REGION 2: CAGAYAN VALLEY REGION

Capital: Tuguegarao City

Languages: Ilokano, Ibanag, Iyatan, Ittawis, Gadang and others
Geographic Location: Cagayan Valley (Lambak ng Cagayan in Filipino) is a region of
the Philippines, also designated as Region II or Region 02. Most of the region lies in a
large valley in northeastern Luzon, between the Cordilleras and the Sierra Madre
Mountain ranges.
Towns and Cities: It is composed of five provinces, namely: Batanes, Cagayan,
Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya, and Quirino. Its regional center is Tuguegarao City. It also has
4 cities and 89 municiplaities.
*The Cagayan River, the country’s longest river runs through its center and flows out to
Luzon Strait in the north, in the town of Aparri, Cagayan. The Babuyan and Batanes
island groups that lie in the Luzon Strait also belong to the region.

PROFILE OF REGION 2

The Cagayan Valley Region, also known as Region 02, is strategically located on the
northeastern part of mainland Luzon. It is bounded to the west by
the Cordillera mountain range, to the east by the Sierra Madre, to the south by
the Caraballo Mountains, and to the north by the Luzon Strait.  The mountains in the
east serve as natural barriers from devastating winds during typhoon season.

The valley floor experiences cold winds from November to February, funneled through
the opening in the north, and traps surface temperature usually from March to June.
With most of the production and settlement areas along the valley floor, frequent
exposure to extreme temperature is normal. 

It is a natural catch basin having the largest watersheds in the country. It is crisscrossed
by the longest and largest river network, the Cagayan River, also known as Rio Grande
de Cagayan, with a total length of approximately 505 kilometers and a drainage basin
covering 27,753 square kilometers.

The region is largely an agricultural economy with thirty-seven percent (37%) of its total
land area dedicated to agriculture production. 

Bountifully endowed with vast natural resources and development potentials, from its
rich soil, extensive coastlines, renowned rivers and lakes, and widespread forest,
grasslands and mountain ranges, and teeming with highly skilled and competent
workforce, the Cagayan Valley Region is becoming a desired investment destination in
northern Philippines. Its proximity to the East Asian countries is a given endowment that
makes it not only a natural gateway for trade and investments but also a virtual link to
other growth corridors.
Land Area/Population

With a total land area of 28,228.83km², the Cagayan Valley Region is the second
largest region in the Philippines. It has a total population of 3,451,410, distributed as
follows:

            Batanes – 17,246

            Cagayan – 1,199,320

            Isabela – 1,593,566

            Nueva Vizcaya – 452,287

            Quirino – 188,991  

(PSA, Census 2015)

Number of Provinces/Cities and Municipalities/Barangays/Congressional Districts

Region 2 is composed of 5 provinces, namely, the valley provinces of Cagayan and
Isabela, the mountain provinces of Quirino and Nueva Vizcaya, and the island province
of Batanes. It has one independent city, three component cities, 89 municipalities and
2,311 barangays within its 12 congressional districts.

Religion

Majority (76.15 percent) of the population of Cagayan Valley Region were Roman
Catholics. Evangelicals (4.24 percent) and Aglipayans (3.66 percent), followed. About
15.65 percent belonged to other religious affiliations.

Festivals in Cagayan Valley Region

PALU-PALO FESTIVALS
The Palu-Palo Festival in Basco, Batanes is a one-of–a-kind cultural presentation of
different municipalities.  The Festival got its name from the palu-palo or sticks that were
used by the native ivatans to battle with the Spanish and Dutch colonist.  The gala
showcases the province ethnic group’s rugged yet storied existence through street
dancing and cultural show presentations.
Aggao nac Cagayan
Aggao nac Cagayan June 24 – 29 It is in commemoration of the establishment of the
civil government of Cagayan which was established on June 29, 1583.
Bambanti Festival
Festival celebrating the use of bambanti or scarecrow by the Isabelinos in their vast
farmlands to protect its crops is highlighted by an agro-industrial trade fair participated
by the 34 towns and three cities of Isabela. A bambanti village is set up to house all the
activities during the festival to include agri-ecotourism exhibits, bambanti installations,
Isabela Singing Idol and Glee, festival street dance competition with Festival King and
Queen, and a grand fireworks display.
Grand Ammungan Festival
Grand Ammungan Festival is a yearly cluster of weeklong merriments in the area where
Novo Vizcayanos from ying backgrounds will recognize the region's establishing
commemoration on May 24.
Panagdadapun Festival
Panagdadapun Festival is a showcase of the unique culture, convergence of all tribes
and colorful history of the Province of Quirino. It is celebrated every month of
September every year which coincides with the Araw ng Quirino Foundation.
Culture in Cagayan Valley Region
Batanes
The people of Batanes, Ivatans, racially originated from the Malays. The native
language that they speak is also called Ivatan, although English and Filipino could be
widely understood. 
One of the distinct characteristics of their culture is the evident adaptation to strong
winds and typhoons due to their geographic location. A product of this adaptation is
seen in the construction of their houses made of stone walls and thick cogon roofs that
could withstand strong typhoons. They have a unique food production and consumption
pattern due to the scarcity of resources in some of the months. They have
become masters of food preservation and almost every household is self-sufficient.
They also have rituals and festivities, which include native songs and dances, that are
associated with food production such as planting and fishing.

