Ilagan

Ilagan Lungsod ng Ilagan Ciudad Na Ilagan Ciudad Ti Ilagan
Component City
City of Ilagan
Official seal of Ilagan Seal
Nickname(s):  Home of the World's Largest Armchair Corn Capital of the Philippines Primary Growth Center of Region 02 Isabela Provincial Capital
Motto(s):  Sulong Pa! City of Ilagan (More Progress! City of Ilagan)
Map of Isabela showing the location of Ilagan
Country	Philippines
Region	Cagayan Valley (Region II)
Province	Isabela
District	1st District of Isabela
Incorporated (Town)	May 4, 1686
Incorporated (City)	August 11, 2012 By virtue of Republic Act 10169
Barangays	91
Government
• Mayor	Josemarie "Jay" L. Diaz
• Vice Mayor	Vedasto D. Villanueva
• Councilors	Evelyn C. Diaz Delfinito Emmanuel L. Albano Antonio J. Uy Emmanuel Joselito B. Añes Sammeul A. Maddara Perlita G. Gaoiran Antonio T. Manaligod Jr. Maria Josephine B. Borromeo Margarette U. Chin Hilario Edmund V. Birung
Area
• Total	1,166.26 km2 (450.30 sq mi)
Elevation	110 m (360 ft)
Population  (2010)
• Total	135,174
• Density	120/km2 (300/sq mi)
Demonym	Ilagueño (m) / Ilagueña (f)
Time zone	UTC+8 (PST)
ZIP code	3300
Dialing code	078
Income class	3rd class, partially urban

The City of Ilagan (PSGC: 023114000, Filipino: Lungsod ng Ilagan) is the largest City in Luzon Island and a component city in the province of Isabela, Philippines. It is the provincial capital, the largest city in the province of Isabela with a total land area of 116,626 hectares as of 2007, and the fourth largest city (in terms of land area) in the Philippines, after Davao City, Puerto Princesa and Zamboanga City. Ilagan City is the most populous city in the province according to the 2010 census, Ilagan City has a population of 135,174 according to National Statistics Office (NSO).

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.

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.

The town of Bolo was founded by the Dominicans in 1619 in honor of St. Ferdinand. 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. After the Gaddang revolt, the natives reestablished 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 St. Ferdinand.

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 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 reestablished Isabela and other provinces in the Philippines. Rafael Maramag, a former Municipal President (Mayor) of Ilagan was appointed 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 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 St. Ferdinand Church (in Barangay Bagumbayan) to barangay San Vicente; site of the current Municipal town hall.

Incorporation as a City

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.

• During the administration of the late Hon. 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. Mayor Jojo used the term C-U-DAD Ilagan for campaigning the cityhood status of Ilagan.

• In 2012, 13 years after, the leaders of Ilagan, led by Isabela first district Rep. Rodolfo Albano renewed its bid for its cityhood. Vice Gov. Rodito Albano said that, "the provincial government fully supports Ilagan’s 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 town’s conversion into a city. On May 22, 2012 the congress approved the cityhood bill of Ilagan on its House Resolution No. 144. Plebiscite was held on August 11, 2012, with a majority of votes voting "yes". Ilagan was then proclaimed a new city on the same day by COMELEC Commissioner Armando Velasco.

Government

City

Ilagan City, belonging to the 1st 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 from 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.

Barangays

Ilagan City is politically subdivided into 91 barangays, the most number of barangays in the province of Isabela. 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

