by Lionunion 
Cagayan Valley, also known as Region II or Tanap ti Cagayan in Ilocano, is an administrative region in the northeastern section of Luzon Island, Philippines. It is composed of five provinces: Batanes, Cagayan, Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya, and Quirino. The region hosts four chartered cities of Cauayan, Ilagan, Santiago, and Tuguegarao.
An Overview of Cagayan Valley
The region has a total area of 28,228.83 square kilometers (10,899.21 square miles). According to the 2020 census, the total population of the region is 3,685,744. The region’s density is estimated to be 130 people per square kilometer (340 people per square mile).
In terms of economy, the region’s GDP in 2021 was ₱399.9 billion ($8 billion), with a growth rate of 5.1%. The region is largely agricultural, with significant contributions from the fishing and aquaculture industries. It is the top producer of corn in the country and second in rice production.
The real estate market in the region is growing, with cities like Tuguegarao and Cauayan becoming centers of commerce and trade. The shift from agriculture to secondary/tertiary economic activities such as trading, commerce, and services has been facilitated by the region’s role as the Regional Government Center and Center of Commerce in Northern Luzon.
Exploring the Provinces of Cagayan Valley
Batanes
Batanes is an archipelagic province in the Philippines, located in the Cagayan Valley region. It is the northernmost and smallest province in the country, both in terms of population and land area. As of the 2020 census, the province had a population of 18,831. The province’s capital is Basco, situated on the island of Batan.
The province covers a total area of 203.22 square kilometers and is composed of 6 municipalities and 29 barangays. The three largest islands, Batan, Itbayat, and Sabtang, are the only inhabited ones. The province is hilly and mountainous, with only 7.1% of its area being level to undulating terrain.
The economy of Batanes is primarily agricultural, with about 75% of the Ivatans (the native people of Batanes) being farmers and fishermen. The main cash crops are garlic and cattle. However, the province faces economic challenges due to its distance and frequent bad weather, which can lead to high mark-ups on certain commodities.
The province is known for its unique culture and heritage, with the entire province listed in the UNESCO tentative list for inscription in the World Heritage List. The Ivatans are known for their stone houses, which are designed to withstand the high-pressure winds of typhoons.
Cagayan
Cagayan, officially known as the Province of Cagayan, is a province in the Philippines located in the Cagayan Valley region, covering the northeastern tip of Luzon. Its capital is the city of Tuguegarao. The province has a total area of 9,398.07 square kilometers, making it the 5th largest province out of 81 in the country. As of the 2020 census, it has a population of 1,268,603, ranking 23rd out of 81.
The economy of Cagayan is largely based on agriculture, with rice, corn, and tobacco as major crops. The province is also rich in natural resources such as copper, gold, and magnetite sands. It has a thriving fishing industry due to its coastal location. However, specific details about the real estate market in Cagayan are not readily available from the source provided.
Cagayan has a rich history dating back to the Spanish colonial period. It was one of the early provinces that existed during that time, with its borders essentially covering the entire Cagayan Valley. Today, the entire region is still referred to as Cagayan Valley. The province has also been a major site for the Maritime Jade Road, one of the most extensive sea-based trade networks of a single geological material in the prehistoric world.
Isabela
Isabela is the second largest province in the Philippines, located in the Cagayan Valley region. The province spans an area of 13,102.05 square kilometers and as of the 2020 census, it has a population of 1,697,050. The province’s capital and largest city is Ilagan.
Isabela is primarily an agricultural province and is known as the “Rice Bowl of the North” and the “Top Corn Producer of the Philippines”. In 2012, it was declared as the country’s top producer of corn with 1,209,524 metric tons. It is also the second-largest rice producer in the country.
The province is the 9th richest in the Philippines as of 2021. It has four trade centers located in the cities of Ilagan, Cauayan, Santiago, and the municipality of Roxas. Santiago City is considered to have the fastest-growing local economy in the entire Philippines.
Nueva Vizcaya
Nueva Vizcaya, officially known as the Province of Nueva Vizcaya, is a landlocked province in the Philippines situated in the Cagayan Valley region in Luzon. Its capital is Bayombong. The province is bordered by Benguet to the west, Ifugao to the north, Isabela to the northeast, Quirino to the east, Aurora to the southeast, Nueva Ecija to the south, and Pangasinan to the southwest.
The total area of the province is 4,813.88 square kilometers, making it the 31st largest province out of 81 in the country. As of the 2020 census, it has a population of 497,432, ranking 59th out of 81. The province is divided into 15 municipalities and 275 barangays.
The economy of Nueva Vizcaya is primarily based on agriculture, with rice, corn, fruits, and vegetables as the main crops. It is a major producer of citrus crops in the country, particularly pomelo, ponkan, and oranges. The province also has a mining industry, which contributes to its income. However, mining activities have been alleged to have caused environmental damage and endangered the livelihoods of farmers and fisherfolk.
Quirino
Quirino, officially known as the Province of Quirino, is a landlocked province in the Philippines located in the Cagayan Valley region in Luzon. Its capital is Cabarroguis. The province is named after Elpidio Quirino, the sixth President of the Philippines. It borders Aurora to the southeast, Nueva Vizcaya to the west, and Isabela to the north. Quirino used to be part of the province of Nueva Vizcaya, until it was separated in 1966.
The province covers a total area of 2,319.66 square kilometers, ranking 54th out of 81 provinces in the country. As of the 2020 census, it has a population of 203,828, ranking 73rd out of 81.
Agriculture is the main industry in the province, with rice and corn as major crops. It is the leading producer of banana in the Cagayan Valley region. Banana as well as banana chips are major products sold in Metro Manila and Pampanga. Small scale industries like furniture making, basketry, rattan craft, and dried flower production are also prevalent.
In conclusion, Cagayan Valley is a region of diverse landscapes, rich agricultural lands, and growing economies. Each province contributes to the region’s unique character and potential for growth. Whether for agriculture, tourism, or real estate, the Cagayan Valley offers a wealth of opportunities for residents and investors alike.
Source: wikipedia
