AN INTRODUCTION TO CAGAYAN VALLEY REGION Written by DOT02 - Last Updated Monday, 30 July 2012 12:56 The most important

event in the history of Cagayan Valley took place in 1572 when Spanish Conquistador Don Juan de Salcedo traced the northern coast and landed at the mouth of the Pamplona River. Before his visit, early Cagayanos reveled in a civilization of their own. The Spanish occupation in Cagayan was recorded to have started in 1581 when Gobernador Gonzalo Ronquillo de Penaloza sent Juan Pablo Carreon to the north to drive away a Japanese fleet under the command of Taifusa. Carreon succeeded in his mission and proceeded upriver to look for future pueblo sites and thus making a name for himself in the process. Lal-lo-c(old name of Lallo), one of the first four (4) cities in the Philippines(others: Manila-I571;Cebu-1565; Naga-1575) was named Ciudad Nueva Segovia in 1581 by Carreon. It was chosen as capital of Cagayan Valley Region because of its favorable location and navigable river. It was also the seat of the Diocese created by Pope Clement VII on August 15, 1595 until the seat was transferred to Vigan, Ilocos Sur in 1755. Very famous among the missionaries at that time was Bishop Miguel de Benavidez, OP, the first bishop elected to the Diocesan home in Ciudad Nueva Segovia. He later founded the University of Sto. Tomas. It was from Lallo that authorities governed the province and was the capital of Cagayan up to 1839 when Cagayan Valley Region was subdivided. On May 24, 1839 the province of lsabela was created comprising the towns of Cordon to Ilagan, including the sitio of Palanan. Nueva Vizcaya comprised the region from Aritao to Bayombong and later to Diadi. Cagayan comprised that part of the valley from Tuguegarao to Aparri and the Babuyanes. And the provincial government was moved to Tuguegarao from Lal-lo. Cagayan Valley abounds with natural resources and exudes with development potentials that consist of rich agricultural areas, forestland and grasslands, inland and marine resources. Geographically, the valley is located at the northeastern part of mainland Luzon covering an area of about 26,858.79 square kilometers making it the 2nd largest region in the country. Bounded with the Pacific Ocean in the east and the protective mountain range of Cordillera on the west and Caraballo Mountain, the provinces of Nueva Ecija and Aurora on the south. Between the ranges is the valley where most of the population live and is criss-crossed by the mighty Cagayan River, the longest and widest in the country and its tributaries, which flow into the Babuyan Channel in Aparri. The Pacific Ocean on the east cost and the Babuyan Channel on the north also skirt the mainland.The Batanes group of island is located at the northernmost tip of the Philippine Archipelago surrounded by Bashi Channel on the north, Pacific Ocean on AN INTRODUCTION TO CAGAYAN VALLEY REGION Written by DOT02 - Last Updated Monday, 30 July 2012 12:56 the east, Balintang Channel on the south and China Sea on the west. It has more than 890 kilometers of coastline and rich fishing grounds, particularly with the Babuyan and Balintang Channels on the north and the Palanan and Divilacan Bays on the east including its territorial seas within the 200 kilometer Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). The region has four (4) minor volcanoes with several inactive fault lines, which include the Digdig Fault. The climate in the valley falls under Type 3 characterized by not very pronounced seasons - relatively dry from November to June and wet during the rest of the year. Cagayan Valley Region is composed of five provinces - Batanes, Cagayan, Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya and Quirino and three cities - Cauayan, Santiago and Tuguegarao. The region's population based on the year 2000 census of the population was 2,813,159.

PROVINCE OF CAGAYAN A Smiling Land of Beauty Institutional, Industrial and International Trade Center Cagayan Province lies on the northeastmost part of Luzon occupying the lower basin of the Cagayan River. It is bounded on the east by the Pacific Ocean, on the west by the Cordilleras, on the south by the province of Isabela and on the north by the Babuyan Channel. It is well traversed by many rivers, with Abulug and Cagayan Rivers as the largest. The province comprises an aggregate land area of 9,003 square kilometers, which constitutes three percent of the total land area of the country and is the second largest province in the region. The Spanish Friars notably the Dominicans, brought Western culture to Cagayan. According to Fr. Francisco Rojano, the great chronicler of the province, Cagayan got its name from the Ilocano word karayan or river referring to the Rio Grande de Cagayan. The early Spanish settlers also called it Rio Ibanag. The river runs from south in Quirino to the north bisecting the whole valley.

In June 29, 1583, Don Juan de Salcedo traced the northern coastline of Luzon and set foot on the Massi, Tular and Aparri areas. The Spanish Friars soon established mission post in Camalaniugan and Lal-lo, which became the seat of Nueva Segovia established on August 14, 1595. The Spanish influence can still be seen in the massive churches and other buildings that the Spaniards built for the spiritual and social welfare of the people. With the Treaty of Paris signed in 1898, ending the war between Spain and the United States, America took over the Philippines and enriched the culture notably in agriculture and education and also in public works and communications. Commerce and trade flourished with the construction of roads and bridges linking the various towns of the province. The Japanese forces occupied Cagayan from December 1941 to July 1945, until the Philippines got its independence in 1946. Cagayan today is the Regional Seat. Tuguegarao City, the capital, is the seat of commerce and trade and center for learning. The province has the largest marine fishing grounds and 73 percent of the regions potential fishpond area. Known as the spelunkers, trekkers and gamefishers paradise rolled in one, Cagayan provides a never-ending adventure. The province is now being promoted as an adventure and eco-tourism destination. Both foreign and local tourists continue to explore its caves, engage in game fishing expeditions, trek its mighty mountains and retreat to its centuries old churches.

Travel to the province is a never-ending adventure. Daily flights are provided by Cebu Pacific and Air Philippines. Various bus companies with lines to Cagayan Valley Region leave Manila everyday while public utility jeepneys, buses, tricycles and calesas are the common mode of transportation for short leisurely trips. TOURIST ATTRACTIONS/DESTINATIONS 01. The seven-chambered CALLAO Cave boasts of massive limestone formations, skylights and a chapel. It is accessible by climbing the 184-cemented steps provided to reach the cave entrance. After caving, try the Pinacanauan River conducive for kayaking, boating and swimming while the mountains are perfect for trekking and mountaineering. Daily circadian flight of bats from bat cave occur at dusk.

