- The magnificent view of Palui Island, Cagayan. (source)
Before strapping one’s bags and dusting one’s shoes to get ready for an upcoming trip, travellers have to be equipped with primary knowledge of a location. A sneak preview, per se, of what’s to come. The first in a series of informative entries talking about the sights and wonders of Region 2 or more commonly known as Cagayan valley, this instalment will hopefully enlighten you readers what Cagayan Valley is, its boundless potential as a booming capital for adventure junkies, nature lovers, and for people who love the Philippines and just travelling in general.Many believe that Cagayan Valley represents everything the Philippines stands for, a synthesis of cultures from Chinese temples to Spanish Catholic Churches, breathtaking land formations, bountiful grasslands, unblemished seas, and gorgeous caves formed by the patient hands of time.
Known as the second largest region of the Philippines in terms of land area with an area of 26,858 square kilometers , Cagayan Valley is composed of five (5) provinces – Batanes, Cagayan, Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, and Isabela, ten (10) congressional districts with three (3) cities – Cagayan City, Isabela; Santiago City, Isabela and Tuguegarao City, Cagayan and consists of 90 municipalities.
The LOCATION
- Map of Cagayan Valley Region. (source)
Majority of the region lies in a large valley in northeastern Luzon, between the Cordilleras and the Sierra Madre mountain ranges. Cagayan River, the country's longest, runs through its center and flows out to the Luzon Strait in the north, at the town of Aparri, Cagayan. The Babuyan and Batanes island groups that lie in the Luzon Strait belong to the region.
The PROVINCES
- BATANES
- An Ivatan native and her stone house. (source)
Batanes is an island province in the region of Cagayan Valley, Philippines. It is the northernmost province of the Philippines and is also the smallest province, both in terms of population and land area. The provincial capital is Basco on Batan Island.
The island group is located north of Luzon and south of Taiwan, separated from the Babuyan Islands of Cagayan Province, Luzon, by the Balintang Channel and from Taiwan by the Bashi Channel.
The prevalent language spoken is Ivatan. It's considered to be one of the Austronesian languages. From college level down to elementary level, the language is widely spoken. Other languages practiced are Itbayaten, Isamurongen, and Tagalog.
The local people of Batanes are called Ivatans. About 75% of the Ivatans are farmers and fishermen. The rest are employed in the government and services sector.
Did you know? Batanes is the home of the unique pine species Podocarpus costalis. There's no other place in
the world where this species can grow well and abundant except Batanes. Several species of birds, bats, reptiles and amphibians also inhabit the island; many of those are endemic in the Philippines. The island is also a sanctuary of different migratory birds during winter in the Northern Hemisphere.
From emerald pastureland to windswept massif, stunning cliffs rising above exposed beaches and astonishing roads carved out of mountainside — wherever you go you will find exquisite scenery in Batanes.
If you are up for more adventure, you can hike up the dormant Mt.Iraya in Basco. Cross to the well-preserved Sabtang Island where you will find well-preserved Ivatan Culture. Wander around Savidug and Chavayan for the stone houses.Take home the remarkable hand-woven vakul from Sabtang Weavers Association. Do not leave Sabtang without exploring the astounding natural arch formation on its shores.
HOW DO WE GET THERE
By air - The island province of Batanes is accessible by air via the Basco Airport and Itbayat Airport. Check for flights from Manila, Cagayan or Ilocos Norte.
- CAGAYAN
- Callao Cave in Tuguegarao. (source)
Cagayan province borders Ilocos Norte and Apayao to the west, and Kalinga and Isabela to the south. Its capital is Tuguegarao.
Did you know? The name Cagayan was originally derived from the tagay, a plant that grows abundantly in the northern part of the province. The term "Catagayan”, "the place where the tagay grows" was shortened to "Cagayan".
The majority of people living in Cagayan are of Ilocano descent, mostly from migrants coming from the Ilocos Region hence the main language used in the province is Ilocano, followed by Itawit, Ibanag, and Tagalog.
Cagayan province is equal parts adventure and culture. There are a lot of recreation and things to do in Cagayan for tourists and locals alike with its famous Sambali Festival celebrated throughout and in commemoration of its founding. Activities in the province are unlimited with its green surroundings, floras and faunas, caves and historical churches. Cagayan has traditionally been a tourist stop for old Spanish churches. And its rightful claim to fame – the astounding seven-chambered Callao Cave.
Another famous natural body found in Cagayan is Rio Grande de Cagayan (Cagayan River) — the Philippines’ mightiest watercourse — is the longest and widest river in the country.
HOW DO WE GET THERE
By air - Tuguegarao City will be your entry point should you arrive by plane. There are daily flights from Manila, weekly flights from Cebu.
By land - Tuguegarao City is accessible by provincial bus. There are daily or overnight buses from Caloocan or Cubao in Metro Manila. The trip will take 12 hours. Buses to Claveria will pass through Tuguegarao as well.
- QUIRINO
- San Pascual Falls Diffun, Quirino. (source)
Quirino Province lies in the southeastern portion of Cagayan Valley. It is situated within the Upper Cagayan River Basin bounded by Isabela on the north, Aurora on the east and southeast and Nueva Vizcaya on the west and southwest. The Sierra Madre mountain range provides a natural barrier on the eastern and southeastern border and Mamparang range on the western part of the province.
