Santiago City, Isabela, Philippines

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

Barangays of Santiago City, in the Isabela Province within Region II in the Republic of The Philippines
Abra • Ambalatungan • Balintocatoc • Baluarte • Bannawag Norte • Batal • Buenavista • Cabulay • Calao East (Pob.) • Calao West (Pob.) • Calaocan • Centro East (Pob.) • Centro West (Pob.) • Divisoria • Dubinan East • Dubinan West • Luna • Mabini • Malvar • Nabbuan • Naggasican • Patul • Plaridel • Rizal • Rosario • Sagana • Salvador • San Andres • San Isidro • San Jose • Santa Rosa • Sinili • Sinsayon • Victory Norte • Victory Sur • Villa Gonzaga • Villasis

Population of Santiago City

As of the 2020 Census, Santiago City had a population of 148,580 residents.
In 2015, the city recorded a population of 139,437, reflecting a growth rate of approximately 1.27% annually.

Location of Santiago City

Santiago City is located in the southern part of Isabela Province, within the Cagayan Valley Region (Region II). It is a landlocked independent component city and serves as a gateway to the region from Central Luzon and the Cordillera provinces.
Travel access:
- Land: Santiago is accessible via Maharlika Highway and other national roads. Buses from Metro Manila, Baguio, and Tuguegarao regularly serve the Santiago City Integrated Bus Terminal.
- Air: The nearest airport is Cauayan Airport, approximately 45 minutes away by car, with flights to Manila.
- Sea: The closest major seaport is in Aparri, Cagayan, about 4–5 hours away by land. Santiago itself is landlocked.

Tourist Attractions of Santiago City

Balintocatoc Ecopark: A nature park offering trails, picnic areas, and scenic views of the surrounding countryside.
Santiago City Public Market: One of the largest in the country, serving as a hub for regional trade and local produce.
Santiago Cultural Institute: A historic Chinese-Filipino school and cultural center founded in 1948.
Victory Norte and Victory Sur: Barangays known for their vibrant community life and local festivities.
Pattaradday Festival: Celebrated every May 1–5, this annual event honors Santiago’s cityhood and cultural diversity. “Pattaradday” means unity in Ibanag, and the festival features street dancing, parades, and inter-ethnic showcases.

Economy of Santiago City

Santiago City has evolved from an agriculture-based economy into a dynamic hub for commerce, trade, and services. It hosts major banks, malls, and trading centers, making it one of the most progressive cities in Region II.
Key economic sectors include:
- Agriculture: rice, corn, and high-value crops
- Retail and wholesale trade
- Transport and logistics
- Public market and slaughterhouse operations
In 2024, Santiago City reported a total income of ₱2.52 billion, including ₱2.23 billion from the National Tax Allotment and ₱287.72 million in locally sourced revenues.

Educational Institutions of Santiago City

Young residents pursue higher education at several institutions:
- University of La Salette: A private Catholic university offering programs in liberal arts, business, and health sciences.
- Southern Isabela College of Arts and Trades (SICAT): A TESDA-accredited institution offering technical and vocational courses.
- AMA Computer University – Santiago Campus: Specializes in IT and business programs.
- Santiago City Colleges: Offers a wide range of undergraduate programs and is known for its dynamic teaching methods.

History of Santiago City

Santiago was founded on May 4, 1743 as a Spanish mission settlement named after St. James the Great.
It became an independent component city through Republic Act No. 7720, signed into law on May 5, 1994 and ratified via plebiscite on July 6, 1994.
As the only independent component city in Region II, Santiago is not under the administrative control of the provincial government of Isabela, though it remains geographically within the province.

Elected Officials of Santiago City

As of the 2025 elections, Santiago City is led by:
- Mayor: Alyssa Sheena T. Dy
- Vice Mayor: Alvin N. Abaya
- Representative: Joseph S. Tan
For a full list of councilors and barangay officials, visit the official Halalan 2025 results page: Santiago City Election Results.

Featured News of the Philippines

Top News in the Philippines Today (October 22, 2025)

The Philippines faces a wave of issues and high-profile developments as authorities intensify scrutiny on government projects, flood control, and public accountability. The International Commission of Inquiry (ICI) has announced it will live-stream hearings into multiple flood control probes, following revelations of “ghost” projects in Malolos and a classroom shortage tied to questionable infrastructure spending. The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) assured the public no key records were lost in a recent office fire, while the Trade Secretary appeared before the ICI regarding contractor accreditation concerns.

In politics, House Speaker Boji Diaz released his Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN) to set the tone for increased transparency. The Palace dismissed renewed calls to investigate the First Lady’s activities and signaled caution over proposals to revive the death penalty for corruption amid growing public frustration over governance.

Business groups are raising red flags over a brewing governance crisis at the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), even as the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) offered support in monitoring government projects. Meanwhile, a survey by Social Weather Stations (SWS) found that ordinary Filipinos overwhelmingly want lawmakers to focus on the economy and crackdown on corruption.

>ZamboNews

List of Cities in the Philippines

Alaminos * Angeles * Antipolo * Bacolod * Bacoor * Bago * Baguio * Bais * Balanga * Batac * Batangas * Bayawan * Baybay * Bayugan * Biñan * Bislig * Bogo * Borongan * Butuan * Cabadbaran * Cabanatuan * Cabuyao * Cadiz * Cagayan de Oro City * Calamba * Calapan * Calbayog * Caloocan * Candon * Canlaon * Carcar * Carmona * Catbalogan * Cauayan * Cavite * Cebu * Cotabato * Dagupan * Danao * Dapitan * Dasmariñas * Davao * Digos * Dipolog * Dumaguete * El Salvador * Escalante * Gapan * General Santos * General Trias * Gingoog * Guihulngan * Himamaylan * Ilagan * Iligan * Iloilo * Imus * Iriga * Isabela * Island Garden of Samal * Kabankalan * Kidapawan * Koronodal * La Carlota * Lamitan * Laoag * Lapu-Lapu * Las Piñas * Legazpi * Ligao * Lipa * Lucena * Maasin * Mabalacat * Makati * Malabon * Malaybalay * Malolos * Mandaluyong * Mandaue * Manila * Marawi, Islamic City * Marikina *Masbate * Mati * Meycauayan * Muntinlupa * Naga Camarines * Naga Cebu * Navotas * Olongapo * Ormoc * Oroquieta * Ozamiz * Pagadian * Palayan * Panabo * Parañaque * Pasay * Pasig * Passi * Puerto Princesa * Quezon * Roxas * Sagay * San Carlos Negros * San Carlos Pangasinan * San Fernando La Union * San Fernando Pampanga * San Jose del Monte * San Jose * San Juan * San Pablo * San Pedro * Santa Rosa * Santo Tomas * Santiago * Science City of Muñoz * Silay * Sipalay * Sorsogon * Surigao * Tabaco City * Tabuk * Tacloban City * Tacurong * Tagaytay City * Tagbilaran City * Taguig City * Tagum * Talisay Cebu * Talisay Negros * Tanauan City * Tandag City * Tangub City * Tanjay City * Tarlac * Tayabas City * Toledo City * Trece Martires * Tuguegarao * Urdaneta * Valencia * Valenzuela * Victorias * Vigan * Zamboanga

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