02. The JACKPOT Cave is currently the SECOND DEEPEST cave in the country with a surveyed depth of about 115.0 meters and a surveyed length of 355.0 meters. The cave is recommended for professionals. 03. ODESSA- TUMBALI Cave System is acknowledged to be a true cave system, having multiple entrance and widespread plan shape. It could be the LONGEST CAVE in the country at 12.6kms. A relatively shallow-through river cave, it provides for excellent wet sport caving. 04. SIERRA CAVE has two entrances; one for tourists and another one for acknowledged cavers. The biggest challenge is crawling through a very low and narrow opening called Celicas Passage. Attractions include flowstones, columns and draperies. 05. SAN CARLOS CAVES is probably the toughest cave the Philippines could offer, When inside the cave, spelunkers will learn the art of cave crawling. A chamber called ice Cream Parlor contains cluster of white stalagmites that resemble scooped ice cream. The John the Baptist chamber is a sump that one has to take a deep breath and swim to the other side of the chamber. Sharp and rough stones could scratch skin and tear clothing. San Carlos requires a lot of swimming because more than half the cave is covered by cold running subterranean river. 06. STA. ANA and the PALAUI ISLAND is 158 kilometers from Tuguegarao City. It is the Philippine Sailfish Capital famous worldwide for its abundant marine life. The Cape Engano Lighthouse in Palaui Island dates back to the Spanish Regime and is the only existing lighthouse in the northeastern coast with white sand beach, rich marine resources and uncontaminated environs. It has been declared under coastal environment protection. Also in Sta. Ana is the Cagayan Special Economic Zone Authority and Free Port and the white sand beaches of Angib. 07. WIDE EXPANSE OF BLACK FINE SAND BEACHES sprawling along the coastal towns of Sanchez Mira, Sta. Praxedes, Claveria, Abulug, Ballesteros, Aparri, Buguey, Gonzaga, and Pamplona and the white sand beaches of Fuga and the Babuyan Group of Islands. 08. BASILICA MINORE OF OUR LADY OF PIAT (The Lady of the Visitation) is located 33 kilometers from Tuguegarao City. Originally called the Lady of the Holy Rosary, perhaps because the devotees of the Rosary, the Dominican Friars, supposedly brought it from Macao to the Philippines in 1604. This more than four-centuries old image was first enshrined in Nueva Segovia now called Lal-lo. The image is famous in the country and abroad as the Black Mary making Piat the Pilgrimage center in the Northeast. 09. ST. PHILOMENE CHURCH in Alcala is the widest brick church in the province. Located along the Maharlika Highway, it stands as a mute witness to the several regimes that have enriched the provinces cultural heritage. Alcala town is also famous for its carabao milk candy. 10. SANTA MARIA BELL in San Jacinto de Polonia Church is said to be the oldest bell in the Far East. Forged in 1595, it was brought to Manila in February 1937 as part of the attractions during the 33rd International Eucharistic Congress. Camalaniugan town is 93.6 kilometers from Tuguegarao city. 11. CAGAYAN RIVER is the Philippines mightiest watercourse - the longest at 301 kilometers and widest river in the country. Three major tributaries Ilagan River, Magat River and Chico River meet other streams and flow to the Cagayan River. The famous lurung fish abound in the river during the rainy season when the river is murky and the fishes swim upstream from the delta at Aparri to spawn. It empties at the Aparri estuary. 12. MAGAPIT SUSPENSION BRIDGE is 72 kilometers from Tuguegarao City. It is one of the first hanging bridges in Asia linking the first and second districts of Cagayan towards the Ilocos Region via the scenic Patapat Road and the Ilocos Norte-Cagayan inter-provincial highway. 13. ST. JAMES PARISH CHURCH and the IGUIG CALVARY HILLS is 16 kilometers from Tuguegarao City. In the eleven hectare rolling hills are the larger-than life size concrete 14 Stations of the Cross depicting Jesus Christs suffering before His death on Mount Calvary. The place also features a three centuries old well, a Dominican convent ruin and the scenic view of the Cagayan River a setting of which resembles that of the River Jordan. 14. CARSUMCO or the Cagayan Robina Sugar Milling Corporation is located at Sto. Domingo, Piat that is 20

kilometers from Tuguegarao. Around it are thousands of hectares of sugarcane plantations. 15. FR. GERRY Z. FILIPPETTO, OFP MEMORIAL MUSEUM in Sta. Ana, Cagayan was established to honor the founder of the Franciscan Apostolic Sisters found in Sta. Ana, Cagayan. Religious articles and personal belongings are displayed for viewing. 16. PORTABAGA FALLS in Sta. Praxedes is one of the tallest falls in Cagayan. Approximately 15 meters in height, it has manmade pools and picnic huts for excursionists. Sta. Praxedes is194 kilometers from Tuguegarao City and is about 100 meters from the highway. 17. APARRI DELTA is an impressive expanse of land that is Aparri where one can see the Cagayan River meet with the China Sea. Walk into the jetty to find the estuary of Cagayan River. 18. CALAYAN ISLANDS is a destination for nature and adventure lovers; its waters - the Babuyan Channel is home to dolphins and whales. Still in its rare untouched form, the islands are best visited during summer for adventure and nature tripping, an island get-away with similar offerings like Batanes. The islands are accessible by boat from San Vicente Port in Sta. Ana. 19. ST. RAYMUND DE PENAFORT in the town of Rizal is a National Cultural Treasure under the Diocese of Tuguegarao. Built in the 1600's, the church was built in the foothills of the Cordilleras. The rough stonework belies the early technology of that time while its retablo is a composite of parts from earlier baroque altar pieces. Malaueg, is now Rizal Church possess the most character and its ruins the most enigmatic in the Province of Cagayan. 20. ST. CLAIRE MONASTERY in Iguig located about 200 meters from the Maharlika Highway immediately outside Tuguegarao City. It is a contemplative community of Poor Claire sisters from Cabuyao, Laguna established in 1991 and is open to the public. Batanes Northernmost Frontier Marine Fisheries and Eco-tourism The island-province of Batanes is the smallest province in the Philippines with a land area of 230 square kilometers and was created by a series of volcanic activities and other geologic forces when Mt. Iraya erupted around 325 B.C. It is bounded on the north by the Bashi Channel, on the east by the Pacific Ocean, on the west by the China Sea and on the south by the Balintang Channel. Basco, its capital town is about 280 kilometers north of Aparri, Cagayan or some 860 kilometers north of Manila and about 190 kilometers south of Taiwan. The pre-historic Ivatans who are nationally acclaimed as the True Insulares were boat-making and sea-faring people who lived in small tribal communities that lived on fishing, hunting, horticulture and raising root crops. The Ivatans traced their roots to the early immigrants from Formosa (Taiwan) and the Spaniards who came to the island in the 16th century. To this day, they bear the features of their forebears the Chinese almond eyes and the Spaniards aquiline nose. Their language is peppered with pidgin Spanish and is spoken with the rhythm of the Chinese language. In 1782, then Governor General of the Philippines Jose Basco y Vargas sent an expedition to undertake the formalities of getting the consent of the Ivatans to become subjects of the king of Spain. On June 26, 1783, Joseph Huelva y Melgarjo became the first governor of Batanes. The new province was named Provincia de la Concepcion and Governor General Basco was named Conde de la Conquista de Batanes and the capital town was named after him. By 1799, the Manila government was convinced that the Batanes provincial government was unable to support itself and it was decided to downgrade it. The office of the governor was abolished and Valerio Bermudez, a Cagayano was

