REGION II

(BATANES, CAGAYAN, ISABELA, NUEVA VIZCAYA, QUIRINO)

 BATANES

Fast facts

Capital: Basco

Languages: Ivatan, Ichbayaten

Home of Pacita Abad –world known artist who painted the 50 mtrs long bridge in Singapore

Geographic location: 4,500 sq meters expanse of territorial waters (Luzon Strait and Balintang
Channel)

860 km from Manila. Basco – 280 km from Appari and about 190 km south of Taiwan.

Names of cities and towns

6 municipalities:

Itbayat, ivana, mahatao, sabtang, uyugan, and basco.

History:

1687 English freebooters headed by william dampier came with a crew of hollanders and
named the islands in honor of their country’s monarchs.

Itbayat “orange isle” – William of orange

Batan “grafton isle” – Henry Fitzroy (First Duke of Grafton)

Sabtang isle “monmouth isle” – after the Duke of Monmouth

Dampier stayed for less than three months and did not claim the islands for the british crown.

1782 Philippine Governor General Jose Basco Y Vargas sent an expedition to undertake the
formalities of getting the consent of the ivatans to become subjects of the King of Spain.

1783 June 26 Joseph Huelva Melgarejo became the first governor of Batanes. The new
province was named Provincia Dela Concepcion. Governor Basco was named the “Conde
Dela Conquista de Batanes” and the capital town was named after him.

1799 Manila decided to downgrade the province since it was unable to support itself. The
Office of the Governor was abolished and Valero Bermudez was appointed alcalde.

1855 Formal recognition of Itbayat mission, the governorship was restored and Fernando
dela Cuevas was assigned governor.
1898 september 18 katipuneros from luzon hoisted their flag at radiwan in ivana.
1898 September 18 - Katipuneros from Luzon hoisted their flag at Radiwan in Ivana.
September 20 - new set of officers was elected – Teofilo Castillejos was governor.
1900 USS Princeton landed in Batanes to signal the beginning of American rule.
1901 February 06 Public school system started
1909 Batanes became a province once again by the provision of Act 1952 – Otto Scheerer
appointed governor.
Government of Manila erected a wireless telegraph tower and station in the province.
Better roads were built and agricultural land was converted into an airport. The presence of
mass media and radio communications lessened cultural isolation. Infrastructure, electricity
and deep sea fishing improved and a shift to rice from root crops for traditional substance
was affected

Geography

Climate and Weather Pattern Batanes has a semi-temperate climate resulting from its location
near the upper boundary of the Tropic of Cancer. It lies within the typhoon path in Northern
Philippines and is always used as a reference point since the northernmost weather station is
located in Basco, the capital town of Batanes.

Even during summer, weather in Batanes is relatively cooler than the rest of the Philippines.
The coldest months or winter without snow is from December to February where temperature
at times fall to below 10 degrees. Rain is distributed throughout the year but is generally
warmer and drier from April to June.

Batanes has high endemism of flora and fauna because of its isolated location. Many species
of plants and animals are endemic, or found only in the islands, making the province an
important bio-diversity conservation site.

Because of its limited area and remote location, the province of Batanes harbors a moderately
rich terrestrial fauna.

Surveys conducted on the islands in 2006 and 2007 by the University of the Philippines-Los
Baños recorded several possible animal species. Five reptiles, 10 birds and two mammals
recorded are regionally restricted, echoing the significance of Batanes as a high priority for
biodiversity conservation

The UP Los Baños study showed that seven threatened and near-threatened species are
known from Batanes, including Platalea minor black-faced spoonbill, Egretta eulophotes
Chinese egret, Treron formosae Green Pegion, Otus elegans, Terpsiphone atrocaudata
Japanes Paradise Flycatcher, Pteropus dasymallus and Trimeresurus mcgregori.

There are at least 251 species of flora in Batanes, 42 of which are endemic to the country and
seven are found only in the BPLS. The seven are kanarem (Diospyros sabtanensis), riwas
(Drypetes falcata), vua (Areca catechu var. batanensis) Betel Nuts, voyavoy (Phoenix
hanceana var. philipinensis)Date Palm, gagadang (Hydrangea subintegra), tangaw
(Boehmeria villosa), and vuhuan (Leucosyke quadrinervia). Of these plant species, 92 are
known to be economically useful to the Ivatans.
Both voyavoy and vayasuvas are endemic species with much localized distribution, which are
heavily exploited by local people.
There are eight species of plants of critically global conservation status found in BPLS. These
include voyavoy (endangered), Arius (endangered), kamaya (endangered), narra
(vulnerable), and Myristica philippinensis (vulnerable). Other locally endangered species are
vayasuvas, vatinglaw, vonitan (Lilium formosanum), waling-waling (Vanda lamellata), and valit
(Calamus siphonaspathus).

Culture

People of Batanes - Ivatan people are cheerful, kind & honest. Yes, they are true. But they’re
also self-sufficient, industrious, typically shy & calm. The Ivatan enthogenesis is still sketchy.
Researchers say they originated from Taiwan 4000 years ago. Others push they are of Ibanag
descent from northern Luzon. However, one thing is true: they’re Austronesian, sharing
genetic & linguistic traits with most South East Asians.

Access to the province

Flights

PAL

These sales usually happen on significant weekends with public holidays like Independence
Day. You will be able to find many dream destinations such as Batanes on sale for as low as
2,604 all in.

Cebupac

In time for summer travel season, the listed Gokongwei-led airline said on Monday, February
12, that its subsidiary Cebgo will fly once daily between Manila and Basco, Batanes starting
March 25, 2018 until October 27, 2018.

For the summer peak season or from March 25 to May 31 this year, Cebu Pacific's special
introductory fare for the Manila-Batanes route is at P2,699.

From June 1 to October 27 this year 2018, the special introductory fare for the Manila-Batanes
route is at P2,399.

The year-round fare is around P4,241, said Cebu Pacific.

a mock booking with PAL and found out that the rates for a February 2015 travel costs P9500,
roundtrip. (I found weekday promo roundtrip tickets for only P6500!) I tried booking the same
dates with SkyJet, and the cost totaled P11,500.

PAL Promo fares to Batanes are rare, but they exist.

Flights

Basco – Ivana- 42 mins. (18.9 km) via National Road

Basco- Mahatao By land – 31 mins. (12.8 km) via Songsong Iraya Road and National Road

Basco-Sabtang Just 25 mins. away from the main town of Basco, Ivana Port is the starting
point for your unforgettable journey to Sabtang.
Fare starts at P100 per person one way. It’s best to catch the first 7 am boat ride to Sabtang
for a much smoother ride.

It takes roughly around 30–45 mins. to get to Sabtang Port depending on the weather.

Basco – Uyugan 54 mins. (22.2 km) via National Road

Tourist Destination

Natural

Sabtang island – chosen as one of the 12 best destinations in the philippines by the
department of tourism in 1994. This island southwest of batan island remains undisturbed and
unspoiled. It has intermittent white sand beaches,steep mountains and deep canyons with
small level areas sporadically found along the coastline.

Accessible in 30 minutes by falowa from radiwan portin ivana. Also the take off point for ivuhos
island from barangay nakanmuan.

Itbayat island – located north of batan island, it is surrounded by massive builders and cliffs
rising from 20-70 feet above sea level and has no shore line. It has a dirt airstrip for light
aircraft. Ferries run the batan-itbayat route. Travel time is about four hours by falowa from th
basco seaport.

Batan island – it is the center of commerce and seat of the provincial governent. The most
populated island of the province, it is composed of the municipalities of basco, ivana, auyugan
and mahatao.

Mount iraya – a dormant volcano standing at 1517m whose last eruption was recorded in 505
ad, it is ideal for mountaineering, trekking and trailblazing. It is a walking distance from basco
and can be climbed to the top in about three hours.

Mavulis island –the northmost island of batanes. “tatus” Or cocnut crabs abound in this
island surrounded by rich marine life.

Di-atay beach – a beautiful cove with muti-colored rocks and white sand, it is ideal for picnics
and beach combing. Located along t he national highway between mahatao and ivana. It is
9.85km from basco.

Songsong (chadpidan bay) –famous for its beautiful sunset view and big stone boulders, it
is 3km or an hour of exhilarating trek from basco proper.

Naidi hills –a walking distance from basco. This is where the first lighthouse of Batanes was
built.

Man-made

Stone Houses - House of Dakay

The oldest stone house in Batanes was built in 1877. Also known as the House of Estrella,
the “House of Dakay” was named after its inheritor, Jose “Dakay” Estrella. The structure was
originally built for his aunt, Luisa Estrella, through a Bayanihan (voluntarism) system locally
referred to as qapañidungan.