Long before its creation, Quirino was the foreign region of the Province of Nueva Vizcaya inhabited by tribal groups known as Negritoes. These tribal groups roamed the hinterlands and built their huts in the heart of the jungle area. Ilocano dialect is widely used in the lowlands of the various municipalities while ifugao is the predominant in the upland parts. Other dialects are Bugkalot, Pangasinense and kankanai.
Did you know? Agriculture is the main industry in Cagayan Valley, together with rice and corn as major crops.
Quirino province is blessed with diverse natural resources, such as awesome caves, rivers, breathtaking waterfalls, mountains and valleys, forests, plantations, and minerals. This quiet province, almost invisible on major tourist maps, is actually teeming with souvenir-worthy products. If you’re looking for native delicacies, the municipality of Saguday has Kamias prunes, peanut products, tamarind candy and ginger tea. You can also go antique-hunting, or compare fossilized flowers. For bigger-item buys, try one of Quirino’s bigger industries – wooden furniture for home and office use.
HOW DO WE GET THERE
By air - The nearest airport to Quirino is in Cauayan, Isabela. You can also fly to and from Tuguegarao, Cagayan.
By land - From Cordon, Isabela, you can take a van to Quirino province. There are also vans and jeepneys bound to Diffun, Aglipay, Madella, and Cabarroguis. From Manila, you can take a Florida or Dagupan bus to Madella.
- NUEVA VIZCAYA
- Mt. Pulag, Nueva Vizcaya. (source)
Nueva Vizcaya lies within the heart of Northern Luzon. Its capital is Bayombong. Located about 268 north of Metro Manila, the province is tagged to be the new alternative destination for outdoor and environment enthusiasts. Considered a watershed haven, it is 70 percent forestland. It is strategically bounded by the Sierra Madre Mountain Ranges, Caraballo Mountains, and Cordillera Mountains. It is also the gateway to the Cagayan Valley Region and the Banaue Rice Terraces, eighth Wonder of the World.
Nueva Vizcaya was named after the people living in the coast of Mar de Vizcaine in Spain, was a part of the vast “Territorio de Missionares” of the Spanish controlled government of Cagayan.
Did you know? This landlocked province is famous for its high quality citrus fruits. Unsurprisingly, this has given it the nickname of “ Citrus Capital of the Philippines.”
The majority of the people speak Ilocano, comprising 66.9 percent of households.
One of the most famous natural attraction in Nueva Vizcaya is the Capisaan Cave System. It is the fifth longest cave in the country at 4.2 kilometers. Located in Barangay Capisaan, Kasibu - it has layers of cave network including Lion and Alayan Caves with rare calcite formations and a subterranean river which doubles as a passageway to the best part of the cave. Brgy. Capisaan is about four hours by jeep from Solano on feeder and clay type soil road carved out of mountain sides. Other caves in the area are Alayan, Lion and Sabrina Cave.
Another notable attraction found in Nueva Vizcaya is Mt. Pulag. Mt. Pulag is a perfect eco-tourism destination and is home to the pitcher plant, giant cloud rat and whiskered pitta. Ambaguio is 20 kilometers from Bayombong and ishome to four indigenous tribes namely Kalanguya, Ibaloy, Kankanaey and Karao.
By land - Air-conditioned buses (Victory Liner, Baliwag Transit, and Florida Bus) bound for Tugeugarao in Cagayan province pass by the province.
- ISABELA
- The famous Pansit Cabagan, a signature dish of Isabela. (source)
Isabela is the second largest province in the country next to Palawan. Its capital is Ilagan City and borders, clockwise from the south, Aurora, Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, Ifugao, Mountain Province, Kalinga, and Cagayan.
This primarily agricultural province is the rice and corn granary of Luzon due to its plain and rolling terrain. In 2012, the province was declared as country's top producer of corn with 1,209,524 metric tons
Major languages in Isabela are Ilocano followed by Ibanag, Yogad, Gaddang.
Isabela's famous for its signature noodle dish called Pansit Cabagan. It’s also home to the world’s largest butaka (chair with long arm rests). There's also the Tumauini Church which is made up of red bricks.
Did you know? Northern Sierra Madre Natural Park in Isabela is the largest preserved jungle in the country.
HOW DO WE GET THERE
By air - Cebu Pacific Air flies three times a week (Mondays, Wednesdays and Friday) to Cauayan,Isabela.
By land - Take a bus bound for Cauayan, Isabela from Manila, or a bus bound for Tuguegarao, Cagayan (you can stop in Isabela along the way).
- Pattaraday Festival in Santiago, Isabela. (source)
Now you have a rough sketch of Cagayan Valley, its provinces, and what they offer! Want more insight? Don’t fret!
Keep your eyes peeled for the next entry entitled: The Ultimate Cagayan Valley Bucketlist: 5 Things You Absolutely Need to Do in the Region
In the mean time, feedback from you readers are gladly encouraged! Till next time!
Sources:
http://www.nuevavizcaya.gov.ph/general-information/provincial-profile/
http://www.isabela.ph/?about
No comments:
Post a Comment