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Isabela remains philippines top corn producer

The province of Isabela has kept its title as Top Corn Producer in the Philippines  for 2012. It placed 2nd in rice production.

In his year-end report, Agriculture Regional Director Lucrecio Alviar reported that the province of Isabela contributed the most to the 1.6 million MT aggregate corn production of Cagayan Valley producting 1,049,954 MT, Nueva Vizcaya with 218,446 MT, and Quirino with 73, 423 MT.Batanes production was not reflected in the report. Isabela's rice production was 1,068,275 metric tons. 

Director Alviar said that the good yield last year in corn and rice in the province can be attributable to the fine weather conditions where no strong typhoons visited the valley. “There were no floodings which usually bring great damage to crops in the region”, he said.

Contributing as well to the province’s high productivity in agriculture is the presence of the Magat Dam which irrigates most of the agricultural lands in Isabela.

Agriculture is the major industry of the people of Isabela where farming is highly mechanized.

Festivals-A

Festivals 

BAKA FESTIVAL

A survey revealing quite number of ranches in San Pablo led to the establishment of the Baka Festival. Held on January 15 it is expected not only to be the highlight of future patronal fiestas of San Pablo but also to sustain efforts to promote the local cattle industry and the products that have been developed since a convergence project was located in the municipality.

The festival is a fine time to see cowboys of San Pablo display skills that are reminiscent of the American Wild West.

BALATONG FESTIVAL

In San Mateo, mungo beans are not just a rich source of protein. It is also so packed with economic potential that it is referred to as “black gold”. For a town bent on maximizing the development potentials of its resources, the Balatong Festival draws attention to yet another product. In previous years, the annual town fiesta promoted duck-related products during the Pato Festival.

BINALLAY FESTIVAL

Ilagueños have made the binallay a symbol of the noble characteristics they aspire to have as individuals and as a community. These include being masipag (hardworking), matiyaga (patient), matalino(intelligent), and makadiyos (God fearing). According to them, they are… patient because the process of preparing binallay is tedious and involves steaming the rice cake twice… hardworking because it is difficult to prepare the rice cake (the glutinous grains are ground the traditional way, with a stone mill)… intelligent because it requires a special technique to peel the wrapper off so that none of the cake is wasted… God fearing because it is a delicacy associated with the Holy Week.

They regard the white cake as a representation of the body of Christ and the laro as his blood. As part of their penitence during Holy Week, binallay is the only food Ilagueños eat. It is a rice cake that holds a special significance in the collective psche of Ilagueños, their religious life and their culinary heritage. Not surprisingly, they have named their town festival after it. Every May their signature product takes center stage twice, once during the festival itself and during the Isabela Day celebrations earlier in the month when it usually has a wider audience. 

BINNADANGAN FESTIVAL

A yearly celebration of Pagay Festival (Palay Festival) held every July 4. The Festival was popularly known as the Araw ng Roxas Celebration but it was declared formally as Pagay Festival during the reign of Mayor Benedict Calderon. It is celebrated because of the rich agricultural bounty of Roxas, being one of the towns that produce large stocks of rice. The festival features a Parade comprises mostly by Politicians and participating schools from different parts of Roxas, kuliglig contest and cooking of the biggest rice cake that was also featured in the national television. Major events include a Street Dance Competition from different schools and Palarong Bayan.

Due to a conflict in the name of the festival, by which the town of Alicia, Isabela celebrates the same. It was changed to Binnadangan Festival by former Mayor Harry Soller. The Binnadangan comes from an Ilocano word meaning Bayanihan and was also derived from the former name of the town during the 1600s. The festival ends with a long Pyromusical.

 DIKIT FESTIVAL

Known for being an agricultural municipality, the Municipality of Aurora annually celebrates its Dikit Festival every 28^th to 30^th of April. Dikit is an Ilokano term meaning glutinous rice. The festival is celebrated to showcase this mouth-watering delicacy and its by-products which are bibingka, muriecos, inangit, tupig, kalamay and tinudok, among others. Farmers in Aurora plant this glutinous rice served to guests during special occasions.

