ISABELA PROVINCE

Nickname(s):
Queen Province of the Philippines
Rice Bowl of the North
Corn Capital of the Philippines
Sentro ng AGRIkultura
SOURCE OF LIVELIHOOD

Rice Farming
Corn Farming
Monggo Farming
And exporting of Bananas and Mangoes...
 Poulty Framing

Livestock
 Fishing Farming

Cattle Breeding Farming

 MAP OF THE ISABELA
PROVINCE

President Rodrigo Duterte signed

a creating two new legislative
districts for the Province of Isabela
in Cagayan Valley Region.
RA. No.11080, signed on Sept. 27,
establishes the 5th and 6th
districts of Isabela. This means
that in the next election, the
Province will be electing 6
representatives instead of the
current 4.
 HISTORY OF ISABELA PROVINCE
The province of Isabela used to be a vast rainforest where numerous indigenous ethno-
linguistic groups lived. Many of the same ethnic groups still live in the province. Shell-
midden sites and other archaeological sites throughout the province constitute the
material culture of those groups during the classical era.

During the Spanish era, 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. In order to
facilitate the work of the Catholic missionaries in the evangelization of the Cagayan
Valley, 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, all detached from
the Province of Nueva Vizcaya; while Cabagan and Tumauini were taken from the
Province of Cagayan.

The province was placed under the jurisdiction of a governor with Ilagan as the capital,
where it remains up to present. 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 when United
States troops, led by General Frederick Funston, finally captured General Emilio
Aguinaldo in the area on March 23, 1901. Isabela was re-organized as a province under
the American military government through Act No. 210, passed August 24, 1901.
The Americans built schools and other buildings and instituted changes in the overall
political system. However, the province's economy remained particularly agricultural
with rice replacing corn and tobacco as the dominant crop. World War II stagnated the
province's economic growth but it recovered dramatically after the war. In 1942, Imperial
Japanese occupied Isabela. In 1945, the liberation of Isabela commenced with the arrival
of the Philippine Commonwealth troops under the Philippine Army, Constabulary and
USAFIP-NL units and recognized guerrillas attacked by the Japanese Imperial forces in
World War II.
A new wave of immigration began in the late 19th and 20th centuries with the arrival of
the Ilokano who came in large numbers. They now constitute the largest group in the
province. Other ethnic groups followed that made Isabela the "Melting Pot of the
Northern Philippines".
In 1995, Republic Act Number 7891 was passed legislating that Isabela be divided into
two new provinces: Isabela del Norte and Isabela del Sur. A referendum was held on the
same year with a slight majority voting against partitioning the province.
In 2012, the capital town of Ilagan officially became a city, after the move gained 96% of
the votes in the plebiscite conducted on August 11, 2012. The night after the plebiscite,
Ilagan was declared as a component city of the province.
San Pablo Church

