A Mother’s Stuff

Benito Soliven Municipality

Benito Soliven is a 4th class municipality in the province of Isabela. It has a population of 25,151 people in 4,418 households. The town was named after Honorable Benito Soliven who was then a Congressman of the Ilocos Region during the Commonwealth government.

Benito Soliven is politically subdivided into 29 barangays namely Andabuen, Ara, Binogtungan, Capuseran (Capurocan), Dagupan, Danipa, District II (Pob.), Gomez, Guilingan, La Salette, Makindol, Maluno Norte, Maluno Sur, Nacalma, New Magsaysay, District I (Pob.), Punit, San Carlos, San Francisco, Santa Cruz, Sevillana, Sinipit, Lucban, Villaluz, Yeban Norte, Yeban Sur, Santiago, Placer and Balliao.

Aurora, Isabela municipality

Aurora in the province of Isabela is a 2nd class municipality with a population of 31,547 people in 5,896 households. It has 33 barangays namely Apiat, Bagnos, Bagong Tanza, Ballesteros, Bannagao, Bannawag, Bolinao, Caipilan, Camarunggayan, Dalig-Kalinga, Diamantina, Divisoria, Esperanza East, Esperanza West, Kalabaza, Rizalina (Lapuz), Macatal, Malasin, Nampicuan, Villa Nuesa, Panecien, San Andres, San Jose (Pob.), San Rafael, San Ramon, Santa Rita, Santa Rosa, Saranay, Sili, Victoria, Villa Fugu, San Juan (Pob.) and San Pedro-San Pablo (Pob.).

Angadanan or Angadanan Nuevo, Isabela

One of the municipalities in the province of Isabela is Angadanan or Angadanan Nuevo. It is considered to be a 4th class municipality with a population of 39,743 people in 7,106 households. There are 59 barangays in the municipality as follows: Allangigan, Aniog, Baniket, Bannawag, Bantug, Barangcuag, Baui, Bonifacio, Buenavista, Bunnay, Calabayan-Minanga, Calaccab, Calaocan, Kalusutan, Campanario, Canangan, Centro I (Pob.), Centro II (Pob.), Centro III (Pob.), Consular, Cumu, Dalakip, Dalenat, Dipaluda, Duroc, Lourdes (El Escaño), Esperanza, Fugaru, Liwliwa, Ingud Norte, Ingud Sur, La Suerte, Lomboy, Loria, Mabuhay, Macalauat, Macaniao, Malannao, Malasin, Mangandingay, Minanga Proper, Pappat, Pissay, Ramona, Rancho Bassit, Rang-ayan, Salay, San Ambrocio, San Guillermo, San Isidro, San Marcelo, San Roque, San Vicente, Santo Niño, Saranay, Sinabbaran, Victory, Viga and Villa Domingo.

Alicia Municipality

The municipality of Alicia in the province of Isabela is 2nd class as to Income Class category. It is also known as Angadanan Viejo with a population of 61,447 people in 11,413 households according to the latest census.

Alicia is subdivided into 34 barangays namely Amistad, Antonino (Pob.), Apanay, Aurora, Bagnos, Bagong Sikat, Bantug-Petines, Bonifacio, Burgos, Calaocan (Pob.), Callao, Dagupan, Inanama, Linglingay, M.H. del Pilar, Mabini, Magsaysay (Pob.), Mataas na Kahoy, Paddad, Rizal, Rizaluna, Salvacion, San Antonio (Pob.), San Fernando, San Francisco, San Juan, San Pablo, San Pedro, Santa Cruz, Santa Maria, Santo Domingo, Santo Tomas, Victoria and Zamora.

History of Santiago City

The origin of Santiago City can be drawn from the first native settlement discovered by the early Spanish missionaries at the bank of the old Carig River (now Diadi River) from which its original name, Carig, was derived. The early inhabitants were the Gaddangs and the Ibanags. When the Spanish settled in, the city was named Pueblo of Santiago Apostol de Carig, with Santiago as the Spanish name of Saint James the Apostle. In the early 1950s, the Municipal President Vicente Carreon changed the name to simply Santiago. Santiago remained a municipality for 84 years.

Santiago was originally a part of the province Cagayan (comprising the whole Cagayan Valley region), which was reorganized as a political subdivision in 1583 with Nueva Segovia as its capital. On May 1, 1856, when the Province of Isabela was carved out by a Royal Decree, Santiago was among the towns relinquished to the newly created province. The first five barrios after the Cadastral survey in 1927 were Patul, Batal, Nabbuan, Buenavista and Dubinan.