appointed alcalde. By 1855 the Itbayat Mission was formally recognized the same year when the era of the alcalde also ended and the governorship was restored indicating a mode of political and economic upswing. Fernando de la Cueva was assigned Governor. Around 1890 a mail boat was coming every three months increasing the contact of the Ivatans with Luzon especially Manila. The export of pork, lard and cattles increased. Galvanized iron became available. On September 18, 1898, Katipuneros from Luzon hoisted their flag at Radiwan. Gov. Julian Fortea became the last Spanish governor. In February 1900, the USS Princeton landed in Batanes to begin American rule. The province became a mere township under Cagayan. Batanes became a province again by the provision of Act 1952 enacted on May 20, 1909 with Otto Scheerer as the Governor. A wireless telegraph tower and station was set up in Basco before 1920. When the Japanese arrived in Batanes on Dec. 8,1941 they bomb the airport and destroyed the wireless telegraph tower. Ivatan resentment turned to aggressive resistance in 1945. After the war and the Philippines got its Independence, contact with the rest of the country increased. The airport was rehabilitated; media and radio communications have lessened cultural isolation. Infrastructures, electrification and deep-sea fishing improved and a shift to rice from root crops as traditional subsistence was effected. Batanes today boasts of undisturbed and unspoiled beauty of nature preserved by the peace-loving Ivatans. A complete ecotourism destination, Batanes offers a kaleidoscope of natural beauty and ecological attractions from its rich marine resources of its verdant rolling terrain all ideal for outdoor sports. Because fires and typhoons routinely destroyed government and mission buildings, lime and stone churches began to be built around 1795 with the help of imported masons, stone cutters and carpenters from Cagayan. Today, houses built of meter-thick limestone walls and foot-thick thatched/cogon roof whose main architectural consideration is its resistance to typhoon still stand. In 1989, President Corazon Aquino visited Batanes while President Fidel V. Ramos celebrated his 65th birthday in Basco in 1993. In 1994, the Island Province of Batanes was declared as one of the 10 Integrated Protected Area System (IPAS) sites in the country. Visiting the island province is best during the period from March to June. The airline companies flying to Batanes include Batanes Airline, Chemtrad, Sky Pasada and Seair. The entire Batan Island can be toured using a Sarao Type Jeepney at a rate of P1, 200.00 per day. Boat fare to Sabtang Island from Ivana Seaport is P30.00 TOURIST ATTRACTIONS/DESTINATIONS BATAN ISLAND is the most populated island of the province. It is composed of four municipalities namely Ivana, Mahatao, Uyugan and the capital, Basco, is the seat of commerce, education and provincial government. SABTANG ISLAND - is a 30- minute rocky ride from Ivana Seaport on a round-bottomed falowa, fourteen-kilometers southwest of Batan Island. It has intermittent sand beaches and is dominated with steep mountains and deep canyons with small level areas sporadically found along the coastline. It is one of the most beautiful islands in Batanes. Visit Chavayan and witness the rolling of the seven waves: Sumnanga or the Little Hongkong; Nakanmuan, the fishing Village; watch the Kuyab or Migratory Birds from China that flock by the hundreds during the month of October. ITBAYAT ISLAND - has the Sarokan Cave, the orchids that abound in the island to discover and the burial caves to see. It is four hours away by Falowa from Basco Seaport. The island is surrounded by massive boulders and cliffs rising from 20-70 meters above sea level. Shaped like a giant bowl; it is the least visited island of the province. It has no beach

and no pier. It has a dirt airstrip for private aircraft and a regular ferry runs the Batan-Itbayat route. YAMI - is the northernmost island of Batanes where one can see Taiwan on a clear day. Tatus or coconut crabs abound in the island, which is surrounded by rich marine life. BASCO 01. MT. IRAYA is a dormant volcano standing at 1,517 meters above sea level. It is good for mountain climbing and trail blazing and is a few kilometers from Basco. Its last eruption was in 505 AD and has become the source of fertile soil in Basco and parts of Mahatao. 02. RADAR TUKON is an abandoned United States weather station located on a hilltop and is only 2.75 kilometers away from Basco. It offers a magnificent 360-degree view of Batan Island, the South China Sea, Mt. Iraya and Basco proper on one side and boulder lined cliffs and the Pacific Ocean on the other side. At present it houses the Basco Radar Station. 03. KANYUYAN BEACH PORT at Baluarte Bay in Basco is the port of call of cargo ships bringing goods from Manila. 04. SONGSONG IN CHADPIDAN BAY is an hour of exhilarating trek from Basco proper and offers a beautiful sunset view of Batanes. 05. STO DOMINGO CHURCH was built in 1812 under the supervision of the Dominican friars. It is one of the first limestone buildings to be built under the Spanish regime. The convent beside the church was built in 1814. Buildings in Batanes are traditionally two storey LIME AND STONE HOUSES AND CHURCHES with meter-thick cogon roofs believe to last about 60 years. These buildings were built around 1795 with the help of imported masons, stone cutters and carpenters from Cagayan. 06. NAIDI HILLS is walking distance from Basco proper. 07. VALUGAN BAY has a kilometer long stretch of fine white beach with multi-colored rocks and is only three kilometers from Basco proper. 08. FUNDACION ABAD or PACITA ABAD MUSEUM - home of the world renowned artist Pacita Barsana Abad is now open for publc viewing, it houses her paintings located at Brgy. Chamarian-Tukon. It is a Pension House with de luxe facilities. MAHATAO 01. SAN CARLOS BORROMEO CHURCH was completed in 1789 and still retains its centuries old features. It has been declared by the National Historical Institute as Heritage Site 02. CHAWA CAVE is for the adventurous. An enchanted cave with natural salt beds whose mouth opens to the South China Sea and is accessible through the boulders of Chawa Point. It is four kilometers from Basco. 03. SITIO JURA AT RACUJAIDE is the Fishermens Village in Mahatao located along the Mananoy bay. Within the area is the legendary spring of youth and crystal cave with living limestone formations and RACUJAIDI old settlements. 04. DIATAY BEACH is a cave with multi-colored rocks and white sand located along the highway of Mahatao conducive for swimming and excursions. 05. COMMUNAL PASTURE LAND is 25 minutes on good road from Basco. Also called RACUH A PAYAMAN, it offers a panoramic view of the hills and the sea; in this area, the cows outnumber the people. 06. WIND TURBINE FARM SYSTEM - installed at Mt. Sumhao in Mahatao was launched on August 7, 2004. It is the first commercialy operated hybrid system in the Philippines. The three units of 60-kilowatt wind turbines complement the diesel generator system that Batan Island is using. IVANA

