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Geography

The region of Cagayan Valley, otherwise known as Region 2, is the second largest region in terms of land area. It is composed of 5 provinces located in the northeastern part of Luzon Island. It is bounded on the north by the Bashi Channel, on the east by the Pacific Ocean, on the south by Central Luzon, and on the west by Cordillera Region. The eastern and southern part of the region is dominated by the mighty Sierra Madre mountain range while the western part, the valley of Cagayan, is mostly flat. Measuring some 80 kilometers at its widest, the valley is drained by the 335-kilometer Cagayan River, the country's longest, as it flows northward to Babuyan Channel.

The Cagayan Valley Region experiences more climate changes than any other region of the country. The Batanes group of islands and northwestern Cagayan province experience Type II climate which is characterize by heavy rainfall from November to January with no pronounced dry season. The Sierra Madre area or the eastern part of the region has the Type IV climate where rainfall is more or less evenly distributed throughout the year. Type III climate is experienced by the rest of Cagayan Valley and is characterized by relative dryness from November to April and rainy throughout the rest of the year.

People

The people of Region 2 are mostly Ilocanos but the original cultural groups such as the Gaddangs, Ibanags, Itawis, Yogads, and the Isnegs are still found in the region. Other cultural groups that have made their residence in the region are the Ifugaos, Bontocs, Apayaos, and Kalingas.

Economic Profile

Due to the rich alluvial soil of the Cagayan Valley, Region 2 is a major food basket of the country. The region is a top producer of rice and corn. Other agricultural products are tobacco, sugarcane, coconut, and banana. Its mountains is abundant in timber. The Babuyan Channel located north of Cagayan Province is a rich fishing ground. Fishing is also a source of livelihood of the people in the eastern coastal municipalities. The southern part of the region, particularly the province of Nueva Vizcaya, has large reserves of minerals and mining is poised to become a major industry although much opposition to its development is coming from various sectors of the population especially the indigenous communities. There is also proven reserves of coal in the province of Isabela. One of the largest dams in Asia, Magat Dam, is found in the region providing not only electricity but water for irrigation as well. There are many other tributaries of the Cagayan River that are still awaiting development for electricity and irrigation.

There are no large manufacturing plants in the region except for a sugar mill and some lumber mills that are still operating. However, the establishment of the Cagayan Economic Zone in the Northeastern part of Cagayan Province has provided an anchor for the development of manufacturing industries. Tourism in the region is still in its infancy.

Although rich in natural resources, the region has a small contribution to the national economy. In 2007, it contributed only 2%, lower than neighboring mountainous Cordillera Region which contributed 2.22%.

Major Tourist spots in Cagayan Valley Region

• Sto. Domingo Church in Basco, Batanes
• Callao Caves in Penablanca, Cagayan
• Cape Engano Lighthouse in Sta. Ana, Cagayan
• Historic town of Palanan, Isabela
• Musuem and provincial capitol in Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya
• St. Vincent Ferrer Church in Dupax, Nueva Vizcaya
• Maddela and Mactol Caves, Bimmapor Rock Formation in Quirino

Food

• Dinengdeng
• Pinakbet
• Empanada
• Bagoong