Ilagan

Not to be confused with Iligan.
Ilagan
Component City
City of Ilagan

Seal
Nickname(s):
The Center of Eco-Tourism Adventure in Region 2
Home of the World's Largest Wooden Lounge Chair (Butaka)
Corn Capital of the Philippines
Primary Growth Center of Region 2
Isabela Provincial Capital
Motto: Sulong Pa! City of Ilagan
(More Progress! City of Ilagan)

Location in the province of Isabela
Ilagan

Location within the Philippines

Coordinates: 17°08′N 121°53′E / 17.13°N 121.88°E / 17.13; 121.88Coordinates: 17°08′N 121°53′E / 17.13°N 121.88°E / 17.13; 121.88
Country Philippines
Region Cagayan Valley (Region II)
Province Isabela
District 1st District of Isabela
Incorporated 4 May 1686
Cityhood 11 August 2012
Barangays 91
Government[1]
 • Mayor Josemarie "Jay" L. Diaz, DMD
 • Vice Mayor Vedasto D. Villanueva
Area[2]
 • Total 1,166.26 km2 (450.30 sq mi)
Elevation 110 m (360 ft)
Population (2010)[3]
 • Total 135,174
 • Density 120/km2 (300/sq mi)
Demonym(s) Ilagueño (m) / Ilagueña (f)
Time zone PST (UTC+8)
ZIP code 3300
Dialing code 78
Income class 3rd class, partially urban
Website cityofilagan.gov.ph

Ilagan, officially the City of Ilagan (Ilocano: Ciudad ti Ilagan; Filipino: Lungsod ng Ilagan) (PSGC: 023114000), is a component city in the province of Isabela, Philippines.[4] It is the provincial capital, the most populous city in the province, and with a total land area of 116,626 hectares (288,190 acres), the largest city in the island of Luzon and the fourth largest city (in terms of land area) in the Philippines, after Davao City, Puerto Princesa and Zamboanga City.[5] Ilagan City has a population of 135,174 according to 2010 census.[3]

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.[6]

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 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. 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.

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 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 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 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.

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 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.[7]

Incorporation as a city

Ilagan has attempted to gain cityhood status at least five (5) times in its history:

Yes to Cityhood Motorcade before the Plebiscite

Over the past decade, Ilagan was able to receive various awards through the initiative and able leadership of Mayor Josemarie L. Diaz. Together with the joint effort and dedication of the current administration and the support of the Ilagueños, Ilagan was awarded as the Most Child-Friendly Municipality, Sandugo Award (2009), Peace and Order Philippine National Police (PNP), Most Outstanding Municipality in Region 2 (Department of Interior and Local Government Gawad Pamana ng Lahi Heritage Award), 2011 Seal of Good Housekeeping for Transparency (DILG), Most Outstanding Municipality in the Philippines in Civil Registration (National Level), 2011 Gawad Saka Award for Corn Production, Most Outstanding Municipality in Blood Donation Program by the Northern Luzon Blood Depository System (DOH), Most Outstanding implementer of Anti-Red Tape Act in Region 2 (City Category), Most Outstanding City in Cagayan Valley in the implementation of Health Programs by the Department of Health (DOH), 2014 Best Tourism-Oriented LGU in the Philippines (1st Runner-Up) by the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines (ATOP), 2014 Most Outstanding Local Government Unit for Peace and Order (Component City Category) by the Philippine National Police (PNP), 2015 Most Outstanding implementer of Anti-Red Tape Act in Isabela (City Category), 2015 Best Tourism-Oriented LGU in the Philippines, 2014 & 2015 Outstanding National Quality Corn Achiever, Most Outstanding City in Region 2 in Nutrition Program implementation and Hall of Famer of the 2015 National Quality Corn Achievers Award.

In August 11, 2015, marked another day in the history of Ilagan as the Department of Agriculture proclaimed the city as the new Corn Capital of the Philippines during its third cityhood anniversary. Sec. Proceso Alcala was represented by Asec. Edilberto M. De Luna who travelled all the way to Ilagan to attend the momentous event.

Geography

Ilagan City Welcome Arc

Ilagan City is located on the central portion of the province of Isabela. It is bounded by nine (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 City is approximately 96 kilometres (60 mi) from Tuguegarao City 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.[13] 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 City 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 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.

