Ilagan facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Ilagan
Component city
City of Ilagan
Ilagan Rizal Park
Flag Seal
Nickname(s):  Center of Eco-Tourism Adventure in Region 2 Home of the World's Largest Wooden Lounge Chair (Butaka) Sports Tourism Hub of the North Corn Capital of the Philippines
Motto(s):  Sulong Pa! Lungsod ng Ilagan (More Progress! City of Ilagan)
Anthem: City of Ilagan Hymn (formerly, Martsa ng Ilagan (Ilagan March))
Map of Isabela with Ilagan highlighted
OpenStreetMap
Ilagan Location in Philippines
Country	Philippines
Region	Cagayan Valley
Province	Isabela
District	[[{{#property:P7938}} | — Lua error in Module:Wd at line 1804: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value).]]
Founded	May 4, 1686
Cityhood	August 11, 2012
Barangays	91 (see Barangays)
Government
• Type	Sangguniang Panlungsod
Area
• Total	1,166.26 km2 (450.30 sq mi)
Elevation	139 m (456 ft)
Highest elevation	1,388 m (4,554 ft)
Lowest elevation	24 m (79 ft)
Population  (2020 census)
• Total	158,218
• Density	135.6627/km2 (351.3648/sq mi)
• Households	39,663
Demonym(s)	Ilagueño (m) Ilagueña (f)
Economy
• Income class	1st city income class
• Poverty incidence	14.00 % (2021)
• Revenue	₱ 1,870 million (2020)
• Assets	₱ 4,844 million (2020)
• Expenditure	₱ 1,735 million (2020)
• Liabilities	₱ 1,898 million (2020)
Service provider
• Electricity	Isabela 2 Electric Cooperative (ISELCO 2)
• Water	Metro Ilagan Water
Time zone	UTC+8 (PST)
ZIP code	3300
PSGC	[https://psa.gov.ph/classification/psgc/?q=psgc/barangays/{{#pro000&regcode={{&provcode= p {{#property:P988}} ]
IDD : area code	+63 (0)78
Native languages	Ibanag Ilocano Tagalog
Patron saint	Saint Ferdinand of Castile

Ilagan, officially known as the City of Ilagan, is a major city and the capital of the Isabela province in the Philippines. It is a "component city," meaning it is part of a province but has its own government. In 2020, about 158,218 people lived here, making it the most populated city in Isabela. It is also the second most populated city in the Cagayan Valley region, after Tuguegarao.

Ilagan is very large in terms of land area. It covers about 1,166 square kilometers (116,626 hectares). This makes it the biggest city on the island of Luzon and the fourth largest city in the Philippines by land area. Only Davao City, Puerto Princesa, and Zamboanga City are larger.

About Ilagan City

How Ilagan Got Its Name

The name Ilagan comes from the Ibanag word nagali. When reversed, it becomes ilagan, which means "move" or "transfer." This name came about because the capital of the area was moved from Naguilian Baculod to its current spot in San Vicente. The move was made for better economy and safety.

Another idea about the name comes from Father Julian Malumbres. He said Ilagan might be from the word laga, which means "smallpox" in Ibanag. This was because smallpox was widespread when the town was founded in 1686.

Ilagan's Past

Before the Spanish arrived, the Gaddang settlers called the town Bolo. It was a busy place with large tobacco farms, making it an important economic area in northern Luzon.

Spanish Rule and Founding

In 1581, Captain Juan Pablo Carreon was sent by Governor-General Gonzalo Ronquillo de Peñalosa to explore Cagayan Valley. He also helped set up missions. Pedro Jimenez, a Spanish missionary, founded Ilagan.

The Dominicans founded the town of Bolo in 1619. They named it after Saint Ferdinand of Castile. The old Bolo was on the west side of the Cagayan River. The native people did not like the new Spanish rules. They rebelled in the Mallig Plains and Ilagan-Tumauini areas in what was called the Gaddang Revolution.

The natives burned their church and homes and left their settlement. But in 1622, the Spanish government forgave them and allowed them to not pay taxes for three years. After the revolt, Father Pedro Jimenez helped the natives rebuild their settlement in 1678. This new settlement was on the east side of the river, which led to the name Ilagan (from nagali, meaning "move"). The Dominicans named the mission San Fernando de Ilagan after its patron saint.

On May 4, 1686, Ilagan was officially founded. Missionaries helped convert the natives to Catholicism. Ilagan became the capital of Cagayan Valley when Manuel Sanchez Mira was governor.

In 1763, Ilagan was a place of revolt again. Dabo and Juan Marayag led a rebellion against taxes and the tobacco monopoly during the Spanish colonization. On May 1, 1856, Ilagan became the capital of the newly formed province of Isabela de Luzon.

