Tuguegarao City, Cagayan, Philippines

Tuguegarao City, Cagayan is within Region II – Cagayan Valley, in the Republic of the Philippines.

Barangays of Tuguegarao City, in the Cagayan Province, within Region 2 – Cagayan Valley in the Republic of The Philippines
Annafunan East • Annafunan West • Atulayan Norte • Atulayan Sur • Bagay • Buntun • Caggay • Capatan • Carig • Caritan Centro • Caritan Norte • Caritan Sur • Cataggaman Nuevo • Cataggaman Pardo • Cataggaman Viejo • Centro 1 (Pob.) • Centro 10 (Pob.) • Centro 11 (Pob.) • Centro 12 (Pob.) • Centro 2 (Pob.) • Centro 3 (Pob.) • Centro 4 (Pob.) • Centro 5 (Pob.) • Centro 6 (Pob.) • Centro 7 (Pob.) • Centro 8 (Pob.) • Centro 9 (Pob.) • Dadda • Gosi Norte • Gosi Sur • Larion Alto • Larion Bajo • Leonarda • Libag Norte • Libag Sur • Linao East • Linao Norte • Linao West • Nambbalan Norte • Nambbalan Sur • Pallua Norte • Pallua Sur • Pengue (Pengue-Ruyu) • Reyes • San Gabriel • Tagga • Tanza • Ugac Norte • Ugac Sur

Population of Tuguegarao City

As of the 2020 Census, Tuguegarao City had a population of 166,334 residents.
In 2015, the city recorded a population of 153,502, reflecting a growth rate of approximately 1.6% annually.

Location of Tuguegarao City

Tuguegarao City is located in the northeastern part of Luzon Island and serves as the capital of Cagayan Province and the regional center of Cagayan Valley (Region II). It is a landlocked city bordered by the Cagayan River and surrounded by the Sierra Madre and Cordillera mountain ranges.
Most travelers reach Tuguegarao via:
- Air: Tuguegarao Airport offers daily flights from Manila and Cebu. Travel time from Manila is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.
- Land: Buses from Metro Manila (Victory Liner, GV Florida, Partas, JD Dalin) take 9–11 hours via Maharlika Highway.
- Sea: The nearest major seaport is in Aparri, about 2.5 hours north, though commercial sea travel is limited.

Tourist Attractions of Tuguegarao City

St. Peter Metropolitan Cathedral: An 18th-century Baroque-style church and one of the largest in the region.
Buntun Bridge: The longest river bridge in the Philippines, offering panoramic views of the Cagayan River.
Callao Cave: A seven-chamber limestone cave in nearby Peñablanca, accessible via a short drive from the city.
Cagayan Museum and Historical Research Center: Preserves the region’s cultural and archaeological heritage.
Pancit Batil Patung Festival: Celebrated annually in August, this festival honors Tuguegarao’s iconic noodle dish with cook-offs, parades, and culinary showcases.

Economy of Tuguegarao City

Tuguegarao is the economic and institutional center of Cagayan Valley. Its economy is driven by:
- Retail and commerce
- Education and healthcare services
- Tourism and hospitality
- Construction and real estate development
In 2023, the Cagayan Valley Region posted a GDP of ₱447.07 billion, with Tuguegarao contributing significantly as the regional capital.
Top growth sectors included accommodation and food services (+19.0%) and construction (+14.5%).

Educational Institutions of Tuguegarao City

Tuguegarao hosts several major universities and colleges:
- Cagayan State University (CSU): A multi-campus state university with its main campus in Carig offering programs in law, medicine, engineering, and education.
- St. Paul University Philippines: A private Catholic university founded in 1907, known for health sciences and liberal arts.
- University of Saint Louis Tuguegarao: Offers programs in business, engineering, and IT.
- University of Cagayan Valley: A private institution offering maritime, engineering, and criminology programs.

History of Tuguegarao City

Tuguegarao was founded as a mission-pueblo on May 9, 1604 by Dominican friars, making it one of the oldest settlements in Northern Luzon.
The name “Tuguegarao” is believed to derive from the Ibanag phrase “tuggui gari yaw”, meaning “this was cleared by fire”.
It became the provincial capital in 1839 and played a strategic role during the Spanish and American colonial periods.
Tuguegarao was converted into a component city through Republic Act No. 8755, ratified in a plebiscite on December 18, 1999.

Elected Officials of Tuguegarao City

As of the 2025 elections, Tuguegarao City is led by:
- Mayor: Maila Rosario Ting-Que
- Vice Mayor: Rosauro Rodrigo G. Resuello
- Representative: Joseph L. Lara
For a full list of councilors and barangay officials, visit the official Halalan 2025 results page: Tuguegarao 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).