It was said that there were only about three Filipino-owned sari-sari stores in Santiago in 1917. The settlers acquired most of their merchandise and other provisions from Chinese traders in Echague, the landing zone for products intended for Santiago and other towns, owing to its proximity to the Cagayan River.
It was when the Villa-Verde Trail was opened when things were set in motion. It facilitated the entry of immigrants from various provinces in Luzon to the Cagayan Valley and Santiago absorbed a sizable share of these travelers. The new route served as an impetus for growth and introduced new technologies and business opportunities.

Santiago survived through world wars, although badly damaged, and from then on developed to become the leading commercial and industrial city in Cagayan Valley.

In 1942, the city was occupied by the Japanese forces entered in the town of Santiago. In 1945 founded to the liberation in the town of Santiago province of Isabela beginning the defenders from the Philippine Commonwealth soldiers and Filipino guerrillas against the Japanese forces under defeated during World War II.

In December 17, 1993, the bill converting Santiago into an independent component city was approved by the Lower House. On the following year, the Senate Committee on Local Government approved another public hearing dated February 23, 1994.

On May 5, 1994, by virtue or Republic Act 7720 signed by His Excellency, President Fidel V. Ramos, Santiago was pronounced as an Independent Component City, the first in the Cagayan Valley Region. This made Santiago, self-governing and autonomous city from the rule of the provincial governor. Republic Act 8528 repealed this statute transforming it back to a component city. It was not until December 29, 1999, when the Supreme Court contested the validity of the latter decision and favored Santiago to be once again an independent component city. This declaration ushered in a new era for Santiago City’s constant progress.

City of Santiago in Isabela

The City of Santiago is a 1st class city in the province of Isabela. It has a population of 126,244 people in 22,401 households according to the latest census. The city has vast area of predominantly flat and fertile land in the Cagayan Valley, surrounded by the Caraballo Mountains to the south, the Great Sierra Madre to the east and the Cordillera Mountain Range to the west.

The city plays an important part in the regional economy because although it is located at the southern end of Isabela, it is centrally located in the region. It is the commercial center of Region 2 and as such it has many commercial establishments, banks, schools and manufacturing companies.

Santiago City has 37 barangays namely Abra, Ambalatungan, Balintocatoc, Baluarte, Bannawag Norte, Batal, Buenavista, Cabulay, Calao East (Pob.), Calao West (Pob.), Calaocan, Villa Gonzaga, Centro East (Pob.), Centro West (Pob.), Divisoria, Dubinan East (Pob.), Dubinan West, Luna, Mabini (Pob.), Malvar (Pob.), Nabbuan, Naggasican, Patul, Plaridel, Rizal, Rosario, Sagana, Salvador, San Andres, San Isidro, San Jose, Sinili, Sinsayon, Santa Rosa, Victory Norte (Pob.), Victory Sur and Villasis (Pob.).

Gawagaway-an Festival in Cauayan, Isabela

From March 30 to April 14 of every year, the City of Cauayan in Isabela celebrates the “Gawagaway-yan Festival” which means bountiful and festive occasion for Cauayeños. It is a unique celebration of the people of Cauayan City, Isabela that traces the ancestry of Cauayeneos from the ethnolinguistic group called “Gaddang.” Vegetables are usually being sold at low prices during the festival.

More of Cauayan, Isabela

Barangays - The City of Cauayan City has 65 barangays namely Alicaocao, Alinam, Amobocan, Andarayan, Bacolod, Baringin Norte, Baringin Sur, Buena Suerte, Bugallon, Buyon, Cabaruan, Cabugao, Carabatan Chica, Carabatan Grande, Carabatan Punta, Carabatan Bacareno, Casalatan, San Pablo (Casap Hacienda), Cassap Fuera, Catalina, Culalabat, Dabburab, De Vera, Dianao, Disimuray, District I (Pob.), District II (Pob.), District III (Pob.), Duminit, Faustino (Sipay), Gagabutan, Gappal, Guayabal, Labinab, Linglingay, Mabantad, Maligaya, Manaoag, Marabulig I, Marabulig II, Minante I, Minante II, Nagcampegan, Naganacan, Nagrumbuan, Nungnungan I, Nungnungan II, Pinoma, Rizal, Rogus, San Antonio, San Fermin (Pob.), San Francisco, San Isidro, San Luis Hacienda Itawis, Santa Luciana (Daburab 2), Santa Maria, Sillawit, Sinippil, Tagaran, Turayong, Union, Villa Concepcion, Villa Luna and Villaflor.

