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#ILAGAN, ISABELA - QUEEN ISABELA

History
Ilagan was an organized town even before the
Spaniards came. The settlers used to call the
place as “Bolo”. It is actually one of the most
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.
In May 4, 1686, Ilagan was founded and
missionaries converted the natives to Christianity.
Ilagan was then made the Capital of Cagayan
Valley.
Corn Capital of the Philippines”
The City of Ilagan is a component city in the
province of Isabela, Philippines. It is also the
capital, the largest city in the province and the
fourth largest city in terms of land area in the
Philippines after Davao City, Puerto Princesa
and Zamboanga City.
Products and Services
Most of the industries in the town 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 the cityIlagan. 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.
Population/ Language/ Area
The city’s total land area is 1,166.26
km2 (450.30 sq mi), which is being
inhabited by 152,496 as of 2011.The
rapid increase of population in Ilagan is
attributed to the current growth in
economic activities especially in the
sectors of Commerce, Industry,
Agriculture and Housing. Ilagan
belongs to the 147 emerging cities in
the Philippines with more than 100.000
residents). Statistics from the National
Statistics Office showed that Ilagan has
a total population of 79, 336 in 1990
and 99, 120 in 1995 with an annual
growth rate of 2.5%. At present, the
total population of Ilagan is 152,496.
Using the projected annual growth rate
of 2.5%, the population is expected to
be 121.097 in 1999, 126,606 in 2001
and 131,243 in 2007.People who wish
to make Ilagan their home could
choose from a number of premium
subdivisions that best suit their
lifestyle.
Tourist Spot
The Ilagan Japanese Tunnel is a
war tunnel that was part of a
military base built by the Japanese
government as headquarters for its
soldiers during World War II. It is
found in barangay Santo Tomas in
Ilagan City in the province of
Isabela. It is one of the few
remaining tunnels in the province.

Ilagan Sanctuary is the most visited

tourist spot in Ilagan City today. It is
a protected area located in the
foothills of the Sierra Madre
mountain range in Brgy. Santa
Victoria, Ilagan City, Isabela. This
Nature Discovery that Isabelinos
take pride of is 15 kilometers away
from the City proper of Ilagan.

CITY OF ILAGAN, Isabela: The Abuan

River in Bintacan village here, an
ecotourism site, has been reopened to
tourists after the completion of the
amenities and improvements

ANIMAL KINGDOM ILAGAN

SANCTUARY BRGY.SAN VICTORIA,
ILAGAN CITY Park Entrance: p75
(Ilagan Residents) p100(Visitors)
#planetisabelailagancity.
 Universities In Ilagan City
Isabela State University - Ilagan Campus,
located in Ilagan, Philippines, is a renowned
institution offering a wide range of
undergraduate and graduate programs.
With modern facilities, experienced faculty,
and a vibrant student community, it is
committed to providing quality education
and holistic development to its students.
3
St. Ferdinand College - Ilagan Campus,
located in Ilagan, Philippines, offers
exceptional education in a nurturing
environment. With modern facilities,
dedicated faculty, and a comprehensive
curriculum, it empowers students to excel
academically and personally, preparing
them for success in their chosen fields.
 Universities In Ilagan City
Isabela State University - Ilagan Campus,
located in Ilagan, Philippines, is a renowned
institution offering a wide range of
undergraduate and graduate programs.
With modern facilities, experienced faculty,
and a vibrant student community, it is
committed to providing quality education
and holistic development to its students.
3
St. Ferdinand College - Ilagan Campus,
located in Ilagan, Philippines, offers
exceptional education in a nurturing
environment. With modern facilities,
dedicated faculty, and a comprehensive
curriculum, it empowers students to excel
academically and personally, preparing
them for success in their chosen fields.
Center of Authority!
Ilagan, officially the City of Ilagan
(Ibanag: Siudad nat Ilagan;
Ilocano: Siudad ti Ilagan; Filipino:
Lungsod ng Ilagan), is a 1st
class component city and capital
of the province of Isabela,
Philippines.

Ilagan Component City Police

Station, Ilagan, Isabela. To
maintain peace and oder, To
enforce and uphold the rule
of law.

