REGION 2

(CAGAYAN VALLEY)
  NATURE FEATURES

The Cagayan Valley Region is abundant in agricultural products such as rice, corn,
peanut, beans, and fruits making Region 2 known as the Top Corn Producer and
second in palay production in the Philippines. Rich in coastal resources, Region 2 has a
total of 5,640 hectares of mangrove, 15,437 hectares corals and 4,089 hectares of sea
grasses. It is home to the Cagayan River or Rio Grande de Cagayan – the longest and
largest River in the Philippines with 520km total stretch and drainage area of 2.8 million
hectares.

 LANDSCAPE

Region 2 or the Cagayan Valley region is strategically located on the northeastern part
of mainland Luzon. It is bounded by three mountain ranges: the Sierra Madre Mountains
on the East, the Cordillera Mountains on the West, and the Caraballo Mountains on the
South. The region consists of five provinces: the valley provinces of Cagayan and
Isabela, the mountain provinces of Quirino and Nueva Vizcaya, and the island province
of Batanes; with 89 municipalities, 4 cities and 2,311 barangays. It has 10 congressional
districts. Cagayan Valley has a total land area of over 2.6 million hectares which
consists of more than 900 thousand hectares of alienable and disposable land and over
1.7 hectares of forest land with a forest cover of more than 1 million hectares, the
largest forest cover in the Philippines. It is the fourth largest region of the country
accounting for about nine percent of the national land area.
 
 
 FLORA and FAUNA

The diverse habitats found in the Region harbor an abundance of wildlife, fish and rare plant
resources. For example, the Region supports the largest herds of elk and bighorn sheep in the
nation, the greatest variety of native cutthroat trout, and the only black-footed ferret population
inhabiting national grassland. Reed plants such as Umbrella plant, Bandera Española and
Wedelia are promising plants to phytoremediate heavy metals in the Calao-Delinquente-Diadi
River in Santiago City, Isabela in Region 2 and some examples of fauna are amphibians like
Hylarana similis and Platymantis polillensis, reptile lizard like Gekko gecko and Scincidae,
reptile snakes like Boiga philippina and Lycodon capucinus, reptile turtles like Pelochelys
cantorii and Chelonia mydas.

 BUILDINGS

The House of Dakay is the oldest house that has been living on for so many years. It is situated
in the small town of San Jose de Ivana in Batan Island, Batanes. This traditional structure is
considered as a heritage treasure of Batanes. This particular stone structure cannot be found
anywhere else in the Philippines. It is designed to be firm, providing shelter that will last from
storms and strong winds in the island which is located along the typhoon belt.

 HISTORICAL and CULTURAL FEATURES

Region 2 has a lot of sites, attractions and events to offer. Tourists enjoy hopping from one
attraction to another from Region 2. They also leave Region 2 with experiences that would last
long especially that the reviews mostly are how they were welcomed by the people that are in
Region 

 SITES

Basco LightHouse- Located in the Town of Basco in Batanes and is constructed in the year of
2003. The height of the tower is 20 metres or 66ft. The area of Basco Lighthouse is popular
because it was also the sight of the American Period Telegraph facilities that connected Batanes
with the central government. Until it was destroyed by the Japanese Imperial Bombings at the
start of World War II.

Basilica Minore of Our Lady of Piat- Located at the outskirts of Piat in Cagayan. The Shrine is
dubbed as the Pilgrimage Center of the North and a home to the 407-year-old Black Virgin
Mary, Our Lady of Piat. It's history dates back to the 1604 when a black image of the Virgin
Mary with Jesus as an infant, was brought from Macau by the Dominican Friars to the
Philippines.

Dipnaysupuan Japanese Tunnel- In Basco, Batanes, the pieces of history tucked underneath the
beautiful greenery in Batanes especially Dipnaysupuan Japanese Tunnel that tells a story of
World War II and the Japanese occupation in the country. The tunnel is 250 meters long.  For
safety purposes,due to the tunnel having a lower back Chamber tourists are not allowed to enter
without a tour guide. Inside the tunnel were rocks,small holes and shattered tunnel walls. Some
entrance points have cement above to protect the tunnel from the bombings during the war.