GAKIT FESTIVAL

The Gakit Festival is an annual festival held at the Cagayan River. Participants of the festival offer fruits, vegetables, poultry, and livestock as thanksgiving for their abundant bounty. The practice also reminds Angadanians of their tradition of planting crops and raising poultry in their own backyards for their own consumption.

The Gakit Festival also aims to show Angadanians that progress can only be achieved if they are united as one. A key detail of the Gakit Festival is the hand-made bamboo rafts which are used by the participants of the Festival. Each bamboo pole, if alone, has no value. It cannot float reliably on a river nor can it be used to transport anything. But if many bamboo poles are tied together as one, it can be made into a raft which can float and sail on calm or rough waters while transporting people and products.

GAWAGAWAYAN FESTIVAL

The City Fiesta and the Feast of Our lady of the Pillar are celebrated annually on April 10-13 and October 10-12 respectively.  Since its conversion into a component city on March 30, 2001, the City Government started to celebrate its founding anniversary with the conduct of “Gawagaway-yan Festival aimed to preserve the rich cultural heritage of the city.  It is highlighted by street dancing, beauty contest, trade fair, cultural parade, parlor games, free concert, band exhibition and other variety shows performed by local and Manila-based talents as well.

MANGI FESTIVAL

Aside from its exquisite church, one of the most enduring legacies of the Spanish colonial era lives on, quite literally in Tumauini, corn(Zea mays). It was one of the plants that came aboard the galleons and became one of the primary crops of the Philippines. 

It is interesting to note that corn seems to have transcended being a mere crop in Tumauini. The late National Artist for Dance, Ramon Obusan traced the origins of a traditional dance inspired by the crop to Tumauini. Thus, a corn inspired festival seemed especially appropriate for Tumauini.

NUANG FESTIVAL

Despite the introduction of mechanized agriculture, the carabao (Bubalus Bubalis Carabanesis) remains a farmer’s indispensable helpmate in the fields. This beast of burden is honoured in the Nuang Festival of San Agustin as are the products the carabao enables farmers to produce. The town boasts of over 300 heads and farmers bring them over to the poblacion (town center) for the festival. To get the cattle there, they either guide the animals onto the ferry and keep them quiet for the short river crossing or find the shallowest point of the river, take off their clothes then lead them across. San Agustin the town supplies carabao milk to other towns where carabao milk candy is produced. The festival also serves as a venue for promoting other major products such as corn (Zea mays) and bananas (Musa paradisiaca L.). 

PAGAY FESTIVAL

The "Pagay Festival" is held annually every September 28 in conjunction with the founding anniversary of the town of Alicia. It used to be called Alicia Town Festival, but was redefined and renamed to Pagay Festival in 2010 by Mayor Cecilia Claire N. Reyes. The festival aims to uphold the town's cultural identity and heritage and to promote the municipality’s primary agricultural product called, pagay (Ilocano word for rice)- the municipality’s major livelihood economy and trade mark.

The festival is widely participated by the community which features various competitions (e.g., rice planting, harvesting, and cooking among others), street dance showdown, beauty pageant (Mutya ng Alicia), battle of the bands, and exhibits. However, the Pagay Parade is the main highlight of the festival that features decorated carabaos, various rice crop floats, and people marching with colorful costumes which attracts tourists and visitors.

PATTARADDAY FESTIVAL

The biggest red-letter day on Santiago City’s social calendar: the Pattaradday Festival. For five days the 14 ethnic groups of the city flesh out the meaning of pattaradday, Ibanag for unity. Although it is held to mark the city’s founding anniversary and is likewise held in honor of the city’s patron, Saint James the Apostle.

SABUTAN FESTIVAL

In March, Palanan holds the Sabutan Festival. It is named after the local name for pandan (Pandanus tectorius) which is plentiful in the town. The people of Palanan are fine craftsmen who weave dyed and natural colored strips into a variety of bags, hats, and placemats, among other items that have both traditional and contemporary designs. For the festival, the sabutan products are not only sold, these are aslo used as a theme and are fashioned into costumes and décor.

