Isabela is the second-largest province in the Philippines, located in the Cagayan Valley region in the northeastern part of Luzon. The province is known for its fertile agricultural lands, natural resources, and diverse cultural heritage. In this article, we will explore the demographics, real estate developments, economy, culture, education, healthcare, and other related information about Isabela.

Demographics

Population by Age Group in Isabela (2015 Census):

  1. Age Groups and Populations:
    • The age group with the highest population: 5 to 9 years old, with 164,851 individuals.
    • The age group with the lowest population: 80 and over, comprising 12,738 individuals.
  2. Age Group Aggregates:
    • Young Dependents (aged 14 and below): Make up 30.45% of the total population, totaling 485,279 individuals. This group includes infants, babies, children, and young adolescents/teenagers.
    • Economically Active Population (aged 15 to 64): Constitute 64.64% of the population, with 1,030,096 individuals. This category represents the workforce and potential workforces.
    • Old Dependents (aged 65 and over): Account for 4.91% of the total population, equivalent to 78,191 individuals and consists of senior citizens.
  3. Age Dependency Ratios:
    • For every 100 individuals in the working age population:
      • There are 47 youth dependents (aged 14 and below).
      • There are 8 aged/senior citizens (aged 65 and over).
    • In total, there are 55 dependents (combining young and old-age) for every 100 of the working population. These ratios provide insights into the population’s dependency on different age groups.
  4. Median Age:
    • The median age of Isabela in 2015 is 25 years. This statistic indicates that half of the entire population is aged less than 25, while the other half is over the age of 25. It’s a key measure of the age distribution within the province, highlighting the relatively youthful population.
NameCity/ MunicipalityPopulation (2020)Population (2015)Annual Population Growth Rate (2015‑2020)Area (km2)Density (2020), per km2Brgy count
Aliciamunicipality73,87471,5040.69%154.1047934
Angadananmunicipality44,97743,0610.92%204.4022059
Auroramunicipality36,62135,0170.95%115.5631733
Benito Solivenmunicipality29,75229,6240.09%197.5215129
Burgosmunicipality26,04023,7841.93%73.1035614
Cabaganmunicipality53,89750,1741.52%430.4012526
Cabatuanmunicipality39,99039,4130.31%72.0055522
Cauayancity (CC)143,403129,5232.17%336.4042665
Cordonmunicipality46,47742,9261.69%144.0032326
Delfin Albanomunicipality29,92826,6142.50%189.0015829
Dinapiguemunicipality5,8215,0053.23%1,031.9366
Divilacanmunicipality5,8275,6870.51%889.49712
Echaguemunicipality88,41079,0942.37%648.3813664
Gamumunicipality30,65529,9040.52%129.4023716
Ilagancity (CC), capital158,218145,5681.77%1,166.2613691
Jonesmunicipality45,62845,666-0.02%670.146842
Lunamunicipality20,69719,3261.45%44.9446119
Maconaconmunicipality3,9774,253-1.40%538.66710
Malligmunicipality32,20830,4591.18%158.5520318
Naguilianmunicipality33,78831,9021.22%169.8119925
Palananmunicipality17,68417,2600.51%880.242017
Quezonmunicipality27,03725,8600.94%207.0713115
Quirinomunicipality25,02324,5010.44%126.2019821
Ramonmunicipality56,52352,7071.48%135.1741819
Reina Mercedesmunicipality27,90026,9980.69%57.1448820
Roxasmunicipality65,83961,7731.35%139.9547026
San Agustinmunicipality22,09622,880-0.73%278.407923
San Guillermomunicipality20,91520,2000.74%457.354626
San Isidromunicipality27,04424,8611.79%71.9037613
San Manuelmunicipality34,08531,8961.41%112.7730219
San Marianomunicipality60,12455,3701.75%1,459.164136
San Mateomunicipality66,66364,5050.70%242.1027533
San Pablomunicipality26,32025,3840.77%637.904117
Santa Mariamunicipality25,75825,3820.31%124.9020620
Santiagocity (ICC)148,580134,8302.07%255.5058237
Santo Tomasmunicipality24,52823,0051.36%80.5830427
Tumauinimunicipality70,74367,6500.95%471.6815046
Isabela Total1,697,0501,593,5661.33%13,102.051301,055

Economy

Fiscal YearAnnual Regular IncomeChange
20091,393,109,090.76
20101,498,735,350.477.58%
20111,730,610,652.4215.47%
20121,632,559,738.90-5.67%
20131,772,857,201.768.59%
20142,019,452,462.1413.91%
20152,303,660,681.4814.07%
20162,637,950,546.9714.51%
End notes:Annual Regular Income = Locally Sourced Revenue + Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) Current Year + Other Shares from National Tax CollectionLocally Sourced Revenue = Real Property Tax (General Fund) + Tax on Business + Other Taxes + Regulatory Fees + Service/User Charges + Receipts from Economic Enterprises

Culture:

Isabela has a rich and diverse cultural heritage, with influences from the Ilocano, Itawis, and Gaddang ethnic groups. The province is known for its traditional dances, music, and festivals. One of the most popular festivals in the province is the Bambanti Festival, which celebrates the province’s agricultural heritage and the importance of the scarecrow in farming.

The province also has several cultural landmarks and heritage sites, such as the San Pablo Cathedral in the town of San Pablo, the St. Ferdinand Church in Ilagan, and the Tumauini Church, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site.