Cagayan Valley’s Economic Hub
Economic Strengths
- Agriculture (corn, rice, tobacco)
- Mining (gold, copper)
- Manufacturing (food processing)
- Tourism (natural attractions)
Demographic Advantages
- Young population (30.45% aged 14 and below)
- Growing workforce (64.64% aged 15-64)
- Median age: 25
Key Attractions
- Ilagan City (capital)
- Mayoyao Rice Terraces
- Magat Dam
- Sierra Madre Mountains
Opportunities
- Agricultural modernization
- Infrastructure development (roads, bridges)
- Eco-tourism expansion
- IT-BPO industry growth
Challenges
- Flood risk management
- Environmental conservation
- Poverty reduction
- Public health
Why Invest in Isabela?
Isabela offers:
- Strategic location (Cagayan Valley)
- Fertile agricultural lands
- Rich natural resources
- Skilled workforce
- Government support
| Name | City/ Municipality | Population (2020) | Population (2015) | Annual Population Growth Rate (2015‑2020) | Area (km2) | Density (2020), per km2 | Brgy count |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alicia | municipality | 73,874 | 71,504 | 0.69% | 154.10 | 479 | 34 |
| Angadanan | municipality | 44,977 | 43,061 | 0.92% | 204.40 | 220 | 59 |
| Aurora | municipality | 36,621 | 35,017 | 0.95% | 115.56 | 317 | 33 |
| Benito Soliven | municipality | 29,752 | 29,624 | 0.09% | 197.52 | 151 | 29 |
| Burgos | municipality | 26,040 | 23,784 | 1.93% | 73.10 | 356 | 14 |
| Cabagan | municipality | 53,897 | 50,174 | 1.52% | 430.40 | 125 | 26 |
| Cabatuan | municipality | 39,990 | 39,413 | 0.31% | 72.00 | 555 | 22 |
| Cauayan | city (CC) | 143,403 | 129,523 | 2.17% | 336.40 | 426 | 65 |
| Cordon | municipality | 46,477 | 42,926 | 1.69% | 144.00 | 323 | 26 |
| Delfin Albano | municipality | 29,928 | 26,614 | 2.50% | 189.00 | 158 | 29 |
| Dinapigue | municipality | 5,821 | 5,005 | 3.23% | 1,031.93 | 6 | 6 |
| Divilacan | municipality | 5,827 | 5,687 | 0.51% | 889.49 | 7 | 12 |
| Echague | municipality | 88,410 | 79,094 | 2.37% | 648.38 | 136 | 64 |
| Gamu | municipality | 30,655 | 29,904 | 0.52% | 129.40 | 237 | 16 |
| Ilagan | city (CC), capital | 158,218 | 145,568 | 1.77% | 1,166.26 | 136 | 91 |
| Jones | municipality | 45,628 | 45,666 | -0.02% | 670.14 | 68 | 42 |
| Luna | municipality | 20,697 | 19,326 | 1.45% | 44.94 | 461 | 19 |
| Maconacon | municipality | 3,977 | 4,253 | -1.40% | 538.66 | 7 | 10 |
| Mallig | municipality | 32,208 | 30,459 | 1.18% | 158.55 | 203 | 18 |
| Naguilian | municipality | 33,788 | 31,902 | 1.22% | 169.81 | 199 | 25 |
| Palanan | municipality | 17,684 | 17,260 | 0.51% | 880.24 | 20 | 17 |
| Quezon | municipality | 27,037 | 25,860 | 0.94% | 207.07 | 131 | 15 |
| Quirino | municipality | 25,023 | 24,501 | 0.44% | 126.20 | 198 | 21 |
| Ramon | municipality | 56,523 | 52,707 | 1.48% | 135.17 | 418 | 19 |
| Reina Mercedes | municipality | 27,900 | 26,998 | 0.69% | 57.14 | 488 | 20 |
| Roxas | municipality | 65,839 | 61,773 | 1.35% | 139.95 | 470 | 26 |
| San Agustin | municipality | 22,096 | 22,880 | -0.73% | 278.40 | 79 | 23 |
| San Guillermo | municipality | 20,915 | 20,200 | 0.74% | 457.35 | 46 | 26 |
| San Isidro | municipality | 27,044 | 24,861 | 1.79% | 71.90 | 376 | 13 |
| San Manuel | municipality | 34,085 | 31,896 | 1.41% | 112.77 | 302 | 19 |
| San Mariano | municipality | 60,124 | 55,370 | 1.75% | 1,459.16 | 41 | 36 |
| San Mateo | municipality | 66,663 | 64,505 | 0.70% | 242.10 | 275 | 33 |
| San Pablo | municipality | 26,320 | 25,384 | 0.77% | 637.90 | 41 | 17 |
| Santa Maria | municipality | 25,758 | 25,382 | 0.31% | 124.90 | 206 | 20 |
| Santiago | city (ICC) | 148,580 | 134,830 | 2.07% | 255.50 | 582 | 37 |
| Santo Tomas | municipality | 24,528 | 23,005 | 1.36% | 80.58 | 304 | 27 |
| Tumauini | municipality | 70,743 | 67,650 | 0.95% | 471.68 | 150 | 46 |
| Isabela Total | 1,697,050 | 1,593,566 | 1.33% | 13,102.05 | 130 | 1,055 | |
Economy
| Fiscal Year | Annual Regular Income | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 1,393,109,090.76 | – |
| 2010 | 1,498,735,350.47 | 7.58% |
| 2011 | 1,730,610,652.42 | 15.47% |
| 2012 | 1,632,559,738.90 | -5.67% |
| 2013 | 1,772,857,201.76 | 8.59% |
| 2014 | 2,019,452,462.14 | 13.91% |
| 2015 | 2,303,660,681.48 | 14.07% |
| 2016 | 2,637,950,546.97 | 14.51% |
| End notes:Annual Regular Income = Locally Sourced Revenue + Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) Current Year + Other Shares from National Tax CollectionLocally Sourced Revenue = Real Property Tax (General Fund) + Tax on Business + Other Taxes + Regulatory Fees + Service/User Charges + Receipts from Economic Enterprises | ||
Culture:
Isabela has a rich and diverse cultural heritage, with influences from the Ilocano, Itawis, and Gaddang ethnic groups. The province is known for its traditional dances, music, and festivals. One of the most popular festivals in the province is the Bambanti Festival, which celebrates the province’s agricultural heritage and the importance of the scarecrow in farming.
The province also has several cultural landmarks and heritage sites, such as the San Pablo Cathedral in the town of San Pablo, the St. Ferdinand Church in Ilagan, and the Tumauini Church, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
