MUNICIPAL PROFILE

Republic of the Philippines

Province of Isabela

MUNICIPALITY OF SAN AGUSTIN

I. Vision/Mission

VISION:

We envision San Agustin as the crossbred buffalo capital and producer of dairy products in
Region 02 with empowered citizenry living under a competitive economic progress, resilient and
balanced environment run by competent and honest governance.

MISSION:

This local government unit, as a people-centered organization, dedicates itself to the policy of
local autonomy through the enhancement of the capabilities of the municipal government in the
delivery of basic services to its constituents and to the ideal of people empowerment by encouraging,
institutionalizing and strengthening people’s participation in local governance.

II.General Information (please include maps and photos)

a. Brief History

San Agustin was once a virgin forest inhabited by what are called the aborigines of the land,
the Ilongots, and the Aetas locally called “Pogots”.

The municipality was once a part of Jones, Isabela while Jones was a part of Echague, Isabela before
1921. At the start, the means of transportation was difficult as no roads were connecting Masaya to
the town of Jones. It was this hardship that instigated Mr. Agustin Agpaoa, a selflessly dedicated man,
and the residents of Masaya Centro, Masaya Sur, Masaya Norte, Nemmatan, Dappig, Uldogan,
Palacian Grande, Sinaoangan Norte, Sinaoangan Sur, Dabubu, Rangay, Virgoneza, Quimalabasa,
Mapalad, Sto. Niño and San Juan to petition the president of the Philippines, then his Excellency
Elpidio Quirino for the organization of their barrios into an autonomous municipality. The petition
was favorably considered by the municipal council of Jones, Isabela on April 30, 1949, through a
created committee headed by the council member Antonio Vallejo, Pedro Batoon, and Josephina
Dalupang, under Municipal Resolution No. 35 Series 1949. By Executive Order No. 269, dated
September 28, 1949, by President Elpidio Quirino, the municipality of San Agustin was created and
separated from Jones with its name in honor of its Patron Saint. This was realized on January 1, 1950,
with an estimated population of 5,050. On January 4, 1950, San Agustin had its inaugural sessions as
a municipality through the recommendation of the Secretary of Interior and Local Gov’t and under the
provision of Section 68 of the Revised Administrative Code.

As embodied in Executive Order No. 269 of President Elpidio Quirino, the seat of the municipal
government is in Dappig. The fact that the place was a thick forest scarcely populated and with rolling
terrain, it was moved to Barrio Masaya Sur, but due to lack of donors, it was finally moved in Masaya
Centro, which became the permanent site of the municipal government building. The people on a self-
help “Bayanihan” system through the leadership of Mayor Marcelo A. Padilla constructed the first
municipal building.

People of San Agustin, Isabela, particularly farmer-owners of Crossbred Buffaloes, experienced the
advantages of shifting production of native carabao to crossbreds. The people of this municipality
came up with the idea of having a centerpiece of the celebration of the ARAW NG SAN AGUSTIN –
the parade of CROSSBRED BUFFALOES. To make the celebration more colorful and meaningful,
this event is popularized as “NUANG FESTIVAL”. NUANG in ILOCANO means Carabao.

The municipality is known as the “Home of the Nuang Festival” and to be the highest producer of
Crossbred Buffaloes in the country and producer of dairy products in the region.

b. Culture/Tradition
Tradition is a way of life. For quite sometime, the people of San Agustin, Isabela,
particularly farmer-owners of Crossbred Buffaloes, experienced the advantages of shifting
production of native carabaos to crossbreds.

Considering the grandiose benefits and pride of having the biggest population of
crossbred buffalos, the people of this municipality came up with the idea of having a
centerpiece of celebration of the ARAW NG SAN AGUSTIN – the parade of CROSSBRED
BUFFALOES. To make the celebration more colorful and meaningful, this event is
popularized as “NUANG FESTIVAL”. NUANG in ILOCANO means Carabao.
Like in other municipalities where specials events are celebrated and made famous,
the Municipality desires to be known in the entire country as the highest producer of
Crossbred Buffaloes.

c. Official Seal
 The San Agustin Color. By virtue of this Ordinance, the municipality declares
YELLOW and GREEN, in various shades there is, as its official colors. Yellow stands for the
golden grains, both for corn and rice, also the color which stands for Tourism (Golden
Yellow) as well as the color for Culture and Arts. Green symbolizes hope among San
Agustinians, eco-tourism, environment and nature. Combined together, Yellow and Green
represents San Agustin as a productive and bountiful municipality surrounded by Mother
Nature and a portal, a gateway, a connector, a boundary to Quirino, Isabela’s neighboring
province.