Economy - The city has 18 banks, 11 lending institutions, 24 insurance agencies, 59 real estate businesses and 11 pawnshops. There are over 1,442 commercial establishments that include distributors, wholesalers and retailers. Cosmos Bottling Corporation, now acquired by the giant multinational business conglomerate San Miguel Corporation manufactures soft drinks in the area. It is also here where the regional sales offices of several multi-national companies are located.

Transportation - Transport facilities include a total aggregate length of 512.27 kms. of concrete and gravel roads accessible to all types of vehicles; The Cauayan Domestic Airport just recently undergone upgrading as it is envisioned to become an International Cargo Port by the RDC and BOT. A 50M-Central Transport Terminal likewise has just started operation and is easing traffic in the poblacion area. The Cauayan City has three airline named Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines and WCC Sky Pasada Costal Town and Baguio.

City of Cauayan, Isabela

Cauayan City is a 3rd class city in the province of Isabela, Philippines with a population of 114,254 people in 21,143 households according to the latest census. There are 65 barangays in the city namely: Alicaocao, Alinam, Amobocan, Andarayan, Bacolod, Baringin Norte, Baringin Sur, Buena Suerte, Bugallon, Buyon, Cabaruan, Cabugao, Carabatan Chica, Carabatan Grande, Carabatan Punta, Carabatan Bacareno, Casalatan, San Pablo (Casap Hacienda), Cassap Fuera, Catalina, Culalabat, Dabburab, De Vera, Dianao, Disimuray, District I (Pob.), District II (Pob.), District III (Pob.), Duminit, Faustino (Sipay), Gagabutan, Gappal, Guayabal, Labinab, Linglingay, Mabantad, Maligaya, Manaoag, Marabulig I, Marabulig II, Minante I, Minante II, Nagcampegan, Naganacan, Nagrumbuan, Nungnungan I, Nungnungan II, Pinoma, Rizal, Rogus, San Antonio, San Fermin (Pob.), San Francisco, San Isidro, San Luis Hacienda Itawis, Santa Luciana (Daburab 2), Santa Maria, Sillawit, Sinippil, Tagaran, Turayong, Union, Villa Concepcion, Villa Luna and Villaflor.

Population & People of Isabela

The most prominent group in Isabela is Ilocanos. The 68.71% of the total household population classified themselves as Ilocanos. The next prominent groups (ethnic) are Ibanag with 14.05% and Tagalog with 10.02% of the population. The remaining 7.22% are either Gaddang, Paranan, Yogad or are from other ethnic groups.

Isabela is the most populated province among the five provinces in Cagayan Valley-Region II, according to the latest Philippine Census. The total population is 1,401,495 people which comprise 45.93% of the 3 million people in the region. It contributed 1.58% to the total population of 88.57 million at the national level and there are 254,928 households in the province.

Our Lady of Visitation National Shrine

Our Lady of Visitation, also known as Nuestra Señora De La Visitacion was the title given to our Blessed Virgin Mary upon her visit to her cousin Elizabeth as mentioned in the Second Joyful Mystery of the Holy Rosary. There are two places venerating Our Lady of Visitation in Northern Luzon: the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Visitation in Guibang, Gamu, Isabela and the Basilica Minore of Our Lady of Piat in Cagayan Province.

The image is housed at the Basilica Minore of Our Lady of Piat in Cagayan Province. The Lady of Piat is famous for her intercession for the ill, the poor, and the troubled. Originally known as the Nuestra Señora de la Santissimo Rosario, was brought to the Philippines by the Dominican friars from Macao in 1604.
The wooden image was first enthroned in the seat of Nueva Segovia in Lallo, Cagayan then was brought to the Church of Piat in 1620, to help in the conversion of the quarelling Didayas and Itawis to Christianity.

Since then, numerous miracles took place and these were attributed to the intercession of the Lady. Because of these incidents, the image has attracted a large number of followers who prevented all attempts to transfer permanently the image to other towns. Our Lady of Piat was canonically crowned as Queen of Heaven and Earth on June 20, 1954 in Tuguegarao, Cagayan by Papal Delegate Egidio Vagnozzi.