Climate

Climate data for Ilagan City
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Average high °C (°F) 29
(84)		 30
(86)		 32
(90)		 35
(95)		 35
(95)		 35
(95)		 34
(93)		 33
(91)		 32
(90)		 31
(88)		 30
(86)		 28
(82)		 32
(89.6)
Average low °C (°F) 19
(66)		 20
(68)		 21
(70)		 23
(73)		 23
(73)		 24
(75)		 23
(73)		 23
(73)		 23
(73)		 22
(72)		 21
(70)		 20
(68)		 21.8
(71.2)
Average precipitation mm (inches) 31.2
(1.228)		 23
(0.91)		 27.7
(1.091)		 28.1
(1.106)		 113.5
(4.469)		 141.4
(5.567)		 176.4
(6.945)		 236.6
(9.315)		 224.9
(8.854)		 247.7
(9.752)		 222.9
(8.776)		 178
(7.01)		 1,651.4
(65.023)
Average rainy days 10 6 5 5 13 12 15 15 15 17 16 15 144
Source: World Weather Online[14]

Demographics

Population census of
Ilagan
YearPop.±% p.a.
1990 99,120—    
1995 106,912+1.43%
2000 119,990+2.50%
2007 131,243+1.24%
2010 135,174+1.08%
Source: National Statistics Office[3][15]

The rapid increase of population in Ilagan City is attributed to the current growth of economic activities specially in the sectors of Commerce, Industry, Agriculture and Housing. Ilagan City is one of the 145 emerging cities in the Philippines with more than 100,000 residents.[16] Statistics from the National Statistics Office show that Ilagan City had a population 131,243 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 City.

Religion

Ilagan City's population is predominantly Roman Catholic. The Diocese of Ilagan has 39 catholic churches all over the province of Isabela. There are also Protestants, Baptist, Church of Christ, Adventists, Born Again groups, Victory Christian Fellowship, Latter Day Saints, Jehovah's Witnesses, Islam, and Philippine-based groups like Iglesia Ni Cristo and Ang Dating Daan that accounts to the city's population. These religious organizations have their own temples and churches sparsely located in the city. Some Ilagueños were converted to Islam where their mosque is found in Barangay Baligatan.

Economy

View of Ilagan Poblacion Area from City Hall

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 under utilized.

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.

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 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 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, Jollibee, McDonalds, Red Ribbon, Goldilocks, Mang Inasal and many other stores.

At present, Ilagan City 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) moved to barangay San Vicente to give way for the construction of Xentro Mall and the multi-million pesos New Ilagan Public Market Complex in Barangay Baligatan. In front of the public market is a three-storey structure which is currently under construction, it will soon be called as Ilagan City Mall after its completion. It 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 the location to almost 15 banks which is composed of commercial, savings and rural banks. There are also thousands of commercial establishments composed of distributors, retail and wholesale. Pawnshops, lending companies, insurance agencies and cooperatives 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 Bottlers Philippines, Inc. (CCBPI),[17] 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 City 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,[18][19] where the Guinness Book of Records' entry for the biggest lounge chair in the world, the Butaka, was manufactured.[20]

Tobacco industry

Compania General de Tabacos de Filipinas or the Tabacalera

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.

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 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.

Shopping malls

Major malls in Ilagan are the following:

  • Northstar Mall
  • Triton Mall
  • Talavera Square Mall[21]
  • Shop Mart
  • Xentro Mall
  • Ilagan City Mall (currently under construction)

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

Culture

The Isabela Museum and Library (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 to be placed on its own City Library.

Festivals and events

Balai na Ilagan at Centro Poblacion

In the celebration of its second cityhood anniversary in August 11, 2014, the city government inaugurated new government facilities and structures which are vital in the delivery of basic services to the people such as the city's General Services Office (GSO) building, Legislative building, Business Permits and Licensing Office (BPLO), Youth Reformation Center for Children in Conflict with the Law (CICL), Philippine National Police (PNP) building, diagnostic center in San Antonio City Hospital and the foot bridge in barangay Baligatan which is said to be the first in the valley.

During the annual celebration of the festival, the city government usually conducts activities such as basketball games, cheerdance competitions, motor and car show, fun-run and a concert held at the Ilagan Community Center featuring local celebrities which is attended annually by thousands of Ilagueños. Highlights of the celebration are the much awaited events like the colorful float parade, street dancing spectacles executed by young Ilagueño dancers wearing native costumes made of indigenous materials and beauty pageants like the Little Miss Ilagan, Miss Gay Mammangui and the search for Mammangui Festival Queen which showcases the beauty and talents of Ilagueñas.