American Colonial Period

Ilagan was once part of the old province of Nueva Vizcaya. Rafael Maramag, the first municipal president (like a mayor) of Ilagan, became the first governor of Isabela after the Americans reorganized it in 1901.

On August 4, 1901, the American government passed a law that re-established Isabela and other provinces. Rafael Maramag was appointed as the first governor, and Ilagan was re-established as the provincial capital.

In 1925, a resolution was approved to build a monument for the country's national hero, José Rizal, in Ilagan's public plaza.

Japanese Occupation

During World War II, Ilagan, like the rest of the Philippines, was occupied by the Japanese Army. On June 19, 1945, Ilagan was freed from Japanese control by combined Filipino and American forces.

During this time, a man-made tunnel was built by detained Ilagueños. This tunnel is now a tourist spot. It is believed to have been a headquarters for Japanese soldiers.

The Postwar Years

By the 1950s, the main town center (Poblacion) moved uphill from the old Saint Ferdinand Parish Church to Barangay San Vicente, where the current City Hall is located.

Martial Law Era

During the Martial Law period (1972-1986), Isabela province, including Ilagan, faced conflicts. Large land areas, Hacienda San Antonio and Hacienda Santa Isabel, were supposed to be returned to local farmers. However, powerful people bought these lands instead, displacing thousands of farmers.

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Ilagan helped the farmers through its Social Action Center. They published a newsletter called "Courier" to show how farmers were being treated unfairly. This led to a large protest march with 12,000 people from all over Isabela. Eventually, 4,000 farmers received titles to their land. However, this also caused problems with the government.

In 1983, soldiers even searched the home of Bishop Miguel Purugganan of Ilagan, looking for rebels. They found nothing, but the church workers were still watched by the military.

Becoming a City

On February 2, 1998, a law was passed to make Ilagan a city. But in a public vote on March 14, 1999, most people voted "no."

Later, on February 27, 2012, Ilagan tried again to become a city. Local officials supported this idea. On May 22, 2012, the Philippine Congress approved the cityhood bill, and President Benigno Aquino III signed it on June 21, 2012.

A new public vote was held on August 11, 2012. This time, most people voted "yes." So, Ilagan officially became a new component city. It was the third city in Isabela province and the fourth in Cagayan Valley.

2012 Ilagan Cityhood Plebiscite

Choice	Votes	%
Yes	54,512	95.51
No	2,386	4.18
Valid votes	56,898	99.69%
Invalid or blank votes	177	0.31%
Total votes	57,075	100.00
Registered voters and turnout	83,511	68.34%
Source: Plebiscite result from the COMELEC via Inquirer.

Recent Developments

In 2019, the city government created the Ilagan Development Authority (ILAGANDA). Its goal is to make Ilagan a great place to live by 2030.

In November 2023, Ilagan hosted the "Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair." This was a big event where many government agencies offered services to people. Over 100,000 people benefited from programs like financial aid, scholarships, and free medical services.

Ilagan's Location and Areas

The city is in the middle of Isabela province. It shares borders with nine other towns. To the north are Divilacan, Tumauini, and Delfin Albano. To the west is Quirino. To the east are Divilacan, Palanan, and the Pacific Ocean. To the south are Gamu, Naguilian, Benito Soliven and San Mariano. Ilagan is about 83 kilometers south of Tuguegarao and 398 kilometers north of Metro Manila.

Barangays (Villages)

Ilagan City has 91 barangays, which are like small villages or districts. This is the most barangays in Isabela province. Each barangay has smaller areas called puroks and some have sitios.

Currently, 13 barangays are considered urban (city-like). These are: Alibagu, Baculud, Bagumbayan, Baligatan, Calamagui 1st, Calamagui 2nd, Centro Poblacion, Guinatan, Imelda Bliss Village, Osmeña, San Vicente, Santa Barbara, and Santa Isabel Sur.

Climate and Land

Ilagan has a tropical savanna climate (Köppen Aw). This means it has hot temperatures all year. There is a dry season from January to April and a wet season from May to December.

Ilagan has a total land area of about 1,166 square kilometers. About 31% of this land is used for agriculture, and 36% is covered by forests. The rest is for buildings and open grasslands.

People and Culture

Population and Languages

The people of Ilagan, called Ilagueños, have a mix of backgrounds, including native, Chinese, and Hispanic roots. The original groups were the Agta, Ibanag, Gaddang, Yogad, and Kalinga. Later, many Ilocanos moved to the area.

As of the 2020 census, Imelda Bliss Village is the most populated barangay with 7,951 people. Carikkikan Sur is the least populated with only 208 people.