Barangay	Population (2010)	Economic Class	Land Area (In sqm.)	Punong Barangay (Term 2010-2013)
Aggasian	3,436	Rural	264	Noli B. Bolar
Alibagu	6,524	Urban	7,214	Alfred J. Alluad
Alinguigan 1st	1,796	Rural	459	Elpidio N. Manaligod
Alinguigan 2nd	3,050	Rural	7,015	Antonio B. Gangan
Alinguigan 3rd	1,181	Rural	1,765	Felipe B. Manaligod
Arusip	786	Rural	209	Fernando F. Domingo
Baculud	4,348	Urban	3,214	Remigio D. Balisi
Bagong Silang	542	Rural	258	Herson W. Tolentino
Bagumbayan	2,274	Urban	4,317	Danilo M. Toribio
Baligatan	2,016	Urban	6,815	Roger B. Ramos
Ballacong	763	Rural	135	Roberto S. Bernardo
Bangag	1,221	Rural	112	Sofronio F. Laggui
Batong-Labang	2,259	Rural	135	Florante E. Baysa
Bigao	1,387	Rural	225	Daniel V. Cristobal
Cabannungan 1st	749	Rural	715	Joefry M. Tabug
Cabannungan 2nd	1,486	Rural	715	Joey L. Ramos
Cabeseria 2 (Dappat)	1,115	Rural	135	Reynaldo C. Edrada
Cabeseria 3 (San Fernando)	785	Rural	135	Leandro P. Castillo
Cabeseria 4 (San Manuel)	545	Rural	135	Joseph A. Mata
Cabeseria 5 (Baribad)	808	Rural	135	Precila M. Domingo
Cabeseria 6 & 24 (Villa Marcos)	1,166	Rural	135	Virgilio R. Aunzo
Cabeseria 7 (Nangalisan)	802	Rural	215	Eligio B. Salvador
Cabeseria 8 (Sta. Maria)	1,159	Rural	135	Felix P. Maltu
Cabeseria 9 & 11 (Capogotan)	1,464	Rural	235	Tito B. Curampez
Cabeseria 10 (Lupigui)	1,751	Rural	235	Charlito C. Servilla
Cabeseria 14 & 16 (Casilagan)	2,303	Rural	182	Franklin G. Cortez
Cabeseria 17 & 21 (San Rafael)	1,188	Rural	235	Robinson V. Ilayat
Cabeseria 19 (Villa Suerte)	826	Rural	135	Maximiano N. Benedicto
Cabeseria 22 (Sablang)	875	Rural	225	Bernard G. Villanueva
Cabeseria 23 (San Francisco)	887	Rural	135	Antony F. Bernabe
Cabeseria 25 (Sta. Lucia)	788	Rural	112	Marcos J. Agcaoili
Cabeseria 27 (Abuan)	857	Rural	165	Domingo B. Quitola
Cadu	576	Rural	112	Leopoldo A. Ancheta
Calamagui 1st	3,450	Urban	290	Hilario Edmund V. Birung
Calamagui 2nd	2,944	Urban	5,315	Alex F. Agor
Carikkikan Norte	424	Rural	235	Eduardo B. Borillo
Carikkikan Sur	170	Rural	235	Arnold G. Apalla
Camunatan	2,771	Rural	9,415	Samuel G. Mamuri
Capellan	2,771	Rural	210	Edilberto G. Delos Santos
Capo	836	Rural	235	Carlito E. Esteban
Centro-San Antonio	3,739	Rural	290	Dante D. Cayapan
Centro Poblacion	663	Urban	8,315	Eufacio Paguirigan
Fugu	1,557	Rural	245	Rosemarie G. Apolonio
Fuyo	929	Rural	825	Santos C. Cabanilla III
Gayong-gayong Norte	721	Rural	245	Francisco R. Cristobal
Gayong-gayong Sur	1,006	Rural	245	Danilo R. Macugay
Guinatan	1,654	Urban	9,015	Mario Bong T. Cabildo
Imelda Bliss Village	5,130	Urban	815	Cecilio G. Jacinto
Lullutan	1,665	Rural	715	Esmeraldo M. Malana
Malalam	1,697	Rural	11,015	Melchor B. Asuncion
Malasin (Angeles)	1,058	Rural	112	Francisco R. Justo
Manaring	1,868	Rural	5,815	Bernardo C. Bulauan
Mangcuram	820	Rural	1,215	Roldan P. Lodivico
Marana 1st	1,408	Urban	9,515	Gregorio S. Ballesteros
Marana 2nd	571	Rural	2,230	Juanito A. Prudencio
Marana 3rd	650	Urban	10,215	Rowena M. Gomez
Minabang	1,403	Rural	215	Jaime T. Santos
Morado	829	Rural	225	Teresa A. Gangan
Naguilian Norte	2,604	Rural	765	Francisco A. Cascue
Naguilian Sur	1,103	Rural	765	Ferdinand C. Salvador
Namnama	1,532	Rural	235	Roldan P. Simon
Nanaguan	482	Rural	235	Milagros T. Fabros
Osmeña (Sinippil)	2,762	Urban	7,815	Manolo B. Acosta
Paliueg	1,380	Rural	135	Nelson B. Layugan
Pasa	845	Rural	125	Rogelio G. Aquino
Pilar	794	Rural	125	Ferdinand T. Tabliago
Quimalabasa	315	Rural	215	Rogelio S. Agamata
Rang-ayan (Bintacan)	1,266	Rural	235	Juanito V. Gonzales
Rugao	1,067	Rural	11,315	Diosdado M. Bermudez
Salindingan	1,119	Rural	175	Danny T. Adorable
San Andres (Angarilla)	966	Rural	1,862	Venturito C. Marayag
San Felipe	991	Rural	8,815	Ferdinand P. Bielgo
San Ignacio (Canapi)	2,496	Rural	192	Artemoio M. Baymosa
San Isidro	1,312	Rural	9,815	John C. Almazan
San Juan	1,669	Rural	5,515	Rodolfo M. Bermudez
San Lorenzo	1,043	Rural	235	Agustin C. Agamata
San Pablo	322	Rural	235	Eugene S. Resureccion
San Rodrigo	1,105	Rural	235	Benito G. Bernardez
San Vicente	2,509	Urban	8,515	Victor C. Somera
Sta. Barbara	1,357	Urban	4,615	Raymund A. Gangan
Sta. Catalina	880	Rural	390	Jimmy C. Peralta
Sta. Isabel Norte	2,203	Rural	190	Franklin P. Bolibol
Sta. Isabel Sur	4,331	Rural	190	Joseph D. Uy
Sta. Victoria	1,265	Rural	135	Jose M. Ido
Sto. Tomas	884	Rural	190	Randyson R. Castillo
Sifu	1,317	Rural	135	Ismael G. Jimenez
Sindon Bayabo	2,010	Rural	135	Carlina R. Gabriel
Sindon Maride	635	Rural	135	George A. De Guzman
Sipay	517	Rural	112	Charles C. Cabanilla
Tangcul	1,120	Rural	290	Fernando C. Cabangan
Villa Imelda (Maplas)	959	Rural	135	Cesar E. Aban