01. RADIWAN POINT and IVANA SEAPORT are historical spots where the Katipuneros landed in 1898. It is also the ferry station of falowas plying the islands of Sabtang and Itbayat. 02. SAN JOSE CHURCH was built in 1814. It has a crenellated fortress-like campanile. The church faces the Ivana Seaport where an Honesty Shop is open for buyers who get their goods and leave their money on a wooden box. 03. MT. MATAREM is an extinct volcano 495 meters at its summit. 04. WHITE BEACH at Vatang, Hapnit and Mavatuy Points. 05. HOUSE OF DAKKAY is one of the oldest houses in Ivana open to visitors who sign the guest book and give donations and take pictures. UYUGAN 01. RUINS OF SONGSONG is a ghost barangay, which feature a cluster of roofless shells of old houses abandoned after the tidal wave that hit the island of Batan in the 50s and is a one hour road trip from Basco. It has a good stretch of beach recommended for swimming. 02. OLD LORAN STATION used to house a US Coast Guard detachment for almost two decades and is only 45 minutes from Basco on good roads. Isabela Prior to 1856, there were only two provinces in the Cagayan Valley Region: Cagayan and Nueva Vizcaya. The Province of Cagayan at that time consisted of all towns from Tumauini to the north in Aparri and all other towns from Ilagan southward to Aritao comprised the province of Nueva Vizcaya. In order to facilitate the work of the missionaries in the evangelization of the Cagayan Valley, a Royal Decree was issued on May 1, 1856, which created the province of Isabela from the portion of the province of Cagayan and Nueva Vizcaya. From Cagayan, the towns of Gamu, Angadanan and Gamarang (now Echague) and from the Nueva Vizcaya, its capital town Carig (now Santiago) and Palanan were segregated to constitute the province of Isabela. The new province was named in honor of Her Royal Highness Queen Isabela II of Spain.

Although the province 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. Isabela is the premier province of the north, one of the most progressive in the country and Santiago, the industrial center for region 02, is now an Independent City while Cauayan, the commercial center is a component city. The eastern side straddled by the Sierra Madre Mountain Range is rugged and thickly forested. Its mountains rise to peaks of about 8,000 feet and is home to one of the countrys largest remaining rainforests with numerous unknown endemic species of flora and fauna and exceptional biological diversity. Its coastal area is a small strip of flat to rolling land. It has a 208-kilometer coastline and is home to beautiful caves, coves, bays, and rich marine life.

The western area is a sprawling fertile valley hemmed by the Central Cordillera Mountain and is criss-crossed by the Cagayan, and the Magat Rivers.

Isabela is home to Magat High Rise Dam and Tourism Complex known to be the highest and biggest dam in Asia at the time of its construction. Isabela comprises an aggregate land area of 10,665 square kilometers, representing almost 40 percent of the regional territory. It is the largest province in the region and the second largest province in the Philippines in terms of land area. The province is bounded on the north by the province of Cagayan, on the south by Nueva Vizcaya, Quirino and Aurora, on the west by the Cordillera Administrative Region and on the east by the Pacific Ocean. TOURIST ATTRACTIONS/DESTINATIONS

01. AGUINALDO SHRINE in Palanan is a historic place where the First President of the Philippine Republic, General Emilio Aguinaldo surrendered to the American forces, thus ending the Philippine Revolution in March 1901. Palanan is accessible by aircraft, pump boat and trail hiking thru Sta. Ana, Cagayan, San Mariano/Cauayan/Aurora and Ilagan, Isabela respectively. Nelbusco buses in Santiago City have trips to Palanan via Dilasag, Aurora 02. FUYOT NATIONAL PARK/ILAGAN SANCTUARY features naturally formed lattices and rock formations and is fifteen kilometers from Ilagan town proper. Visitors are given lectures and are allowed to plant their own seedlings. It now has a zoo. Within the area is the Pinzal Falls conducive for excursions and swimming. 03. NORTHERN SIERRA MADRE NATURAL PARK (NSMNP) is the largest protected area in the country and is a low altitude rainforest at 800 feet asl. The area is about 359,477 hectares and is rated No. 1 in the worlds biodiversity. Very ideal for marine and outdoor adventure. Tours take for five days over rainforests, mountains, rivers/streams with stops at indigenous peoples communities; appreciate at close range a wide variety of flora and fauna and enjoy a relaxing dip into rivers and streams or the Pacific Ocean. From Manila, Isabela is about 10 hours by commercial airconditioned buses. Palanan Wilderness Guided Tours can be arranged through DOT Region 02. 04. SHRINE OF OUR LADY OF THE VISITATION OF GUIBANG in Gamu is located along the national highway frequented by travelers passing the Maharlika Highway. It is now as famous as the Piat Basilica Minore because it also comes alive on July of every year when religious pilgrims from all walks of life come to offer prayers of good health, peace and abundance, among many other intentions. The image of the Our Lady of the Visitation was canonically crowned by the Most Rev. Carmine Pocco, Papal Nuncio to the Philippines on May 26, 1973 at the St. Ferdinand Cathedral in Ilagan, Isabela. The Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines at its 52nd Annual Bishops Meeting held in Tagaytay City on January 24-26, 1986 have approved the petition of His Excellency, Most Rev. Miguel Purugganan, Bishop of Ilagan for the Church of Our Lady of the Visitation of Guibang to be called a National Shrine. 05. ST. CLAIRE MONASTERY in Gamu is located along the Maharlika Highway and stands a few meters from the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Visitation of Guibang. It is a contemplative community of Poor Claire sisters from Cabuyao, Laguna established in 1991 and is open to the public. 06. PARISH CHURCH OF ST. MATHIAS in TUMAUINI was built in 1753 under Dominican supervision and was completed in 1805. It is an ultra-baroque church unique for its extensive use of baked clay both for wall finishing and ornamentation and bears Chinese ancestry. This church of stone with a unique cylindrical bell tower is the only one of its kind in the Philippines. 07. OUR LADY OF ATOCHA CHURCH in Alicia and its convent was built by Fr. Tomas Calderon, OP and