NOTE: A 5.9 magnitude earthquake shook Itbayat, Batanes at 7:37 am Saturday(July

27,2019 ), about three hours after a 5.4 quake wreaked havoc in the northernmost
municipality, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology.

Radar tukon –it was a US weather station on a hilltop and it offers a magnificent 360˚ view of
batan island, the south china sea, mt. Iraya, basco proper, boulder lined cliffs and the pacific
ocean.

San jose church (ivana) 1814 built; 1795 foundation. Of all the old churches in batanes, it is
the only one that was not built in the espadaña style.

Church of sto. Domingo de basco (basco cathedral) 1783 established; it is the oldest and most
important church in batanes. The church is dedicated to immaculate concepcion, patroness
of batanes.

Honesty cafe –self service and self pay

San carlos borromeo church and convent (mahatao) 1789 founded ; 1873 built, it has a facade
modeled after that basco cathedral, with two round arches at roof roof level for the bells.

San vicente ferrer church (sabtang island) following an incident in 1790 when spanish
emissaries sent to produce goods from the parish were killed by some natives. The people of
sabtang were forcibly resettled across the channel to ivana and not allowed to return unti 1844
when the foundations of the present church were laid.

Sta. Maria de Mayan Church was one of the severely damaged structures.
Phivolcs initially put the magnitude of the tremor at 6.4.
Intensity VII was felt in Itbayat while Intensity IV was felt in the province’s capital of Basco

Festivals

Batanes day (june 26) marked with playground demonstrations, parades, the palu-palo festival
and other cultural events.

Palu-palo festival this is a cultural presentation of the municipality of basco, batanes,

showcasing their ethnic group’’s rugged yet storied existence. Palu-palo means sticks or arnis
that were used by the native ivatans to fight the forces of the colonizers such as spaniards
and the dutch. The natives wear the traditional suit made of indigenous materials from the
bark of trees which were flattened.

Kulay festival “anything dried” This festival highlights the simple yet colorful food heritage of
the ivatans.

Bayanihan or payuhuan festival –in the ivatan language, “payuhan” Stands for cooperation
which is truly evident in this 5-day event every june. In this event, a province-wide procession
is done to recall the route of evangelization. Communities and schools conduct the ivatan
olympics to pay tribute to their native game. Another highlight of this fiesta is the kanan nu
kumavahayan or the unity lunch, a government funded celebration for everyone.

Vakul-kanayi festival –vakul is the headgear worn by women and kanayi are the vests
wrapped on men when they work.

Feast of three kings (january 6) on this day, the image of sto. Niño (holy child) is venerated
in every home in batanes.

Cuisine

Coconut crab

Tatus- endangered to be consumed locally

Rock lobster

Their steaming hot, fresh turmeric soup is perfect for that cold and windy day.

The sampler of grilled flying fish, sweet and sour chicken, and chopped harvest of the day–all
served on Kabaya Leaf–shows off what the island has to offer.

We loved their dessert creation of kamote and gabi dipped in coconut milk. It has a creamy
and milky texture.

We had luñis, esnaladang talong, venes, and tumeric rice (P300/head).

Luñis is an indigenous dish of preserved pork and is usually served fried. It is very crispy and
best eaten with Turmeric Rice, another Ivatan staple. Garnished with a generous amount of
garlic, it resembles dried pork adobo. The dish is made using a traditional preservation method
by the Ivatans. The pork is salted and then cooked in big batches, letting the lard come out.
After cooking, the pork is placed in jars called tagaw and submerged in it’s own lard. This
allows the pork to last for a long time without spoiling.

Venes, a local vegetable dish made of preserved gabi stalks (taro). It’s so dry, the stalk can
last for years. Soak these in water, mince, then cook with pork and patola (luffa) and you get
Batanes’ own version of laing.

Mahi-mahi is a staple in this part of town, so you’ll see a bunch of them being dried under the
sun for preservation purposes

Uvud Called as 'tabtab' in Sabtang (one of the 3 inhabited islands in Batanes), uved or uvudis
one of those Ivatan comfort food that I always miss! It's basically made of finely-grated corm
(which is found at the base of a trunk of a banana plant) that's mixed with ground meat (beef
or pork), and minced fish.

Don’t forget to sample the Kamote Donuts, which are naturally sweet but not overly so like the
ones you find in Manila. You can also get Ube Halaya in a canteen near San Carlos Borromeo
Church. It has been a favorite snack of locals and tourists alike (P15).

Escargot – snail
Beliefs And Traditions

The culture of Ivatan is being influenced by its surrounding especially that it is surrounded by
large mass of water. Houses in Batanes are made up of stones in which they called the “Dakay
House” with thick cogon roof, these houses can withstand and survive any calamities such as
heavy winds and typhoons.

July 27,2019

Man-made Sta. Maria de Mayan Church was one of the severely damaged structures.
Phivolcs initially put the magnitude of the tremor at 6.4.
Intensity VII was felt in Itbayat while Intensity IV was felt in the province’s capital of Basco
One endemic clothing of Ivatans is called “Vakul”, it is a headdress that protects their head
from the heat of the sun; it is usually made from abaca fiber of the “vuyavuy” plant. The
Ivatan have three different folk songs: the “laji”, “kanta”and “kalusan”. The “laji”are
ancient lyrical songs that are supposed to be sung when they finished
work. The “kalusan” the other hand is sung during work. The Ivatan
also have legends that are called “kabbata”. They also have the “rawod”, chants the
adventures of the Ivatan’s forefathers as they escape a disaster.

Different Rituals and Festivals can also be observed like the “Kapayvanuvanua” which is a
ceremony, opening for the fishing season, it is often referred as “Ceremonial and Ritual
Opening of a fishing port to obtain the favor of the spirit-dwellers of the sea” the ritual came
from the belief that some superior beings own and control the sea and its riches.
Fishermen sacrifice “sadiew” of the fishing port. How they bur the right to use the
seaport? There is a ritual that’s need to be done, it is to sacrifice a pig and let its blood
spill into the water.

Rituals for wedding include “mayprisinta” it is when the groom-to-be personally visits the family
of his soon to be wife; “manukud su churin” it is the time when the groom-to-be selects a
spokeperson who will confirm the young man’s intention to marry the girl, “kapaychakuvuyut”
it is the traditional Wedding day, the selected women and men serve as “manaynay” whose
duty is to get people to dance the “fundanggo” Moreover, “Kapayretiru” is the celebration of
the sixtieth birthday, from the word “retiru” it also means that it is the time of retiring from
government service. “kapachianyitu” is the practice of acknowledging spirits especially when
heading to the farm.

Tradition: Kapayatep is a unique Ivatan tradition that requires the help of the community as a
form of bayanihan(kumavahayan). Select raw materials like cogon and bamboo reeds are
gathered during summer time.

 CAGAYAN

A. Fast Facts

 Cagayan, is a province of the Philippines in the Cagayan Valley region in Luzon. ...
Thus, “Catagayan” which means a place where the tagay grows abundantly was
shortened to “Cagayan,” the present name of the province.
 28 Municipalities
Abulog Allacapan
Alcala Amulung
Aparri
Baggao
Ballesteros
Buguey
Calayan
Camalaniugan
Claveria
Enrile
Gattaran
Gonzaga
Iguig
Lal -lo
Lasam
Pamplona
Peñablanca
Piat
Rizal
Sanchez Mira
Solana
Sta. Ana
Sta. Praxedes
Sta. Teresita
Sto. Niño
Tuao
Tuguegarao
 1 City (Tuguegarao City)
 3 Congressional Districts
 Tuguegarao City (Capital)

Logo/Seal

-adopted in 1917

-the yellow and gold color symbolizes wealth

-blue symbolizes justice, honor, and nobility of the people

-the portions of the Cagayan river represents the 2 original congressional districts

-the small islands the islands on the northern part of the province

-Tobacco and rice stalks represents agriculture

Flag

-was adopted in March 11, 1970 by the virtue of Provincial Board Resolution No. 319

-same size as the Philippine flag

- Blue symbolizes justice, honor, and nobility of the people

- gold color symbolizes wealth and the bright sun

-green depicts the fertile soil of the Province and to seek inspire hope among the verdant
mountains and plains of the province

-29 white, five pointed stars ringing the coat of arm represents the 29 component city and
municipalities comprising the province

Cagayan River (Rio Grande de Cagayan)

- longest river and largest river by discharge volume of water

Length: 350 km2

Basin size: 27,753km2

Source: Caraballo Mountains

The location of the mouth of the river covers the Babuyan Channel, Cagayan, and empties at
the Aparri Estuary. The river drains a fertile valley that produces a variety of crops, including
rice, corn, banana, coconut, citrus and tobacco. Its tributaries include the Chico River, Magat
River, Ilagan River, and Pinacanauan River. The provincial governments have developed
tourism programs that offer sports and liesure activities on the river. (Kayaking and Whitewater
Rafting