San Pablo Church in San

Pablo, the oldest town of
Isabela founded by Padre de
Santo Tomas on Nov. 30, 1646
(about 210 years before Isabela
was made a province). Its six-
level bell tower including the
circular apex is made of adobe.
It is said to be the oldest in
Isabela and the tallest in
Cagayan Valley.
Saint Rose of Lima
Church
Saint Rose of Lima Church in
Gamu is known for its Spanish
architectural design. Built in
1726 during the Spanish time,
the church façade was made of
layered bricks and stones dating
back during the 17th century and
considered a pilgrimage church
because of its antiquity. The
feast of their patron, Saint Rose
of Lima is celebrated every 23
August.
Parish Church of St.
Mathias
Parish Church of St. Mathias in
Tumauini was first built of light
materials by Fray Francisco
Muńez, O.P., and dedicated to
Patron Saint Matthias, 1707.
Separated from Cabagan and
became regular parish, 1751. The
church of stone with a unique
cylindrical bell tower. The only
of its kind in the Philippines was
constructed by Father Domingo
Forto in 1783 and completed,
1805. The town became the
capital of Isabela for a short time
in the 1890s. It is an ultra-
baroque church unique for its
extensive use of baked clay both
for wall finishing and
ornamentation and bears
Chinese ancestry. Partly damage
during World War II and
repaired into its original form by
the faithful of Tumauini. This
church was declared as a
National Cultural Treasure on 24
February 1989.
 Our Lady of Atocha
Our Lady of Atocha in Alicia was
originally built by the Spaniards
in the 18th century. Passing by
Angadanan on 12 February 1805,
Fr. Manuel Mora, OP wrote that
"Angadanan has a convent of
bricks, though not totally
finished. Its church is timber,
wood, and bamboo. The number
of inhabitants is 791." The
church and convent as seen
today in the town of Alicia, was
built by Fr. Tomas Calderon, OP
and inaugurated in 1849, with Fr.
Francisco Gainza, OP, then vicar
of Carig (now Santiago City).
The church was dedicated to the
Nuestra Señora de Atocha, more
popularly known today as Our
Lady of Atocha. The church is
known for its antique Castilian
architectural design and can be
found along the Maharlika
Highway and is accessible by
land transport.
 Our Lady of the
Pillar Church
Our Lady of the Pillar Church
in Cauayan was constructed
by Fray Juan Prieto with the
first class materials with
galvanized roofing and a
ceiling of bricks, dedicated to
Nuestra Señora del Pilar. It
had a tower which was later
destroyed by a violent
earthquake. Now, only the
façade of the Cauayan Church
remains in its original form.
The original belfry is in ruins
while a new nave and belfry
was constructed and like the
St. Mathias Church in the
town of Tumauini, the facade
has lots of interesting bas
relief and portions of the
bricks have numbers and
symbols etched on it.
 Saint Ferdinand
Parish Church
Saint Ferdinand Parish Church
(Ilagan City) — This church can't
be seen on the highways or the
main national road as it was
located in the center of the city of
Ilagan. The church features very
high ceilings and walls made of
bricks. It was around 1696 and
1700 that Fr. Miguel Matos, OP,
built the church of stone and
bricks. A typhoon in 1866
destroyed the roof of the church.
Desiring to make the church
bigger, Fr. Pablo Almazan, OP,
demolished the solid walls of the
church, which, unfortunately, was
never built. The walls of the
church today are of modern
make. It is known to house one of
the oldest bells in the region. The
church is dedicated to the patron
saint of the Diocese of Ilagan, San
Fernando.
National Shrine of Our Lady
of the Visitation of Guibang
National Shrine of Our Lady of
the Visitation of Guibang is
located in town of Gamu,
frequented by travelers passing
by the Maharlika Highway. It
comes alive every year on the
month July when religious
pilgrims visit to offer prayers
during its feast day. The image
of the Our Lady of the Visitation
was canonically crowned by the
Most Rev. Carmine Pocco, Papal
Nuncio to the Philippines on
May 26, 1973 at the former St.
Ferdinand Cathedral (now St.
Ferdinand Parish Church) in
Ilagan City. The Catholic
Bishops Conference of the
Philippines at its 52nd Annual
Bishop's Meeting held in
Tagaytay City in January 24–26,
1986 have approved the petition
of His Excellency, the late Most
Rev. Miguel Purugganan, former
Bishop of the Diocese of Ilagan
for the Church of Our Lady of
the Visitation of Guibang to be
called a National Shrine.
Other Churches
 Saint James the Apostle Parish Church (Santiago City)
 Poor Saint Clare Monastery (Gamu)
 Cathedral of Saint Michael the Archangel (Gamu)
 Our Lady of La Salette Parish Church (Roxas)
 Saint Joseph the Worker Parish Church (Echague)
 San Isidro Labrador Parish Church (San Isidro)
 San Roque Parish Church (The only Parish Church in the province
that entrusted in the Missionaries of Our Lady of La Salette)
(Ramon)
FESTIVALS
Bambanti Festival
City/town: Province of Isabela
Celebrated annually by the entire province to honor the
province's bountiful harvest and its emerging agro-industrial
prowess. The festivity showcases the scarecrow dancing
spectacles and agricultural booths. The municipalities and
cities exhibit their respective culture, beliefs, traditions,
origins and products. Annually, the event can drew at least