The Shrine of Our lady of the Visitation in Guibang, Gamu, Isabela houses the image of Our Lady of Piat and serves as a junction for travelers passing along Maharlika Highway. It is now as famous as the Shrine of Basilica Minore of Piat as it comes alive on July 2 every year when religious pilgrims come to offer prayers of thanks and to ask for another year of good fortune. The image of the miraculous Lady was canonically crowned on May 26, 1973.

Popular Stories Regarding the Our Lady’s Habits and Customs
• Residents about to close their windows and doors at night to sleep, would smell a strong scent of Sampaguita flowers that would remain hanging in the air for along period of time even during off seasons.
• At the sroke of midnight of September 8, people will hear loud sounds of bell coming from the direction of the shrine. However, when they tried to investigate about the incident, the priest would deny that he has rung the bell at that particular time.
• Our Lady of Visitation is choosy with her clothes, especially when it does not look gaudy, her face would frown.

Santa Victoria Caves

The Santa Victoria Caves are more than 12 Philippine limestone caves that are found in the foothills of the Sierra Madre Mountain Range. The caves are known for their beautiful and unusual rock formations, their sparkling rocks, and their subterranean waterfalls. They are also of archaeological significance as they are believed to have been occupied by the nomadic Agta or Dumagat people in the past. The caves are located within the Isabela Sanctuary, which is part of the Fuyot Springs National Park (FSNP) in Ilagan, Isabela. This area is included in the Palanan Wilderness Area or Northern Sierra Madre National Park in the province of Isabela in Cagayan Valley.

The Sta. Victoria Caves may be found together with a wildlife sanctuary, botanical garden, and waterfalls in the 200-hectare Isabela Sanctuary, which forms about a quarter of the 819-hectare FSNP in Fuyot, Santa Victoria. This area is located in the eastern part of Ilagan in Isabela, Cagayan Valley. Part of the municipality of Ilagan, the caves are just 15 kilometers away from the town proper of Ilagan and 19 kilometers away from the town of Tumauini. The 2 distinctive geological features that the Sta. Victoria Caves are known for are their sparkling rocks can be found in the Sta. Victoria Caves. In addition, the caves are their naturally-formed lattices. Underground waterfalls can also be found in the Sta. Victoria Caves.

World’s biggest butaka

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.

St. Mathias Church (Tumauini, Isabela)

St. Mathias Church was built in 1753 by the Dominicans and was finished in 1805. It is an ultra-baroque church, unique for its extensive use of baked clay both for wall finishing and ornamentation. Clay bricks come to life in concentric circles on the façade, spiral curves on the finial serpentine reliefs, and many finely molded details – flowers, foliage, surfaces, cherubs, and saints. Its architecture bears Chinese ancestry. This church of bricks 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.

Magat Dam Tourism Complex

The Magat Dam Tourism Complex is a Philippine tourism site that centers on the reservoir lake formed by Magat Dam, a hydro-electric power plant in Aguinaldo, Ramon, Isabela. Situated in the Magat Forest Reserve, it is a pleasant location for picnicking, fishing, and engaging in various types of water sports. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the province of Isabela.

The Magat Dam was built in the early 1980s to fulfill the growing energy and irrigation needs of the area. The dam was the largest in Asia at the time of its construction, and could irrigate as much as 82,000 hectares.

With the dam came changes in the landscape and character of the provinces affected, which included Quirino and Ifugao, as well as Isabela. A lake about a hundred meters deep was created in a previously dry area ranging from Aguinaldo in Ramon, Isabela, Bagabag in Nueva Vizcaya, and Potia in Ifugao. With its clean, flowing waters, this lake was ideal for fish farming and became a major provider of a great variety of freshwater fish: tilapia, catfish ayungin, biya, and kurilao, among others.

In 1995, then-president Fidel Ramos visited the site of the dam and realized that it had excellent potential for tourism. He appointed the local government of Isabela to develop it into a tourist destination, together with the National Institute of Agriculture (NIA), National Power Corporation (NPC), the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), and the Department of Tourism (DOT).

The tourism complex centers on the 4,450 hectare lake created by the dam. The waters are clean and there are facilities for fishing, boating, and various water sports like water-skiing. Close to the dam is Camp Vizcarra, a leisure resort that was constructed next to the river by the local government of Isabela. The site is accessible from Santiago City by means of jeepney and bus.