 Claveria’s famous landmark rock formation “Lakay-lakay,” “Baket-baket,” and

“Ubing-ubing” in English means “Old Man,” “Old Woman,” and “Young Person,”
respectively. Can be found in Taggat Lagoon.
Pride of Cagayan

 Francisco “Paco” Roman

-from Alcala
-revolutionary leader (Phil. Revolution, Phil.-American War and 2nd Battle of Caloocan)
-aid of Heneral Luna
 Maja Salvador
-actress, singer and model
-from Aparri
 Juan Ponce Enrile
 -former Senate President
-from Ginzaga

Delimondo

 In 1995, the JAKA group of companies acquired Barney Foods International Inc. and
subsequently renamed it as JAKA Food Processing Corp., which produces hotdogs,
sausages and other meat specialties. It currently manufactures Delimondo products.
 Delimondo, and its famed corned beef, is the brainchild of Katrina Ponce Enrile, the
president and chief executive officer of JAKA Investments Corp., which has diverse
business interests including food and manufacturing services.
 The company is part of the JAKA Group founded by her father, former Senator Juan Ponce
Enrile
 A maker of gourmet food and deli meats, with a name which may roughly translate to
“delicacies of the world”
 started out with corned beef and has since added sausages and sauces, pâtés, oils, and
dips to its roster of products. Aside from the corned beef, its other bestsellers are chili oil
and luncheon meat.
 The beef it uses comes from Brazil, and the rest of the ingredients come from the
Philippines.
 Variants of their corned beef-Delimondo Ranch Style Corned Beef and Delimondo Garlic,
Chili Corned Beef , Delimondo Chili and Garlic Drizzling Oil
B. Brief History

1581
- The first batch of Spanish settlers in Cagayan Valley. By order of Gonzalo Ronquillo de
Peñazola (4th Spanish Governor-General of the Philippines)
-With the leadership of Captain Juan Pablo Creon he went to Cagayan with 100 fully
equipped soldiers with their families.
-they introduced Spanish culture and latin civilization including their religion which is
Roman Catholic
-they took away our primitive culture, customs and tradition
June 29, 1583
-Juan de Calcedo went to Massi (Pamplona), Tular, and Aparri areas.
August 14, 1595
-the Spanish friars established mission post in Camalanuigan and Lal-lo which became
the seat of Nueva Segovia

1898
-Treaty of Paris was signed (ending the Spanish-American war
-America took over the Philippines and made the country civilized
At the close of 18th century, there were 29 municipalities in this province but in 1902, 35
municipalities were found. However, because of the tendency of centralization, change of
population, and being civilized only 29 remained.
C. Geography

 Physiography
-Located at the North East corner of Luzon
-Aggregate land area of 9,002.70 sq. kl. (3% land are of the country; second largest
province in the region)
-Babuyan Islands (North)
-Pacific Ocean (East)
-Isabela Province (South)
-Cordillera Mountain (West)

 Climate
- Relatively dry from March to June
- Rainy from July to October
-Relatively cold from November to February
 Flora and Fauna
 Amyema Incarnatiflora
-family of Lorantaceae
-Cagayan province’ thick jungle is its home
-bunch of slender pick flowers; a beauty of forming a shape of half open parasol
Rafflesia
-“corpse flower” or “meat flower”
-parasitic flower plant dubbed
-First found in Indonesian Rainforest in 1818
Lurung
-rarest and most expensive fish a.k.a. Pacific Samon
-it is sold with an estimated amount of 1500/kg
-it takes a super typhoon to swell the Cagayan River and make the lurung leave their
habitat and reach the northern Cagayan
-They use tak-we or dip-scoop nets, seins or sonsuru, or large spinning bamboo straps
(pateng) and earn overnight.
-it is aromatic and tasty and can be cooked w/out adding spices
-it can be steamed, broiled, roasted, baked or fried

D. Culture

 People
-Due to the influx of Ilokano migrants in the last century, majority of the people of Cagayan
speak Iloko as their primary tongue. Aside from the Ilokanos, there are several smaller
ethnic groups that live in the province.

-The Ybanags are the dominant ethnic group in the vicinity of the provincial capital of
Cagayan-—Tuguegarao, now a city. The closely related Itawits inhabit the Pinacanauan
River valley as well as areas of Amulung and Tuao. The Malawegs are found mainly in
the municipality of Rizal .

-The established lingua franca of the province is Ybanag.

The Ybanags, Itawits and Malawegs are mainly lowland farmers whose agricultural
practices are similar to those of the Ilokanos. The Ybanags used to inhabit the area along
the Cagayan coast but migrated further inland. They conducted trade with neighboring
areas using distinctive seacrafts, and their commercial interests made their language the
medium of commerce throughout the region before the influx of Ilokano migrants. They
are also excellent blacksmiths and continue to make good bolos. The Ybanags are
reputed to be the tallest of all the ethno-linguistic groups in the Philippines.

The Itawits are almost indistinguishable from the Ybanags. They build their houses with
separate kitchens, connected by a narrow walkway that is used as washing area for hands
and feet.

-The Itawits are noted for their pottery and basket-weaving traditions.

Festival

AGGAO NAC CAGAYAN

 It is in commemoration of the establishment of the civil government of Cagayan which was

established on June 29, 1583.
This season marks yet another year of a milestone for the province. This is the only season
when all Cagayanos would come in oneness to celebrate, to enjoy and to appreciate our
province- the smiling land of beauty.

Local products of the different towns in this province are now showcased at the “Product
and Techno Trade Fair” at the capitol grounds as part of the celebration.

Pav-vurulun Festival
  is a week-long celebration that usually ends on August 16 annually. “Pav-vurulun” is an
Ibanag word which means get-together or a sense of belonging. It is in this context that
the city annually celebrates its patronal fiesta in honor of St. Hyacinth, the patron saint of
the city. It gathers Tuguegaraoeños to a week-long festivities culminating with a mass and
procession of the patron saint on August 16. The week-long celebration is a festival of
activities marked by parades, beauty contests, Pancit Batil-Patung eating contest, street
dancing competition, music festival, sports fest, and trade fairs among others.
VIRAY FESTIVAL (STA. ANA)

 Every May 26 to May 30 of the year, the town plays host to the Viray Festival, organized
by the local government with the support of the regional tourism office and the private
sector. Launched in June 2005, the Viray Festival was conceptualized to dramatize the
significance of the viray, which played a key role in the lives and history of the town.
 An annual fluvial parade of colorful boats is held during the first day.
 The second day of the festival features a grand carabao parade where each of the 16
barangays composing the municipality has their turn to show off their artistic talents.
 On the third day, local folks and visitors alike line up along the main street to watch colorful
bodies participating in the street dancing competition.
LABIG "Palma Brava" FESTIVAL

 This festival is celebrated in Claveria, Cagayan from May 7-9 of every year. The town
holds street parades, boat-rowing competisions, beauty pageants and many other forms
of merrynaking. The festival focuses on the uses of the “labig” leaf of a palm tree which
grows abundantly in this town.
SEMANA SANTA AT IGUIG CALVARY HILLS

 Observance of the passion and death of Jesus Christ through larger-than-life-size

concrete 14 stations of the cross spread on 11 hectare rolling retain
 The event is also referred to as the Holy Week by the locals as it lasts from Palm Sunday
to Black Saturday and over to Easter Sunday. This event has been held for many years
and marks a solemn period for locals as they look forward to atonement.
Sambali Festival and Our Lady of Piat

 The Sambali Festival is being held every July 1 and 2 annually in Piat, Cagayan.
 The said festival is a religious and cultural revival to commemorate the Christianization of
the Itawis region of Cagayan.
 During the 16th century when the Spaniards set foot in Cagayan, they found out that the
Itawis town, particularly Piat was inhabited by an aggressive Kalong sub-ethnic group that
originated from the mountains of Kalinga Apayao. The Spaniards tried to convert them to
the Catholic faith, but they failed and it led to war. However, the Spaniards did not give
up. In 1604, the image of Our Lady of Piat, which was originally known as “Nuestra Senora
del Santissimo Rosario” was brought to Cagayan from Macau and made numerous
miracles. Because of this, the people of Piat were gradually converted to Christianity.
 The Lady of Piat is also called as the “Black Virgin Mary” because of its color being brown.
She was also named “Queen of Heaven and Earth”, the Ibanags call her “Yena Tam
Ngamin” and to the natives of Piat as “Apo Baket”
Cuisine/Delicacies

