Isabela Province, Philippines

By James Barcelona

Tourist Attractions

AGUINALDO SHRINE

AGUINALDO SHRINE. Although Isabela did not play a major role in the revolt against Spain, it is in Palanan that the final pages of the Philippines Revolution was written when the American forces led by Gen. Frederick Funston finally captured Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo in the area on March 23, 1901.

BONSAI FOREST

BONSAI FOREST. Dinapigue showcases a bonsai forest with plants ranging from one foot to 7 feet in height.  The forest is astonishing – covering an estimated 5,000 hectares.

CROCODILE SANCTUARY
OF SAN MARIANO

CROCODILE SANCTUARY OF SAN MARIANO. San Mariano houses a gallery of spectacles ranging from its flora and fauna to the diverse river systems and waterfall formations. The Philippine Crocodile, a critically endangered species, can be found throughout the length of the river and creeks of San Mariano. Mabuwaya foundation, and even the president of the famous clothing company Lacoste, Michel Lacoste, shows support for the famous Crocodile Sanctuary of San Mariano.

DIBULO FALLS

DIBULO FALLS. Dibulo falls is one of the most notable throughout the Sierra Madre mountain range. It is one of the attractions of Sierra Madre Nature Park.

DICOTCOTAN BEACH

DICOTCOTAN BEACH. Dicotcotan Beach boasts of a three-kilometer long beach with coral reefs, sea grass beds and sandy shoreline that is fringed with a coastal forest and a village. There are regular sightings here of pointed nosed dolphins and hump back whales aside from the various species of fish and shellfish, and marine turtles that can be seen from the surface.

UYOT SPRINGS NATIONAL PARK

FUYOT SPRINGS NATIONAL PARK. Situated in the suburbs of Sta. Victoria, City of Ilagan, Fuyot Springs National Park nestles a multitude of attractions guaranteed to satisfy adventurers. The park houses the Sta. Victoria Caves, which showcases more than 12 caves open for public spelunking. The caves feature formed lattices, stalactites, and stalagmites, a few of which have mineral deposits making them glimmer and shine when hit by light.

Also within the park is Pinzal Falls, reached by a treading a short trek from the park proper. Following the creek flowing from the falls, an adventurer will find a pathway of rocks and waterholes enough to excite an avid adventurer.

GIANT BUTAKA

GIANT BUTAKA. Dubbed as the furniture capital of the province, Ilagan houses the world’s largest Butaka, towering at 11 feet, 4 inches high; 20 feet 8 inches long; and 9 feet 7 inches wide, weighing at a massive 2,368 kilos. With its wide arms, it was depicted by, then town Mayor, Mayor Jojo Albano, as the testament to the genuine hospitality of Ilagueños.

HONEYMOON ISLAND

HONEYMOON ISLAND. World famous island in Divilacan, Isabela.

MACONACON FALLS

MACONACON FALLS. Serving as a gateway to the coasts of Isabela, Maconacon offers bountiful splendors to those who venture into its vast landscape. Most notable landmarks include the hanging bridge in the town and the Maconacon falls.

Isabela is the largest province in the island of Luzon and the second largest province of the Philippines. It is located in the Cagayan Valley Region with Ilagan as the provincial capital. The province is subdivided into 2 cities and 35 municipalities. This primary agricultural province is the rice and corn granary of Luzon.

The eastern area of Isabela which is straddled by the Sierra Madre Mountain range is rugged and thickly forested. These unexplored hinterlands are home to a variety of flora and fauna. The western area is an extensive fertile valley hemmed by the Central Cordillera. It is criss-crossed by the mighty Cagayan River, Siffu River and Magat River. Its mountains rise to a peak of about 8000 feet and are home exceptional biological diversity. 

Isabela is the most populated province among the five provinces in Cagayan Valley Region. It comprises about 45.93 percent of the 3 million population of the region and contributes 1.58 percent to the total population of the country. Ilocanos are the most prominent group in Isabela. About 68.71 percent of the total household population classified themselves as Ilocanos. The next two prominent groups are Ibanag and Tagalog. 

Agriculture, mainly rice and corn crops, is the biggest industry in Isabela. Farming in the province is highly mechanized as most of the agricultural lands are irrigated. It is also the hub of trade, commerce, and other economic activities due to its central location in the region. The wood industry used to be a top earner for the province but due to the logging ban imposed in Cagayan Valley Region, activities in this industry have declined considerably. However, furniture making using narra and other indigenous forest materials continues. Isabela also has fertile fishing grounds in the Pacific Coast. The reservoir of the Magat Dam is utilized for fish cage operations, such as tilapia production for domestic markets. 

Tourism is relatively a new industry being developed in the province. The province is best known for its uncharted forest wilderness, including the Northern Sierra Madre National Park. The Palanan Rainforest is one of the world’s largest remaining low altitude rainforest. Other popular sites include Spanish churches in Tamauini, Alicia and Gamu, and the Aguinaldo Shrine in Palanan which was built to commemorate the spot where General Emilio Aguinaldo was captured by the American Forces in 1901.