250,000 crowds all over the Cagayan Valley region, the biggest
in the history of annual festivities in the region. It has
become Isabela's showcase of its rich cultural heritage and
pristine natural beauty. Bambanti is an iluko word for
"scarecrow".
Baka Festival
City/town: San Pablo Isabela
A survey revealing quite number of ranches in San Pablo
led to the establishment of the Baka Festival. Held every
January 15, it aims to promote the local cattle industry.
The festival also showcases cowboys of San Pablo
displaying skills reminiscent of the American Wild West.
Balatong Festival
City/town: San Mateo Isabela
In San Mateo, mungo beans are packed with economic
potential that it is referred to as "black gold". In previous
years, the annual town fiesta promoted duck-related
products during the Pato Festival.
Binalay Festival
City/town: Ilagan City
Ilagueños have made the binallay a symbol of the noble
characteristics they aspire to have. These include being masipag
(hardworking), matiyaga (patient), matalino (intelligent), and
makadiyos (God fearing). According to them, they are patient
because the process of preparing binallay is tedious and involves
steaming the rice cake twice, hardworking because it is difficult to
prepare the rice cake (the glutinous grains are ground the
traditional way, with a stone mill), intelligent because it requires a
special technique to peel the wrapper off so that none of the cake is
wasted and God fearing because it is a delicacy associated with the
Holy Week. 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 that Ilagueños eat.
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.
Binnadangan or Pagay Festival
City/town: Roxas, Isabela
A yearly celebration of Pagay Festival (Palay Festival) held every
July 4. The Festival was popularly known as the Araw ng Roxas
Celebration but it was declared formally as Pagay Festival during
the reign of Mayor Benedict Calderon. It is celebrated because of
the rich agricultural bounty of Roxas, being one of the towns that
produce large stocks of rice. The festival features a parade mostly of
politicians and participating schools from different parts of Roxas,
kuliglig contest and cooking of the biggest rice cake that was also
featured in the national television[citation needed]. Major events
include a Street Dance Competition from different schools and
Palarong Bayan. Due to a conflict in the name of the festival, by
which the town of Alicia celebrates the same. It was changed to
Binnadangan Festival by then Mayor Harry Soller. The
Binnadangan comes from an Ilocano word meaning bayanihan and
was also derived from the former name of the town during the
1600s. The festival ends with a long Pyromusical.
Dikit Festival
City/town: Aurora, Isabela
Known for being an agricultural municipality, Aurora
annually celebrates its Dikit Festival every 28th to 30
April. Dikit is an Ilocano term for "glutinous rice". The
festival is celebrated to showcase this 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.
Gikit Festival
City/town: Anggadanan, Isabela
An annual festival held at the Cagayan River. Participants of the
festival offer fruits, vegetables, poultry, and livestock as
thanksgiving for their abundant bounty. The practice also reminds
Angadanians of their tradition of planting crops and raising
poultry in their own backyards for their own consumption. The
Gakit Festival also aims to show Angadanians that progress can
only be achieved if they are united as one. A key detail of the
festival is the hand-made bamboo rafts which are used by the
participants. Each bamboo pole, if alone, has no value. It cannot
float reliably on a river nor can it be used to transport anything. But
if many bamboo poles are tied together as one, it can be made into
a raft which can float and sail on calm or rough waters while
transporting people and products.
Gawagawayan Festival
City/town: Cauayan, Isabela
The City Fiesta and the Feast of Our lady of the Pillar are
celebrated annually on April 10–13 and October 10–12
respectively. Since its conversion into a component city on
March 30, 2001, the City Government started to celebrate its
founding anniversary with the conduct of "Gawagaway-yan
Festival" aimed to preserve the rich cultural heritage of the
city. It is highlighted by street dancing, beauty contest, trade
fair, cultural parade, parlor games, free concert, band
exhibition and other variety shows performed by local and
Manila-based talents as well.
Isabela Day
City/town: Province of Isabela
Anniversary of the establishment of the civil government of
Isabela in honor of Queen Isabella II of Spain. Activities like
agro-industrial trade and tourism fairs, parades, sports events
are conducted to entertain visitors. Also, one of the
highlights of the celebration is the Miss Isabela, an
extravagant colorful pageant featuring the candidates from
each town/city of the province who exemplify Isabela's youth
and vibrancy. A grand fusion of fashion, music and dance
with particular focus on Isabela's tourism attractions and its
leader.
Kankanen Festival
City/town: Cabanatuan, Isabela
Celebrated in Cabatuan, showcasing native delicacies
made of glutinous rice. Mayor Alma Dayrit and the Rural
Improvement Club started this annual tradition in 2003