CHICHARABAO

 Tuguegarao City’s version of the chicharon (pork rind), is strangely enough, not made
from pork, but from carabeef. Dubbed as the chicharabao, this uniquely Cagayan snack
is lighter than your usual chicharon and without the crisply fried fat and meat. It is made
from precisely cut carabao skin which are popped on an extremely hot cauldron of cooking
oil. It comes in three flavors, garlic, onion & vinegar and, my favorite, hot & spicy.
PAWA

 Besides the venerated Black Virgin Mary, Piat holds another heavenly gem along its
church grounds, the sweet pawa. The bite-sized snack is made from steamed glutinous
 rice filled with sweetened grounded peanuts. But if you don’t have the time to visit CSU,
there are readily available on the streets near Piat Church.
YBANAG LONGGANISA

 Tuguegarao’s version of the pinoy breakfast favorite, the longganisa, is made from, guess
what, carabeef. Like the Vigan longganisa and Baguio longganisa, it is on the garlicky side
with bits of fat interspersed with meat, making it really flavorful when slowly fried to a crisp.
If carabeef’s not your thing, which is a shame since it is more flavorful, they do have a
pork version of this one too.
LUMOT

 Served with a host of seafood, lumot is lato’s (which they call pukpuklo, by the way) lesser
known cousin. Both are seaweeds, the former having a more algae-ish consistency. Which
is, of course, quite apropriate, since it is a kind of green algae. The taste is a tad similar
to lato, which is salty, like sea salty. It definitely goes well when paired with fried fish and
lobsters.
TUPIG

 Is a rice cake preparation which used to be associated with Christmas and New Year
celebrations. ... popularly known as tupig, is made of ground rice, sugar and buko (young
coconut) strips, rolled and wrapped in banana leaves, then grilled over live coals.
TINUBONG AND SINABALU

 The celebration of Christmas among selected towns in Cagayan is incomplete without a

serving of the Sinabalu and Tinubong, two of the most treasured rice desserts in the
province.
 Rizal town is famous for its Sinabalu Festival where the centerpiece is the sinabalu itself.
Over in northeastern Cagayan, Tinubong rules the season in the same way as Binalay
does to Enrile town.
 The ingredients for both preparations include glutinous rice, sugar, some salt (especially
for sinabalu) and the indispensable kakang gata ( first coconut milk). There are
differences, however, in the way the glutinous rice is prepared. For Sinabalu, the whole
rice is used while Tinubong prefers ground rice. The former is bereft of any other mixture
while the latter is mixed with ground peanuts or cacao which makes it tastier and
competitive.
PANCIT BATIL PATONG

 Pancit Batil Patong or Pancit Tuguegarao is made out of pansit miki Tuguegarao, minced
carabao meat (water buffalo), bean sprouts and other vegetables topped with egg and
chicharon. Batil Patong if directly translated means “beat the egg” for Batil and “placed
on top” for Patong and that explains the egg on top.

SINATA

 It’s an Ybanag concoction of rice vermicelli and miki noodles, chicken and pork, dried
shrimps and clams all swimming in a wonderful glorious broth infused with fish sauce and
your typical ginisa (sautéed) garlic and onions. It is usually served as merienda with a fried
sweetened glutinous rice flour called pinakufu or royal bibingka.
Arts and Crafts

POTS

 Aside from its historical sights, Iguig is also the renowned “Pottery Center of Cagayan”. A
visit to the Barangay Atulu, a nondescript village populated by indigenous Itawis people,
reveals that the heritage handicraft of pottery and brick-making very much lives on to this
day. Now identified as the municipality’s One Town One Product (OTOP)
FURNITURES
  Export quality furniture made of soft and hardwood and rattan products
BASKETS

 The Itawits are noted for their pottery and basket-weaving traditions.
Beliefs and Traditions

 The Itawits are almost indistinguishable from the Ibanags. They build their houses with
separate kitchens, connected by a narrow walkway that is used as washing area for hands
and feet.
Religious Beliefs

 Majority of the people in Cagayan Province are Roman Catholic due to the strong
influence of the Spaniards. There are also many Catholic churches in the province.
D. Accessibility

 For a faster option going to Cagayan, one may take a 45 minute air travel to Tuguegarao.
Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific both have daily flights to Cagayan’s capital.
 For a cheaper option, you may take a bus.
 Bus options include Victory Liner, GV Florida Bus and Dalin Liner.
E. Top Tourist Attractions

Natural

Portabaga Falls (Sta. Praxedes)

 Portabaga Falls is 41 feet in height and is not that far from the national highway.
Portabaga Falls is now a park and a resort. There are cottages, rooms, and even function
halls that can be rented.
Palaui Island

 Paradise of the North (Sta Ana) - A paradise for the water sports and mountaineering
activities. This untouched paradise has an approximate area of 3,850 hectares with a
shoreline of 20.6 kilometers. Abundant in marine resources and home of different
monkeys, wild pigs, deer, sea turtles and various endemic and migratory birds.
The Callao Caves

 (Declared under Republic Act 7357 as a National Park) is a 7-chambered cave with
massive limestone formations running through a great length of the Pinacanauan River.
One of its chambers features a stone altar illuminated by natural skylight, producing an
eerie catacomb-like atmosphere. Also a treat is the spectacle of red-billed kalaw birds
and daily charge of bats at dusk when millions pour out of the Bat's Cave.
Man-made

Basilica Minore of Our Lady of Piat

 The town of Piat in the province of Cagayan has been called the “Pilgrimage Center of the
North” because of the multitude of faithful, devotees, and tourists who have come far and
wide as the town is home to the Basilica of Our Lady of Piat, a source of faith, inspiration,
and some say, miracles, for people for literally centuries.
 The history of Our Lady of Piat dates back in 1604 when a black image of the Virgin Mary
with the infant Jesus on her left arm was brought to the Philippines from Macau by the
Dominican friars. It was originally called the Nuestra Señora dela Santissimo Rosario (Our
Lady of the Holy Rosary). The image was brought to Lal-lo, Cagayan(then the Episcopal
See of Nueva Segovia) to be known by the Cagayanos. The image was also brought to
Piat, and Tuguegarao in 1622. During the visitation, it was replaced by a more beautiful
image from Manila but the people demanded that the original image be returned to them
so it was brought back to Piat and was enthroned in a small sanctuary.
Calvary Hills (Iguig)
  This duplicate of the Fourteen Stations of the Cross set up amidst Spanish era ruins.
It is situated atop an 11 hectare rolling terrain overlooking the Cagayan River. The
images are more than lifesize concrete monuments standing on a hillside.
Camalaniugan Bell (Camalaniugan)

 one of the oldest bell in the Philippines, forged in the year 1595, it was brought to
Manila in February 1987 as one of the attractions during the 33rd International
Eucharistic Congress.
 the largest church bell in Asia at Pan-ay, Capiz,
 A year after, the original parish church was built, the third one in Cagayan province. A
church dedicated to the Polish saint San Jacinto de Polonia (Saint Jacek of Poland)
was built in 1746 but was later destroyed by typhoon and earthquake. In later years,
the church was moved to its present site, away from the seasonal overflow of the
Cagayan river, which threatened the foundations of the original structure. Today, the
Sancta Maria bell hangs together with the town’s other historic bells in the belfry of the
modern-style church.
Criselda’s

 Criselda's is a popular restaurant in Tuguegarao City that specializes in pancit batil

patung. It was established in 1986 and has been serving pancit batil patung and
local dishes in the Northern Luzon city. Dian Dayag is also the daughter of
Criselda, the woman behind the restaurant.

 ISABELA

Fast facts about isabela:

 Capital: Ilagan
 3 Cities, 34 Municipalities
 1055 Barangays
 Second largest Province in the Philippines
 Hybrid Corn & Rice Champion of the Philippines
 Language/Dialect: Ilokano, Tagalog, Ibanag
 Home to the biggest corn processing facility in South East Asia
 Home of Magat Dam
 The largest in the island of Luzon in terms of land area
 10th richest province in the Philippines in 2011, the only province of Northern Luzon to be
included in the list

Brief History Of Isabela

Prior to 1856, the Cagayan Valley was divided into only two provinces: Cagayan and
Nueva Vizcaya. The Province of Cagayan at that time consisted of all towns from Tumauini to
Aparri in the north. All other towns from Ilagan southward to Aritao comprised the Province of the
old Nueva Vizcaya.

A royal decree was issued on May 1, 1856 creating the Province of Isabela consisting of
the towns of Gamu, Old Angadanan (now Alicia), Bindang (now Roxas) and Camarag (now
Echague), Carig (now Santiago City) and Palanan

It was initially called Isabela de Luzón to differentiate from other places in the Philippines
bearing the name of Isabela. The new province was named after Queen Isabella II of Spain.
Although the province did not play a major role in the revolt against Spain, it is in Palanan that the
final pages of the Philippine Revolution were written.