The city's population has grown quickly because of more jobs and businesses. Ilagan is one of the 145 growing cities in the Philippines with over 100,000 residents.

Three main native languages are spoken in Ilagan: Ibanag, Ilocano, and Tagalog. This makes it a multilingual city. English is used for government papers, news, and business.

Religion in Ilagan

Most people in Ilagan are Roman Catholic. The Roman Catholic Diocese of Ilagan has 39 Catholic churches in Isabela province. The Saint Ferdinand Parish, built in 1612, is one of the oldest churches in Isabela.

Other religious groups also have churches and temples in the city. These include Protestants, Baptist, Church of Christ, Adventists, Born Again groups, Victory Christian Fellowship, Latter Day Saints, Jehovah's Witnesses, Islam, and Philippine groups like Iglesia ni Cristo and Members Church of God International (MCGI).

Festivals and Food

Ilagan has a vibrant culture with several important celebrations.

Aggaw na Ilagan

Aggaw na Ilagan (which means "Ilagan Day") is celebrated every year on May 4. This date marks when Ilagan was founded as a town.

Binallay Festival

The Binallay Festival used to be Ilagan's official festival. It was later replaced by the Mammangi Festival.

Cityhood Anniversary

Ilagan celebrates its cityhood anniversary every August 11. In 2015, on its third cityhood anniversary, the Department of Agriculture officially declared Ilagan as the new Corn Capital of the Philippines.

Famous Binallay Rice Cake

The city is known for its food, especially binallay. This is a popular rice cake made from sticky rice flour mixed with water. It is wrapped in a banana leaf and then steamed. Binallay is sold all year round, often at the City of Ilagan Pasalubong Center.

Mammangi Festival

The Mammangi Festival is celebrated during the last week of May. Mammangi is an Ibanag word that honors Ilagan's corn farmers. It represents the entire process of corn farming, from preparing the land to harvesting and selling the crops.

Ilagan is proud to be the Corn Capital of the Philippines, a title given by the Department of Agriculture in 2015. The Mammangi Festival is a joyful celebration. It is a way to give thanks for good harvests and the city's progress. It also honors the farmers who are key to Ilagan's economy. The festival includes many activities like cultural games, beauty pageants, and street dances.

Patron Saint's Feast Day

Like many places in the Catholic Philippines, Ilagan celebrates the feast day of its patron saint, Saint Ferdinand of Castile, every May 30. This is also when the town fiesta is held.

Ilagan's Economy

Source: Philippine Statistics Authority

Ilagan has one of the fastest-growing economies in Isabela and the entire Cagayan Valley. It is becoming a major center for business and investment in the region. This growth has attracted many companies to invest in the city.

The local government has helped this growth by offering tax benefits to new businesses. This has led to many new establishments, including malls like Xentro Mall and Talavera Square Mall. These malls host popular stores and restaurants like Savemore, Robinsons Supermarket, Puregold, Jollibee, McDonald's, and 7-Eleven.

Thousands of other businesses, such as distributors, retail stores, pawnshops, and banks, are also found throughout the city.

Farming, Fishing, and Livestock

Agriculture and fishery are the main parts of Ilagan's economy. About 23,803 hectares of land are farmed, and 314 hectares are used for fish farming. Ilagan has a total of 32,153 hectares suitable for crops, livestock, and fish.

Many industries in the city are based on agriculture. In recent years, there has been a lot of investment in poultry and hog raising. Ilagan has seven large poultry farms and many small and medium-sized hog farms. There are also warehouses and rice mills to help farmers store their harvests.

Ilagan is the top producer of corn in the country. As a farming city, it produces a lot of corn, rice, vegetables, and legumes. Fruits like bananas grow all year, especially in the mountains. Seasonal fruits like mangoes and pomelo are also grown.

The Cagayan Valley Research Center (CVRC) helps with plant breeding in the region. It is located in Barangay San Felipe. Ilagan also has rich forest resources that are protected by the government and other groups.

In 2018, the Department of Agriculture (DA) started promoting mushroom production. They built a research center to turn farm waste into mushrooms. This helps with food security.

The DA and Ilagan city government are also building an i-Corn Complex worth P199.2 million. This center will help corn farmers with drying, processing, and research. It aims to improve product quality and farmers' income.

A Corn Innovation Center is also being built in Barangay Marana 1st. It will be a training center for farmers and show new technologies for corn processing.

In 2020, a large swine breeding complex was opened in Barangay Santa Victoria. This project is a partnership between a Thai company, Charoen Pokphand Foods Philippines, Inc., and a local company. The DA also signed agreements for an Ilagan Corn Processing Center and an Urban Agriculture project.

