Cagayan is a province located in the Cagayan Valley Region (Region II) in the northeastern part of Luzon, Philippines. It is known for its vast agricultural lands, the mighty Cagayan River—the longest and largest river in the country—and its rich historical and cultural heritage. The province covers 9,398.07 square kilometers, making it the largest province in Region II. It is composed of 28 municipalities, 1 component city (Tuguegarao City, which also serves as the provincial capital), and 820 barangays. The name 'Cagayan' is believed to have originated from the Ibanag word 'tagay,' meaning to water a plant, or from the ancient word 'karayan,' meaning river, later adopted and Hispanized by the Spanish colonizers.

History

Cagayan Province has a rich history dating back to the early Austronesian settlers such as the Ibanag, Itawit, Malaueg, and Gaddang who thrived along the Cagayan River and coastal plains. Archaeological evidence shows that communities lived in the area thousands of years ago. In 1581, the Spanish formally established Cagayan as one of the first provinces in northern Luzon, making Nueva Segovia (now Lal-lo) the capital and an important religious center. The province became notable for the Cagayan Battles of 1582, where Spanish forces clashed with Japanese pirates. Tuguegarao was later declared the capital in the 19th century and retained this role under American rule. During World War II, Cagayan was occupied by Japanese forces before its liberation in 1945. Today, it stands as a vital center of agriculture, culture, and education in Northern Luzon.