Geography Of Isabela

Physiography

The province is divided into three physiographic areas: Western, Eastern, and Coastal
Isabela. All three are straddled by the majestic Sierra Madre Mountains, the longest mountain
range in the Philippines. Isabela is home to one of the largest remaining rainforests in the world
known as the Northern Sierra Madre Natural Park, a government reservation covering 3,590
square kilometers of terrestrial and marine ecosystems rich in genetic species and biodiversity.
The park is considered among the global top ten biodiversity hotspots.

Isabela is bounded on the north by the province of Cagayan; on the east by the Pacific
Ocean; on the south by the provinces of Nueva Vizcaya, Quirino and Aurora; and on the west by
the provinces of Kalinga, Mountain Province and Ifugao.

Land Area – 1,066,456 has.

Climate

The province has two types of climate. The eastern and coastal areas experience
moderate rainfall more or less distributed throughout the year, while western Isabela has more
pronounce wet and dry seasons. The average annual temperature is 27.1 degrees celsius and
means annual rainfall is 1,700 millimeters.

Flora and fauna

 Philippine Crocodile - a critically endangered species, can be found throughout the length
of the river and creeks of San Mariano.
 Indigo Banded Kingfisher - is a species of bird in the family Alcedinidae. It is endemic to
the Philippines, where it is a generally uncommon but locally common resident of the
northern and central islands
 Isabela Oriole - is a species of the oriole family endemic to Luzon in the Philippines. The
bird was presumed to be extinct for many years until its rediscovery in December 1993
near Diffun, Quirino, and in Mansarong, Baggao, Cagayan in September 1994. The
Isabela Oriole is still found in the municipality of San Mariano.
 The Furtive Flycatcher and the Golden-crowned Babbler are small insect-eating birds that
live deep in the forest. They are endemic to Luzon. The Philippine Dwarf-kingfisher is a
forest species that does not eat fish but insects and small reptiles. Its endemic to the
Philippines.

Culture Of Isabela

People

The influx of Ilocanos into Isabela have made them the great majority of the province's
resident population. Ibanags compose the second largest ethnoliguistic group and are
concentrated int the municipalities of Cabagan, Tumauini and Ilagan. Gaddangs and Yogads are
scattered among the western and central lowlands, while Agtas and various other Negrito groups
live in the Sierra Mountains. Tagalogs live in the coastal enclave of Palanan. Most of the lowland
groups are integrated into the mainstream of Filipino culture and are indistinguishable except for
their language. Ilocano is the common language understood and used in the province. They have
a population of 1,593,566 (CY 2015)

Festivals

 BAMBANTI FESTIVAL
 BAKA FESTIVAL
 BALATONG FESTIVAL
 BINALLAY FESTIVAL
 BINNADANGAN FESTIVAL
 DIKIT FESTIVAL
 FEAST OF OUR LADY OF THE VISITACION OF GUIBANG
 GAKIT FESTIVAL
 GAWAGAWAYAN FESTIVAL
 ISABELA DAY
 MANGI FESTIVAL
 NUANG FESTIVAL
 PAGAY FESTIVAL
  PATTARADDAY FESTIVAL
 SABUTAN FESTIVAL

 BAMBANTI FESTIVAL- The festival features the province being an agricultural province
and Bambanti (scarecrow) is used as a symbol to scare birds that destroys agriculture
crops. It is usually held annually during the last week of January.
 BAKA FESTIVAL - A survey revealing quite number of ranches in San Pablo led to the
establishment of the Baka Festival. Held on January 15 it is expected not only to be the
highlight of future patronal fiestas of San Pablo but also to sustain efforts to promote the
local cattle industry and the products that have been developed since a convergence
project was located in the municipality. The festival is a fine time to see cowboys of San
Pablo display skills that are reminiscent of the American Wild West
 BINALLAY FESTIVAL - Ilagueños have made the binallay a symbol of the noble
characteristics they aspire to have as individuals and as a community. These include being
hardworking, patient, intelligent, and God fearing. They regard the white cake as a
representation of the body of Christ and the laro as his blood. As part of their penitence
during Holy Week, binallay is the only food Ilagueños eat. It is a rice cake that holds a
special significance in the collective psche of Ilagueños, their religious life and their
culinary heritage. Not surprisingly, they have named their town festival after it. Every May
their signature product takes center stage twice, once during the festival itself and during
the Isabela Day celebrations earlier in the month when it usually has a wider audience.
 DIKIT FESTIVAL - Known for being an agricultural municipality, the Municipality of Aurora
annually celebrates its Dikit Festival every 28th to 30th of April. Dikit is an Ilokano term
meaning glutinous rice. The festival is celebrated to showcase this mouth-watering
delicacy and its by-products which are bibingka, muriecos, inangit, tupig, kalamay and
tinudok, among others. Farmers in Aurora plant this glutinous rice served to guests during
special occasions.
 MANGI FESTIVAL - Aside from its exquisite church, one of the most enduring legacies of
the Spanish colonial era lives on, quite literally in Tumauini, corn. It was one of the plants
that came aboard the galleons and became one of the primary crops of the Philippines. It
is interesting to note that corn seems to have transcended being a mere crop in Tumauini.
The late National Artist for Dance, Ramon Obusan traced the origins of a traditional dance
inspired by the crop to Tumauini. Thus, a corn inspired festival seemed especially
appropriate for Tumauini.
 PATTARADDAY FESTIVAL - The biggest red-letter day on Santiago City’s social
calendar: the Pattaradday Festival. For five days the 14 ethnic groups of the city flesh out
the meaning of pattaradday, Ibanag for unity. Although it is held to mark the city’s founding
anniversary and is likewise held in honor of the city’s patron, Saint James the Apostle.
 SABUTAN FESTIVAL - In March, Palanan holds the Sabutan Festival. It is named after
the local name for pandan (Pandanus tectorius) which is plentiful in the town. The people
of Palanan are fine craftsmen who weave dyed and natural colored strips into a variety of
bags, hats, and placemats, among other items that have both traditional and contemporary
designs. For the festival, the sabutan products are not only sold, these are aslo used as a
theme and are fashioned into costumes and décor.

Cuisine And Delicasies

 PANCIT CABAGAN - The thin Miki noodle recipe that is garnished with pork lechon
carajay, pork or chicken liver, vegetables and quail eggs.
 BINALLAY - When in Isabela, don’t miss Binallay; a native suman delicacy of the province
made of sticky rice flour and wrapped in banana leaves. Binallay is cooked in boiling water
until done then serve with latik sauce.
 MORIECOS - This variety of rice cake (kakanin in Tagalog) is stuffed with latik or
caramelized young coconut then steamed and wrapped in fresh banana leaf.
 DINENGDENG - This Ilokano dish has a soup base made of bagoong isda (fermented fish
paste) and mixed with local vegetables and some grilled or fried fish. It is also similar to
Bulanglang and Laswa and the only difference is the addition of fish and fermented fish
paste.
  INATATA - Whole glutinous rice that’s a bit sweet and wrapped in small cylinders made
of banana leaves are cooked by steaming. They’re tied in batches; ten per batch and it
resembles a magazine of bullets when tied.
 ALING BELEN LONGGANISA - Aling Belen is a household name in the province because
of her Longganisa. She started mixing her own version of the Pinoy sausage in 1970. Her
personal special recipe makes her Longganisa the best in Isabela.
 BIBINGKANG KANIN - Bibingkang Kanin is made of glutinous rice, coconut milk, white
sugar, and young coconut meat. It follows simple cooking procedures like steaming the
rice and adding the remaining ingredients then baking it.
 LECHON CORDERO - This dish is a sumptuous combination of lamb lechon which is
marinated in oyster sauce, lemon juice, and red wine. It’s also the same marinade that will
be injected inside the lechon.
 PINATARO - A mixture of white sticky rice dumplings and coconut strips are what make
up this warm dish. The sticky rice dumplings is served in thick coconut latik cream.
 CORN COFFEE - Corn coffee in Isabela is popular because of the abundance of corn
supply in the province. It’s as tasty as coffee and it has its own health benefits.
 CORN PASTILLAS - This is a native milk candy from Isabela which is made of corn,
sugar, flour, powdered milk, and butter.
 PANCIT BATIL PATONG - Although it originated in Tuguegarao, Pancit Batil Patong is
also popular in Isabela.

Beliefs And Traditions

Despite the assimilation of most of Isabela's people into the mainstream of Philippine
culture, some ethnic artistic expressions have survived until today. Ibanag literary traditions have
survived in the form of old songs, proverbs and poems that are still sung today, accompanied by
indigenous musical instruments. These instruments produce both melancholy as well as martial
tunes, reinforcing the cadence and theme of the spoken word. The oral traditions of the ononi,
the berso, and the pabattang excellently convey folklore and ethnic values of the Ibanags. The
Yogads, on the other hand, continue to produce and use the butting, a unique guitar. It is a
bamboo bow using tukmoy fibers as strings.