inaugurated in 1849. It has an antique Spanish architectural design and is located along the Maharlika Highway. 08. St. ROSE DE LIMA CHURCH in Gamu is famous for its Spanish architectural design. Built in 1726 during the Spanish time, the church faade was made of layered bricks and stones dating back during the 17th century and considered a pilgrimage church because of its antiquity. The feast of their patron, Saint Rose De Lima is celebrated every August 23rd. 09. MAGAT HIGHRISE DAM AND HYDRO-ELECTRIC POWER PLANT is about 350 kilometers of good roads from Metro Manila. Constructed in 1970, the dam costs P6.5B to include the dam itself, powerhouse, office buildings and other related facilities. This infrastructure project used to be the biggest dam in the whole of Asia. Project benefits include year-round irrigation supply of some 102,000 hectares of agricultural land and an ultimate capacity of 540 megawatts of hydroelectric power sufficient to supply the whole of Northern Luzon Grid. Its reservoir area of 4,460 hectares has a great potential for water-based recreation like fishing, swimming, boating and water skiing, among others. Recommended for educational tours and is accessible by jeepney from Santiago City. 10. SAN PABLO CHURCH is the oldest town of Isabela was founded by Padre de Sto. Tomas on Nov. 30, 1646, or about 210 years before Isabela was made a province and its bell tower with six levels including the circular apex is made of adobe and is said to be the oldest in Isabela and the tallest in Cagayan Valley. 11. BONSAI FOREST at Sumanget, Dinapigue is about 20,000 hectares. The area is accessible by land transport from Baler in Aurora Province and by air from Cauayan Airport. 12. WORLDS LARGEST BUTAKA is found in Ilagan town along the Maharlika Highway. Built at a cost of P175,000.00 for 29 days with a total of 1,762 board feet of seasoned narra, 1,740 foot-1 inch diameter of rattan; it is 11.4 feet tall, 9.70 feet wide and 20.8 feet long and weighs 2,368 kilos. 13. CAMP SAMAL HOTEL, RESORT, TRAINING CENTER & LEISURE PARK - The municipality of Tumauini operates Camp Samal which offers accommodation facilities, lagoon boating area, swimming pools and slides, grill house and restaurant and other facilities for vacationing families and big groups. 14. ISABELA MUSEUM AND LIBRARY was inaugurated last May11, 1999 and is housed at the old capitol building in Ilagan. It is the repository and custodian of the rich historical and cultural heritage of Isabelinos. It features a gallery exhibit-collection of artifacts, fossils, heirloom pieces, visual arts, dioramas and other historical documents. It is open on weekdays. Nueva Vizcaya The Province of Nueva Vizcaya used to be a territory of the vast Cagayan Valley Region, which was once an integral political unit with one governor. In 1839 then Governor Luis Lardizabal issued an order creating Nueva Vizcaya into politico-military province upon the advice of the alcalde mayor of Cagayan. The order was approved by a royal Decree on April 10, 1841. The present territory of Nueva Vizcaya was the result of changes emanating from the formal creation of the province of Isabela in May of 1856, wherein a great portion of its northern area was ceded to the newly- born province

The organization in 1908 of the province of Ifugao further reduced the area of Nueva Vizcaya, which was forced to give

up its northwest territory. The survey executed by the Bureau of Lands in 1914 further caused the diminution of its area and reduced again upon the enactment of the Administrative Code in 1917. Even with these slices of land given away to the new emerging provinces, the province of Nueva Vizcaya still held a territory. But then again in 1971, with the passage of Republic Act No.6394, Quirino, which was then sub-province of Nueva Vizcaya, was separated from its mother province and made into a regular province. As it is today, Nueva Vizcaya occupies a land area of approximately 3,903.90 square kilometers, which is about 10.72 percent of the regional land area and 1.30 percent of the total land area of the country. The province of Nueva Vizcaya is located in the north-central part of Luzon in Region 02. The province of Ifugao and Isabela bound it on the north and northeast, on the east and southeast by Quirino and Aurora, respectively, on the south by Nueva Ecija and on the west by Benguet and Pangasinan. The province is actually bounded by three mountain ranges covered with forest and grasslands, namely the Sierra Madre on the east, the Cordillera on the west and the Caraballo on the south. The province is 287.0 kilometers north of Metro Manila. Nueva Vizcaya has a domestic airport which caters to chartered flights at Barangay Lantap, Bagabag, 20 kilometers from Bayombong. TOURIST ATTRACTIONS/DESTINATIONS

