Overview
Region II, also known as the Cagayan Valley, is located in the northeastern part of Luzon. It is composed of five major administrative divisions: Batanes, Cagayan, Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya, and Quirino. The region is known for its vast agricultural plains, rugged mountain ranges, and coastal landscapes. It serves as a major producer of rice, corn, and high-value crops, making it one of the Philippines’ most important food baskets.
Administrative Structure
Region II is divided into provinces, cities, and municipalities, each with distinct administrative roles and geographic characteristics.
Provinces of Region II
- Batanes — The northernmost province of the Philippines, known for its unique Ivatan culture and stone houses.
- Cagayan — The largest province in the region, home to the Cagayan River and several coastal municipalities.
- Isabela — A major agricultural hub and the second-largest province in the Philippines by land area.
- Nueva Vizcaya — A landlocked province with diverse indigenous communities and mountainous terrain.
- Quirino — Known for eco-tourism sites and protected forest areas.
Cities & Municipalities
Region II contains 4 component cities and 89 municipalities, distributed across its five provinces.
Component Cities
- Tuguegarao City (Cagayan) — Regional center and economic hub.
- Cauayan City (Isabela) — Commercial and agro-industrial center.
- Santiago City (Isabela) — Independent component city with strong commercial activity.
- Ilagan City (Isabela) — Provincial capital and one of the largest cities by land area.
Municipalities by Province
Batanes
- Basco
- Ivana
- Mahatao
- Sabtang
- Uyugan
- Itbayat
Cagayan
- 28 municipalities including Aparri, Lal-lo, Gonzaga, and Sta. Ana
Isabela
- 34 municipalities including Echague, Roxas, Alicia, and San Mateo
Nueva Vizcaya
- 15 municipalities including Bayombong, Solano, and Bambang
Quirino
- 6 municipalities including Cabarroguis, Diffun, and Saguday
Administrative Divisions & Governance
Regional Offices
Region II hosts several regional government offices, including:
- Department of Agriculture – Region II
- Department of Education – Region II
- Department of Public Works and Highways – Region II
- Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Region II
These offices coordinate regional planning, development, and implementation of national programs.
Provincial Governments
Each province has its own local government headed by a Governor, Vice Governor, and Sangguniang Panlalawigan.
City & Municipal Governments
Cities and municipalities are governed by Mayors, Vice Mayors, and Sangguniang Bayan members.
Population & Demographics
Region II has a population of approximately 3.8 million (latest PSA estimate). Major ethnolinguistic groups include:
- Ibanag
- Itawes
- Ilocano
- Ivatan
- Gaddang
Indigenous Peoples (IPs) are present in Nueva Vizcaya and Quirino, including:
- Ifugao
- Isinai
- Kalanguya
Land Area & Geography
Region II covers a total land area of 28,228 km², making it one of the largest regions in Luzon.
Key Geographic Features
- Cagayan River — Longest river in the Philippines
- Sierra Madre Mountain Range — Eastern boundary of the region
- Cordillera Mountains — Western boundary
- Batanes Islands — Northernmost Philippine territory
Economic Profile
Region II’s economy is driven by:
- Agriculture (rice, corn, bananas, tobacco)
- Fisheries (Cagayan coastal areas)
- Forestry (Quirino and Nueva Vizcaya)
- Trade and services (Tuguegarao, Santiago, Cauayan)
Key Economic Zones
- Cagayan Special Economic Zone and Freeport (CSEZFP)
- Isabela Agro-Industrial Zones
Infrastructure & Transportation
Major Highways
- Maharlika Highway (AH26)
- Cagayan Valley Road
Airports
- Tuguegarao Airport
- Cauayan Airport
- Basco Airport (Batanes)
Seaports
- Port of Aparri
- Port of Sta. Ana
Tourism & Cultural Heritage
Region II is home to numerous cultural and natural attractions:
- Batanes — Rolling hills, stone houses, lighthouses
- Callao Cave (Cagayan)
- Magat Dam (Isabela)
- Mt. Palali (Nueva Vizcaya)
- Aglipay Caves (Quirino)
Internal Links (SEO Structure)
- Region II Overview
- Provinces of Region II
- Cities & Municipalities
- Travel & Tourism
- Economic Profile
Key Takeaways
- Region II is a major agricultural powerhouse.
- It has a diverse cultural and ethnolinguistic population.
- The region contains important natural landmarks and economic zones.
- Its administrative structure includes 5 provinces, 4 cities, and 89 municipalities.