and done on the Foundation Day rites of every year.
Mammagui Festival
City/town: Ilagan City
Celebrated by Ilagueño farmers as a thanksgiving activity for a
bountiful harvest, Mammangui is an Ybanag word which means to
harvest corn, the primary crop in the city. Since the assumption in
office of Mayor Josemarie L. Diaz, Mammangui Festival was
proclaimed as the official festivity of the city. During the
celebration, different activities such as parlor games, cultural and
trade fairs, colorful street dance, cook fest, sports events,
cheerdance competitions, float parade and many others are
conducted by the city government to showcase the past to present
day transition of Ilagan's rich tradition and cultural heritage.
Highlights of the celebration are the annual beauty pageants
namely Little Miss Mammangui, Miss Gay Mammangui and the
Miss Mammangui, which is one of the most prestigious of its kind
in the valley[citation needed] and a free concert featuring local
celebrities. It is annually celebrated every 29–31 May.
Mangi Festival
City/town: Tumauini, Isabela
Corn (Zea mays) was one of the plants that came aboard
the Spanish galleons to become one of the primary crops
of the Philippines. 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.
Nuang Festival
City/town: San Agustin, Isabela
The carabao (Bubalus Bubalis Carabanesis), which remains a
farmer's indispensable helpmate in the fields, is honoured in
the Nuang Festival of San Agustin as are the products the
carabao enables farmers to produce. The town boasts of over
300 heads and farmers bring them over to the poblacion (town
center) for the festival. To get the cattle there, they either guide
the animals onto the ferry and keep them quiet for the short
river crossing or find the shallowest point of the river, take off
their clothes then lead them across. San Agustin supplies
carabao milk to other towns where carabao milk candy is
produced. The festival also serves as a venue for promoting
other major products such as corn (Zea mays) and bananas
(Musa paradisiaca L.).
Pagay Festival
City/town: Alicia, Isabela
Held annually every September 28 in conjunction with the
founding anniversary of the town of Alicia. It used to be called
Alicia Town Festival, but was redefined and renamed to Pagay
Festival in 2010 by Mayor Cecilia Claire N. Reyes. The festival aims
to uphold the town's cultural identity and heritage and to promote
the municipality's primary agricultural product called, pagay
(Ilocano word for rice) - the municipality's major livelihood
economy and trade mark. The festival is widely participated by the
community which features various competitions (e.g., rice
planting, harvesting, and cooking among others), street dance
showdown, beauty pageant (Mutya ng Alicia), battle of the bands,
and exhibits. However, the Pagay Parade is the main highlight of
the festival that features decorated carabaos, various rice crop
floats, and people marching with colorful costumes.
Pansi Festival
City/town: Cabagan, Isabela
Pansi Festival is the official festivity of Cabagan.Pansi is
an Ybanag word for pansit, a noodle dish topped with
chopped karajay or lechon kawali in Tagalog. The town
became noted for its well-known local product, the
"Pansit Cabagan".
Pattaraday Festival
City/town: Santiago, Isabela
From pattaraday, an Ybanag word for "unity", the festival is
celebrated in the city of Santiago to honor its founding
anniversary, and the unity of the ethnolinguistic groups that
have merged in the city to make it the melting pot of culture
of Region II and contributed to the city's progress and
development-unity in action. Highlighted with the
presentation of the Comedia – a moro-moro dance made
famous by the Spaniards to stress the power of Christian
Religion over the Moorish non-believers; other activities
include beauty pageant, grand batalla presentations and a
grand street dancing parade and exhibition with performers
from other cities, provinces and regions.
Sabutan Festival
City/town: Palanan, Isabela
Held every March in Palanan, the festival 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 also used as a theme and are
fashioned into costumes and décor.
Balamban Dance Festival
City/town: Santiago, Isabela
On the year 2014, a new festival was conceptualized by
the city government to celebrate Santiago's cityhood
anniversary. Balamban which means butterfly is a
cultural dance of lowland Christians that originated in
Santiago City. The dance depicts the graceful movement
and fluttering of butterflies that throng Dariuk Hills'
scented gardens. It is usually danced during wedding
celebrations in Santiago.
Bacao Festival
City/town:
Echague, Isabela
Bacao Festival (English: Corn Festival) is a
week-long annual corn festival occurring
in town of Echague Isabela, the Queen
Town of Isabela Province. The term
“Bacao” is of Yogad origin, meaning
“corn”.
The festival, held during the month of
March from (15 to 19), was created as a
tribute to the town’s corn and as a way to
give thanks of the town’s fruitful harvest.
March is the harvesting season of corn in
the region.
In 2003, Echague began its Bacao Festival
in celebration of the feast day of Saint
Joseph the Worker, in honor of Patron
Saint of Echague.
The festival attracts over thousands of visitors from all over Isabela and
other neighboring provinces.

