Cagayan – Spelunker’s Paradise
Cagayan is considered as a spelunker’s paradise because of the number of caves found in the province. From the flooded caves of Odessa-Tumbali Cave System, to the large chambers of Callao caves, each cave offers spelunkers and thrill seekers a set of challenging routes and pathways.
The province is also popular for pilgrims and Marian devotees. The 14 Stations of the Cross in Iguig and the Basilica Minore of Our Lady of Piat are among the well known religious destinations in Cagayan.
Demographics
1. Population - 1,
072, 571(as of 2007 Census)
2. Land Area -9,002.7 sq. km
3. Capital - Tuguegarao City
4.Language/Dialect- Ybanag, Ytawit, Malaweg, Ilocano.,
English, and Filipino
5. Divisions
Cities (1)
Municipalities (28)
Iguig Calvary
Hills
Around the 11-hectare rolling hills are the statues
of the 14 Stations of the Cross, depicting the death
and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Ablanca
Caves
The town of Peñablanca is filled with breathtaking
caves, each with its own special characteristic which
makes them a spelunker’s paradise.
Cagayan River
/ Rio Grande de Cagayan
The Cagayan River is the longest and widest river in
the country.
Basilica
Minore of Our Lady of Piat
Known here and abroad as the Black Mary, this century
old image was brought from Macau to the Philippines
in 1604. From then on until today, hundreds of pilgrims
visit the shrine to give thanks and pray to the Virgin
Mary.
Delectable
food
Tourist should be ready to sink their teeth in the native
delicacies of Cagayan.
1. Tuguegarao Pancit (Batil Patung) from Tuguegarao
City.
2. Carabao milk candy from Alcala
Cultural
Cagayan
Provincial Museum & Historical Research Center
Location: Provincial Capitol Complex, Tuguegarao City,
Cagayan
It houses an extensive collection of artifacts, antiques,
ethnographics, tradewares, heirloom pieces and liturgical
works of the province, and fossils of animals. The museum
and research center was inaugurated on August 15, 1973.
Pannaddamman
Museum
Location: Cagayan State University, Brgy. Carig, Tuguegarao
City, Cagayan
Tour Days: Monday – Friday (Weekends – by
appointment)
Tour Time: 8:00am – 5:00pm
Entrance Fee: Php. 10.00
Mannequins portraying the traditions from birth to death
of the native Ibanag and Ilocano. The museum also has
a collection of archeological items from Lallo, old
coins and historical documents.
Historical
St. Hyacinth
Church / San Jacinto Chapel
Location: Camalaniugan, Cagayan
The invading American forces used the church as their
headquarters during the Philippine – American
War in 1899.
Man-made
Buntun Bridge
Location: Tuguegarao City, Cagayan
It is the second longest bridge in the country, measuring
at 1.124 kilometers. It offers an unobstructed view
of the majestic Cagayan River and serves as the connection
between Tuguegarao City and the 2nd and 3rd District
Municipalities of Cagayan and Apayao Province.
Cape Engaño
Lighthouse
Location: Palaui Island, Sta. Ana, Cagayan
The lighthouse was made during the Spanish Regime and
now, it is the only operational lighthouse in the northeastern
coast
Natural
Cagayan
River / Rio Grande de Cagayan
Location: Cagayan Province
The Philippines’ mightiest watercourse –
the longest and widest river in the country.
Callao Caves
Location: Brgy. Callao, Peñablanca, Cagayan
The seven-chambered Callao Cave has massive limestone
and rock formations, skylights and a chapel. The Callao
Cave Tourist Zone comprises more than 300 caves, 75
of which have been documented by the National Museum
since 1977.
Jackpot Cave
Location: Sitio Tumallo, Brgy. Quibal, Peñablanca,
Cagayan
It is the second deepest cave in the Philippines at
115 meters. The cave has a walking-size passage, shafts
and drops of varying depths that provide for a lot of
rope works.
Odessa-Tumbali
Cave System
Location: Sitio Abbenditan, Brgy. Quibal, Peñablanca,
Cagayan
At 12.60 kilometers, it is the third longest cave in
the Philippines. It is a flood prone cave excellent
for wet sport caving.
San Carlos
Cave
Location: Peñablanca, Cagayan
The cave has several notable chambers including the
“Ice Cream Parlor” which contains a cluster
of white stalagmites that resemble scooped ice cream.
The “John the Baptist” chamber, on the other
hand, is a very deep underwater sump that one has to
take a deep breath and swim to the other side of the
chamber.
Aparri Delta
Location: Aparri, Cagayan
This is where the Cagayan River meets the South China
Sea. It also offers a great view to the mouth of the
Cagayan River.
Religious
Basilica
Minore of Our Lady of Piat
Location: Tuguegarao City, Cagayan
The Our Lady of Visitation image was brought from Macau
to the Philippines in 1604. It was first enshrined in
Nueva Segovia of Lallo but was brought to Piat to convert
the Itawes people to Christianity. Now, pilgrims and
devotees of the Black Mary from here and abroad come
to give thanks and pray to the Virgin Mary.
Iguig Calvary
Hills
Location: Parish of St. James the Greater, Tuguegarao
City
The statues of the 14 Stations of the Cross, depicting
Jesus Christ’s suffering before his death at Mount
Calvary were completed in 1982. The Station of the Cross,
as well as the church is a popular destination during
Lenten Season
Sts. Peter
and Paul Metropolitan Cathedral
Location: Tuguegarao City, Cagayan
The church was constructed under the supervision of
Fr. Antonio Lobato, OP on June 17, 1761 and was finished
in 1767. Now the cathedral serves as the seat of the
Archdiocese of Tuguegarao.
San Jacinto
de Polonia Parish
Location: Camalaniugan, Cagayan
The parish church is the keeper of the oldest bell in
the Far East. Forged in 1595, it was brought to Manila
in 1937 as part of the attractions during the 33rd International
Eucharistic Congress.
St. Peter
Thelmo Festival
Place: Aparri, Cagayan
Date: May 10
The feast day of the patron of Aparri is highlighted
by a colorful fluvial parade of about a hundred boats
of different sizes and shapes.
Piat Sambali
Festival & Feast of Nuestra Señora de Piat
Place: Piat, Cagayan
Date: June 23 – July 2
The Piat Sambali is held from June 23 – 30. Sambali
is a war dance of tribes that were united and converted
to Christianity through the intercession of the Lady
of Piat. Locals recreate the Sambali wearing their ethnic
costumes. The feast day of Our Lady of Piat is celebrated
from July 1 – 2. Procession and religious activities
highlight the festival.
Aggao nac
Cagayan
Place: Cagayan Province
Date: June 24 – 29
The feast is in commemoration of the establishment of
the civil government of Cagayan on June 29, 1583. Trade
fairs, beauty pageants, and cultural activities are
held during the week long celebration.