Tourist Destinations

Tourist Destinations 

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

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.

CAMP SAMAL

The historic Camp Samal was the site of the National Jamboree in 1977. Spanning at 23.50 hectares, elevated mass of rolling hills 500 feet above sea level overlooks the mighty Cagayan River, the Pinacanauan River, the town of Tumauini itself, the municipality of Delfin Albano, and the Sierra Mountain ranges.

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 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 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.

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

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

World famous island in Divilacan, Isabela.

ISABELA THY WILL BE DONE

A testament of Isabela's Christian history, the renowned “Isabela Thy Will Be Done” marker is the first to welcome those who are on their way to the province. Located just at the boundary between Nueva Vizcaya and Isabela, the iconic landmark is a bannering welcome of Isabela’s hospitality – imbuing the firm faith of the province in bidding the safety of travellers.

LANDMARK OF HEROES

The Landmark of Heroes in Jones, Isabela is dedicated to forefathers who waged blood and sweat to ensure liberty.

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.

MAGAT DAM

Nested in The first multi-purpose dam in Southeast Asia, Magat Dam is located in the largest tributary of Cagayan River, the Magat River, just at the boundary of Ifugao and Isabela.

A nearby destination after a visit to the dam site is Camp Vizcarra, where visitors of the dam flock to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. 

MORORAN RIVER

Huddled within massive boulders, the panoramic crystal-clear Mororan river takes pride with its numerous miniature waterfalls cascading like veils. The river is popular to those who prefer long winding and rushing water over the constraints of a swimming pool.

PALANAN RAINFOREST

The Philippine’s largest low altitude rainforest with numerous unknown endemic species of flora and fauna and exceptional biological diversity.

SINAVULLUAN CAVES

With numerous chambers encompassing stalactites, stalagmites, and lattices, Sinavulluan Cave is a wonderful place for spelunking and exploration.

TAPJ RESORT AND RESTAURANT

TAPJ Resort and Restaurant provides tourist accommodations for local and foreign visitors to the province. Boasting 30,000 square meters of land area, the resort houses vacation cottages, two swimming pools, a four-hole fishpond stocked with tilapia and catfish, a botanical garden, ample seminar and conference facilities, and an upcoming air-conditioned restaurant. 

WATER WORLD GRAND RESORT

Water World is one of the best resorts in Region 2, if not the entire Philippines. It offers pools accommodating both adults and children alike. There is also a man-made lake where you can go boating and enjoy the view of assorted colored fishes.

OUR LADY OF ATOCHA CHURCH

The Our Lady of Atocha Church in Alicia is known for having an old Spanish church (Castilian) architecture. It is considered one of the best churches to visit for a pilgrimage in Isabela during the Holy Week. The church was declared by the Philippine Department of Tourism as one of the national religious tourist attractions in the country.

The structure of the church was originally built by the Spaniards in the 18th century. Passing by Angadanan town on 12 February 1805, Fr. Manuel Mora, OP wrote that “Angadanan has a convent of bricks, though not totally finished. Its church is timber, wood, and bamboo. The number of inhabitants is 791.” The church and convent as seen today in the town of Alicia, beautiful and antique, was built by Fr. Tomas Calderon, OP and inaugurated in 1849, with Fr. Francisco Gainza, OP, then vicar of Carig (now Santiago City). The church was dedicated to the Nuestra Señora de Atocha, more popularly known today as Our Lady of Atocha. The church is known for its antique Castilian architectural design and can be found along the Maharlika Highway and is accessible by land transport.

SAINT MATHIAS CHURCH

The church walls are made entirely of brick. The façade is a magnificent display of the use ornamented brick laid out in characteristic design. Customized bricks were numbered, and placed customized to fit the walls. The interior of the church, similar to the façade is veneered with ornamented bricks. The upper half of the interior wall is laid with ornately designed brick blocks.

The bell tower of the church is cylindrical. The complex is fenced with brick walls, which is also ornamented like the rest of the church. The convent, located at the Gospel side of the church is now in ruins.