The event also features motocross racing, longest corn grilling, and
others.

The festival includes banners that are decorated using different parts of
the corn plant like corn and corn leaves. The festival also includes street
dancing, presented by dancers clad in corn-inspired costumes, that are
presented by different institutions governed by the town of Echague.
Among these participants are coming from the Academic Institutions
(College, High School and Elementary Students), Local Government
Unit, Philippine Army, Private Sectors and other commercial
establishments.

Aside from economic boosts from tourism, the festival also helped the
younger generation of understanding how important Filipino culture’s
old tradition of Bayanihan and also to give awareness to the world that
Yogad speaking people exist.
Mengal
Festival
If Iloilo have Dinagyang, Cebu have
Sinulog, Davao have Kadayawan,
and Baguio have Panagbenga, then
Echague have Mengal.
“Mengal” is a general term used to
describe a clever warrior of a tribe
who advances a struggle for
freedom. In Echague, Isabela, the
yogad tribe then established by
Kapitan Tercero has brought the
history that Echaguenos possesses
the characteristics of a Mengal
which should be objectively
commemorated and celebrated.
Mengal Festival is a month-long
celebration of Echagues Culture,
History, Cuisine, Beauty, and
Hospitality. It’s indeed an october-
fest the Echagueño’s way. This
year’s festivity highlights several
activities that will surely make your
travel to Isabela worthit!
Other Festivals
 Nateng Festival - Mallig
 Cariada Festival - San Manuel
 Pinilisa Festival - Jones
 Sinag-Banga Festival - San Isidro
 PEOPLE AND CULTURE
According to the Philippine Census in 2000, Isabela was the most
populated province among the five provinces in Cagayan Valley (Region
II). It has a population of 1,287,575 people and comprising 45.7 percent of
the 2.8 people in the region. At the national level, the province
contributed 1.7 percent to the total population of 76.5 million.

For all ages, the sex ratio in Isabela was about 105 with 660,627 males and
626,948 females in the 2000 Census of Population and Housing (Census
2000). There were more males than females below 50 years old.