Aggaw na Ilagan

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

Places of interest

Natural attractions
Ilagan Sanctuary Entrance
Ilagan Sanctuary Wet & Wild
Man-made attractions
St. Ferdinand Parish Bell Tower located at Brgy. Centro-Poblacion
Monuments & Parks
Queen Isabella Park
Catholic Churches & Chapels
  • Saint Ferdinand Parish Church (Barangay Bagumbayan)
  • Saint Ferdinand PNP Chapel (Barangay Baligatan)
  • Our Lady of Perpetual Help Chapel (Barangay Calamagui 1st)
  • San Antonio de Padua Church (Barangay Centro-San Antonio)
  • Saint Elizabeth of Portugal Church (Barangay Sta. Isabel Norte)
Other attractions

Sports

In 1993, Ilagan hosted the Palarong Pambansa (National Games) and in 2011 the SCUAA National Olympics.[28] It was held at the Isabela Sports Complex.[29] The sports complex was erected by the National Government and local officials during the presidency of Fidel V. Ramos as a permanent facility for the province of Isabela, in Barangay Alibagu, Ilagan, the capital. The impressive facility of 50 hectares, on which has built a stadium with a 39,000 seating capacity, likewise has an athlete's village for housing participants. Some of the houses for the athlete's village were donated by certain civic-minded citizens and organizations who were approached by the officials of the province through the initiative of the late former Isabela Governor Benjamin G. Dy. The complex is also equipped with a basketball court, volleyball courts,

The New Ilagan City Stadium Construction as of November 6, 2015

swimming pool, badminton and tennis courts, sepak takraw court, oval rubber track and a baseball field. The Ilagan Community Center was inaugurated and blessed after its renovation to accommodate minor sports events and celebrations such as basketball games, badminton and volleyball tournaments, cheerdance competitions, concerts, and other important activities; it is now fully airconditioned. The City of Ilagan Sports Complex or formerly called as Paguirigan Memorial Athletic Stadium in Barangay San Vicente was the chosen venue for the Cagayan Valley Regional Athletic Association (CAVRAA) meet last February 2016. It is equipped with new modern rubber track, Basketball, Badminton and Tennis courts, concrete bleachers and a new swimming pool. The sports facility is expected to accommodate major sports/athletic events in the future.

Table Tennis is also a popular sport in the city. It is played regularly at Ping-Pong Central at Francisca Village, Barangay Baligatan and hosted by Table Tennis Association in the City of Ilagan (TATAC-Ilagan).[30] Regular ranking tournament is held monthly among residents of Ilagan. Open tournament is held annually. The only Golf course[31] 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.

Local government

Ilagan City, belonging to the 1st Legislative 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 of 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.

Members of the Ilagan City Council (2013–2016)
Position Name of City Official
District Representative (1st Legislative District of Isabela) Rep. Rodolfo T. Albano III
Chief Executive of the City of Ilagan Mayor Josemarie L. Diaz, DMD
Presiding Officer of the City Council of Ilagan Vice Mayor Vedasto D. Villanueva
Councilors of the City of Ilagan Evelyn C. Diaz, PT, RN
Delfinito Emmanuel L. Albano
Antonio J. Uy
Emmanuel Joselito B. Añes, MD
Samuel A. Maddara
Perlita G. Gaoiran
Antonio T. Manaligod Jr.
Ma. Josephine B. Borromeo
Margarette U. Chin
Hilario Edmund V. Birung
President of the League of Barangays
- Ilagan Chapter		 Gaylor M. Malunay
President of the Youth Council Federation
- Ilagan Chapter		 (position vacant)

Former mayors

There were 28 municipal mayors during its municipal period since 1904. Its first city mayor is currently Hon. Josemarie L. Diaz, DMD since 2012.

Barangays

Ilagan City is politically subdivided into 91 barangays, the most number of barangays in the province.[2] 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

Infrastructure

Transportation

Ilagan City is linked by a national highway called Maharlika Highway (designated as Asian Highway 26, AH26 by Asian Highway Network) The highway starts at Barangay Alibagu and ends at Barangay San Juan. On-going road constructions are the Ilagan-Divilacan road and the Ilagan-Delfin Albano-Mallig Road[34] 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 Barangay Malalam going north.

