Gamu, Isabela, Philippines

Gamu, Isabela, Philippines : is a municipality in the province of Isabela Philippines, within Region 2 – Cagayan Valley, in the Republic of the Philippines.

 >>> Click to view Other Municipalities in Isabela.

Gamu, Isabela, Philippines

Municipality Class: 3rd Class
Area in Hectares: 12,945
Population (2020 Census): 30,655
Population (2015 Census): 29,904
Annual Growth Rate (2015-2020): 0.52%

Gamu, Isabela 2022 Elected Officials

Mayor: Nestor M. Uy
Vice Mayor: Vilmer V. Villacete

Councilors:

• Gamu, Isabela 2019-2022 Elected Officials

  • Municipal Mayor: Uy, Nestor M.
  • Municipal Vice-Mayor: Lacerna, Nestor R.
  • Sangguniang Bayan Member (Councilor): Burkley, Estela C.
  • Sangguniang Bayan Member (Councilor): Labbuanan, Sheryl L.
  • Sangguniang Bayan Member (Councilor): Martinez, Dante D.
  • Sangguniang Bayan Member (Councilor): Abaya, Noel L.
  • Sangguniang Bayan Member (Councilor): Agustin, Reynante D.
  • Sangguniang Bayan Member (Councilor): Cumigad, March Luigi E.
  • Sangguniang Bayan Member (Councilor): Vercida, Narciso O.
  • Sangguniang Bayan Member (Councilor): Molano, Gil D.

  Gamu, Isabela: The Rice Bowl Gateway of Central Isabela

  The Municipality of Gamu is a small but strategically vital component of Isabela Province in the Cagayan Valley Region (Region II) of the Philippines. It sits at the heart of Isabela, often referred to as the “Rice Granary of the Philippines,” and plays an essential role in the province’s agricultural logistics and trade network. Gamu’s landscape is predominantly flat and fertile, making it ideal for large-scale farming. While it may lack the mountain resorts of the Cordillera or the coastal beaches of other regions, it offers an authentic glimpse into the vibrant agricultural life that sustains much of Northern Luzon.

  Location and Accessibility

  Gamu is geographically located in the central portion of Isabela Province. It is bounded by the provincial capital, Ilagan City, to the north, the municipalities of Roxas and Quirino to the south, and Naguilian to the west. Its position is central to its accessibility. Most travelers and commuters get to Gamu by land transport, as the town is bisected by the Pan-Philippine Highway (Maharlika Highway). This major national artery connects Gamu directly to Metro Manila in the south and Tuguegarao City in the north.

  Buses from Manila (such as Victory Liner, GV Florida, and Five Star Bus) regularly ply this route, making Gamu a recognized stopover point. The entire bus trip from Metro Manila typically takes between 8 to 10 hours. For those traveling by air, the most practical method is to fly into the Cauayan Airport (CYZ), which is the nearest major air gateway and is conveniently located just a short drive from Gamu.

  Population and Demographics (2020 Census)

  According to the most recent official data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) in the 2020 Census of Population and Housing, the Municipality of Gamu has a total population of 30,655 residents. This population is distributed across 36 barangays. While the population is relatively small compared to Isabela’s larger cities, it represents a stable, largely agrarian community. The predominant language spoken in Gamu is Ilocano, reflecting the dominant ethnolinguistic group throughout the Cagayan Valley region, though Tagalog and the local dialect of Ibanag are also spoken.

  Distance from Nearest Major Ports

  The municipal government headquarters, the Gamu Municipal Hall, is located inland, consistent with its agricultural identity. Therefore, travel times to major air and sea ports are measured primarily by road (bus/car):

  • By Air (Cauayan Airport – CYZ): This is the nearest commercial air transport facility. The municipal hall is approximately 25 to 35 kilometers from Cauayan Airport. This road trip usually takes a quick 30 to 45 minutes by car or public utility vehicle.
  • By Sea (Nearest Major Port): Due to the lack of major commercial ports nearby, the most realistic connections are to the ports that serve Northern Luzon. The large international Port of Manila is over 400 kilometers away (an 8-10 hour bus ride). A closer regional port, such as the Port of San Fernando in La Union, is still over 250 kilometers away. The most common form of sea transport for residents leaving the region would start with a bus trip to Manila or a neighboring region.

  Main Contributing Industry and Economy

  The main contributing industry to the economy of Gamu is overwhelmingly Agriculture. Gamu is located in Isabela’s fertile plains, making it a key production center for the province, which is recognized as the country’s second-largest rice producer (after Nueva Ecija). The economy revolves around the cycle of planting, harvesting, and trading of: Rice, Corn, and various high-value commercial crops. The industry sector is small, consisting mainly of rice mills, corn processors, and trading facilities that support the agricultural output.