Physical features

Aerial view of coastal area of Ilagan City

Geographical Location

Ilagan City is located in the central portion of Isabela Province. It is bounded by nine (9) Municipalities of the Province of Isabela: on the North by the Municipalities of Divilacan, Tumauini, and Delfin Albano; on the West by the Municipality of Quirino; on the east by 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 kilometers from Tuguegarao City and 397 kilometers from Metro Manila (linked by a national highway via Santa Fe, Nueva Vizcaya).

Major Roads and Bridges

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 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 Brgy. Malalam going north.

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. As an agriculture-based city, Ilagan City 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. 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.

Human

The rapid increase of population in Ilagan City is attributed to the current growth in economic activities especially in the sectors of Commerce, Industry, Agriculture and Housing. Ilagan City belongs to the 147 emerging cities in the Philippines with more than 100.000 residents. Statistics from the National Statistics Office show that IlaganCity had a population 131,243 in 2007 . People who wish to make Ilagan City their home could choose from a number of premium subdivisions that best suit their lifestyle.

Socio-economic features

Furniture making

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 furniture made of quality narra wood. These barangays dubbed as the "Butaka City" of Ilagan, where the Guinness Book of Records' entry for the biggest armchair in the world, the Butaka, was manufactured.

Food and beverage

There are several food and beverage companies in the City. The largest of which is the Coca-Cola Company, 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 manufactured by Robelly's Food Products; and, Jack Confectionery, which operates a wine fermentation plant. There are 15 bakeries/ bakeshops and 1 ice cream/ ice drop company. Aside from a number of local cafes and restaurants, several fastfood chains opened their respective branch(es) in Ilagan City: Cindys Bakery and Restaurant (Poblacion and Northstar Mall))), Jollibee (Baligatan and Northstar Mall), Mang Inasal (Northstar Mall), Goldilocks (Talavera Square Mall), McDonalds (Northstar Mall) and Genaro's (Northstar Mall).

Agri-support activities

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 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

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.

Telecommunications

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

The city has a growing number of Internet Cafés 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 wifi connectivity in establishments located in the city proper. Recently, cable TV provider Polaris Cable Vision is now offering broadband.

Postal and courier services

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

Power Generation and Electricity

Residences and establishments source their energy needs through Isabela II Electric Cooperative, Inc. (ISELCO II). Its main office is located at Barangay Alibagu. Based on MPDO record, 63 out of 91 barangays are energized. As of 2011, Ilagan is now 100% energized. Also, a substation of National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) is located at Brgy. Baligatan of this city.