Our Lady of Immaculate Conception Cathedral- also known as the Malolos Cathedral is the
Church located in Bulacan. Its domination is Roman Catholic and the cathedral is also the seat of
the Bishop of the Diocese of Malolos, a suffragan of the Archdiocese of Manila. The church
actually had a lot of histories like its constructions and rebuilding that started in 1814. 

Mahatao Tayid Lighthouse- The favorite stop of travelers. Built in the early 2000s. The
lighthouse serves as the indicator to seafarers across the risky waters of West Philippine Sea and
Pacific Ocean. The lighthouse is best seen in Madi Bay. There is a lot of misconception that the
Tayid Lighthouse is the Mahatao Lighthouse that was built in the 1700s, but the truth is, the
modern lighthouse of Mahatao has nothing to do with the Spanish occupation.

 THEMES

The Region II has a wide variety of natural and amazing structures and most of them are man
made. The Region itself is most known for the agricultural products as it was known and
recognized as the Top Corn producer and second in palay production  in the Philippines so in
conclusion, its main points are the surroundings and green sceneries that the Region proudly
presents.
  ATTRACTIONS

Morong Beach - Most well known beach in Batanes. The sand here is said to be fairer than any
other beaches in ths Batanes Province.

Mt Carmel Church- Popularly known as the Tukon Chapel. A place where beauty and tranquility
meets. Also called as the home of the winds and one of the churches in Batanes that you
shouldn't miss.

Callao Cave- Located in Penablanca, Cagayan. Believed to be 67,000 years old and is said to be
older than the 47,000 year old Tabon Cave. Most famous for its section of the chamber where a
church was built. Inside the cave in which a church will be seen parts of the cave lit by creating a
wonderful atmosphere inside.

Cape Engaño Lighthouse- Locates in Santa Ana in Cagayan and provides a 360 degree view of
the babuyan islands and dos hermanas island. Aside from the 11 meter tower, the lighthouse also
has several rooms which served as offices,kitchen and stockroom.

Aguinaldo Shrine- Located in Kawit Cavite where the Philippine Declaration of Independence
from Spain was declared on June 12, 1898 or mostly known today as the Independence Day. The
Shrine was built in 1845 made of wood and thatched and then reconstructed on1849. Here
aguinaldo was born in March 22, 1869?

Giant Butaka- The world's largest butaka and depicted as the testament to the genuine hospitality
of Ilagueños. Towering at 11ft, 4 inches high, 20 ft and 8 inches long and 9 feet 7 inches wide
weighing at a massive 2,638 kilos.

Capisaan cave System- Fifth longest cave system in the Philippines. Also called the lion alayan
Cave. A cave where you will see rare calcite formations and the cave as a subterranean river that
also doubles as the passageway. 

Governor Rapids- Awarded as the cleanest inland bodies of water of the region and famous for
its gigantic limestone formations which served as shelter for Dumagats and Adventurers. This
wonder offers a catch for bathing with clear and refreshing waters. Best for boating,swimming,
sightseeing and caving.

TOURIST OPERATIONS and FACILITIES

 ACCOMODATIONS

When asked about tourism branding, the Region 2 is most likely known for its branding of "Your
Islands and Valleys of Fun". It's brand was originally crafted in 2017. The DOT proudly
emphasizes the beauty that Region 2 has to offer. 
The region 2 has its characteristics of diverse yet breathtaking natural and cultural, man-made
attractions. The Region 2 aims to promote sustainable tourism without disregarding the Fun part. 

Certain Events were launched inviting over Tourism Operations Manager, LGU's and other City
Municipal to promote and lay out the beauty and accommodations of the place. 

Lists of Hotels are DOT accredited of the Region.

 FOOD SERVICES 

Region 2 is actually representing or proudly produces products and foods that are mostly is an
essential for everyone like Rice,Corn,Peanut,Beans and Fruits.