In 2023, a second phase of the swine breeding complex was started, with an investment of about P1 billion. A large animal feeds milling facility is also being built in Barangay Cabannungan 2nd. This will be the biggest feed mill in Northern Luzon. Ilagan's large corn production will supply the raw materials needed for this mill.

What Ilagan Produces

Ilagan, known as the Corn Capital, produces about 200,000 metric tons of corn each year from 33,500 hectares of farms. The city also produces 80,000 metric tons of rice annually from 15,000 hectares of rice fields. Fisheries contribute 250 metric tons of seafood per year from local rivers and fishponds. The dairy industry is also growing, with dairy farms producing 2,000 liters of milk per hour.

Banks and Businesses

As of April 2024, Ilagan has 22 banks with total deposits of P15.7 billion. Government banks like Landbank of the Philippines (LBP) and Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) are present.

The number of businesses in Ilagan has grown over the years. In 2006, there were 1,795 registered businesses. Most of these are wholesale, retail, and service-oriented businesses.

Food and Drink Companies

Several food and beverage companies operate in Ilagan. The largest is Coca-Cola Beverages Philippines, Inc. (CCBPI), which has a bottling plant in Barangay Guinatan. There is also a company that makes vinegar and soy sauce, and a wine fermentation plant. The city has many bakeries, ice cream companies, local cafes, and international fast-food chains.

Sagittarian Agricultural Philippines, Incorporated (SAPI) is a local farming company that started in 2016. It focuses on poultry, hog raising, fish production, and grains trading. It has grown to include meat processing, trucking, and real estate.

A cold storage facility worth P1 billion is being built in Ilagan City. This project will help store food safely and efficiently. It is expected to create jobs and boost the local economy.

Mr. Moo’s Dairy Products Incorporated, a dairy company from Metro Manila, also operates a dairy farm and factory in Ilagan. They buy raw milk from local farmers to make their dairy products.

Furniture Making

Furniture making is a big industry in Ilagan. Many shops along the National Highway in Alinguigan 2nd and 3rd barangays make and sell furniture from quality narra and gmelina wood. These areas are known as "Butaka City" because the world's largest wooden lounge chair, the Butaka, was made here.

Industrial Growth

The industrial sector in Ilagan has been growing. Most industries are small-scale, except for Coca-Cola Bottlers Philippines, Inc.. Industries mainly focus on agriculture, wood products, or services.

The commercial area of Ilagan has grown significantly. This shows that Ilagan is rapidly becoming a commercial hub.

Vehicle Assembly and Dealerships

Ilagan has nine vehicle assembly shops: five for jeepneys and four for tricycle side-cars. These shops help meet the city's transportation needs. In 2021, Mitsubishi Freeway Motors opened its first sales office and showroom in Ilagan.

Public Markets

The city has two main public markets: the old Pamilihang Bayan ng Ilagan (now Xentro Market) and the new Ilagan Public Market Complex. The new market is a modern, multi-million peso facility. In front of it is the "Ilagan City Mall," the first mall owned and operated by the local government.

New public markets are also being built in San Antonio and Marana 1st barangays. These will serve residents in more distant areas and help local growth.

Real Estate Development

Ilagan has many subdivisions, offering various housing options. These projects are developed by local real estate companies. In 2024, Ayala Land, a major real estate company, launched its first development in Isabela, called Greenlane Settings, in Ilagan.

Retail Industry

In 2021, Talavera Group of Companies opened Talavera Hypermart and Homebuilders Depot in Ilagan. In 2024, CitiHardware, a leading construction retail store, opened its largest store in Luzon in Ilagan.

Textile Industry

In 2023, a P40 million Regional Yarn Production and Innovation Center was opened in Ilagan. This center aims to strengthen the local textile industry. It will turn natural materials like abaca, banana, bamboo, and pineapple leaves into fibers for yarn. It can produce 50 kilograms of yarn per day.

Tobacco Industry

Ilagan was once a major producer of tobacco during the Spanish colonial period. The tobacco monopoly caused hardship for many. Later, the monopoly was abolished, attracting foreign investors.

The Compañía General de Tabacos de Filipinas, also known as La Tabacalera, was established in Ilagan in 1881. It produced the famous La Flor de la Isabela. Many western barangays in Ilagan still grow tobacco, along with rice and corn. The National Tobacco Administration helps farmers with new technologies.

Fun Things to See and Do

Ilagan offers many natural and man-made attractions for visitors.