01. SAINT DOMINIC CATHEDRAL . A living vestige of the grandeur that was the old town is its Catholic Church that was preserved to become the first cathedral in the province. Razed by fire twice and rebuilt in the same old site, it is now approximately twice its original size. The cathedral maintains the original faade and as such a veritable treasure, a relic of the past for its historic and aesthetic remains of a proud Christian past. 02. NUEVA VIZCAYA PROVINCIAL CAPITOL COMPLEX is decidedly symbolic of the noble aspiration, foresight and noble vision of its builder, Governor Patricio G. Dumlao. Located along the national road, it houses all the provincial government offices. The capitol building is a study of architectural ingenuity. It has a park with exotic plant species, concrete benches and sidewalks lighted with giant lamps and man-made lagoon ideal for rowing the colorful mini-boats operated by handicapables, also called the Luneta of the north. 03. DALTON PASS/BALETE PASS is a rugged piece of terrain where a part of the Caraballo Sur reaches south and joins the Sierra Madre. Because of its strategic importance as the only access between Pampanga and Cagayan Valley, the pass became the scene of much bloody fighting during the final stages of World War II. Japanese Shobu soldiers headed by General Tomoyuki Yamashita tried to hold their positions while Filipino and American soldiers under the leadership of Colonel Robert Lapham, were determined to dislodge them from February to March 1945. By the close of hostilities, the blood of almost seventeen thousand Japanese fighting units and the US-Filipino allied forces mingled with the soil. Markers that commemorate their sacrifice stand by the roads highest point, with good view into the highlands. The shrine is a reminder for Gen. James L. Dalton who was killed by a snipers bullet during the end of World War II. Located 3,000 feet above sea level, Balete Pass is also the gateway to the Cagayan Valley Region and the Ifugao Rice Terraces. 04. CAPISAAN CAVE SYSTEM 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. 05. ALAYAN CAVE at Malabing Valley, Brgy. Capisaan, Kasibu is ranked as one of the best in the country. It is a multi-chambered cave with living calcite formations and subterranean river. Tours can be arranged with the Sang-atSalug Mountaineering Group or the Provincial Government of Nueva Vizcaya. 06. HEAVEN CAVE at Malabing Valley, Brgy. Capisaan, Kasibu has two big chambers of various calcite formations and a mezanine of pure white limestones where one has take off their footwear before exploration. 07. IMUGAN WATER FALLS, Sta. Fe, Nueva Vizcaya is a two level falls with shallow catch basin. Trek over streams/rivers emanating from the falls. Enjoy trekking, exploration, swimming, fishing and cultural immersion. Also within the area is the Imugan Mountain Fresh Factory which utilizes wild berries and other fruits to produce spreads and jams while visitors can watch the production process and shop for preserved fruit spreads. Imugan is about 30 minutes from National Highway. 08. KAYAPA FRUITS and VEGETABLE FARMS is a three-hour drive from Bambang highway. Travel over forested mountains and hills, cool climate, streams/rivers and terraced slopes of vegetables, fruits, flowers and rice fields. Kayapa town cuts travel time from Nueva Vizcaya to Baguio City by two hours during summer. Bambang fruit and vegetable stalls also serve as outlets for fresh produce from Kayapa frequented daily by buyers from Manila and Baguio City. 09. DUPAX DEL SUR CHURCH is one of the biggest and oldest unreinforced brick churches (18th century) in the Cagayan Valley. The church has all the requisites of an Old Spanish brick church like wooden altar, columns and lattices and a museum which houses centuries old church artifacts. Other well-preserved Spanish monuments include a Spanish Flagpole and Dampol Bridge - an unreinforced bridge made of bricks. In the 1960s, after being christianized, the Ilongots gave up their head-hunting ways and started to call themselves Bugkalots in order to bury their bloody but proud past. The Isinais, formerly called Mallats or Imaalats were gentle and easily embraced Christianity. The church, declared by the National Museum as a National Cultural Treasure is a forty-five minute drive from Bayombong. 10. Mt. UGU in Kayapa, this beautiful mountain offers trails that pass through native communities of the Kalanguya tribes and is becoming a favorite mountaineering destination among outdoor enthusiasts. 11. MT. PALALI stands at 1,705 meters asl. The municipalities of Quezon and Bayombong bound Mt. Palali. Once the hunting ground of the Bugkalots, Gaddangs and the Ifugaos, the mountain offers a magnificent view of the low-lying municipalities of Nueva Vizcaya. Its diptherocarp forest contains unique diversity of flora and fauna and is historically a crash site of a WW II tora-tora plane 12. AMBAGUIO town is the gateway to Mt. Pulag, the second highest in the country at 2,922 meters above sea level. Guided tours offer treks along hanging bridges, climbing through mossy forest and remote farming barangays with friendly Kalanguya tribe. Walk through an area of bonsai forest and grasslands of dwarf bamboos over a horizon of clouds. 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 is home to four indigenous tribes namely Kalanguya, Ibaloy, Kankanaey and Karao. For trips and arrangements contact the Municipal Tourism Council through Mr. Guzman Allawas at 0921-345-4515 or Leo Fausto at 0928-786-2217.

13. PEOPLES MUSEUM and LIBRARY in Bayombong stands beside the St. Dominic Cathedral. A two-storey historical building which houses the Novo Vizcayanos history and heritage. The former seat of the provincial government now showcases the culture and tradition of the tribes of Nueva Vizcaya. 14. LOWER MAGAT ECOTOURISM PARK is being develop by the Province of Nueva Vizcaya as a high-end backto-nature resort facility showcasing the rich culture and natural attractions of the province. Quirino Quirino Province lies in the southeastern portion of Cagayan Valley Region within the upper Cagayan River Basin. Isabela bounds it 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 southern border and the Mamparang Range on the western part of the province. It has a total land area of 3,057 square kilometers, which is approximately 8.4 percent of the regional area, and 1.02 percent of the total land area of the country. Quirino Province acquired its juridical personality as a result of the division of the province of the Nueva Vizcaya and Isabela on June 18, 1966 under R.A. 4734. It was named in honor of the then President Elpidio A. Quirino. The province of Quirino was formally established on February 10, 1971 upon assumption to office of the first elected provincial and municipal officials headed by Dionisio A. Sarandi as Provincial Governor. Eventually, on February 25,1983, Batas Pambansa Blg. 345 was enacted, creating the municipality of Nagtipunan, a division of the Municipality of Maddela. Part of the provinces comparative advantage is its accessibility to Aurora (Region 4), which makes it a viable entry/exit through the coastal area of Aurora. Long before its creation, Quirino was the forest region of the Province of Nueva Vizcaya inhabited by tribal groups popularly known as the Negrito or Pugots. These tribal groups roamed the hinterland 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 dialect in the upland parts.

Land transportation is the only available mode of transport to the province. The main artery of transportation that traverses the province is the national road from Cordon, Isabela to Dipaculao, Aurora and Santiago City to Maddela via Jones and San Agustin, Isabela. Transportation facilities in the province include PU jeepney, buses, outrigger banca and tricycles. Maddela-Metro Manila route and vice-versa is served daily by air-conditioned bus lines particularly Nelbusco. Other buses going to Tuguegarao City pass by Cordon and Santiago City where vans are available for the short trip to Quirino.