The Region 2 is noted for their pottery and basket weaving traditions in which most absolutely
had been a part as souvenirs of the tourists. This had served as an occupation and hobby for these
[Link] of these are actually showcased in museums. 

Region 2 is also rich in coastal resources, from, mangroves to corals and seagrasses. Most
specifically known for having the longest and largest river in the Philippines, Rio Grande de
Cagayan with 520km stretch and 2.8 million hectares of drainage area. 

 EVENTS

Region 2 had events like festivals that are celebrated grandly.

In Batanes, the most celebrated Festival is the Payuhwan Festival- in which its held every 26th of
June and celebrated as the commemoration of the province's captivity under the rule of
Spaniards.

In Cagayan, it is the Aggao nac Cagayan as an annual celebration for the commemoration of the
establishment of Cagayan's Civil government on June 29, 1583.

In Isabela, it is the Gawagaway-yan Festival, a two week long celebration from Mar. 30 to Apr.
13 that includes shows,parades and trades featuring mushroom cuisines. 

In Nueva Vizcaya, Grand Amunggan Festival is celebrated with colorful convergence of

indigineous cultures.

The Region 2 has been hailed as the Tilapia Capital of the Philippines and has four domestic
airports servicing the region and these are 
 Tuguegarao city domestic airport
 Cauayan City domestic airport
 Basco Domestic airport in Batanes
 Bagabao Airport in nueva Vizcaya
  INFORMATION CENTERS

 Regional office
 Cagayan Provincial information Center
 Nueva Vizcaya Provincial Information Center
 Isabela Provincial Information Center
 Batanes Provincial Information Center
 Quirino Provincial Information Center

Hospitality Services (Reservation System, Commercial Stores and Services,

Population and Workforce, Transportation System, Ethnic Community)

 Transportation System

Transport utilities are also available for those who prefer to use land
transportation:
1. GV Florida Transport
2. Victory Liner 
3. Dalin
4. Five Star
5. Baliwag Transit
6. Partas

In order to improve connectivity and mobility, not just for the people but also for goods
and commodities across the country and beyond, (that is to establish economic
linkages) in the Cagayan Valley Region, 5 seaports had been constructed.
 
The 7 airports in the region makes travel TO and FROM the Cagayan Valley easier.

 Population and Workforce

- The population of Region II (Cagayan Valley) as of August 1, 2015 was

3,451,410 based on the 2015 Census of Population (POPCEN 2015
- The 2015 population of the region is higher by 222,247 compared with the
population of 3.23 million in 2010, and by 638,251 compared with the population
of 2.81 million in 2000.  
- The population of Region II increased by 1.27 percent annually, on average,
during the period 2010 to 2015. By comparison, the rate at which the region’s
population grew during the period 2000 to 2010 was higher at 1.39 percent.
- Among the five provinces comprising the region, Isabela had the biggest
population in 2015 with 1.59 million, followed by Cagayan with 1.20 million,
Nueva Vizcaya with 452 thousand, and Quirino with 189 thousand. Batanes had
the smallest population with 17 thousand. 
- The total population of Region II accounted for about 3.4 percent of the Philippine
population in 2015. 

 Ethnic Community
- Region 2 constitutes significant ethnic groups: Ivatan (Batanes); Ibanag
(Cagayan and Isabela); Itaves, Malueg, Aeta (Cagayan); Gaddangand Isinai
(Nueva Vizcaya); and Ilongot (Nueva Vizcaya and Quirino)
- Ilocano was the most prominent ethnic group in Cagayan. Of the total household
population, 68.57 percent classified themselves as Ilocanos. The next three
prominent ethnic groups were the Itawit (8.63 percent), Ibanag (8.51 percent)
and Itawis (7.81 percent). The remaining 6.30 percent were either Tagalog,
Malaueg, or belonged to other ethnic groups.