Natural Attractions

Ilagan Sanctuary is a protected area of 200 hectares. It is located within the Fuyot Springs National Park in Barangay Santa Victoria. Here, you can find a prayer mountain, a butterfly park, a mini zoo, and a natural spring pool. You can also enjoy boating, kayaking, wall-climbing, rappelling, and a zipline. There's a 1.5-kilometer hike to Pinzal Falls and 400-meter limestone caves. Some activities require an all-terrain vehicle (ATV).

Abuan River is the main river of the Northern Sierra Madre Natural Park. It is a great place to explore diverse animal and plant life in one of the country’s remaining virgin forests. In 2024, the city government reopened the river as the Abuan River Adventure and Eco-Tourism Park. They added facilities for water rides like kayaks, boats, and jet-skis.

Burmurbur Falls and Disupi Falls are small waterfalls found in a quiet area within Barangay Sindon Bayabo.

Kimmul-ong Falls and Kimmiskisan Falls are in a remote area near the Sierra Madre mountains in Barangay Capellan. These waterfalls can be reached by small vehicles or by hiking.

Man-Made Attractions

Ilagan Japanese Tunnel is an old war tunnel in Barangay Santo Tomas. It was a Japanese military headquarters during World War II. The tunnel is about 40 meters long and 3.66 meters wide.

The Old Capitol Building, now the Isabela Museum and Library, is in Barangay Osmeña. It shows artifacts that tell the story of Isabela's history and culture. You can see fossils, old items, photos, paintings, and models of provincial landmarks.

Queen Isabela Park, also called Skypark, is in Barangay Alibagu. It features a statue of Queen Isabela II of Spain surrounded by sculptures of past Isabelan leaders.

Century Park is a triangular park in Barangay Osmeña and Calamagui 2nd. Next to it is Banchetto Ilagan, a popular spot, especially during Christmas when it becomes a themed village.

The Mammangi Park (formerly DBP Triangle) is in Barangay Osmeña. It was built in 2018 to honor Ilagan's corn farmers, who are vital to the city's economy.

Bonifacio Park is another triangular park in Barangay Baligatan. It has a dancing fountain and the Giant Butaka, the world's largest wooden lounge chair.

Ilagan's Rizal Park is a smaller version of the famous Rizal Park in Manila. It is located in Barangay Centro Poblacion. It has a replica of the Rizal Monument, a dancing fountain, and three old church bells from Saint Ferdinand Parish Church.

Saint Ferdinand Parish Proto-Cathedral is one of Isabela's oldest churches. It was built between 1696 and 1700. The church was damaged by a typhoon in 1866. Its bell tower was built in 1777. The Roman Catholic Diocese of Ilagan was founded here in 1979. In 2003, the main church for the diocese moved to Gamu, Isabela. The Saint Ferdinand Parish is now called a proto-cathedral. In April 2024, a fire damaged most of the church's interior. Restoration work is ongoing, and masses are temporarily held in the church courtyard.

Balai na Ilagan, also known as Friendship Hall, is a multi-purpose hall in Barangay Bagumbayan. It is a place for Ilagueños to develop their artistic talents and celebrate art and culture.

Sports in Ilagan

Ilagan is a popular place for sports events. Many international, national, regional, and local competitions are held at the City of Ilagan Sports Complex.

In 2019, Ilagan hosted the 2019 Batang Pinoy Luzon sports competition for athletes under 15 years old. In May 2022, it hosted the Philta National Youth Tennis Circuit and the Little League North Luzon baseball championship.

In February 2023, Ilagan hosted the Baseball Little League Philippine Games and the 2023 Little League Philippines National Finals. In March 2023, the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association (PATAFA) chose Ilagan to host the Philippine Athletic Championships. Athletes from many countries competed here.

Ilagan has hosted the Cagayan Valley Regional Athletic Association (CAVRAA) meet multiple times, including in 2024.

City of Ilagan Sports Complex

The City of Ilagan Sports Complex (formerly Paguirigan Memorial Athletic Stadium) is a modern sports facility. It has rubber tracks, courts for basketball, volleyball, badminton, and tennis, and a new swimming pool. It has hosted major events like the CAVRAA meet and the Ayala Philippine Athletics Championships. It is the first city outside Metro Manila to host these championships for two years in a row.

City Sports and Convention Center

The City of Ilagan Community Center is an indoor facility used for basketball, badminton, volleyball, concerts, and other events. It was renovated and renamed the City Sports and Convention Center in 2023.

Isabela Sports Complex

In 1993, Ilagan hosted the Palarong Pambansa (National Games). In 2011, it hosted the SCUAA National Olympics. These events were held at the Isabela Sports Complex in Barangay Alibagu. This large facility has a stadium with 39,000 seats and a village for athletes. It also has courts for various sports, a swimming pool, and a baseball field.

