Region II

Cagayan Valley Region

Kate S. Magpoc

Area and Location

Located at the Northern part of mainland Luzon, covering an area of about 26, 858.79 sq.km.. Bounded on the east by the Sierra Mountain Range, on the west by the Caraballo and Cordillera Ranges, and on the north by South China Sea.

Geographic Profile

•December-May : Dry season•June-November: Wet season•March-May: Hot months/summer (sometimes extending up to August

PeoplePopulation (2007)- 3,056,487 (2010)- 3,229,163Dialect: Ilocano, Ibanag, Itawes and Tagalog. In Batanes, people speak Ivatan.English is generally understood and spoken regionwide.

Political Profile

•Composed of five provinces.

Tourist Attractions

How to get there?

CagayanCapital: Tuguegarao City

Name and Location Description

Aggao Nak CagayanProvince-wide

This is also known as Cagayan Day, celebrated every June 29.

Aparri DeltaAparri

Is an impressive expanse of water that is located where the Cagayan River meets the South China Sea. From the jetty, one can see the awesome mouth of the Cagayan River.

Buntun BridgeBuntun, Tuguegarao

At 1.224 km, this bridge is the second longest in the country and offers an obstructed view of the Cagayan River. It is located at the town proper of Tuguegarao.

Cagayan River or Rio Grande de CagayanLarge parts of the province

Is the Philippines’ mightiest watercourse- the longest and widest river in the country. It originates form small steams coming from Balete pass, Cordillera, Caraballo, and the Sierra Madres that meet other streams and river in the area.

Callao CavesAggugagdan, Penablanca

These caves boast massive limestone and other rock formations, skylights and a chapel. The circadian flight og thousands of bats from their cave at dusk is also a major attraction.

CagayanCapital: Tuguegarao City

Name and Location Description

Iguig Calvary HillsIguig

A duplicate of the 14 stations of the Cross is situated a top an 11-hectare rolling terrain overlooking the Cagayan River.

Oldest Bell in Southest AsiaCalmaniugan

The bell is in Calmanuigan’s Jacinto de Polonia Parish. Forged in 1595, it was brought to Manila in February 1937 as part of the attractions during the 33rd International Eucharistic Congress.

St. Peter’s CathedralPoblacion, Tuguegarao

This is the seat of the archdiocese of Tuguegarao. A picture of it hangs in the Basilica in Rome. It is considered one of the most beautiful work of art in the world.

The Miraculous Lady of PiatPiat

Considered the Antipolo of Northern Luzon, the Mecca of the devoted, and the pilgrimage center of Cagayn Valley.

Camiguin NorteBabuyan Islands

It has a high quality natural attractions which include the humpback whales, dolphins and impressive islands.

Isabela Capital: IlaganName and Location Description

Aguinaldo ShrinePalanan

This was where Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo was captured by American forces, ending the Philippine Revolution in 1901.

Church of AliciaAlicia

The church is famous for its antique Spanish architecture.

Church of EchagueEchague

This particular church has a unique architecture that is hardly found anywhere in Philippines.

Dibulo WaterfallsDinapigue

The waterfall has an estimated length of 100 meters. It is being studied as a possible power and energy sources.

Magat Dam Tourism Resort complexBrgy. Aguinaldo, Ramon

Asia’s biggest dam project; the reservoir area is suitable for fishing, swimming, boating, sight-seeing and picknicking.

Our Lady of Visitation ChurchGuibang

Houses the miraculous Lady of the Visitation which is visited its many devotees, especially every July 2, which is her feast day.

Isabela Capital: IlaganName and Location Description

Palanan RainforestPalanan

The Philippines’ largest existing rainforest, situated at 800 feet above sea level. It is home to numerous unknown endemic species of flora and fauna and has exceptional biodiversity.

St. Mathias ChurchTumauini

An 18th century ultra-baroque church unique for its extensive use of baked clay both for wall finishing and for ornamentation; it also has a unique cylindrical bell tower.

San Pablo ChurchSan Pablo

Built in 1625 under supervision of Spanish missionary Padre de Santo Tomas, it is the oldest church in the province.

Nuestra Senora de AtochaAlicia

One of the oldest churches in the province, was built during the Spanish period.

St. Rose de Lima ChurchGamu

One of the oldest Spanish churches in the province.

Sta. Victoria CavesFuyo Nat’l Park, Ilagan

Famous for its stalactitie and stalagmites, the site is ideal for spelunking.

BatanesCapital: BascoName and Location Description

Batanes dayBasco

Is held to commemorate the founding of the islands as a province. It is held every June 26 and features street parades and local contests.

Itbayat IslandItbayat

Located north of Batan, Itbayat is shaped like giant bowl. The island is surrounded by massive boulders and cliff rising from 20-70 feet above sea level with no shorelines.