Infrastructures

Hotels

There are several hotels located in Ilagan City. These hotels are mostly located in Centro. These are D'Infinity Hotel, San Antonio Hotel, Hotel Romansville, and Marjs Hotel. In Barangay Alibagu, the Empress Garden Hotel (with 120 rooms and a convention center) is currently under construction.

Real estate

The Northstar Resources Group of Companies, Inc. is a subsidiary of AM City Realty & Development Corp. located at Maharlika Highway, Alibagu, Ilagan City, Isabela. 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 Brgy. Alibagu, Ilagan City, Isabela. 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, Ilagan City, Isabela. 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 City, and Pascual Village in Roxas, Isabela.

Commerce and trade

Ilagan City has two major public markets: the old 'Pamilihang Bayan ng Ilagan located in Centro Poblacion and the newly constructed multi-million peso New Ilagan Public Market Complex in Baligatan. The Pamilihang Bayan ng Ilagan (renamed as Centro Market) moved to San Vicente to give way on the construction of Xentro Mall. The increasing number of market goers, coming from within the town and adjacent municipalities, prompted city officials to facilitate the construction of the modern market.

Hospitals

Facilities in health services are distributed in the city. There are two rural health units located in certain barangays servicing the Ilagueños. There are hospitals like the Governor Faustino N. Dy Sr. Hospital in Calamagui 2nd, Isabela Doctors General Hospital in Baligatan and San Antonio Ilagan City Hospital in Centro San Antonio. The city has its own health center located in Brgy. San Vicente. There are also a number of dental clinics, pharmacies, and drug stores around the city.

Overall, the city has two public and two private hospitals, 15 clinics and two RHUs.

Shopping Malls

• The Northstar City Complex is slowly rising in Alibagu. Located within the complex is the Northstar Mall, the flagship mall project of the Northstar Group through its local property subsidiary AM City Realty. The 400-million peso mall features cinemas, specialty shops, several restaurants (like Mang Inasal, McDonalds, Jollibee and Genaro's), an SM Savemore Store, a Pandayan Bookstore, a Watsons Pharmacy, an amusement center, a CD-R KING branch, clothing shops (like Bench, Penshoppe, RRJ and Blued), shoe stores (like Otto and Rusty Lopez), hardware stores (like Ace Hardware and DIY Shop), handicraft shop Unitan Handicraft, Metro Sun Department Store, CAC Store, travel agencies, and other specialty shops. This development aims to provide a one-stop center where people of Ilagan City and near-by towns could shop, eat, and have fun.
• Triton Mall - another mall beside the Northstar Mall under the development by Northstar Group.

• Another mall in Ilagan is the Talavera Square Mall. The mall showcases a Robinsons Supermarket branch, a Handyman Do-It-Best branch, Russ, (soon to open) Department Store, Goldilocks, Ice Cream King, High Intensity Computer Store, My Phone Cellphone Garage, Best Picture Photo Center, Toy Stores, Katki and other specialty shops, and several entertainment establishments (like QJ Disco & KTV).

• The 8 Shoppe Mall, located in front of the Isabela Police Provincial Office along the Maharlika Highway in Baligatan, features a Mart One Department Store (with an integrated Expressions shop) and a second branch of SM Savemore in Ilagan.

• Xentro Mall - The redevelopment of the old public market in Centro Poblacion, Ilagan City into a public mall is on-going.

Transportation

Road Network

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.

Road Routing

There are 432 Jeepneys as major transportation in Ilagan route from (Centro-Calamagui-Alibagu-NSM-Upi-Guibang) (Centro-Calamagui-Bliss Village-Salindingan) (Centro-San Antonio) (Centro-Bintacan) and neighboring towns, 4,000 plus Tricycle around the town and 5 bus companies in Ilagan. Each company operates a fleet of air conditioned buses with daily trips to Manila through their respective terminals. Several bus companies also use the Ilagan route from Cagayan and Northern Isabela to Manila, Dagupan, Baguio City and other destinations.

City Terminal

The Local Government Unit (LGU) inaugurated the Ilagan City Central Transport Terminal beside the Northstar Mall in Alibagu on November 28, 2011.