This Logo represents the following meaning:

Outer Circle – symbolic of San Agustin as part of the Province of Isabela, the Queen
Province of the Philippines.
Inner Circle – represents the 23 Barangays united as one and with one accord that
places San Agustin as an Agricultural and Ecotourism area.
Shield – means the bravery and disaster resiliency cum safety-mindedness of the
town and its people.
The Mountains – represents the town as a part of the Sierra Madre Mountain Ranges
and its care, preservation, conservation and protection of nature and environment.
The Rice Fields – embody the people of San Agustin who came from different
descents, speak different dialects, and belong to different tribes or beginnings but unite in one
accord, and strive to respond to the challenges of development and time.
The Drawings – presents the major continuing products of San Agustin: corn, rice,
banana, cacao, etc. all for the people’s livelihood and revenue generation via their rich and
fertile soil.
The Blue Slanting Line in the Middle – embodies the mighty Cagayan River and all
the other water tributaries which makes fishing and water activities an additional livelihood of
San Agustin.
d. Natural and Physical Characteristics
 Location and Land Area

San Agustin is situated southernmost part of Isabela, about 400km road

length from Manila. The municipality of Jones bound it in the north and west, south
to southeast by Quirino Province and on the northeast by the Municipality of
Echague, Isabela.

Based on San Agustin Cadastre Pb-(af)-02-00150 approved on January 5,

2015, San Agustin has an area of 30,509.8787 hectares. Out of this, 28, 631.0008
hectares is uncontested, 1, 403.5527 hectares is contested versus Maddela, Quirino,
and 475.3253 hectares contested versus Aglipay, Quirino.

The municipality was bounded from the north to northwest by the

Municipality of Jones, west by Aglipay of Quirino Province, southwest to the south to
southeast by Maddela of Quirino Province, on the east by the Municipality of
Dinapigue, and on the northeast by the Municipality of Echague.

Topography and Slope Characteristics

a. Topography/Elevation

Along the boundaries of San Agustin are mountainous and hilly. From the
east towards the west to the north are hills and mountains. Moving inward to its
central areas are generally flat agricultural lands.

Based on elevation map, the highest is on the eastern part of the municipality,
particular along eastern portion of barangay Baustista with an elevation within the
range of 500m to 1000m above the sea level and area coverage of 2,639.23 has. or
9.48% of the total land area of San Agustin. The second highest elevation is from
300-500m above sea level that is also within a portion of barangay Bautista with an
area of 902.02 hectares or 3.24% of the total land area of the municipality. The
largest area of about 16,383.84 hectares is within an elevation of 100-300m above sea
level while the lowest elevation with less than 100m above sea level has an
aggregates area of 7,914.91 hectares or 28.43% of the total land area of the
municipality.
 b. Slope Characteristics

The terrain of the Municipality of San Agustin has six different slope
characteristics. The area within the slope of 0-3% has an aggregate area of 11,734.56
hectares representing 42.15% of the total land area of the municipality. These areas
described as level to nearly level areas. Areas within the slope of 3-8%, considered
gently sloping to undulating has an aggregate area of 3,680.45 hectares while those
within the slope of 8-18%, described as undulating to rolling, has an area of 5,902.08
hectares. Those areas with slopes above 18% are within the forest zone. These areas
broken down into the following slope ranges: 18-30% rolling to moderately steep, has
an area of 3,054.05 hectares; 30-50% slope has an area of 2,288.45 hectares and
above 50%, very steep has an area of 1,180.41 hectare.