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS/DESTINATIONS

01. NAGBUKEL CAVE at Diffun, Quirino is perfect for retreats. Local tourists usually visit during the holy week for picnic, hiking, and communing with nature. The place is being maintained and developed by the Lamplighter, a religious sect, the cave is four kilometers away from the capital town. 02. AGLIPAY CAVES AND PROVINCIAL FOREST PARK promises a special venue for communing with nature. A series of 38 caves, seven of which have been developed as tourist spots. Located in the midst of rolling hills and verdant forest, the caves boast of peculiar characteristics of their own such as an underground spring and well-preserved stalagmites and stalactites. The caves interlink with each other and run to a depth of about 20 meters. The place is recommended for camping activities and outdoor functions especially for big groups 03. GOVERNOR RAPIDS is famous for its gigantic perpendicular walls of limestone jutting out from one side of the Cagayan River framing the Sierra Madre Mountain and its swift turbulent deep blue waters is perfect venue for kayaking, white river rafting, swimming and fishing. The riverside offers a suitable picnic ground with a magnificent view of the river. This part of the region is also home to Agtas or Negritos. 04. AGLIPAY TOWN is a historic town having patterned its named from Fr. Gregorio Aglipay, a Philippine Independent Church priest who rebelled against the Spanish Colonizers in his time and settled at the banks of Addalam River in Aglipay. 05. NAGTIPUNAN TOWN is the home of lush virgin forest and is being developed as a gateway to Aurora Province through Barangay Sangbay. About 54 kilometers from Cabarroguis, the town is a recommended venue for camping and eco-tourism activities. It is also home to the famous rock formation called Bimmapor, a rock formation similar to a ships stern which is about to sink. The area is recommended for rock climbing trekking, swimming, rafting, excursion and fishing, among others. It is less than an hours drive from the Municipal Hall where overnight accommodation is available. The Cagayan River this part of the town is suitable for white water rafting, kayaking and fly-fishing. 06. BISANGAL FALLS in Maddela rests on a virgin forestland. The place serves as a sanctuary for endangered species of wildlife and is located 35 kilometers from Cabarroguis, the capital town. The falls offers several drop basins for bathing and picnic huts are available for excursion. 07. MACTOL FALLS/SAN PUGO FALLS. This towering falls about 50 meters high spills into a shimmering basin about twenty-two meters deep. All who can appreciate nature in its untouched rare form should make the trip to Mactol Falls in San Pugo, Nagtipunan. 08. JOSE ANCHETA FALLS located at Barangay Jose Ancheta in Maddela and towers at about 30 feet. Located 18 kilometers from the town center and about 10 minutes trek to the falls. Cauayan City Cauayan was an original town of the Province of Cagayan. It was transferred to Nueva Vizcaya when it became a province in 1839. Upon the creation of Isabela as a province by a Royal Decree issued in May 1856, it was reverted as a town of the new province. The town site was first located in a place called Calanusian along the Cagayan River, but after a series of disastrous floods, the town site was transferred to its present location.

Historical structures still visible to this day are the big adobe stone church located at the Poblacion, now called Our Lady of the Pillar Church and the Tabacalera warehouse and La Insular bodegas found at Barangay Turayong that date their construction during Spanish rule. With the establishment of the government under the United States of America, Don Domingo Damatan was appointed as the first presidente municipal. It was during the administration of Mayor Faustino N. Dy (1964-1972) that the municipality started to bounce from a rather slow development. The towns development continued at an even faster pace under Mayor Benjamin G. Dy (1983-1992) who envisioned the municipality to become a city. The vision became a reality under Mayor Faustino G. Dy, III who saw through the introduction of House Bill No. 9017 and which was signed by Her Excellency, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on February 28, 2001. Cauayan became a component city of the Province of Isabela after it was ratified in a plebiscite by a majority vote on March 30, 2001. Cauayan City has an area of 336.40451 square kilometers and ranks as the tenth highest in terms of land area among the 38 Local Government Units of the Province of Isabela. As of May 1, 2000, the registered population of the City is 103,952 with an annual growth rate of 2.43% Most of the Cauayanos speak Ilocano (74.91%) while the rest speak Tagalog (14.14 %); Gaddang (6.38%) and Ibanag (1.59%). One of the financial centers of Region 02, it has 16 banks catering to the needs of commerce, trade and industry and home to the only all-Filipino soft drinks company the Cosmos Bottling Corporation. The city is also the host of the regional sales office of the San Miguel Corporation, Nestle and Magnolia. Cauayan Public Market is a recipient of the prestigious Philippine Health Promotions Program Award after having been adjudged as The Healthiest Public Market for the provincial and regional level, and also received the Cleanest Wet Section Award Provincial and Regional category in March 2001. Cauayan celebrates its Gawagaway-yan Festival a celebration of the citys bountiful harvest and merriment for the ethno-linguistic groups in the city from March 30 to April 13. The city produced the longest Cassava Roll measuring 1.250 kilometers last 2005. Cauayan City is about 367 kilometers from Manila and is accessible via airconditioned buses from Manila plying the Maharlika Highway. Cauayan City has a domestic airport with modern facilities and caters to chartered planes and is home to Cyclone Airways, Batanes Air and Sky Pasada which flies to Maconacon and Palanan. For inquiries and reservation call Monet at (078) 652-2368.

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS/DESTINATIONS 1. OUR LADY OF THE PILLARS CHURCH has a modern interior and a preserved Spanish colonial exterior recommended for wedding venues located right at the heart of the city. 2. FARM TOURISM DESTINATIONS include mushroom production centers all over the city, Gulayan ng Bayan, orchard farms and a fruit and vegetable farm that allows al-fresco dining and pick and pay experience.

Santiago City
SANTIAGO CITY is the first component- independent city in the Cagayan Valley Region. Historically, the city was

