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 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. Tourists and visitors
can also try intense activities like water rafting, kayaking and wall climbing to enjoy the
breath taking experience that this place offers.

 Burmurbur Falls – A hidden fresh water haven recently discovered in Barangay Sindon
Bayabo.

Man-made attractions
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 World's Largest Butaka – The Butaka (Armchair) was built in 29 days at the cost
of ₱175,000 with 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.

.
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 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 was formerly
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known as the Saint Ferdinand Cathedral before the episcopal seat of the Roman
Catholic Diocese of Ilagan was transferred at Saint Michael the Archangel
Cathedral in Gamu, Isabela. The church is located in the heart of the city and stands
beside the St. Ferdinand College.

 Coca-Cola FEMSA 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 country’s favorite soft drinks.

 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.
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 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

 Ilagan Japanese
Tunnel is a village that
lets visitors travel back
to the Japanese
occupation. It is located
in Barangay Santo
Tomas.
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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.

 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 amphitheater 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.
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 Mammangui Park - it was the former Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP)
Triangle in Barangay Baligatan. This park was established by the city government to
acknowledge the efforts of Ilagueño farmers for being the backbone of the local
economy which made Ilagan as the top corn producer in the Philippines.
 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 Shrine or Butaka Park - this monument was built in honor to the Father of
the Philippine Revolution, Andrés Bonifacio. It is also known as the Freedom Park where
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various groups exercise their freedom of expression. It also houses the world’s 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.

Other attractions
 City of Ilagan Sports Complex
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LOCALITY
RESEARCH
(Ilagan, Isabela)

Submitted by:

Salas, Melinda A.

BEED 3-1D

Submitted by:

Prof. Manolito San Jose