Isabela Golf Club

Ilagan has the only golf course in Isabela. Built in the early 1960s, it has nine holes and well-maintained fairways. The club has produced several World Junior Golf Champions.

Ping-Pong Central

Table tennis is also popular in Ilagan. It is played regularly at Ping-Pong Central in Francisca Village. The Table Tennis Association of Ilagan (TATAC-Ilagan) holds monthly tournaments for residents and an annual open tournament.

How Ilagan is Governed

Local Government

As a component city and the capital of Isabela, Ilagan has its own government. The city is led by a city mayor and a city council. The mayor, vice mayor, and councilors are elected every three years.

Barangays are also led by elected officials: a Barangay Captain and Barangay Council members (called Barangay Councilors). The barangays also have an SK federation for youth, led by an SK chairperson. All these officials are elected every three years.

City Symbols

City Seal

The city seal has "City of Ilagan" and "Isabela" written on a dark blue ring. It also shows the founding year (1686) and cityhood year (2012).

Inside the ring, you can see the Sierra Madre mountain ranges and two rivers, the Cagayan River and Ilagan River. Yellow figures represent the citizens, and overlapping buildings with a red gear show city growth and industry.

On the upper right, there are symbols of agriculture: a carabao horn, a kamote, corn (representing Ilagan as the Corn Capital), and palay.

At the bottom, the Latin phrase Vox populi, Vox Dei is written, meaning "the Voice of the People, the Voice of God." Each barangay also has its own seal.

City Flag

The city flag is light blue or azure, which is Ilagan's unofficial city color. The city seal is placed in the middle of the flag.

City Anthem/Hymn

The current city anthem is the City of Ilagan Hymn, composed by Ato Del Rosario with lyrics by Nilo Agustin. The former anthem was the Martsa ng Ilagan (Ilagan March).

Other Symbols

Ilagan is known as the Corn Capital of the Philippines, so corn is its unofficial city crop. Light blue (azure) and Golden yellow (maize yellow) are also unofficial city colors. These colors are often seen on sidewalks and poles along the national highway.

Elected Officials

Ilagan has had 28 municipal mayors since 1904. Rafael Maramag was the first, serving from 1904 to 1906. Josemarie L. Diaz was the first city mayor, serving from 2012 to 2016.

Mayor of the City of Ilagan
Seal of the City of Ilagan
Incumbent Josemarie L. Diaz since June 30, 2019 (2nd term)
Appointer	Elected via popular vote (maximum of three consecutive terms)
Term length	3 years
Formation	1904

Members of the Ilagan City Council
(2022–2025)

Position	Name
District Representative (1st Legislative District of the Province of Isabela)	Antonio T. Albano
Chief Executive of the City of Ilagan	Mayor Josemarie L. Diaz
Presiding Officer of the City Council of Ilagan	Vice Mayor Kiryll S. Bello
Members of the City Council	Jay Eveson C. Diaz
	Jessamyn Uy Ligan
	Rachel V. Garcia
	Harold P. Olalia
	Antonio R. Montereal, Jr.
	Lilian Q. Bringas
	Joey L. Ramos
	Rolando L. Tugade
	Rommel B. Ballesteros
	Daniel Joseph A. Mata

Congress Representation

Ilagan is part of the first legislative district of Isabela province. Currently, Antonio T. Albano represents the city in the House of Representatives.

City Infrastructure

Transportation

People in Ilagan get around using jeepneys, tricycles, buses, and taxis. The local government is also planning new transport systems like the Hybrid Electric Road Train and Podcar system.

Jeepneys

Ilagan is one of the few places in Cagayan Valley where jeepneys are a main way to get around. There are 432 jeepneys that travel within Ilagan and to nearby towns.

Tricycles

About 4,000 tricycles operate in the city. Like jeepneys, they have specific routes to different parts of Ilagan.

Bus Terminals

Several bus companies have terminals in Ilagan. They offer daily trips to Manila, Dagupan, Baguio, and other places. The Ilagan City Integrated Central Terminal, opened in 2011, is the main transport hub for all public vehicles. In 2023, it became the first accredited central terminal in Cagayan Valley.

Trains

Ilagan will soon use the DOST Hybrid Electric Road Train (HERT). This train was developed by the DOST and can carry 220 passengers per coach.

Taxis

In May 2022, the city launched eleven taxi units. These taxis serve the entire Cagayan Valley region, making Ilagan the first city in the region to have this service.

Podcar System

In November 2023, Ilagan started building the FUTRAN Green Energy Podcar Public Transportation System. This multi-billion peso project is the first of its kind in Northern Philippines. The first phase will cover 10 kilometers from Alibagu to Centro Poblacion.