Climate, Rainfall and Typhoon Occurrence

o Climate
Based on climate map of the Philippines, the climate within the
municipality falls under the “Type IV” climate. Rainfall is more or less evenly
distributed throughout the year. This is also intermediate between the first and the
second type, although it resembles the second more closely since it has dry
season.

o Rainfall
As per data gathered from PAG-ASA sub-office at ISU Echague
campus on the average monthly rainfall distribution for the year 2000, the highest
thickness of rain was recorded in the month of December with a thickness of
330.05mm. The second occurred in the month of October with a thickness of
324.10mm. while the lowest occurred in the month of June with a thickness of
29.10mm.

o Temperatures
The temperature in the San Agustin, Isabela is moderately high. From
1971 to 2000, the recorded mean maximum temperature is 28.7°C which falls in
the month of June, July, & August and it is expected to increase up to 29.6°C.
Meanwhile, the coldest months are December, January, and February, which
recorded the lowest mean minimum temperature of 24.1 °C.
 o Wind

The prevailing wind direction in San Agustin from October to January is

towards the North and towards the south during the months of February to
September (PAGASA ECHAGUE STA. 1977-2003). Meanwhile, the average
annual wind speed was recorded at 3KTS (PAGASA).

Soil Type and Characteristics

Soils of San Agustin have five (5) classifications namely: mountain soils
(undifferentiated), San Manuel sandy loam, San Manuel loam, Guimbalalon clay
loam and Cauayan sandy loam.

 Guimbalalon Clay Loam (280)

A soil of the Guimbalalon series of primary origin develops from igneous
rocks the undesites. It is located from rolling to hilly. External drainage is excessive;
internal drainage is good. The series is characterized by brown soil with the outcrops
of blast and the undesites rocks.

This soil type is found in the southern part of the province especially in the
Municipality of Jones and San Agustin. The land is rolling to hilly. The great part is
still under thick forest, but places along the roads are already planted to such crops as
corns, upland rice and fruit trees. In the cultivated areas, erosion is a problem that
should be controlled or minimized so as not to jeopardize the still soil.

The soil is fairly rich in organic matter as most of the land under cultivation
was recently opened. The deep soil is friable when moist and slightly sticky when
wet. Some boulders as outcrops are present which to certain extend hamper
cultivation.

 Mountain Soil Undifferentiated (45)

This miscellaneous land type comprises a large area that is occupied by the
Sierra Madre Range in eastern Isabela. This mountain range consists of steep slopes
and in general the mountains have high elevations. Some places are about 1,784
meters high.

These mountains are volcanic origin and consist of basaltic and diuretic rocks
with gabbros and peritonitis as well as other coarse grained basic rocks. In the
southeastern portion of the province are hills of limestone formation. Soils derived
from the volcanic rocks are red and deep which are classified under the so called lot
soils. Soils derived from limestone as found in southeastern of Isabela are black and
shallow.

 San Manuel Sandy Loam (96)

San Manuel sandy loam is found mostly along the Cagayan River and also
along the Ilagan River. It exists in narrow flood plains on both sides of the aforesaid
rivers. This soil type, because of its location, is subject to inundation when rivers
overflow their banks. Due to the recurrence of floods, deposition of soil materials on
the plains is inevitable. Consequently, several places subject to flooding nave sandy
topsoil. Stream bank erosion is also a problem in these areas especially along the
inner curves of the river.

The organic content of the soil is low, and therefore green manuring is highly
recommended. In this connection the planting of mongo or other legumes must be
observed and later on when in the succulent stage the crop is plowed under. Since this
soil type borders rivers and streams, bank erosion has always been hazard, it is
advisable to plant grasses ipil-ipil along the river to protect the land further erosion.

 San Manuel Loam (190)

San Manuel loam covers a relatively small area compared to the sandy loam
type. This soil type is found in the northern part of the province along the highway
connecting to Divisoria, Sta. Maria and Sto. Tomas. In the southern part of the
province it is found in the municipality of San Agustin.

The characteristics of the loam type are quote similar to those of the sandy
loam type. However, the former has a much finer texture and thus many of its
physical properties are relatively more intense than those of the later. The water
holding capacity of San Manuel loam is not as drought as San Manuel sandy loam.