called El Pueblo de Carig by the Spanish Dominican Friars who started colonizing and christianizing the natives of the pueblo in 1597. The earliest reference to the existence of Santiago de Carig was contained in the documents found in the Dominican Archives of the University of Sto. Tomas that mentioned the Iyogads as contemporaries of Santiago de Carigs early population which consisted mainly of Ibanags and Gaddangs. Another favorable point confirming the existence of Santiago de Carig before 1743 was the DECREE of request issued on October 30, 1713 which required the inhabitants of Carig, together with those of Cordon, Diffun and Sta. Barbara de Lappao to give rice and money to the missionaries of the Holy Rosary in the province run by the Sacred Order of Preachers with headquarters in Ituy and Paniqui. The term Pueblo ascribed to Santiago de Carig in the foregoing statement refers to the pre 1743 status as a mission pueblo and not as a Spanish name of Santiago de Carig in honor of St. James the Apostle whose feast day is celebrated July 25, back in 1743 and most probably earlier than that. Further, historical records show that the Municipality of Santiago was officially created by Royal Decree on May 1743. Santiago became the first city in the region through the enactment of RA No. 7720 on May 5, 1994 converting the then municipality of Santiago into independent-component city. Considered as the Trade and Commercial Center of Cagayan Valley Region, its strategic location makes it an important destination for businessmen or would-be investors and tourists. Santiago City is 328 kilometers from Metro Manila and is accessible by land from any point in Luzon. The city is strategically located and considered a melting pot, all roads in the four provinces of Cagayan Valley Region lead to and out of it. And the influx of people and goods make the city the center of trade and commerce in the region. Year 2000 census showed that Santiago City had a population of 110,531, half of which are living in the urban areas. The city has an annual growth rate of 2.5 percent. The city covers an area of 255 square kilometers with 37 barangays. TOURIST ATTRACTIONS/DESTINATIONS 1. CALVARY HILLS and the CHAPEL OF TRANSFIGURATION located at Dariok Hills, Barangay Balintokatok in Santiago City. The place offers a pilgrimage venue for the Holy Week where life-size Stations of the Cross are presented from the foot of the hill going all the way up to the top where a Chapel was so designed to face the rising sun. The Chapel of Transfiguration offers pilgrims a commanding silence befitting a place of worship and can also be utilized for masses and retreat venues. 2. BALAY NA SANTIAGO houses the remnants of the present day urban glory that is Santiago City. The museum showcases a collection of the ethno-linguistic lifestyle of those who made Santiago the melting pot of culture that it is today. It shows a glimpse of the past customs and traditions that have united the multi-race Santiagueos. Balay na Santiago is located at the heart of the city along Miranda Street and can be reached at (078) 682-4930.
Tuguegarao City, the capital of the Province of Cagayan and the Regional Center of Cagayan Valley (Region 02) is a major urban center in Northeastern Luzon and a Primary Growth Center. Historically, it is important as the provincial capital of the Province of Cagayan, as a trading center for the Tobacco Monopoly and as the only center for the higher education in Northeast Luzon. The original inhabitants of Tuguegarao were the Irayas and the Itawes, who built houses and subsisted on fishing, hunting, farming, and livestock raising. They wove cloth and made household and farm implements. On August 16, 1724, Tuguegarao celebrated its first patronal town fiesta with the completion of the elevated Ermita de San Jacinto. The provincial capital of Cagayan was transferred from Lal-lo to Tuguegarao on May 24, 1839, with the division of La Provincia de Cagayan into the southern part called Nueva Vizcaya, and the northern part which retained the name Cagayan. Tuguegaraos first school was established in 1892. Formerly belonging to the Diocese of Ciudad Nueva Segovia, Tuguegarao grew to become a separate diocese in 1910. In 1975, it was made the Archdiocese of Tuguegarao. The schools, the government and the church

greatly influenced the development of the town- its economy, its services and facilities, and its people. In 1975, Tuguegarao was chosen the center of Region 2. By 1985, almost all national government agencies had established their regional offices in Tuguegarao, bringing to the region varied and higher-level government services and facilities. The Department of Finance classified Tuguegarao a First Class Municipality in July 1993. Today, Tuguegaro City (December 18, 1999) is a bustling commercial, education and government center with tall buildings, sprawling school campuses and a government center site. It is now an emerging metropolis and a backbone support to the Cagayan Special Economic Zone and Free Port in Sta. Ana, Cagayan and the Cauayan City Regional Agro-Industrial Center in Isabela. It has a total area of 144.8 square kilometers. The city is politically subdivided into 49 barangays, 26 of which are urban. In 2000. the citys population was 120,645. Tuguegaraos economy slowly shifted from agriculture (primary) to secondary/tertiary economic activities. By providing goods, services and linkages, Tugeugarao City allows the adjacent municipalities in Kalinga and Apayao (CAR), the coastal towns of Ilocos Norte (Region 01) and the regions industrial centers and agricultural production areas to pursue their development functions in support to the overall regional role. Region 02 is envisioned as an open growth area and international trade and industrial partner of the East Asian global economy. It is the regional tourism service center because of its accessibility to tourism attractions, spots and destinations and because of the existence of reliable facilities for land, water and air transport, communications, power, health, protective services, and finance as well as amenities for dining, lodging, recreation and souvenir shops. Tuguegarao City is a transport pivotal point in Northern Luzon having three circumferential roads for traffic management. There are 15 bus companies, with both air-conditioned and ordinary buses, servicing Tuguegarao City, along with numerous mini-buses, vans, jeepneys, tricycles and calesas. The Tuguegarao City Domestic Airport is a modern facility at 21.036 meters or 69 feet above sea level and is capable of servicing a 737 jet plane. Small aircrafts, helicopters and army cargo planes also utilize the airport. Cebu Pacific, Sky Pasada and Air Philippines are the available domestic airline companies which provide daily flights to and from the city. TOURIST ATTRACTIONS/DESTINATIONS 1. BUNTUN BRIDGE is 2.50 kilometers from Tuguegarao City proper. It is the longest river bridge in the country at 1.124 kilometers and offers an unobstructed view of the Cagayan River. 2. ST. PETER METROPOLITAN CATHEDRAL is the seat of the Archdiocese of Tuguegarao. The church with the belfry is the biggest Spanish-built church in Cagayan Valley. Constructed under the supervision of Fr. Antonio Lobato, OP on January 17, 1761 to 1767. The cathedral suffered massive destruction in WWII and was rebuilt by Msgr. Bishop Constance Jurgens who was entombed inside the church. The picture of the Cathedral appears at Rome Basilica and is considered one of the most beautiful works of art in the country and the world today. 3. ST. HYACINTH CHURCH (San Jacinto Church) is an elevated chapel whose construction dates back from 1604. It was reconstructed after World War II. American soldiers in the Filipino-American War used it as headquarters in 1899. It is 100 years older than the St. Peter Cathedral. St Hyacinth is the Patron Saint of Tuguegarao City whose feast is being celebrated on August 15 through the Pavvurulun Festival. 4. ST. PAUL UNIVERSITY. Sisters of St. Paul of Chartres composed of four French and one Chinese nun founded St. Paul University on May 10, 1907. The school now boasts of being the first University of St. Paul College in the country. The former names of the school were Colegio de San Pablo in 1907 starting with three classes only, then it was changed to Sagrado Corazon de Jesus. World War II heavily damaged the buildings and equipment but the college trudged on bravely changing the name of the school to Sacred Heart of Jesus Institution and transferred to where it stands today. From St. Paul College of Tuguegarao it became St Paul University Philippines in the year 1982. It is the first Catholic university in Asia and the first private university in the country to get an ISO 9001 Certification in 2001. 5. CAGAYAN PROVINCIAL MUSEUM AND HISTORICAL RESEARCH CENTER is for the culture-oriented. Located at the provincial capitol complex, it was conceived by the Provincial Board in 1971 and became operational on its inauguration on August 15, 1973 during the traditional Aggao na Cagayan. It is a general museum and houses an extensive collection of artifacts, antiques, ethnographics, trade wares, heirloom pieces and liturgical works of the province and fossils of animals that once roamed the valley. The museum houses extensive data on the discovery of Callao Man by the National Museum. The center is only five kilometers from Tuguegarao.