Ilocano was the most prominent ethnic group in Isabela. Of the total
household population, 68.71 percent classified themselves as Ilocanos.
The next two prominent ethnic groups were Ibanag (14.05 percent) and
Tagalog (10.02 percent). The remaining 7.22 percent were either
Gaddang, Paranan, Yogad, or were from other ethnic groups.
Ilocano People (68.71%)
The word Ilokano originates from
Iloko (archaic form, Yloco), the
conjugation of i- (meaning "of") and
look (meaning "bay"), which means
"from the bay" in Ilocano. Aside from
being referred to as Ilocano, they are
also identified as Samtoy, a
portmanteau of the Ilocano phrase
sao mi ditoy meaning "our language
here" (sao mi - "our language"; ditoy
- "here").
Ilocandia is the term given to the
traditional homeland of the Ilocano
people, which constitutes present-
day Ilocos Norte and the northern
portions of Ilocos Sur. Due to ethnic
migration programs of the
government in the 1970's, many
Ilocanos now live outside their
traditional homeland. Known areas
with significant Ilocano populations
outside the traditional homelands
are the Cordillera Administrative
Region, Cagayan Valley, the southern
parts of the Ilocos region, and some
parts of Central Luzon.
Beliefs and Traditions
Prior to the arrival of the Spanish, Ilocanos were animists who believed in spirits called anito who
were either bad or good, male or female. These anito ruled over all aspects of the universe. For
example, Litao were anitos of water, Kaibáan, also called Kanibáan, were anitos of the undergrowth in
a forest, and Mangmangkik were anitos of trees. The Mangmangkik were often feared for causing
sickness when a fellow tree was cut down. To appease the Mangmangkik before cutting down a tree,
the following chant was made:
Bari Bari.
Dikat agunget pari.
Ta pumukan kami.
Iti pabakirda kadakami.
This chant calls on the Mangmangkik and beseeches them not to curse the people cutting the tree
down. Similar chants and phrases are uttered to appease the Kaibáan when hot cooking water is
thrown out into the yard for disposal. The Kaibáan can be befriended, giving luck and blessing to the
person. Likewise, if a Kaibáan is angered, illness and in some cases death would plague the person's
health and family.
Other ways anitos were respected and appeased were through offerings and sacrifices to idols on
platforms called a simbaan or designated caves where the anito frequents. These offerings, called
'atang', consisted of various foodstuffs and sweets, as well as cigars and paan. Atang is also offered to
the deceased during prayers for the dead or on All Soul's Day.
Another practice which survived well into the 19th century was 'sibróng'. Associated with human
sacrifice and headhunting, sibróng was a prevalent practice in the Ilocos region. The person who
carried out the executions was called the 'mannibróng'; this term now means 'thief' in modern
Ilocano. Before the death of a community leader or a member of the Principalía, the dying person
would lift his hand raised with a certain number of fingers. The number of fingers raised would be the
indicator of how many people would have to be killed in order to accompany the dying to the afterlife.
In other cases, the people chosen by the mannibróng would have their fingers cut off instead of being
executed. Síbrong can also refer to the practice of placing a human head in the foundations of the
building to protect the structure from damage.
Mythological Hero
In Ilocano mythology,
Angalo was a mythical
creation giant who was also
the first man.Through his
actions, he shaped the
Cordillera Central, Luzon
mountain range, formed the
oceans and its saltiness, and
put up the sky, moon, sun
and stars. The Banaoang
Gap, in Santa, Ilocos Sur was
said to be created by Angalo
when he kicked the
mountain range while
sleeping.