Cagayan

There are 3 major ethnic groups of people in Cagayan: the Ybanags, Itawits and
Malawegs. The Ybanags, the dominant group, are known to be the tallest among the
ethno-linguistic groups all over the Philippines. They are know for their excellence in
making seacrafts and blacksmithing. The Itawits, on the other hand, almost look the
same as the Ybanags. However, they are more known for their knowledge in pottery
and basket-weaving. Lastly, the group of Malawegs are known for their skills in
agriculture, mainly lowland rice and corn.
The official language of the province is Ybanag. However, due to the large number of
Ilokano immigrants over the years, majority of the population now speak Ilokano.

Isabela

Isabela’s population is composed mainly of Ilokanos because of their migration yaers

ago. The second largest ethno-linguistic group is the Ibanags, the same people found in
Batanes. Gaddangs, Yogads, Agtas, and other Negrito groups also compose of the
population in Isabela.
Nueva Vizcaya
The Nueva Vizcaya provinnce was once dominated by tribes such as Igorots, Ifugaos,
Ilongots, Aetas, Gaddangs, and the Maalats. But due to the rise in migrants over the
province, it is now dominated by the Ilocanos, Tagalogs, Pangasinenses,
Kapampangans and other groups. Although, up until now, there are around 18 ethnic
groups living in Nueva Vizcaya. Their cultural diversity and unity is celebrated annually
in the Grand Ammungan Festival.
The major language spoken in the province is Ilocano, comprising of 66.9 percent of the
population.

Quirino

Quirino is the youngest among the provinces in Region II. Most of its residents in the
lowlands are Ilokanos. There also indigenous groups who live in the mountains
or scattered among its municipalities such as the Ilongots, Kankana-ey, Inibaloi,
and Agtas.

Tourist Attractions in Cagayan Valley Region

Palaui Island
 Situated on the northeastern tip of Luzon, specifically in the municipality of Santa
Ana, in Cagayan. The most interesting thing to see In Palaui Island is the Cape Engano
Lighthouse which is a trek away from Engano Cove.
Basco Lighthouse

Basco Lighthouse is located in Naidi Hills, Barangay San Antonio, in Basco town,
Batanes. It is a 6-floor building with a viewing deck, where you can gaze at captivating
Batan Island, Mount Iraya, Sabtang Island and Itbayat Island. Historically, this area was
where the telegraph facilities during the American period used to be, which allowed
them to communicate with the central government. Unfortunately, it was bombed by the
Japanese Imperial Army during World War II. Nonetheless, the few still useful buildings
that remained after the war, have been converted into businesses since the lighthouse
has become a popular tourist attraction.

Marlboro Hills (Mahatao)

Marlboro hills or also known as Racuh Apayaman or Marlbory Country, is located in
Mahatao, Batanes. It is where you will encounter water buffalos or carabaos, horses
and cattle that wander freely as they feed on the common pasture.

Bonsai Forest

Dinapigue showcases a bonsai forest with plants ranging from one foot to 7 feet in
height.  The forest is astonishing – covering an estimated 5,000 hectares.

Crocodile Sanctuary

San Mariano houses a gallery of spectacles ranging from its flora and fauna to
the diverse river systems and waterfall formations.
The Philippine Crocodile, a critically endangered species, can be found throughout the
length of the river and creeks of San Mariano. Mabuwaya foundation, and even the
president of the famous clothing company Lacoste, Michel Lacoste, shows support for
the famous Crocodile Sanctuary of San Mariano.

Cuisines and Delicacies in the Cagayan Valley Region

Binallay and Pawa

Pansit Cabagan/ Pansit Batil Patong

Uvud
Tuguegarao Longganisa

Education

https://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/phl-ocha-r2_profile-
a3_jan2017_0.pdf
https://psa.gov.ph/content/cagayan-valley-nine-ten-households-ownedamortized-
their-housing-units

https://kapuluanngpilipinas.wordpress.com/2016/05/22/region-ii-cagayan-valley/
https://www.thephilippines.com/2015/08/5-amazing-tourist-attractions-cagayan-valley-
philippines.html
https://provinceofisabela.ph/index.php/tourism/attractions-and-tourist-destinations