Bridges

Ilagan has several important bridges that connect different parts of the city and nearby areas.

The Malalam Bridge is Ilagan's longest bridge. It connects Barangay Malalam to Alinguigan 2nd, leading towards Tuguegarao.

The Baculud Overflow Bridge connects the Poblacion area to the northeastern barangays. It was damaged by a typhoon in 2016 but was rebuilt and reopened in 2019.

The Lullutan Bridge opened in 2015. It connects the city's western barangays and nearby towns to the rest of Ilagan. Before this bridge, people had to use barges to transport goods.

The Santa Maria (Cabisera 8) bridge was also completed in 2015. The city government is also improving roads and building new ones to make transportation easier.

The Cabisera 2 (Dappat) Bridge was opened in 2023. It makes travel easier for residents in the San Antonio Region.

Road Networks

Ilagan is connected by the Maharlika Highway (Asian Highway 26, AH26). About 29.313 kilometers of this national road are concrete.

The city also has 33.005 kilometers of provincial roads, 8,909 city streets, and 269.713 kilometers of barangay roads. Ilagan is easily accessible by all kinds of land transportation.

The Ilagan–Delfin Albano–Mallig (IDAM) Road is a national road that helps transport goods and services within Ilagan and its neighboring towns.

The Ilagan–Gamu Road is an alternate route that connects western Ilagan to Gamu.

The Ilagan–Divilacan Road is an ongoing 82-kilometer road project through the Sierra Madre mountains. It will open access to coastal towns like Divilacan, Palanan, and Maconacon.

Telecommunications

Ilagan has many internet cafes and most of the country's Internet Service Providers (ISPs). These include Globe Broadband, Converge Fiber, PLDT Fiber, and Digitel. Cable TV providers also offer internet.

Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company provides landline services. Smart Communications and Globe Telecommunications offer mobile services. Dito Telecommunity is also available.

The Philippine Postal Corporation (PhilPost) is the main postal service. Express delivery services are provided by LBC, FedEx, JRS Express, and EMS. Other companies offer telegraph and fax services.

Power Supply

Isabela Electric Cooperative II, Inc. (ISELCO II) provides electricity to homes and businesses. Its main office is in Barangay Alibagu. As of 2011, all 91 barangays in Ilagan have electricity. A sub-station of National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) is in Barangay Baligatan.

Freeway Lighting System. Ilagan has a continuous freeway lighting system along the national road.

Solar Power Plants. In 2015, a large solar PV power plant project was approved for Ilagan. This P7-billion project will provide cheap solar energy to residents. It will be built on 100 hectares in Barangay Cabannungan.

In 2022, the Department of Energy approved an P18-billion solar farm project in Ilagan City. This project will generate 440 megawatts of sustainable energy and create 4,000 jobs. It is expected to start providing electricity by 2025.

Isabela Ground Mounted Solar Project

In June 2024, a connection contract was signed for the Isabela Ground Mounted Solar PV Project (IGMSP). This P18 billion project will have 700,000 solar panels and generate 440 megawatts of clean energy for Isabela by 2028. It will also create 4,000 jobs.

Water and Sewerage System

City of Ilagan Water District (CIWD) provides water to its customers. It has many pumping stations to meet the city's growing water needs. Some residents also have their own water pumps or traditional deep wells.

Metro Ilagan Water. In 2018, the CIWD partnered with Filipinas Water Holdings Inc. to form Metro Ilagan Water. This partnership aims to improve the city's water supply and manage wastewater.

The City of Ilagan Bulk Water Supply Project is a large project that will provide an additional 36 million liters of water per day to the city. The Metro Ilagan Water Treatment Facility, the first of its kind in Ilagan, was opened in 2023. This facility aims to provide quality water and improve services.

The Pasa Small Reservoir Irrigation Project (PSRIP) is a $21.7 million government project in Barangay Pasa. It helps control floods and irrigate farmlands. The dam is expected to irrigate 800 hectares of farmland and benefit 747 families. This project helps Isabela remain a top agriculture province.

Civic Center

In 2021, the city started building a P250 million Multi-Purpose Sports, Commercial and Convention Center called the Capital Arena. It will have up to 10,000 seats and is the biggest of its kind in Northern Luzon. It is located in a new 10-hectare civic center in Barangay Alibagu. This center also houses offices for various government agencies.

In 2023, the city government signed an agreement for a housing project called Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino (4PH). This project will include 20 high-rise buildings with almost 5,500 housing units. The JLD Housing Project, which provides 100 housing units for city government employees, was also opened in 2023.