Tradition

The province use of Bambanti (scarecrow) in the rice fields is believed to scare birds which
eats the ripened rice.

Religion

85% Isabelinos are Christians with Roman Catholic as religion followed by Iglensia ni
Cristo and other religious sects are present in Isabela.

MODES OF TRANSPORTATION

Buses, Vans, jeeps, tricycles

You can take a bus ride to Isabela from Kamias, Quezon City. This is a 10-11 hour ride.
There are plenty of bus companies to choose from like Five Star Bus, Victory Liner, and Florida
Transport. You may also book a direct flight to Cauayan, Isabela with a travel time of 3 hours and
30 minutes.

Seaports and Airports

Cauayan City Airport, Palanan, Divilacan and Maconacon Airports

Top Tourist Attractions

 AGUINALDO SHRINE- located in Palanan, Isabela is the historical place where Gen.
Emilio Aguinaldo was captured by the American forces, thus ending the Philippine
Revolution in 1901. It is accessible by aircraft pumpboat, and trekking thru Sta. Ana,
Cagayan, San Mariano/Cauayan and Ilagan, Isabela respectively.
 ISABELA MUSEUM AND LIBRARY – the repository and custodian of the rich historical
and cultural heritage of the Isabelions. Features a gallery exhibit and a collection of
 antiques such as artifacts, fossils, ethnographic, items, heirloom pieces, visual arts
(photographs, paintings, sculpture, graphic arts), historical and cultural dioramas,
miniature models of provincial landmarks, among others. It was inaugurated on May 11,
1999 and is housed at the old capitol building in Ilagan.
 BONSAI FOREST – located in Sumanget, Dinapigue, showcases a bonsai forest with
plants ranging from one foot to 7 feet in height. The forest is astonishing – covering an
estimated 20,000 hectares.
 CAMP SAMAL - The historic Camp Samal was the site of the National Jamboree in 1977.
Spanning at 23.50 hectares, elevated mass of rolling hills 500 feet above sea level
overlooks the mighty Cagayan River, the Pinacanauan River, the town of Tumauini itself,
the municipality of Delfin Albano, and the Sierra Mountain ranges.
 CROCODILE SANCTUARY OF SAN MARINO - 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.
 DIBULO FALLS - Dibulo falls is one of the most notable throughout the Sierra Madre
mountain range. It is one of the attractions of Sierra Madre Nature Park. The falls standing
tall at a height of approximately 100 meters.
 FUYOT SPRINGS NATIONAL PARK - Situated in the suburbs of Sta. Victoria, City of
Ilagan, Fuyot Springs National Park nestles a multitude of attractions guaranteed to satisfy
adventurers. The park houses the Sta. Victoria Caves, which showcases more than 12
caves open for public spelunking. The caves feature formed lattices, stalactites, and
stalagmites, a few of which have mineral deposits making them glimmer and shine when
hit by light. Also within the park is Pinzal Falls, reached by a treading a short trek from the
park proper. The park is 15 kilometers from Ilagan town proper.
 NORTHERN SIERRA MADRE NATURAL PARK (PALANAN FOREST) – the largest
protected area in the country with more than 300,000 hectares of rainforest, and the lowest
at 800 feet above sea level. Declared number 1 in biodiversity and also one of the top 10
biodiversity “hotspots” in the world. Accessible by light aircraft, pumpboat, and trekking.
 SHRINE OF OUR LADY OF THE VISITATION – Guibang Church which houses the
Miraculous Lady of Visitation, is located along the national highway of Gamu, Isabela and
frequented by travelers passing along Maharlika Highway. It is now as famous as the
Shrine of Piat Basilica Minore as it comes alive in July every year when religious pilgrims
come to offer prayers of thanks and to ask for another year of good fortune.
 PARISH CHURCH OF ST. MATHIAS – located in Tumauini, built in 1753 under
Dominican Supervision and completed in 1805, it is an ultra-baroque church unique for its
extensive use of baked clay both for wall finishing and ornamentation. This church of stone
features a unique cylindrical bell tower that is the only one of its kind in the Philippines. It
was declared a National Historical Landmark on February 24, 1989.
 OUR LADY OF ATOCHA CHURCH – the church and convent as seen todays in the town
of Alicia, beautiful and solid, was built by Fr. Tomas Calderon, OP and inaugurated in
1849, with Fr. Francisco Gainza, OP, then vicar of Carig (now Santiago City). Famous for
their antique Spanish architectural designs, these churches are found along the national
highway and are accessible by land transport.
 SAN PABLO CHURCH - Built in 1624, it is said to be the oldest in the province. Its lofty
bell tower of six layers including the circular apex made of adobe is the tallest in the
Cagayan Valley. San Pablo, the oldest town of Isabela, was founded by Padre de Sto.
Tomas, 210 years before Isabela was made a province.
 ST. ROSE DE LIMA CHURCH – located in Gamu, Isabela, built in 1726, it is famous for
its Spanish architectural design. The feast of the patronal saint of Gamu is celebrated
every August 23.
 SHRINE OF OUR LADY OF LA SALETTE - Dedicated to Our Lady of La Sallette, the
chapel in Balintocatoc occupies the highest point in Santiago City. It is a major destination
during Holy Week when people flock to the 14 Stations of the Cross that line to road to
the chapel.
 GIANT BUTAKA – located in Ilagan, dubbed as the furniture capital of the province. It is
11 feet 4 inches high, 20 feet 8 inches long, and 9 feet 7 inches wide. It weighs 2,368 kilos
 and was constructed by 25 workers in 29 days. The Butaka is a local chair with a reclining
back rest and with arms that extend 2-3 feet long where your arms or feet rest.
 MAGAT DAM – it is Asia’s biggest dam project at the time of its construction. It serves the
primary function of power generation and irrigation. Its reservoir area of 4,450 hectares
has a great potential for water-based recreation like fishing, boating, and water skiing
among others.

 NUEVA VIZCAYA

Fast Facts About Nueva Vizcaya:

 Capital: Bayombong
 15 Municipalities
 The name Nueva Vizcaya may have been derived from the name given at the time to the
western Basque territories of Spain, or from the province of Biscay (called Vizcaya in
Spanish) itself.
 A major producer of citrus crops in the country, principally pomelo, ponkan and oranges
 257 Barangays
 Languages: Ilocano, Gaddang, Tagalog, Isinay

Brief History Of Nueva Vizcaya

The Province of Nueva Vizcaya , which was named after the people living in the coast of
Mar de Vizcaine in Spain, was a part of vast “Territorio de Missionares” of the Spanish controlled
government of Cagayan.

On May 24, 1839, Governor General Luis Lardizabal, upon advice of the Alcalde Mayor
of Cagayan, issued an order making Nueva Vizcaya a separate politico-military province. The
King of Spain through a royal decree approved the order on April 10, 1841.

Geography Of Nueva Vizcaya

Physiography

It is bordered by Benguet to the west, Ifugao to the north, Isabela to the northeast, Quirino
to the east, Aurora to the southeast, Nueva Ecija to the south, and Pangasinan to the southwest.
The province is located in the center of Luzon.

Land Area - 390,387 has.

Climate

The climate here is mild, and generally warm and temperate. There is significant rainfall
throughout the year in Nueva Vizcaya. Even the driest month still has a lot of rainfall. This location
is classified as Cfa by Köppen and Geiger. The average temperature in Nueva Vizcaya is 18.9
°C. Precipitation here averages 1160 mm.

Culture Of Nueva Vizcaya

People

Since its birth as a province, its history could still be reflected from the culture and customs
of the early settlers, i.e., Ilongots, Igorots, Ifugaos, Isinais and the Gaddangs. The influx of
civilization and the infusion of modern technology to the life stream of the province induced many
settlers from adjacent provinces primarily the Ilocanos, Tagalogs, pangasinenses and the
Kapampangans to migrate here. They have a population of 452,287.