Angalo is a legendary
creation giant from Ilocano
mythology with prehispanic
origins in the Ilocos region of
the Philippines. Angalo was
the first man, and son of the
god of building. Angalo's
head touched the sky and he
could easily walk from the
Ilocos Region to Manila in
one step.
Angalo
Si Angaló (kung min-san, Angngaló) ang lumikha sa tao sa mi-tolohiyang Ilokano. Bukod kay
Lam-ang at Kannoyan, lalaki at babaeng bida ng epi-kong-bayan ng mga Ilokano, sina Angalo
at Aran na marahil ang mga tanyag na tauhan sa mga Iloka-nong kuwentong-bay-an.
Maraming ber-siyon ng kuwento ni Angalo, at iba-iba
ang kaniyang ginagampanan—bílang dakilang manlilikha, bílang anak ng isa pang bathala, o
bílang isang mangingisda na hinahanap ang kaniyang nawawalang irog.
Sa isang mito, sina Angalo at Aran ay mga higanteng may anyong tao. Sa laki ni Angalo, abot-
langit ang kaniyang ulo, daan-daang milya ang saklaw ng bawat hakbang, at naririnig sa lahat
ng sulok ng mundo ang kaniyang boses at halak-hak. Patag dati ang buong daigdig, at
kinalkal niya ang lupa upang bumuo ng mga bundok at lambak, at inihian ang mga hukay
upang maging mga dagat at lawa. Mula sa kaniyang dura nagmula ang unang lalaki at babae.
Sa ibang kuwento, may tatlong anak na babae sina Angalo at Aran na hindi nilá kasinlaki.
Nabuo naman daw ang kapuluang Bisayas nang nagtalo ang dalawa sa mga nakalap niláng
perlas; nagkabi-tak-bitak ang lupain at lumubog ang ilang bahagi sa lakas ng kanilang mga
dagundong.
Sa isang salaysay, si Angalo ay isang mortal na tao na na-ging mangingisda sa pag-asang
makikita ang irog na nilisan siyá. Nadesgrasya ang barkong sinasakyan niya at napadpad siyá
sa pampang ng Ilocos. Tinulungan niya ang mga Ilokano sa pangingisda at pinuksa ang isang
ha-limaw-dagat na kumikitil ng maraming taumbayan taón-taón. Hindi niya malimot ang
kaniyang nawawalang irog, at inukit niya ang malaking imahen ng babae sa dalisdis ng isang
bundok. Tuwing pauwi siyá mula sa pangingisda, sinasalubong siyá ng tanawing ito.
Sa kasalukuyan, matatagpuan sa iba’t ibang bahagi ng Ilo-cos, Cagayan, at Pangasinan ang
malalaking tipak ng bato na tinatawag na mga ”tugot” (yápak) ni Angalo. Isang halimbawa
nitó ay makikita sa bayan ng Sudipen sa La Union, sa Ilog Amburayan.
Ibannag People (14.05%)
The Ibanag (also Ybanag and
Ybanak or Ibanak) are an
ethnolinguistic minority
numbering a little more than
half a million people, who
inhabit the provinces of
Cagayan, Isabela and Nueva
Vizcaya. They are one of the
largest ethnolinguistic
minorities in the Philippines.
The endonym "Ibanag"
comes from the prefix I-
which means "people of",
and bannag, meaning river.
This toponym-based name is
similar to the unrelated
etymology for the Tagalog
people, which is derived
from taga- ("person from")
and ilog ("river")
Tagalog ( 10.02%)

The remaining 7.22 percent were either Gaddang,

Paranan, Yogad, or were from other ethnic groups.
PRODUCTS (Native Delicacies)

Inatata

Binalay

Moriecos
 Pansit Cabagan
Pansit Batil Patong

Dinengdeng
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.
Other Delicacies
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.
 ARTS AND HANDICRAFTS

Bamboo Art & Sea Glass

Creations
Bamboo Watch
FOSSILIZED
FLOWERS from
Maddela, Quirino.