In November 2023, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) opened a new office in the City Hall Complex. This modern facility helps people get civil registry documents without traveling far.

Healthcare in Ilagan

Ilagan has several hospitals and health centers to serve its residents.

Public Hospitals

• City of Ilagan Medical Center (CIMC) in Barangay Lullutan. Opened in 2021, it is a level-II hospital with 100 beds. It also serves as an isolation facility for patients.
• Gov. Faustino N. Dy, Sr. Memorial Hospital in Barangay Calamagui 2nd. Established in 1939, it is managed by the provincial government.
• San Antonio City of Ilagan Hospital. In 2014, a diagnostic center was opened here. In 2020, the city government opened its own Molecular Laboratory here, the first of its kind in Cagayan Valley.

Private Hospitals

• Isabela Doctors General Hospital
• Dr. Victor S. Villaroman Memorial Hospital

The city also has three City Health Units, dozens of dental clinics, maternity and pediatric clinics, derma clinics, and pharmacies. The Citimed of Ilagan, Inc. is a private Level-II hospital under construction in Barangay Alibagu.

Health Centers

• City Health Office I (San Vicente)
• City Health Office II (Marana 1st)
• City of Ilagan Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Center

Education in Ilagan

Ilagan is a center for education in Isabela, serving students from nearby towns. Offices for government agencies like Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and Department of Education (DepEd) are located here.

Schools for Kids and Teens

The Schools Division of the City of Ilagan manages the city's public education. This office oversees public and private elementary and high schools.

There are six integrated high schools, ten secondary public schools, and three private secondary schools. Ilagan has 88 elementary schools.

In 2013, the Schools Division of the City of Ilagan was created. The city now has six school districts:

• Ilagan East District
• Ilagan North District
• Ilagan Northwest District
• Ilagan West District
• Ilagan South District
• San Antonio District

Technical Schools

Ilagan also has technical schools overseen by Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). These schools offer short courses, usually one or two years long.

• Chronicles Institute of Isabela
• Colegio de Ilagan
• Far East Computer Technology - Ilagan
• Isabela Provincial Training Center
• Isabela School of Arts and Trades (ISAT)
• Isabela State University (also offers two-year courses)
• Saint Ferdinand College (also offers TESDA courses)
• TESDA Regional Technical Vocational Education and Training Innovation Center

Colleges and Universities

Ilagan has two higher education institutions approved by CHED. They offer college and graduate programs. The local government also provides scholarships for deserving students.

Saint Ferdinand College

The Saint Ferdinand College was founded in 1950. It is the only Catholic educational institution in Barangay Bagumbayan.

Isabela State University

The Isabela State University - Ilagan campus became part of the larger Isabela State University in 1978. It is located in Barangay Calamagui 2nd.

City of Ilagan Colleges

In 2023, the city government started building the City of Ilagan College (CIC). This new college will offer health-related courses like Nursing and Medical Laboratory Science. It is expected to be completed by 2024.

Training Facilities

In 2021, a Philippine National Police (PNP) Training Facility was established in Barangay Santa Barbara. This 3-hectare property will serve as a recruitment and training center for police trainees from all over Luzon.

Media in Ilagan

Radio is a main media outlet in Ilagan.

Radio Stations

AM

• 711 kHz DZYI Sonshine Radio
• 900 kHz DZSE Radyo Alerto Asean

FM

• 101.7 MHz Pacific Broadcasting Service
• 107.9 MHz Taps Radio Ilagan

Television Stations

• Channel 4 - People’s Television Network
• Channel 7 - GMA Network, Inc.
• Channel 41 - Interactive Broadcast Media, Inc.

Print Media

• New Valley Times Press
• Squiggy Printing Services

Notable People from Ilagan

• 

  Silvestre Bello III

Politics

• Silvestre Bello III - a former government secretary for the Department of Labor and Employment.

Religion

• Miguel Purugganan - a Roman Catholic Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Ilagan. He is honored for fighting for human rights during a difficult period in Philippine history.

Sports

• Ricci Rivero - a basketball player, actor, and TV host.
• Hezy Val B. Acuña II - a professional basketball player.
• Jackson Corpuz - a professional basketball player for Magnolia Hotshots.

Sister Cities

Local Sister Cities

• Gamu, Isabela, since March 4, 2024
• Quezon City, Metro Manila
• Makati, Metro Manila
• Taguig, Metro Manila

International Sister City

• Taipei, Taiwan

See also

In Spanish: Ilagan para niños

• Ilagan Japanese War Tunnel
• Ilagan River
• Ilagan Sanctuary
• Ilagan Sports Complex
• List of barangays in Ilagan
• List of schools in Ilagan