REGION II

• The Smiling Land of Beauty, also referred to as Cagayan Valley, is a stunning region in the northeastern Philippines.
• With its abundance of natural beauty and rich cultural legacy, Cagayan Valley has come to be known as the "Smiling Land of Beauty" because of its stunning scenery and inviting environment.
• The history of the Cagayan Valley is extensive and dates back to the precolonial era.
• Numerous indigenous groups, including the Ibanag, Gaddang, Isinai, and Yogad tribes, lived in the area and developed unique sociopolitical structures and cultural customs.
• After Spanish colonists arrived in the 15th century, the region developed into a major hub for the expansion of Christianity, trade, and cross-cultural interaction.
• Region II or the Cagayan Valley is strategically located in the northeastern part of mainland Luzon.
• With a total land area of 26,388 square kilometers, the Cagayan Valley is the second-largest region in the Philippines.
• The Cagayan Valley consists of the following five provinces: Quirino, Isabela, Batanes, Cagayan, and Nueva Vizcaya.
• The Cagayan Valley consists of three component cities—Cauayan City, Santiago City, and Tuguegarao City— and one independent city, Santiago City.
• Within its 12 congressional districts are 2,311 barangays and 89 municipalities.
• According to the 2020 Census, the population of Region II (Cagayan Valley) was 3,685,744.
• Luñis is a pride of the province of Batanes and is considered one of their traditional eats.
• Pancit Cabagan is a flavorful and hearty noodle dish that has become a beloved staple in Filipino cuisine, originating from the town of Cabagan in the province of Isabela.
• Bambanti Festival is an annual cultural and thanksgiving festival in the province of Isabela, Philippines, a weeklong celebration and the biggest festival in the province, known as Isabela’s Scarecrow Festival.
• Itawes are known for many rituals, traditional practices, and even superstitious beliefs, including Mappatolu, a ritual still practiced today to drive away evil spirits from the body of a deceased person to cleanse illness or to prevent someone from any sickness.
• Cantorit are Itawes ritual performers and custodians of the Arte, a book of Itawes rituals and beliefs, and the relevant dates when to conduct such rituals.
• Aggao Nac Cagayan is a festival that commemorates the establishment of the civil government in Cagayan on June 29, 1583, joined by LGUs of component localities of the province of Cagayan, schools, institutions, and other organizations.
• Cantorit recite and sing songs from the Arte during panulot or wedding engagements, pattolayan or new business openings, or for the souls or spirits during religious activities.
• Carabeef, also known as carabao meat, is a unique ingredient in noodle dishes and has a distinct gamey flavor.
• Payuhuan Festival in the Ivatan language, “payuhuan” stands for cooperation, a 5-day event every June where a province-wide procession is done to recall the route of evangelization.
• The population of Cagayan Valley is distributed as follows: Batanes – 18,831, Cagayan – 1,268,603, Isabela – 1,697,050, Nueva Vizcaya – 497,432, Quirino – 203,823.
• The Cagayan Valley 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.
• During typhoon season, the eastern mountains act as natural barriers to protect against destructive winds.
• Port San Vicente is situated near the locality Tangatan and the village of Santa Cruz.
• Sierra Madre Mountains in Quirino offer an unforgettable experience like trekking through the Sierra Madre Mountains and allow visitors to connect with nature and appreciate the stunning landscapes of the region.
• Modes of transportation to Port San Vicente include airplane, bus, and Victory Liner.
• Ilagan Sanctuary is the most accessible tourist spot in the whole province of Isabela and is located in a portion of Fuyot Spring National Park that comprises the Northern Sierra Madre National Park.
• Morong Beach is perfect for a tropical day since there are white sand, clear blue waters, and verdant hills in the background.
• Pancit Batil Patung is an iconic noodle dish that started in Tuguegarao City.
• Victory Liner offers trips from Manila to Tuguegarao and vice versa.
• The bus from Victory Liner Manila to Tuguegarao departs from Victory Liner Pasay Terminal.
• Tarlac - Pangasinan - La Union Expressway (TPLEX) connects to Northern Luzon.
• According to the bus schedules provided by Victory Liner and FiveStar, the travel time to Tuguegarao usually takes 10-12 hours by bus.
• The average duration of the flight to Tuguegarao is at least 1 hour by plane.
• Pinacanauan River is the largest arm of the Cagayan River and has Class I and Class II rapids, suitable for whitewater rafting and kayaking.
• Cebu Pacific also takes daily flights from passengers heading to Tuguegarao and Cauayan from Manila.
• Their major routes also include Pangasinan, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac, Bulacan, Pampanga, and Northern Zambales.
• The travel time from Manila to Region II will take 1 hour by plane based on the flight schedules given by Philippine Airlines (PAL) and Cebu Pacific.
• There are two trips per day, first class and deluxe accommodation, which will determine the fare rate that needs to be paid.
• The travel time to Tuguegarao takes 12 hours by bus.