Fossilized Flowers
made by Maddela
Flowers and Crafts was
joined the "China
Asean Expo" event in
Nanjing, China on
September 2019.
And more...
PRODUCTS/OTOP
And more...
TOURIST DESTINATIONS
Landmark
Heroes
• The Landmark of
Heroes in Jones,
Isabela is
dedicated to
forefathers who
waged blood and
sweat to ensure
liberty.
Aguinaldo
Shrine
• Although Isabela did not play a major role in the revolt against Spain, it is in
Palanan that the final pages of the Philippines Revolution was written when the
American forces led by Gen. Frederick Funston finally captured Gen. Emilio
Aguinaldo in the area on March 23, 1901.
Bonsai Forest
• Dinapigue showcases a bonsai forest with plants ranging from one
foot to 7 feet in height. The forest is astonishing – covering an
estimated 5,000 hectares.
 Crocodile
Sanctuary
• 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. Mabuwaya foundation, and even the
president of the famous clothing company Lacoste, Michel Lacoste, shows support for the
famous Crocodile Sanctuary 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.
 Dicotcotan Beach
• Dicotcotan Beach boasts of a three-kilometer long beach with coral reefs,
sea grass beds and sandy shoreline that is fringed with a coastal forest
and a village. There are regular sightings here of pointed nosed dolphins
and hump back whales aside from the various species of fish and
shellfish, and marine turtles that can be seen from the surface.
Fuyot Spring 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. Following the creek flowing from the falls, an adventurer will
find a pathway of rocks and waterholes enough to excite an avid adventurer.
Giant Butaka
• Dubbed as the furniture capital of the province, Ilagan houses the world’s
largest Butaka, towering at 11 feet, 4 inches high; 20 feet 8 inches long; and 9
feet 7 inches wide, weighing at a massive 2,368 kilos. With its wide arms, it
was depicted by, then town Mayor, Mayor Jojo Albano, as the testament to
the genuine hospitality of Ilagueños.
Honeymoon Island

• World's famous
Island in Divilican,
Isabela
Isabela thy
will be done
• A testament of Isabela's
Christian history, the
renowned “Isabela Thy
Will Be Done” marker is
the first to welcome those
who are on their way to
the province. Located
just at the boundary
between Nueva Vizcaya
and Isabela, the iconic
landmark is a bannering
welcome of Isabela’s
hospitality – imbuing the
firm faith of the province
in bidding the safety of
travellers.
Maconancon
Falls
• Serving as a gateway to the coasts of Isabela, Maconacon offers
bountiful splendors to those who venture into its vast landscape.
Most notable landmarks include the hanging bridge in the town and
the Maconacon falls.
Magat Dam
• Nested in The first multi-purpose dam in Southeast Asia, Magat Dam
is located in the largest tributary of Cagayan River, the Magat River,
just at the boundary of Ifugao and Isabela.
• A nearby destination after a visit to the dam site is Camp Vizcarra,
where visitors of the dam flock to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
Water World
Grand Resort
• Water World is one of
the best resorts in
Region 2, if not the
entire Philippines. It
offers pools
accommodating both
adults and children
alike. There is also a
man-made lake where
you can go boating and
enjoy the view of
assorted colored
fishes.
 ADDITIONAL DESTINATION
PALANAN RAINFOREST

The Philippine’s largest low altitude rainforest with numerous unknown

endemic species of flora and fauna and exceptional biological diversity.
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.

TAPJ RESORT AND RESTAURANT

TAPJ Resort and Restaurant provides tourist accommodations for local and
foreign visitors to the province. Boasting 30,000 square meters of land area, the
resort houses vacation cottages, two swimming pools, a four-hole fishpond
stocked with tilapia and catfish, a botanical garden, ample seminar and
conference facilities, and an upcoming air-conditioned restaurant.
CONCLUSION

The province of Isabela is often overlooked as a destination for tourists, mostly because people head
toward the white sandy beaches in the Ilocos region or the highlands of Mountain Province. But, if
one takes time to dig beneath the province’s surface, you will uncover the town’s rich and vibrant
past, colorful festival, beautiful people, and gorgeous attractions that make up its northern charm.
Needless to say, you need to endure a 10-hour drive from Manila to see this part of the country. You
will, however, be granted a scene worthy of your time once you’ve arrived. There is the refreshing
sight of greeneries, the view of the cornfields, and the typical herd of cattle on the side of the
highway—everything is a feast for the eyes.
Prepared and Reported by:
MARIAN ANGEL T. AZADA
3rd Year BSBA-HRM