In the year 2014, the City Government inaugurated the Baculud Overflow Bridge that connects the poblacion region to the northeastern barangays going to Tuguegarao City. On February 19, 2015, the Lullutan Bridge was made open by the local government to the public. On April 7, 2015, President Benigno S. Aquino traveled to Isabela to lead the inauguration of the new bridge, which connects the east and west banks of the Cagayan River. It is expected to serve the city's western barangays and nearby municipalities. Before the construction of the new bridge, residents have to use barges to transport agricultural products to the market. With its completion, residents would no longer have to pay barge fees, and travel time between barangays on either side of the river has been cut short drastically. The bridge in Sta. Maria (Cabiseria 8) begun its construction in the year 2014 and it is expected to be completed by 2015.[35] Road concreting and widening, diversion and circumferencial roads and farm to market roads were prioritized by the national and city government to help mobilize the transportation of goods and services within the city's jurisdiction and adjacent municipalities.

There are 29.313 kilometres (18.214 mi) of concrete road out of 24.56 kilometres (15.26 mi) 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

Lullutan Bridge between Brgy. Calamagui 1st and Brgy. Lullutan

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.

Major bridges

  • Lullutan Bridge
  • Malalam Bridge

Public transportation

Ilagan City is the only place in the region that currently uses jeepneys as the primary means of public transportation within the vicinity. There are 432 Jeepneys used as the major public transportation in Ilagan with corresponding routes from (Centro-Calamagui-Alibagu-Upi junction-Guibang vice versa), (Centro-Calamagui-Bliss Village-Salindingan vice versa), (Centro-San Antonio region vice versa), (Centro-Bintacan vice versa) and neighboring towns, plus 4,000 tricycle units and a dozen of bus companies within the locality. Each company operates a fleet of air conditioned buses with daily trips to Manila from their respective terminals. Several bus companies also use the Ilagan route from Tuguegarao City and Northern Isabela to Manila, Dagupan, Baguio City and other destinations.

Victory Liner Ilagan Bus Terminal (with Deluxe and First Class trips; selected trips via Dau-SCTEX)

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

Bus companies

(with integrated terminals located within the city)

  • Victory Liner (Ilagan-Manila vice versa), (Ilagan-Dagupan vice versa)
  • GV Florida Transport (Ilagan-Manila vice versa)
  • Dalin Liner (Ilagan-Manila vice versa), (Ilagan-Baguio vice versa)

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 wi-fi equipped 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)[36] is the major postal service provider in Ilagan City. Express delivery services are provided by LBC, FedEx (Air21),JRS Express,[37] and EMS (through PhilPost).

Power

ISELCO II Main office at Brgy. Alibagu

Residences and establishments are able to get their energy needs through the service provided by the Isabela Electric Cooperative II, Inc. (ISELCO II). Its main office is located at Barangay Alibagu. Based on MPDO record, 63 out of 91 barangays are energized.[38] As of 2011, Ilagan is now 100% energized. Also, a sub-station of National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) is located in Barangay Baligatan.

Ilagan is one of the few places in the Cagayan Valley Region that has a continuous freeway lighting system. The city government have managed to install incandescent highway lights along the national road from Barangay Alibagu in the south all the way to Barangay San Juan in the north.

The Department of Energy (DOE) has approved on May 27, 2015 the service contract of the largest solar PV power plant in the Philippines. Cheap solar energy will be available for residents here soon after the proponents of the P7-billion solar power plant have already secured its funding.

A twenty-five (25) year Service contract was signed between Living Project 4 People Philippines Inc. (LP4PP) and the Department of Energy. The signing will start the process of completion of development, installation, construction, commissioning and operation of a 100.0 MW Solar PV Project in the city. LP4PP said that the solar project will be constructed in 10 phases to install 10.0 MW for each phase that will start construction in August 2015.

Accordingly, it is a pure solar PV Grid connected installation that will avail on the privileges under the Renewable Energy Law of the country. The renewable energy to be generated will be sold directly to the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) under the Feed-in-Tariff Scheme of the RE law.

The 100.0 MW Solar PV project will help alleviate the current electricity shortage in the country that causes regular black-outs resulting in industry closures as well as inconvenience to the consumers. The solar power facility will be constructed at a 100-hectare land at Barangay Cabannungan, several kilometers away from the city proper

Water and sewerage system

The City of Ilagan Water District (CIWD) is a government-owned and controlled corporation which is the supplier of all the water needs of the residents and establishments. It has managed to set-up several pumping stations all throughout the city to cater the increasing demand of Ilagan's growing population and economy. Some residents and privately owned business entities have their own electric pumps and some are able to put up their own traditional deep wells for their own water needs and irrigation systems specially those residents from far-flung barangays who are not able to avail the service provided by the water district. Its main office is located in Barangay Osmeña. At present, several water refilling stations have opened to serve as an alternative option of the residents for their water needs. Also, the city government is on the process of implementing some solutions in line with the water and sewerage problems of the city such as the construction of deep wells in every barangay and the construction of drainages and canals in those area affected by floods during the rainy and stormy season.