Education

Educational Institutions

Tertiary Chronicles Institute of Isabela Colegio de Ilagan International Technological Institute of Arts and Tourism ISU Ilagan Campus STI Ilagan Saint Ferdinand College San Jose Reyes Learning Center TESDA-ISAT Secondary Schools Private 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 Gayong–Gayong Integrated High School Lupigue Integrated School Manaring Integrated School San Lorenzo Integrated School San Pedro Integrated School Elementary Schools Bagumbayan Elementary School Casa del Niño Montessori School Ilagan East Central School Ilagan South Central School Ilagan West Central School Montessori Education of Asia Pacific

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. The Government also supports scholarship grants to deserving students for college degree programs.

Provincial offices of the 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 with the newly installed head Dr. Denizon P. Domingo, the city school division superintendent. 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 San Antonio District
• Ilagan South District
• Ilagan West 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.

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.

Culture

The Isabela Provincial Museum (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 in preparation of the opening of its City Library.

Festivals and Events

• Balai na Ilagan

Aside from the traditional furniture industry, 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.

• Binallay

Every year on 30 May, the City of Ilagan celebrates the Binallay Festival. Binallay is a native rice cake prepared year-round in Ilagan.

• Cityhood Anniversary

Recently, 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.

• Mammangui Festival

Ilagan also celebrates the Mammangui Festival. Mammangui came from the ybanag word mangui or corn.

• Town Fiesta and Barangay Festivals

Fiestas are a common festival in the city celebrating respective patron saints of each barangays. While the town celebrates its patron Saint Ferdinand every 30 May.

Aggaw na Ilagan

The Aggaw na Ilagan is celebrated every year of May 4. It was the date when Ilagan was founded.

• During the 317th year celebration, Ilagan unveiled the World's Largest Armchair (Butaka) in 2003 and was recorded in Guinness World Record.
• 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 Alibagu, Ilagan and Upi, Gamu featuring the local heroes and warriors Marayag and Dabo.

Sports

In 1993, Ilagan hosted the Palarong Pambansa (National Games) and in 2011 the SCUAA National Olympics. It was held at the Isabela Sports Complex in barangay Alibagu. The sports complex was constructed during the presidency of Fidel V. Ramos. The complex is equipped with a Basketball court, Volleyball courts, a Swimming pool, Badminton courts, a Sepak Takraw court, an Oval and a Baseball field.

Table Tennis is also a popular sport in the City. It is played regularly at Romansville Hotel at the Poblacion and hosted by Ilagan Table Tennis Club. The only Golf course 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.

Tourism

• Ilagan Sanctuary

Ilagan City's major tourist attraction is the Ilagan Sanctuary also known as the Fuyot Springs National Park located in Brgy. 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).

• Pinzal Falls

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

• World's Largest Butaka

The Butaka (Armchair) was built in 29 days at the cost of P 175,000 now on display along national highway beside Bonifacio park.

Religion

Ilagan City population is dominantly Roman Catholic members. There are also Protestants, Baptists, Adventists, Born Again groups, Latter Day Saints, Jehovah's Witnesses, and Philippine based groups like Iglesia Ni Cristo and Ang Dating Daan that accounts to city population. These religious organizations have temples and church buildings sparsely located in the city. Some Ilagueños were converted to Islam religion where their mosque is found in Brgy. Baligatan.

Media networks

Cable Television

• Polaris Cable Vision

Polaris Cable Vision provide cable TV channels in Centro Poblacion barangay clusters in the City of Ilagan.

• 1888 Cable Network

Provides cable TV channels in the eastern areas of Ilagan City including parts of San Antonio.

AM Radio station

• 711 kHz DZYI Sonshine Radio

FM Radio station

• 89.7 mHz HotFM Ilagan (now defunct)

TV stations

• DZZN TV 4 National Broadcasting Network (now defunct)
• GMA TV 5 (Relay) GMA 7

Print Media

• The Luzonwide News Correspondent
• The Valley Times Press

See also

• Ilagan River
• Ilagan Sanctuary

External links

• Facebook Community Page and Twitter Account
• Isabela Province (Philippines) Facebook Group
• The Road to Cityhood
• Dancing Traffic Officers in Ilagan, Isabela
• SK to lead covenant signing to fraternity, sorority groups in Ilagan
• Philippine Standard Geographic Code
• 2000 Philippine Census Information
• NSCB - ActiveStats - PSGC Interactive - Municipality: ILAGAN (Capital)
• Local Governance Performance Management System