Quirino Province, Philippines

Population of Quirino Province

• As of the 2020 Census, Quirino Province had a population of 203,828 residents.
• In 2015, the province recorded a population of 188,991, reflecting a growth rate of approximately 1.5% annually.

Location of Quirino Province

• Quirino is a landlocked province located in the southeastern portion of the Cagayan Valley Region in Luzon. It is bordered by Isabela to the north, Aurora to the east and southeast, and Nueva Vizcaya to the west and southwest.
• The provincial capital is Cabarroguis. Most travelers reach Quirino via:
  • Land: Buses from Manila and nearby provinces travel via Maharlika Highway and the Cordon-Diffun-Maddela-Aurora Road. Travel time from Manila is approximately 8–10 hours.
  • Air: The nearest airport is Cauayan Airport in Isabela, about 2–3 hours away by land.
  • Sea: Being landlocked, Quirino has no direct access to seaports. The closest major port is in Aurora Province, accessible via mountain roads.

Tourist Attractions of Quirino Province

• Governor’s Rapids: A scenic river site in Maddela ideal for rafting, kayaking, and nature photography.
• Aglipay Caves and Campsite: A network of limestone caves perfect for spelunking and eco-adventure.
• Mactol Falls: A multi-tiered waterfall in Nagtipunan surrounded by lush forest.
• Diamond Cave: A lesser-known but stunning cave system in Natipunan.
• Siitan River: Known for its emerald waters and river tubing activities.
• Pusuac Spring Park: A family-friendly nature park with freshwater pools and picnic areas.
• Panagdadapun Festival: Celebrated every September, this province-wide event showcases Quirino’s unity, culture, and agricultural heritage through parades, street dancing, and trade fairs.

Economy of Quirino Province

• Quirino’s economy is primarily driven by agriculture, with rice and corn as staple crops. Other sectors include forestry, tourism, and small-scale manufacturing.
• In 2023, the province posted a GDP of ₱22.09 billion, growing by 4.6% from the previous year.
• Top growth sectors included:
  • Other services: +22.2%
  • Transportation and storage: +19.1%
  • Accommodation and food services: +16.6%

Educational Institutions of Quirino Province

• Young residents pursue higher education at several institutions:
  • Quirino State University (QSU): Main campus in Diffun, with accredited programs in education, agriculture, criminology, and management.
  • Cagayan Valley Colleges of Quirino: A private college in Cabarroguis offering business and liberal arts programs.
  • Cabarroguis National School of Arts and Trades: Offers vocational and technical training.

History of Quirino Province

• Quirino was originally part of Nueva Vizcaya and became a sub-province through Republic Act No. 4734 on June 18, 1966.
• It was formally established as a regular province on September 10, 1971 via Republic Act No. 6394.
• The province was named after President Elpidio Quirino, the sixth President of the Philippines.

The area was originally occupied by indigenous groups, primarily the Negritos, also known locally as Aeta, and the Ilongot (now called Bugkalot). The Ilongot were noted for their headhunting practices and independence, and both groups lived in the forests and mountains, practicing traditional livelihoods and resisting Spanish colonial control because of the region’s remoteness.

Elected Officials of Quirino Province

• As of the 2025 elections, the province is led by:
  • Governor: Dakila Carlo E. Cua
  • Vice Governor: Julius Caesar S. Vaquilar
• For municipal-level officials and councilors, visit the official Halalan 2025 results page: Quirino Election Results.

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