Medical and healthcare services

City Health Center II located at Brgy. Marana 1st

Facilities in health services are distributed in the city. The city has two (2) health centers servicing the Ilagueños; City Health Unit I & City Health Unit II located in Barangay San Vicente and Barangay Marana respectively. There are also dozens of dental clinics, maternity and pediatric clinics, derma clinics and pharmacies around the city. On August 11, 2014, the City Government inaugurated a diagnostic center in San Antonio City Hospital.

Hospitals include:

  • Governor Faustino N. Dy Sr. Memorial Hospital (Public)
  • San Antonio City Hospital (Public)
  • Isabela Doctors General Hospital (Private)
  • Dr. Victor S. Villaroman Memorial Hospital (Private)

On August 11, 2015, the first ever LGU-operated Blood Station and Animal Bite Treatment Center in Cagayan Valley, accredited by the Department of Health were inaugurated to offer free services for the well being of llagueños.

Overall, the city has two public and two private hospitals, 15 clinics and two City Health Units.

Education

Educational Institutions
  • Tertiary
  • Secondary schools
    • Private
      • Casa del Niño Montessori School of Ilagan
      • 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
    • Casa del Niño Montessori School of Ilagan
    • Chung Hua Institute
    • Ilagan East Central School
    • Ilagan North Central School
    • Ilagan South Central School
    • Ilagan West Central School
    • Isabela Unified School
    • Leap Ahead School of Learning
    • Montessori Education Center of Asia Pacific at Ilagan
    • Saint Ferdinand College - Elementary Department
    • The United Methodist Church - Pre-school & Elementary
    • The Wesleyan Church

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

Provincial field offices of the different government agencies like the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and 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 Schools Division of Ilagan was created following the success of its cityhood bid in 2012. Dr. Denizon P. Domingo was installed as the first city school division superintendent.[40] 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 South District
  • Ilagan West District
  • San Antonio 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. Other schools who belong to Ilagan South District are Cabeseria 25 Elementary School and Cabeseria 27 Elementary School.

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.

Media

Television

Cable television providers
  • Polaris Cable Vision - provides cable TV channels in Centro Poblacion barangay clusters in the City of Ilagan.[41]
  • 1888 Cable Network - provides cable TV channels in the eastern areas of Ilagan City including parts of San Antonio.[42]
TV stations

Radio

AM Radio station
  • 711 kHz DZYI Sunshine Radio
FM Radio station
  • 89.7 mHz HotFM Ilagan (now defunct)

Print media

  • The Luzonwide News Correspondent. It is a weekly newspaper edited and published by journalist Villamor Visaya Jr. based in Ilagan City, Isabela[44]
  • The New Valley Times Press[45]