CITY OF ILAGAN MEDICAL

CENTER. DR. HERBEE M.
BARRIOS; Hospital Director.
Address: CIMC Hospital, Delfin
Albano Road, Lullutan, City of
Ilagan, Isabela

The Queen Isabela Park in Ilagan

City, Isabela province is a
massive outdoor stadium that can
accommodate over 10,000 people
at one time. The stage used for
productions and special events is
well designed. It is a wonderful
venue for big events.
 CHURCH
The present foundations of Ilagan church was built by
Fr. Miguel Matos, OP from 1696 to 1700 as a
mamposteria and brick church. The belltower was
constructed in 1777 by Fr. Pedro de San Pedro, OP and
it was finished by Fr. Joaquin Sancho, OP in 1783. On
December 20, 1803, the church became the final
resting place of Nueva Segovia Bishop Agustin Pedro
Blaquer, OSA who died in Ilagan on December 19, 1803
after he got sick during his visit to Cauayan. He was
interred at the Epistle side of the church (see
Malumbres, "Historia de Cagayan", 104-05). The
sacristy of ladrillo was constructed in 1829 by Fr. Luis
Garcia, OP.
The church was destroyed by a typhoon in 1866
and Fr. Pablo Almazan, OP demolished major
portions of the church in order to build a bigger
one. However, the result was neither a big one or
a small one (see Malumbres, "Historia de la
Isabela", 582). In 1892, Fr. Isidro Martinena, OP
established a campo santo outside of Ilagan
poblacion which is located in Barangay Santo
Tomas. The ladrillo fence of the campo santo
could still be recognized. The present façade
and major parts of the church were constructed
in the 1930s. It was renovated in the 1960s. The
church became the seat of the Diocese of Ilagan
in 1973 until 2003 when it was transferred to the
present Cathedral in Barangay Upi, Gamu,
Isabela. In 2013, the present Cathedral was
placed under the patronage of St. Michael the
Archangel. Despite the transfer, both city and
diocese still remain under the patronage of Saint
Ferdinand.
As for the Old Saint Ferdinand Cathedral, it returned to its status as the parish church of Ilagan City. The
belltower, sanctuary, sacristy, parish hall and the old campo santo are the remaining traces of the Spanish-era
church of Ilagan. The ladrillo details of the sanctuary, the Epistle side and Gospel side of the church were once
again revealed after the cement were chipped-off during a recent renovation.
St. Ferdinand
Cathedral of Ilagan
The new St. Ferdinand Cathedral of Ilagan -
Constructed in May 1882 and rebuilt in November
1887, this classic piece of architecture is the
enduring physical representation of the local
diocese that traces its roots all the way back to its
first parish priest, Father Mariano Granja.
St. Ferdinand Parish Church (Proto-Cathedral of Ilagan):
Ilagan City, Isabela
The present town of Ilagan was founded by Fr. Pedro
Jimenez, OP as a town in 1678 and as a parish on May
4, 1686 under the patronage of San Fernando Rey (St.
Ferdinand). He also founded the nearby mission pueblos
of Itugud (Lenzon, Gamu, Isabela) and Gamu. Both of
them share the civil and ecclesiastical foundation of
Ilagan. During his missionary enterprise in Ilagan, Itugud
and Gamu, Fr. Pedro Jimenez, OP introduced not only
the Gospel of Christ but also the Gospel of Western
civilization. He died in Itugud on December 20, 1690 due
to fever which he got after soaking himself on the rain
while plowing the field. He was buried in Itugud but his
remains were transferred to Ilagan in 1700 and re-
interred on the grounds of the present St. Ferdinand
Parish Church, probably at the old Campo Santo beside
the church.
As for the Old Saint Ferdinand Cathedral, it returned to
its status as the parish church of Ilagan City. The
belltower, sanctuary, sacristy, parish hall and the old
campo santo are the remaining traces of the Spanish-
era church of Ilagan. The ladrillo details of the sanctuary,
the Epistle side and Gospel side of the church were
once again revealed after the cement were chipped-off
during a recent renovation.
Nestled amidst the verdant landscapes of
the Philippines, Ilagan emerges as a
captivating haven for nature enthusiasts
seeking an immersive escape. Enveloped
by lush forests and framed by majestic
mountains, this enchanting destination
boasts a myriad of natural wonders
awaiting exploration. Visitors are beckoned
to traverse the winding trails of the Ilagan
Sanctuary, where vibrant flora and fauna
flourish, offering glimpses of exotic bird
species and endemic wildlife. Cascading
waterfalls, such as the resplendent Victoria
Falls, provide serene retreats, inviting
travelers to bask in the tranquil beauty of
their pristine surroundings.

NestlBeyond its terrestrial marvels, Ilagan

is also home to the breathtaking Pinzal
Falls, where the crystalline waters
cascade down rugged cliffs, inviting
adventurers to indulge in refreshing dips
amidst breathtaking vistas. With its
untamed beauty and unspoiled charm,
Ilagan stands as an idyllic sanctuary for
those seeking to reconnect with nature's
boundless splendor.