Human Resources (Attitude toward tourism, Employment/ Unemployment,

Industries)

 Employment/ Unemployment

- The unemployment rate was 4.0% in January 2020 but rose to 17.7% within the
first month of the Covid-19 pandemic.
 - Employment Rate: Region II: Cagayan Valley data was reported at 97.200 % in
Oct 2018. This records a decrease from the previous number of 97.300 % for Jul
2018.
- Employment Rate: Region II: Cagayan Valley data is updated quarterly,
averaging 96.950 % from Jul 2004 to Oct 2018, with 58 observations. The data
reached an all-time high of 97.900 % in Oct 2017 and a record low of 92.000 %
in Jul 2004.
- Employment Rate: Region II: Cagayan Valley data remains active status in CEIC
and is reported by Philippine Statistics Authority. The data is categorized under
Global Database’s Philippines

 Industries

The DTI-Region 2, in collaboration with other regional line agencies, is committed to

develop various industries in the region. Numerous interventions had already been
undertaken and many on pipeline under the new normal for the following industries:

1. Agri-based and Aqua-marine Industries

a. Rice production
b. Corn production and processing
c. Mango production
d. Citrus production
e. Banana production
f. Pineapple production
g. Coffee production and processing
h. Cacao production and processing
i. Peanut production
j. Highland and lowland vegetables production
k. Shrimp and prawn production
l. Livestock Production (Cattle, Goat, Swine and Poultry)
m. Dairy Production (Carabao, Cattle & Goat)
n. Meat Processing
2. Forest-based Industries
a. Industrial Tree Plantations
b. Bamboo Plantations
c. Rattan production
3. Wearables and Homestyle
a. Furniture and Furnishings
4. Agri-Tourism and Eco-Tourism
5. Renewable Energy (Biomass)
6. Construction
 GENERAL SOCIO ECONOMIC

 ECONOMIC CONDITION

When it comes to the economic Condition of the Region II, It is largely an agricultural economy
with 37% of its land are dedicated for agriculture production. The Major Industries here are also
of course related to agriculture and aqua marine industries. 

Employment rate should not be missed to discuss too because the employment rate in Region 2
has always been among the highest across regions. In January 2020, the employment rate here is
remaining high with 96% while the unemployment rate is recorded only at 4%.

 SOCIAL PROBLEM 

This brief is part of a series describing population, health and environment issues in distinct
geographic areas in the Philippines. The Cagayan Valley region is faced with the challenge of
preserving its natural resources as its agricultural and fishing industries expand. The project
has helped strengthen RH/FP services by building the capacity of local health
workers, improving delivery of RH/FP supplies and related services, and increasing
the awareness and use of contraceptives. Raising awareness of the links between
population, health, and environment among policymakers, development planners, and
project implementers is essential for greater cross-sectoral collaboration in Cagayan
Valley and throughout the Philippines.

 LAND OWNERSHIP

The Handog Titulo Program of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources

In Nueva Vizcaya, 346 free patents were distributed. For the provinces of Isabela and Quirino, a
total of 80 and 43 titles were awarded, respectively. While the island province of Batanes
distributed 55 land titles. Under the Residential Free Patent Act or Republic Act (RA) No.
10023, any Filipino citizen who has continuously possessed and occupied land, either
by himself or through his predecessor in interest for at least 10 years may qualify as a
beneficiary.

The law provides for the judicial disposition of untitled public alienable and disposable
lands through the more efficient and less costly free patent process.
 PRESENT and USES

 PLANNING and ZONING REGULATION

The Michigan Prosperity Initiative (MPI) was an innovative effort by Michigan State
University’s Land Policy Institute, in partnership with a host of entities, including the R2PC to
help return economic prosperity to the state.  The aim of the Land Policy Institute during the
second phase of the MPI was to assist each of Michigan’s fourteen state planning and
development regions including the R2PC in the creation of a regional strategic growth plan,
which would supplement and strengthen other economic development efforts (i.e., the
Comprehensive Economic Development Strategies (CEDS) facilitated by most of the regions).  

 FUTURE GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT

The results of those strategic plans would then be used to create the first-ever State Strategic
Growth Plan. In Tuguegarao City, Cagayan and focused on the processed food, processed cacao,
processed meat, coffee and furniture industries.