Products, Cuisines, And Delicasies

Primary crops are palay and corn. Minor crops are rootcrops, vegetables, and fruits. the
province produces quality onions and vegetables often sold in Metro Manila. Oranges and
mangoes are now major crops being exported fresh to Asian countries.
Festivals

 AMMUNGAN FESTIVAL
 KASIPEGAN FESTIVAL
 BAYKAT FESTIVAL
 PANAGSISIBUYAS FESTIVAL
 PABBALAT FESTIVAL
 PANGGAYJAYA FESTIVAL
 BAYONGYONG FESTIVAL
 RAGRAGSAKAN FESTIVAL
 DUPAX DEL NORTE TOWN FIESTA
 PANAGYAMAN FESTIVAL/NUEVA VIZCAYA DAY
 CITRUS FESTIVAL
 PAGLINGALINGAN FESTIVAL
 PUGUNGAN FESTIVAL
 OWAG-SHI FESTIVAL
 TANGGUYOB FESTIVAL
 KALANGUYA FESTIVAL
 PAGBIAGAN FESTIVAL
 PADAYAMAN FESTIVAL

 AMMUNGAN FESTIVAL - Annual special event reflective of tribal tradition and beliefs.
The term Ammungan stands for gathering. In the spirit of thanksgiving, the festival
highlights the gathering of the upland indigenous peoples groups and lowland dwellers to
what is known as the Tribu Bisjkayano. Nueva Vizcaya commemorates its founding
anniversary every May 24 with a week-long series of activities such as cultural
presentations, street dancing, float parade, sports, and adventure activities.
 KALANGUYA FESTIVAL (March 8 to 11) - Their town fiesta coincides with the Kalanguya
Festival (IP of Santa Fe). Celebrated with program, float and people’s parade, people’s
night headed by officials and the Search for Ms. Sta Fe. Most awaited event is the cultural
day as it showcases the rich culture of the Kalanguyas. The Kalanguya Festival is the one
of the most colorful and original cultural festivals in the province.
 PANAGYAMAN FESTIVAL/NUEVA VIZCAYA DAY (May 19-24) - The Panagyaman
Rice Festival was the principal national festival devoted to the triumphs of little
agriculturists who have been the spine in the crusade for a Hungry-Free Philippines. It is
celebrated with parades, beauty pageant, trade shows, and agro-industrial fair, among
others.
 CITRUS FESTIVAL - during the festivities, visitors are allowed to pick-and-pay in the
town’s popular citrus farms.

Cuisines And Delicasies

 MRS BAKER’S RESTAURANT AND PASTRY SHOP - a surprising find in Bayombong,

Mrs Baker’s offers a mix of FIlipino and international fares. They got a homey ambiance
and the service is prompt and friendly. They serve Bagnet, Pepper Fish with Grilled
Vegetables, Mushroom and Tofu and their Chicken Kebab.
 KABOODLE GRILL AND RESTAURANT – they have tasty boodle variant sets like the
Pork Madness, Chicken Lovers, Seafood Overload, and Kebaboodle, all ready to serve 4-
6 persons in a group, and if you dine alone they also serve Boodle Solo.
 ALL DAY EXOTIC RESTO BAR - must try are the crispy Abal-abal (slagubang beetle),
Tateg (salagubang larvae) and the fried frogs. Goes really well with a cold beer inside their
native house inspired interior complete with capiz windows ans stylized table with sewing
machine legs.
 GOVERNOR’S GARDEN MERIENDA BUFFET - every Friday at 4-6pm, Governor’s
Garden Hotel offer’s an extensive offering of kakanin (rice cakes), fresh and fried lumpia,
pancit and dinuguan. They can also offer the merienda buffet by request for a group
minimum of 30 pax.
  CAFE ANGELO - situated within the grounds of the private resort, Balai Gloria, Cafe
Angelo serves up sumptuous foods from Filipino, Chinese, Japanese and Italian cuisines
in a very nice garden ambiance especially in the evening.
 G&B Buko Pie - they had been in production since 1993 and makes about 2000 pieces
per day which are usually wiped out. Their buko pie are smaller in diameter but has really
tasty crusts and tasty filling. Best served fresh from the oven.

Religion

Large percentage of Roman Catholic by about 70% reflects the province's strong Catholic
influence in cultural and political aspects. Other faiths are divided among Aglipayan Church which
has alarge minority about 20%, Baptist, Iglesia Ni Cristo, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-
day Saints, Jehovah's Witnesses, Seventh-day Adventist andother Evangelical Christians as well
as Muslims.

How To Get There???

Air-conditioned buses (Victory Liner, Florida Liner, etc.) bound for Cagayan Valley pass
by the province. For independent motorists, take the North Luzon Expressway and exit at Sta.
Rita Nueva Vizcaya is accessible through the Cagayan Valley road (Daang maharlika) & is about
268km north of Metro Manila (approximately 6hrs of travel by land)

Modes of Transportation

Buses and public utility jeepneys. Tricycles are numerous in every town. Van/car rental
services are available with rates depending on the type of vehicle used and the distance travelled.

Top Tourist Attractions

 DALTON PASS – a rugged piece of terrain where Caraballo Sur reaches south and joins
with the Sierra Madre. Being the only access between Pampanga and Cagayan Valley,
the pass became the scene of much bloody fighting during the final stages of WWII and
bore witness to the death of almost 17,000 Japanese, American, and Filipino soldiers.
This is also the gateway to the Cagayan Valley Region and the Ifugao Rice Terraces.
 KIRANG PASS – a monument to the gallantry of the Japanese and Filipino soldiers during
WWII, located at Brgy. Kirang, municipality of Aritao, about 50 kilometers from
Bayombong. Built in 1978 by the Rakunsankai Society of Japan, it was recently rebuilt
using a black glazed stone, and a memorial was engraved in the tablet in Japanese and
English. Also offers a breathtaking view of reforested mountains and hills.
 MT. PULAG NATIONAL PARK – located in Kayapa and Ambaguio, the gateway to Mt.
Pulag, the country’s second highest peak at 2,922 feet above sea level, the park is
accessible by foot from the capital town Bayombong and located west towards the
boundary of Nueva Vizcaya and Benguet.
 MT. PALALI – Located at Bayombong and Quezon, Nueva Vizcaya. At 1,705 meters
above sea level, the municipalities of Quezon and Bayombong bound Mt. Palali. Once the
hunting ground of the Bugkalots, Gaddangs and Ifugaos, this majestic mountain range
offers a magnificent view of the low-lying municipalities of the province and contains
unique diversity of flora and fauna.
 CAPISAAN CAVE SYSTEM – the 5th longest cave system in the country and ranked
among the best, considered a geologist’s paradise due to its varying rare calcite
formations and unique stalagmite and stalactite formations. Within its four kilometer length
is a subterranean river that doubles as a passageway to the best part of this mukti-
chambered cave. Part of the cave network are the Lion and Alayan Caves, measuring 4.2
kilometers and relatively new hotspots, located in Brgy. Capisaan, Malabig valley, Kasbu
town.
 IMUGAN WATERFALLS – Located at Santa Fe, Nueva Vizcaya. A 35-foot two level falls
with a shallow catch basin of refreshing mountain spring interestingly located between two
mountains. Trek over streams and rivers emanating from the falls. Accessibly by a 30-
minute hike from Imugan poblacion which is about 30 minutes from the national highway.
 ST. DOMINIC CATHEDRAL – Located at Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya. Preserved to
become the first cathedral in the province. Razed twice and rebuilt in the same old site, it
 is now approximately twice its original size. It maintains its original 18th century Spanish
style façade.
 ST. VINCENT FERRER CHURCH – Located at Dupax del Sur, Nueva Vizcaya. It is
declared as a National Cultural Treasure by the National Museum, St. Vincent Ferrer
Church was constructed in the 16th century, considered as one of the oldest and biggest
churches in the Northern Luzon. Reachable in 45 minutes from Bayombong town proper.
 VILLA MARGARITA MOUNTAIN RESORT – it rests on rolling hills and has spring-fed
pools and water slides. The Banaue Rice Terraces, eight World Wonder, is only 2 hours
away. Located some 260 kilometers from Manila along the Maharlika Highway at Brgy.
Busilac, Bayombong.
 NUEVA VIZCAYA CAPITOL COMPLEX - a study of architectural ingenuity, the complex
built by Governor Patricio Dumlao has a park, concrete benches and sidewalks lighted
with giant mercury lamps, a water pool, and a man-made lagoon ideal forrowing the
colorful miniboats that are offered for rent and managed by a group of handicapped
workers. Located along the highway, it also houses the provincial offices of government.

 QUIRINO

Fast Facts About Quirino:

 Capital: Cabarroguis
 It has six municipalities, one congressional district and 110 barangays
 It was the forest region of the province of Nueva Vizcaya
 Languages: Ilocano, Tagalog

Brief History Of Quirino

Quirino province acquired its juridical personality as a result of the division of the provinces
of Nueva Vizcaya and Isabela on June 18, 1966 under RA 4734. It was named in honor of the
late President Elpidio A. Quirino.

RA 6394 was passed on September 10, 1971 further amending RA 5554 and separating
the sub-province of Quirino from its mother province, Nueva Vizcaya, constituting it into a regular
province. Hon. Leonardo B. Perez authored RA 6394.

The province of Quirino was formally established on February 10, 1972 upon the
assumption to office of the first elected provincial and municipal officials headed by Dionisio A.
Sarandi as Provincial Governor.