Green manuring, to increase the organic matter content of this soil type, is
necessary. A soil high in inorganic responds better to fertilization than one that
contains a very low amount.

 Cauayan Sandy Loam (396)

 This one of the eleven soil types is of the rolling upland. This is found in
separate places in the province. The biggest are extends from the most tip of Isabela
towards the north practically the eastern section of the towns of San Agustin, Jones,
Echague and Angadanan.

The surface soil is dark to grayish brown sandy loam. There are plenty of iron
concretions on the surface. In some instances, places of coalesced iron concretion
appear as rock outcrops. These hamper plowing and cultivation.

Cauayan Sandy loam needs fertilization and the application of lime. Soil
exhaustion is very evident in many cornfields. For fertilizers to be more effective, the
organic content of the soil should be increased. This could be achieved through green
manuring. The organic matter of the soil will also make it more friable.

III. Basic Profile

SOCIO-ECONOMIC PROFILE

Income Classification 3rd class

IRA 186,608,639.00(2022)
Local Taxes 9,278,014.43 (2022)
No. of Barangays 23 Barangays
Population 22,096(PSA 2020)
Population Growth Rate 0.91(2000-2015)
Population 14 years old and below 6,009(PSA 2015)
Population 15-64 years old 15,250 (PSA 2015)
Population 65 years and over 1,621 (PSA 2015)
Land Area 30,509.8787 Has.(San Agustin Cad. Pb-
(af)-02-000150)
Population Density (persons/Has) 125/100 has.
Distance from Manila (km) 400 k.m.
Labor Force 9575(PSA 2015)
Employment Rate 91.92%
Literacy Rate 99.89% (PSA 2015)
Maternal Mortality Rate 0
Language/Dialect Ilocano/ English/Bisaya/Tagalog/
Number of Households 5,544 (PSA 2020)
Average Household Size 4.1(PSA 2015)
Police Force 38
Fire Protection Force Size 9 Fireman
Number of BHWs 93
Number of Non-Government Organizations 26
Number of Car Accidents per 10,000 population 60/10,000 population
Total Road Length (km) 233.33 kms.
Number of Bridges 12
No. of Index crimes per 10,000 population 2.7
 No. of Non-Index crimes per 10,000 population 26
Household poverty ratio
No. of medical staff in public & private hospitals 19
Number of Accredited NGO’s 26

No. of Power Connections (All Types) 5264

No. of Potable Water Connections None (no treated water source except
water stations)
No. of Landline Telephone Connections none
Estimated Number of Cell phone Subscribers More than 15,000
No. of Internet Service Providers 4
No. of cell sites 3
Registered Business Establishments 415
No. of Banks NONE
No. of Medical Clinics 1 public & 1 private
No. of Dental Clinics 1 public & 2 private
No. of Dermatology Clinics none
No. of EENT Clinics none
No. of Orthopedic Clinics none
No. of Optical Clinics 1
No. of Tertiary Schools none
No. of Secondary Schools 4 public,1 private
No. of Elementary Schools 14 public,2 private
No. of Primary Schools 7
No. of Preparatory Schools 2 private & 23 public
No. of Special Schools none
No. of Recreational Parks 25
No. of Recreational/Amusement Centers 5
No. of Cultural Facilities and Historical Sites none

V. Tourist Attraction

a) NUANG FESTIVAL .Despite the introduction of mechanized agriculture, the carabao (Bubalus
Bubalis Carabanesis) remains a farmer’s indispensable helpmate in the fields. This beast of burden is
honoured in the Nuang Festival of San Agustin. The town boasts of over 300 heads and farmers bring
them over to the poblacion (town center) for the festival. San Agustin supplies carabao milk & dairy
products to other towns. The festival also serves as a venue for promoting other major products such
as banana chips and cacao products.
b) Kimmulluong Spiritual Sanctuary. Located at the Eastern Side of Barangay
Sinaoangan Sur, San Agustin, Isabela. It has an area of about 12 hectares. It is a place which is already
known to the locals of the barrio eversince. It is designated and declared by the barangay for spiritual
recreation and as a religious destination with an area of about 12 hectares. It offers so much more, that
tourists, upon hearing its name and seeing its pictures, would eagerly want to explore it and will surely
want to visit it again and again to explore more of it…
The said sanctuary is naturally made of gigantic and wall-like rock formations that replicate
animal feeding areas of Christian historical origin. It depicts a manger and it creates a reflection
atmosphere to the religious people.
Also, it resembles one of the stories in the Bible when the Jews were in Refidim and they ran
out of water. Moses called on God for help, and God commanded him to strike a particular rock with his
staff. The rock split open and water gushed forth. For 40 years, this rock traveled with the people and
served them faithfully, providing water for them and their animals, its tributaries serving as borders
between the tribes when they camped.

