Ilagan, Isabela, Philippines

Ilagan, Isabela is within Region II – Cagayan Valley, in the Republic of the Philippines.

Barangays of Ilagan City, in the Isabela Province within Region II in the Republic of The Philippines
Aggasian • Alibagu • Allinguigan 1st • Allinguigan 2nd • Allinguigan 3rd • Arusip • Baculod (Pob.) • Bagong Silang • Bagumbayan (Pob.) • Baligatan • Ballacong • Bangag • Batong Labang • Bigao • Cabannungan 1st • Cabannungan 2nd • Cabeseria 10 (Lapigui) • Cabeseria 14 and 16 (Casilagan) • Cabeseria 17 and 21 (San Rafael) • Cabeseria 19 (Villa Suerte*) • Cabeseria 2 (Dappat) • Cabeseria 22 (Sablang) • Cabeseria 23 (San Francisco*) • Cabeseria 25 (Sta. Lucia*) • Cabeseria 27 (Abuan) • Cabeseria 3 (San Fernando) • Cabeseria 4 (San Manuel) • Cabeseria 5 (Baribad) • Cabeseria 6 & 24 (Villa Marcos*) • Cabeseria 7 (Nangalisan) • Cabeseria 9 and 11 (Capogotan) • Cadu • Calamagui 1st • Calamagui 2nd • Camunatan • Capellan • Capo • Carikkikan Norte • Carikkikan Sur • Centro – San Antonio • Centro Poblacion • Fugu • Fuyo • Gayong-Gayong Norte • Gayong-Gayong Sur • Guinatan • Imelda Bliss Village • Lullutan • Malalam • Malasin (Angeles) • Manaring • Mangcuram • Marana I • Marana II • Marana III • Minabang • Morado • Naguilian Norte • Naguilian Sur • Namnama • Nanaguan • Osmeña (Sinippil) • Paliueg • Pasa • Pilar • Quimalabasa • Rang-ayan (Bintacan) • Rugao • Salindingan • San Andres (Angarilla) • San Felipe • San Ignacio (Canapi) • San Isidro • San Juan • San Lorenzo • San Pablo • San Rodrigo • San Vicente (Pob.) • Santa Barbara (Pob.) • Santa Catalina • Santa Isabel Norte • Santa Isabel Sur • Santa Maria (Cabeseria 8) • Santa Victoria • Santo Tomas • Siffu • Sindon Bayabo • Sindon Maride • Sipay • Tangcul • Villa Imelda (Maplas)

Population of Ilagan City

As of the 2020 Census, Ilagan City had a population of 158,218 residents.
In 2015, the city recorded a population of 145,568, reflecting a growth rate of approximately 1.7% annually.

Location of Ilagan City

Ilagan City is located in the northeastern part of Luzon Island and serves as the capital of Isabela Province. It lies within the Cagayan Valley Region (Region II), bordered by the Sierra Madre mountains to the east and the Cagayan River to the west.
Travel access:
- Land: Ilagan is accessible via Maharlika Highway. Bus companies like Victory Liner and GV Florida offer daily trips to and from Manila, Baguio, and Tuguegarao.
- Air: The nearest airport is Cauayan Airport, approximately 45 minutes away by car, with flights to Manila.
- Sea: The nearest major seaport is in Aparri, Cagayan, about 4–5 hours away by land. Ilagan itself is landlocked.

Tourist Attractions of Ilagan City

Ilagan Sanctuary: Located within Fuyot Springs National Park, this eco-tourism site features caves, a mini-zoo, zipline, and nature trails.
Sta. Victoria Caves: A popular spelunking destination within the sanctuary.
Giant Butaka: The world’s largest wooden armchair, symbolizing Ilagan’s woodworking heritage.
Bonsai Forest: A unique hiking and camping site in Barangay Santa Victoria.
San Pablo Cathedral: A historic religious landmark with Spanish-era architecture.
Festivals: Ilagan celebrates the Mammangi Festival every August, honoring corn farmers and the city’s agricultural roots. Another major event is Aggaw na Ilagan, held in May to commemorate cityhood and local heritage.

Economy of Ilagan City

Ilagan is recognized as the Corn Capital of the Philippines and a leading agro-industrial center in Region II.
Key economic sectors include:
- Agriculture: corn, rice, tobacco, and fish culture
- Eco-tourism and trade
- Retail and services
In 2023, Ilagan posted a city income of ₱2.13 billion, classifying it as a 1st-class component city.
It contributes significantly to Isabela Province’s GDP, which reached ₱197.55 billion in 2023.

Educational Institutions of Ilagan City

Young residents pursue higher education at several institutions:
- Isabela State University – Ilagan Campus: Offers programs in engineering, agriculture, business, and education.
- City of Ilagan College: A newly established LGU-run college in Barangay Lullutan, set to open soon.

History of Ilagan City

Ilagan was founded on May 4, 1686 as a Spanish mission settlement originally called “Bolo”.
It became the capital of Isabela Province during the Spanish era and played a key role in regional trade and agriculture.
Attempts to gain cityhood began in the 1990s. Republic Act No. 8474 was passed in 1998 but rejected in a 1999 plebiscite.
On August 11, 2012, Ilagan officially became a component city after a successful plebiscite ratified Republic Act No. 10169.

Elected Officials of Ilagan City

As of the 2025 elections, Ilagan City is led by:
- Mayor: Josemarie L. Diaz
- Vice Mayor: Jayeveson Diaz
- Representative: Antonio T. Albano
For a full list of councilors and barangay officials, visit the official Halalan 2025 results page: Ilagan City Election Results.

January 7, 2026

1️⃣ Andas for Traslación 2026 now ready, with upgrades

The Andas carrying the Black Nazarene for January 9 Traslación features new steering wheel and reinforced underchassis to handle massive devotee crowds safely.

2️⃣ Over 3,500 affected by Mayon volcano unrest

NDRRMC reports 3,515 people from 964 families evacuated in Albay due to recent magmatic eruptions, ashfall, and pyroclastic flows; all in permanent danger zone.

3️⃣ Magnitude 6.4 quake hits off southern Philippines

USGS detects 6.4 quake off Davao Oriental coast—no tsunami threat reported, but locals feel shaking; no immediate damage confirmed.

List of Cities in the Philippines

The move towards Federalism in the Philippines is simply a ploy to create political dynasties and establish a Bangsamoro State (an autonomous Islamic State).