Geography Of Quirino

Physiography

The Sierra Madre Mountain Range provides a natural barrier on the eastern and southern
border of the province and the Mamparang Range on the western part. The province is generally
mountainous, with about 80 percent of the total land area covered by mountains and highlands.
A part of the province’s comparative advantage is its accessibility to the town of Aurora.

The province of Quirino is seated at the southern part of Region 02. Quirino’s total land
area of 305,720 hectares.

Geographically, the province of Quirino is bounded by the province of Nueva Vizcaya in

the west and southwest, province of Isabela in the north and northeast, and the province of Maria
Aurora in the south.

Climate

The climate is tropical in Quirino. There is significant rainfall in most months of the year.
The short dry season has little effect on the overall climate. The climate here is classified as Am
by the Köppen-Geiger system. In Quirino, the average annual temperature is 27.0 °C. The rainfall
here averages 1883 mm.
Flora And Fauna

The protected area is home to a wide array of endemic and endangered flora and fauna.
At least 41 threatened animal species have been recorded in the area, including the Cantor's
Giant Softshell Turtle. Other animals that inhabit the watershed include bird species such as the
Philippine Eagle and Isabela Oriole, gecko species such as the Sierra Madre Fringed Gecko, and
freshwater fish like the Lobed River Mullet.

In 2009, a new rafflesia species, the Rafflesia Aurantia, has also been discovered in the
area.

Culture Of Quirino

People

The Ilongots and the Dumagats are the original inhabitants of the province, which used to
be the forest region of Nueva Vizcaya. These tribal groups roamed the hinterlands, building their
huts in the heart of the jungle. The Ilongots used to be a feared tribe because of their headhunting
ritual, which coincides with the blooming of the red-blood flower of the “bagbag-tree”. They are
simply half naked and clothed g-strings for the male and wrap skirts for the females. They are
also fond of coiled wire bracelets and fancy jewelries. They have a population of 188,991 (2015
census).

Festivals

 ARAW NG QUIRINO (PANAGDADAPUN) – Quirino Province celebrates its annual

Festivity, dub as "PANAGDADAPUN FESTIVAL" an Ilocano word which means assembly
or the gathering of every Quirinian. Highlight of this annual celebration is the grand parade
which was enjoined by different agencies found in the province together with the
convergence of all tribes thru street dancing portraying the different culture and history of
the province. It is celebrated every month of September which coincides with the Araw ng
Quirino Foundation every Municipality has its own festival which features their unique
culture and practices. It is being celebrated every September 7-10 of the year.
 AGLIPAY (PANAGSALUKAG) - It signifies the value of hardwork and industry of
Aglipayano’s, It creates relaxation and excitement to overcome the hardship of farming. It
is celebrated every July 27-28 of the year.
 SAGUDAY - PAGAY-PAGAY FESTIVAL - Is a symbolism of the industry, perseverance
and zeal of the rice producing people towards development. It is celebrated every April 7-
8 of the year.
 MADDELA-PANAGSASALOG FESTIVAL - The festivity portrays how communal
activities are conducted manifesting thanks to the Lord for a bounty harvest. It shows the
old practice of “bayanihan” in the festivities. The festival is being celebrated every month
of June 12-15 of the year.
 NAGTIPUNAN- PENENKAKASISIT FESTIVAL - It is the convergence of all tribes and
cultures of the municipality in cooperation and celebration. It features the indigenous tribes
which is the “Ilongots” they are the original cultural communities of the area/or the first
settlers in the province. Festivity on every 22-25th of February.
 DIFFUN- PAMMADAYAW FESTIVAL - Is a celebration that inspires those who are
productive and achievers in any field of expertise and vocation through recognition and
giving honors or “Pammadayaw”. It is being celebrated every July 1-3 of the year.
 CABARROGUIS- GINNAMULUAN FESTIVAL - Encompasses all desirable, admirable
traits, characteristics and virtues of the Filipinos. It is celebrated every June 19-21 of the
year at the town of Cabarroguis.

Cuisine And Delicasies

 ROYAL TUBIKOY - a combination of tupig, bibibgka and tikoy. The native delicacy made
of glutinous rice, coconut pulp, milk, sugar, cheese and shortening is produced by RNB
Bukohan and Eatery, Aurora West, Diffun, Quirino.
  KAKANIN: NILUPAK AND NILUBYAN - are creamy, filling snacks that come packed in
banana leaves. Nilupak is made from ground cassava, while nilubyan is made from
bananas.

Arts And Crafts

The “Sarukod ti Apo” Product launch was held last September 6-10, 2018 in time for
Panagdadapun Festival 2018, the most awaited founding anniversary celebration of the Province
of Quirino where all Quirinians come together to celebrate their unity amidst diverse and colorful
culture. One of the highlights of the event was the first ever Quirino’s Indigenous Arts and Crafts
Exhibit, the Sarukod Ti Apo being at the centerpiece. It is also the culminating activity of a project
in collaboration with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), the “Sarukod ti
Apo” Project.

How To Get There???

AIR

PHILIPPINE AIRLINES - www.philippineairlines.com; (02) 855-8888 M-W-Th-F | Duration 1:05

CEBU PACIFIC - www.cebupacificair.com; (02) 7020-8888 Flies daily to Tuguegarao City |

Duration 1:05

CEBGO AIRLINES (CEBU PACIFIC) - Flies daily to Cauayan City | Duration 55 mins.

Tuguegarao City Airport to Cabarroguis, Quirino: 3 hours drive

Cauayan City Airport to Cabarroguis, Quirino: 1 hour 15 minutes drive

LAND

Florida Bus Lines, Five Star Bus Lines and Northern Luzon Bus Lines ply the MANILA-QUIRINO
route on a daily basis with night trips being the norm.

Air conditioned vans, NA LINER and KMS Bus Lines’ aircon/ordinary buses also have daily trips
from BAGUIO to Quirino Province and vice versa

Mini bus going to Banaue Ifugao and vice versa is also available on a daily basis plying the
Maddela-Banaue Route.

Aircon buses (Victory Liner, Florida, Dangwa, Dagupan Bus, etc.) also ply the Manila-Santiago
City (Isabela)/Tuguegarao (Cagayan/Aparri/Ilagan/Roxas) route. From Santiago City terminal,
take air conditioned vans or jeepneys to the different towns: Diffun, Cabarroguis, Aglipay and
Madela, from where you can transfer to Nagtipunan.

Manila Bus Terminals:

Florida – Kamias and Sampaloc

Five Star – Cubao

Northern Luzon – Sampaloc

Manila-Quirino buses depart Manila around 7:00-9:00 PM daily.

Getting around Quirino Province:

Public transports within the province consist of air conditioned vans, jeepneys and tricycles.
Private vans for hire are also readily available.

Top Tourist Attractions

 NAGBUKEL CAVES - a dome-shaped mountain frequented by local tourists for picnics

during the Holy Week. It is currently being developed by the Lamplighter, a religious sect.
located along the national highway at Diffun, it is four kilometers from Cabarroguis.
 AGLIPAY CAVES & CAMPSITE - promises a special venue for communing with nature.
A series of 38 caves, seven of which have been developed as tourist spots. Located in
the midst of rolling hills and verdant forest, the caves boast of peculiar characteristics of
their own such as an underground spring and well – preserved stalagmites and stalactites.
The caves interlink with each other and run to a depth of about 20 meters. The place is
recommended for camping activities and outdoor functions especially for big groups. It is
located at Villa Ventura, Aglipay, Quirino.
 GOVERNOR’S RAPIDS - in Divisoria Sur is famous for its gigantic limestone formations
which served as shelter for Dumagats and adventurers. A tributary of the mighty Cagayan
River which is the longest river system in the Philippines. It was also awarded as one of
the cleanest inland bodies of water in the region. Best for boating, sightseeing and
spelunking. It is some 34 kilometers from Cabarroguis.
 NAGTIPUNAN TOWN – home to virgin forests and perfect as an adventure and
ecotourism destination. It is being developed as a gateway to Quezon province. Also found
in Nagtipunan is the famous “Bimmapor”, a rock formation similar to a sunken ship, of
which only the upper decks are protruding from the ground, Nagtipunan is about 54
kilometers from Cabarroguis.
 VICTORIA FALLS – located in Barrio Sangbay, Nagtipunan, believed to be one of the
sources of the mighty Cagayan River which bsects the valley and ends at Aparri Delta.
 BISANGAL WATERFALLS – located in Maddela, it rests on a virgin forestland and serves
as a sanctuary for endangered species of wildlife. Located within 35 kilometers from
Cabarroguis town.
 AGLIPAY TOWN – a history-laden town that got its name from Fr. Gregorio Aglipay, a
priest belonging to the Philippine Independent church who rebelled against the Spanish
colonizers and settled at the banks of the town’s Addalam River.