Cascading water falls

Cave which is good for spelunking

 Stalactites at the sides of the cave

Rock formations

c) Dimasilong Eco-Tourism Park. Name was changed from “BINUNGBONG HIDDEN PARADISE”
TO “DIMASILONG ECO-TOURISM PARK” and was declared as an Eco-Tourism Site in the
Municipality of San Agustin, Isabela thru MUNICIPAL RESOLUTION NO. 2022-19.

VI. Investment Opportunities

a. Industry Profile
Industry Overview
 The municipality has 81 industrial establishments classified as small scale or cottage
industry. There are 27 rice mills, 12 furniture shops, 6 bakeries, 5 tailoring & dress making
shops, beauty shops and 8 welding/auto repair shops.

There are industries which are not ventured into like banana processing, meat
processing, fish preservation, fruit preservation, peanut processing, soap making, etc. which
raw materials and resources, could support these industrial ventures however, people have
inadequate skills. Marketing of products poses another problem.

VII. Cost of Doing Business

a. Wage Rate

Current Minimum

Wage Rates (w/ New Minimum Wage

Sectors/Industry New Wage Increase
integration of ?10.00 Rate

COLA)

 Php 30.00 upon  Php 400.00

effectivity of upon effectivity
Non-Agriculture Php 370.00 this Wage of this Wage
Order Order
 Php 20.00 on  Php 420.00
January 01, January 01,
2023 (2nd 2023 (2nd
tranche) tranche)

 Php 30.00 upon  Php 375.00

effectivity of upon effectivity
this Wage of this Wage
Agriculture Php 345.00 Order Order
 Php 25.00 on  Php 400.00
January 01, January 01,
2023 (2nd 2023 (2nd
tranche) tranche)

Service/Retail Php 345.00  Php 30.00 upon  Php 375.00

effectivity of upon effectivity
Establishment this Wage of this Wage
Order Order
Employing not more  Php 25.00 on  Php 400.00
October 01, October 01,
than 10 2022 (2nd 2022 (2nd
 tranche) tranche)
 Php 20.00 on  Php 420.00
January 01, January 01,
2023 (3rd 2023 (3rd
tranche) tranche)

b. Power
Average Rate per KWH
Type
ISELCO QUIRELCO
Residential 14.9473
Low voltage (Com., Indus.,
14.0720
Public bldg
Higg voltage (Com., Indus.,
12.4303 -
Public bldg

c. Water
Type Rate per cubic meter
1-7 cu.m. = 60.00
Residential
1 cu.m. – up = additional 8.00/cu.m.
1-7 cu.m. = 60.00
Commercial
1 cu.m. – up = additional 8.00/cu.m.
Industrial -

d. Communication Rate
Telephone
International
Monthly Domestic Long
Installation Long Distance
Category Subscription Distance Calls
Cost Calls (per
Cost (per minute)
minute)
Residential - - - -
Commercial - - - -

Internet
Category Rate per Hour
DSL Subscription -
Residential Package 1,500
Business Package -

Internet Cafes 15.00

e. Real Estate Cost

Cost per square meter
Classification
1 class
st
2 class
nd
3rd class 4th class 5th class
Residential 300 240 180 90 -
Commercial 600 500 400 - -
 Agricultural -
Irrigated rice land 50 45 40 35
Non-irrigated rice land 185 140 120 110 -

Prepared by: Checked by:

ENGR. EDMARK JAY P. MAXIMO, EnP. ENGR. ARTURO V. LEONIN

PDO II M.P.D.C.