  Gamu is officially classified as a 4th Class Municipality. Specific Gross Domestic Product (GDP) or Gross Municipal Product (GMP) figures for individual municipalities are generally not publicly ranked by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). However, its economic rank among municipalities is directly tied to its agricultural productivity. While it does not compete with the industrial or urbanized service economies of 1st Class cities or provinces (like those in CALABARZON or NCR), its economic stability is high within the Cagayan Valley due to its reliable, high-volume crop yields.

  Current Elected Municipal Leaders (2022 Elections)

  As a municipality, Gamu is led by its Mayor, Vice Mayor, and the Sangguniang Bayan (Municipal Council). The current elected officials, based on the 2022 local elections, are:

  • Municipal Mayor: Hon. Niel P. Tiu
  • Municipal Vice Mayor: Hon. Solomon C. Cruz
  • Sangguniang Bayan (Councilors):

    – Hon. Nicanor S. Carag
    – Hon. Rodolfo C. Gumaru
    – Hon. Joel A. Cuntapay
    – Hon. Michael C. Tiu
    – Hon. Victor L. Gumaru
    – Hon. Edgar B. Talosig
    – Hon. George S. Cruz
    – Hon. Ferdinand C. Gumaru

  Tourist Attractions

  Gamu is more of a cultural and historical stop than a modern tourist destination, appealing primarily to those interested in local culture and history:

  • Gamu Municipal Park and Center: This is the town’s central community area, offering green space and a gathering spot, often the focal point for local celebrations and civic events.
  • St. Rose of Lima Parish Church: A historically significant religious structure, this church serves as the spiritual center of the municipality and showcases Spanish-era architectural influence common in the region.
  • Isabela State University (ISU) – Gamu Campus: As one of the main campuses of the region’s premier public university, it is a key educational landmark and a hub for agricultural research and development in the province.
  • Nearby Attractions (Ilagan City): Tourists often visit the neighboring capital, Ilagan City, which houses the impressive Isabela Provincial Capitol Complex and the Ilagan Sanctuary.

  Yearly Festival: The Binallay Festival

  Gamu celebrates the Binallay Festival annually, usually held in the month of May. This cultural festival is centered on the town’s namesake and signature delicacy: the Binallay. Binallay is a native sticky rice cake wrapped in banana leaves, known for its distinct sweet and salty taste, traditionally topped with latik (sweet coconut curd). The festival is a celebration of the town’s history, local produce, and community spirit, featuring street dances, cultural shows, trade fairs showcasing local agricultural products, and competitions related to the preparation and eating of the famous Binallay.

  History

  The history of Gamu is intrinsically tied to the ecclesiastical and political expansion of the Spanish colonial government in the Cagayan Valley. Gamu was originally a vast tract of land that was part of the mother town of Ilagan. It was historically known for its fertile lands, which attracted settlers from the Ilocos region. The municipality was formally organized as an independent political unit much later, in the early 20th century, separating from Ilagan. Gamu’s development accelerated with the construction and improvement of the Pan-Philippine Highway, which established it as a crucial transportation and trading center. Its deep-rooted agrarian culture has remained the defining feature of its identity, evolving from a small settlement into a stable, fourth-class municipality critical for the food security of Isabela Province and the wider Cagayan Valley region.

  Photo Gallery of Gamu, Isabela, Philippines

  Give a little photo showcase of your municipality. Upload some photos of Landmarks and government buildings. You don’t have to be registered.  Go to the comment section and you can upload images there. Make sure to give the picture a good description

  Navigate to other Municipalites of Isabela

  List of Municipalities in the Isabela province within Region II-Cagayan in the Republic of The Philippines
  Alicia | Angadanan | Aurora | Benito Soliven | Burgos | Cabagan | Cabatuan | Cordon | Delfin Albano | Dinapigue | Divilacan | Echague | Gamu | Jones | Luna | Maconacon | Mallig | Naguilian | Palanan | Quezon | Quirino | Ramon | Reina Mercedes | Roxas | San Agustin | San Guillermo | San Isidro | San Manuel | San Mariano | San Mateo | San Pablo | Santa Maria | Santo Tomas | Tumauini
  Cities in the province of Isabela: Cauayan City | Ilagan City (Capital) | Santiago City

  Featured News of the Philippines

  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.

  ---

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