See also

References

Notes

  1. ↑ "Official City/Municipal 2013 Election Results". Intramuros, Manila, Philippines: Commission on Elections (COMELEC). 11 September 2013. Retrieved 9 January 2014.
  2. 1 2 "Province: ISABELA". PSGC Interactive. Makati City, Philippines: National Statistical Coordination Board. Retrieved 9 January 2014.
  3. 1 2 3 4 "Total Population by Province, City, Municipality and Barangay: as of May 1, 2010" (PDF). 2010 Census of Population and Housing. National Statistics Office. Retrieved 9 January 2014.
  4. ↑ "Senate Approves Ilagan, Isabela's cityhood.". Retrieved June 23, 2013.
  5. ↑ "List of Cities". PSGC Interactive. National Statistical Coordination Board. Retrieved June 23, 2013.
  6. ↑ "Ilagan is a first-class municipality in the province of Isabela". Retrieved 2013-06-18.
  7. ↑ "Ilagan: Death of a Town, Rise of a City". Raymund Catindig. April 18, 2011. Retrieved 2012-03-11.
  8. ↑ "Ilagan City Soon". NewsFlash.Org. December 31, 1997. Retrieved 2012-03-02.
  9. ↑ "Isabela folk cry for justice for slain Ilagan mayor". The Philippine Star. July 2, 2006. Retrieved 2012-06-12.
  10. ↑ "Ilagan to renew cityhood bid". The Philippine Star. January 7, 2011. Retrieved 2012-02-19.
  11. ↑ "Senate Approves Ilagan, Isabela Cityhood". The Manila Bulletin. May 22, 2012. Retrieved 2012-06-03.
  12. ↑ ILAGAN KICKS OFF CITYHOOD BID Manila Bulletin. Retrieved 08-11-2012
  13. ↑ "Land Area". TESDAISAT.Net Website. Retrieved 2012-02-07.
  14. ↑ "Ilagan, Isabela: Average Temperatures and Rainfall". World Weather Online. Retrieved 31 October 2015.
  15. ↑ "Province of Isabela". Municipality Population Data. LWUA Research Division. Retrieved 9 January 2014.
  16. ↑ "Emerging Cities in the Philippines". Philippine-Islands.Net. Retrieved 2012-02-07.
  17. ↑ "DENR eases ECC processing for 16 firms". Manila Bulletin, MB.com.ph. December 20, 2010. Retrieved 2012-02-07.
  18. ↑ "Biggest, Largest in the World". Txtmania.com. Retrieved 2012-02-07.
  19. ↑ "Butaka City". TESDAISAT.Net. Retrieved 2012-02-07.
  20. ↑ "Biggest Butaka". Wikimapia.Org. Retrieved 2012-02-07.
  21. ↑ "Talavera Square Mall". Philippine Companies. Retrieved 2012-02-07.
  22. ↑ "Balai na Ilagan". Philippine Daily Inquirer. March 26, 2012. Retrieved 2012-09-11.
  23. ↑ "Binallay Festival". Philippine Retirement Authority. Retrieved 2012-02-07.
  24. ↑ "Isabela's capital marks first charter day". PhilStar.com. Retrieved 23 August 2013.
  25. ↑ "Mammangui Festival". Oh Philippines News. Retrieved 2012-02-07.
  26. ↑ "Ilagan gunning for a world record with giant armchair". The Philippine Star. April 26, 2003. Retrieved 2012-09-11.
  27. ↑ "World's Largest Butaka". Department of Tourism - Region 02. Retrieved 23 August 2013.
  28. ↑ "SCUAA off the wraps in Isabela". Philippine Star. February 22, 2011. Retrieved 2012-02-07.
  29. ↑ "Sports Complex". Panoramio.com. Retrieved 2012-02-07.
  30. ↑ "Ilagan Table Tennis Club". Pinoy Sports Central. Retrieved 2012-02-07.
  31. ↑ "Isabela Golf Course". Golf Philippines. Retrieved 2012-02-07.
  32. ↑ "NSCB Philippine Standard Geographic Code". National Statistical Coordination Board. March 31, 2012. Retrieved 2012-06-07.
  33. ↑ "2010 Barangay & SK Elections". Commission on Elections. Retrieved June 18, 2013.
  34. ↑ "Ilagan-Divilacan Road". DPWH Region 02. June 1, 2011. Retrieved 2012-03-02.
  35. ↑ "DPWH completes P700-M bridge in Isabela". GOVPH. January 23, 2015. Retrieved 26 January 2015.
  36. ↑ "Philippine Postal Corporation". Philippine Postal Corporation. Retrieved 2012-02-07.
  37. ↑ "JRS Express". JRS Express website. Retrieved 2012-02-07.
  38. ↑ "ISELCO II". Energy Regulatory Commission. Retrieved 2012-02-07.
  39. ↑ "Isabela State University Ilagan Campus". Isabela State University Ilagan Campus website. Retrieved 2012-02-07.
  40. ↑ "Isabela education official named OIC Dep-Ed Ilagan". Philippine Information Agency. January 25, 2013. Retrieved 30 October 2013.
  41. ↑ "Polaris Cable Vision". Movie Television Review and Classification Board. Retrieved 2012-02-07.
  42. ↑ "1888 Cable Network". Ibid. Retrieved 2012-02-07.
  43. ↑ "DZZN TV". 28Rank.com website. Retrieved 2012-02-07.
  44. ↑ http://www.facebook.com/Luzonwide News Correspondent
  45. ↑ "The New Valley Times Press vs. NLRC, 1992". Philippine Labor Laws website. February 17, 2010. Retrieved 24 July 2014.

External links

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