SHRINE OF OUR LADY OF LA SALETTE

Dedicated to Our Lady of La Sallette, the chapel in Balintocatoc occupies the highest point in Santiago City. It is a major destination during Holy Week when people flock to the 14 Stations of the Cross that line to road to the chapel.

SAN PABLO CHURCH

Built in 1624, it is said to be the oldest in the province. Its lofty bell tower of six layers including the circular apex made of adobe is the tallest in the Cagayan Valley. San Pablo, the oldest town of Isabela, was founded by Padre de Sto. Tomas, 210 years before Isabela was made a province. 

Message

Republic of the Philippines

PROVINCE OF ISABELA

City of Ilagan

 Office of the Governor

                   Message

     With countries and economies converging to become one global village, the international marketplace has also become more vibrant, providing multifarious accesses through which consumers from any part of the world may procure goods and services. This year, it is the China-ASEAN Exposition or CAEXPO 2013 that endeavors to be the most significant of these accesses.

     Most definitely the biggest trade event and most extensive in reach in the Asian Region, CAEXPO 2013 will effectively bridge all markets in Southeast Asia and in the People’s Republic of China. It will build trade and investment links and partnerships between and among these markets, in the process strengthening economies in the ASEAN neighborhood and preparing them for the inevitable trading battles beyond their home courts.

     We, the people of Isabela, are deeply honored and fortunate that CAEXPO 2013 has chosen our province to be its “Province of Charm,” to complement the designation of the Philippines as the “Country of Honor.” My leadership is committed to the promotion of our local industries – agriculture, agri-business, eco-tourism -- and to the pursuit of our people’s dream to etch Isabela’s name in the international marquee as a brand to be associated with world-class quality, design excellence, and superior performance. At CAEXPO, we see a golden opportunity to promote Isabela as the best investment location in northern Philippines. We shall strive to show our friends from China and the Southeast Asian markets, not just the vast fertile lands, excellent climate, well-preserved environment, and other natural treasures of Isabela, but also deep impressions of the multiple proficiencies and the warmth of a people that cannot be found in any other location in the Philippines.

     My gratitude goes to the Government of the People’s Republic of China, its Trade Executives, and Diplomatic Officials, for this Honor. The Isabela PH Team wishes to congratulate the organizers of the CAEXPO 2013 event, and may all participants in this grand exposition fulfill their individual missions for their respective countries.

     MABUHAY PO KAYO ! 

Citizen's Charter 1st Edition (RA11032)

C I T I Z E N 'S   C H A R T E R

Vision

A Provincial Local Government Unit reputed for operating under an unyielding system of courtesy, competence, transparency, and accountability, and distinguished in the delivery of public service for its sincerity, compassion, and sustained level of disaster preparedness, climate change adaptability, and responsiveness.

 Mission

 To establish an institution of integrity by delivering excellent public service through a courteous, skilled, and compassionate workforce that adheres to the rule of Law, possesses moral courage, ensures a sustained state of disaster preparedness, climate change adaptability, and responsiveness, and promotes the values of mutual support and cooperation as means to the attainment of a prosperous future for all Isabeleños.

Mandate

It is the mandate of the Provincial Government of Isabela to deliver at all cost and in accordance with the governing principles of integrity, responsiveness, accountability, and transparency, basic service to the Isabela constituency, as well as increase their access to the same and ensure that all marginalized and special sectors may partake of all the fruits of development and benefit from plans, programs, and projects that espouse participatory governance and safeguard law and order, social protection, environment management, disaster preparedness, and economic sustainability.

Performance Pledge 

We, the men and women of the Provincial Government of Isabela, hereunto set our hands, declare our commitment to abide by the provisions of the ISABELA CITIZEN'S CHARTER and contribute our best skills and talents in upholding the principles of integrity, accountability, and transparency in the delivery of public service and ensure courtesy, promptness, and sufficiency in the same, as well as demonstrate efficiency and wisdom in the conduct and management of public affairs and property. So we pledge

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