Marlboro CountryBatan Island

Is mostly wide open spaces with almost no inhabitants are cows that are let loose to graze. All around is nothing but the panoramic landscape and seascape.

Mt. IrayaBasco

Is a dormant volcano raising 1,517 ,meters above sea level. Its last eruption was in 505 AD. It is good source of fertile soil.

Naidi Hills Basco

Offers a panoramic view of the Basco town proper, Mt. Iraya., and the rugged seascapes that Batanes is famous for.

BatanesCapital: Basco

Name and Location Description

Sabtang IslandSabtang

An undisturbed and unspoiled island that has intermittent white sand beaches, steep mountains, deep canyons, and small level area along the coastline.

San Carlos Borromeo ChurchMahatao

This church was completed in 1789 and stilll retains its centuries-old features.

San Jose ChurchIvana

This church was built in 1814. it has a crenellated fortress like campanile.

Y’amiNorthernmost island of the province

This northernmost island of Batanes is also called Orchid island. One can see Taiwan from here on a clear day. Tztus or coconut crabs abound in the island, as well as many other marine life.

Nueva VizcayaCapital: Bayombong

Name and Location Description

Dalton PassNueva Vizcaya

Aside from being the gateway to the Cagayan Valley region, Dalton Pass also offers the only direct route between Pampanga and Cagayan Valley. According to history, the pass became the scene of much bloody fighting before the final stages of World War II

Dalton Pass Historical ShrineSta. Fe

Standing at about 3,000 feet above sea level, the shrine was built in commemoration of the battle at Balete Pass during World War II.

Dupax del Sur ChurchDupax Del Sur

Covering an area of 7,200 sq.m, it is one of the oldest and biggest churches in the valley. Its architectural design is said to be similar to that of Tuguegarao’s St. Peter’s Cathedral.

Kirang PassKirang, Aritao

A monument in honr of the gallantry of the Filipino soldiers during World war II.

Nueva VizcayaCapital: BayombongName and Location Description

Mt. Pulag Nat’l ParkKayapa

A park that serves a gateway to the contry’s second highest peak, that of Mt.Pulag, which rises 9,630 feet above sea level. The park occupies parts of Nueve Vizcaya and Bengeut.

Nueva Vizcaya CapitolBayombong

A study of architectural angenuity, the capitol has a park with exotic plant species, concrete benches, sidewalks lighted with giant mercury lamps and a man-made lagoon ideal fro rowing. It also houses all the provincial government offices.

Salinas Salt SpringsBayombong

A natural wonder consisting of hills made entirely of petrified white salt.

St. Dominic CathedralNueva Vizcaya

This cathedral is a living vintage of the grandeur that was the old town, maintaining its original 18th century Spanish-style facade. It is said to have been first cathedral in the province.

Capisaan CavesCapisaan

This recently discovered wonder features impressive limestone formation. One can have a great adventure exploring this site.

QuirinoCapital: CabarroguisName and Location Description

Aglipay CavesCabarroguis

A series of 38 caves, seven of which have already been developed for tourism, offering tourist an interesting contact with nature. Located in an area of undulating hills and rich forest reserve, the caves also feature an underground river.

Aglipay TownAglipay

A historic town which got its name from Fr. Gregorio Aglipay, a Filipino priest who rebelled against the Spanishand founded the Philippine Independent Church.

Araw ng QuirinoQurino

Various tribes participate in this event , which commemorates the birth of the province.

Bisangal WaterfallsMadella

These falls are situated in a virgin forestland that is considered a haven for wildlife and endangered species.

Cabarroguis FallsCabarroguis

This waterfalls is one of the many natural attractions in the province which has a potential for tourism development.

QuirinoCapital: Cabarroguis

Name and Location Description

Governor RapidsMaddela

The site offers swift, turbulent, crystal-clear waters ideal for water activities such as river rafting. It is also famous for its giant wall of limestone jutting out from one side of the Cagayan River, framing the Sierra Madre

Nagbukel CaveDiffun

The cave is located inside a dome-shaped mountain frequented by domestic tourist during the Holy Week. It is an ideal site for hiking and picnicking.

Nagtipunan Town Nagtipunan

The town is surrounded by virgin forests and is currently being developed as a gateway to Quezon province.

Pongo River ValleyMaddela

The river valley is a natural area that offers scenic opportunities perhaps some nature activities to the visitors.

QuirinoCapital: Cabarroguis

Name and Location Description

Upper Cagayan River BasinNagtipunan

The source of the Cagayan River, is presently undergoing development as a camp and picnic grove.

Victoria FallsBarrio Sangbay, Nagtipunan

Believed to be one of the sources of the Cagayan River that cuts the valley into two and end s at the Aparri Delta.

Sources:

Libosado, Carlos M.: “Domestic Tourism”. Anvil Publishing, Inc. 2010.

www.wikipedia.comwww.googleimages.comDepartment of Tourism “It’s more fun in the

Philippines”