Nueva Vizcaya

Nueva Vizcaya is a landlocked province in Cagayan Valley (Region II) in the Philippines. It covers about 4,221.45 square kilometers and is composed of 15 municipalities, subdivided into 275 barangays. The capital of the province is Bayombong, which also serves as its educational, cultural, and administrative center. Known as the 'Watershed Haven of the Philippines,' Nueva Vizcaya is rich in natural resources, playing a vital role in water supply and agricultural production while also being home to diverse indigenous communities and scenic landscapes.

HISTORY

Nueva Vizcaya was established as a province in 1839 during the Spanish colonial period. It was named after the province of Vizcaya in Spain (now Biscay in the Basque Country). Originally, it covered a much larger area that included present-day Quirino, Isabela, and parts of Aurora. Over time, its territory was reduced as these areas became separate provinces. Before Spanish rule, Nueva Vizcaya was inhabited by various indigenous groups, including the Gaddang, Isinai, Ilongot (Bugkalot), and Kalanguya, each with distinct cultures and traditions. The Spaniards attempted to Christianize and govern these groups, but due to the province’s mountainous terrain, many communities remained relatively independent. During the American period (1898–1946), Nueva Vizcaya was organized under the civil government, and infrastructure such as schools and roads were developed. After World War II, the province recovered from heavy destruction and gradually became an important center for agriculture and mining in Region II. Today, Nueva Vizcaya is known not only for its role as the 'Watershed Haven of the Philippines' but also as a province where indigenous heritage and modern development blend, preserving a unique cultural identity within Cagayan Valley.

QUICK FACTS
Population Census (2024)	530,106
Land Area (2013)	4,221.45 km²
No. of households	128,181
Average Household Size	3.87
Registered Voters	303,090
Major Landmarks	Capisaan Cave Systems
Coastal Access	no
Economic Zone estimated elevation above sea level	268 meters

Map

Nueva Vizcaya Province is located in the Cagayan Valley Region (Region II) in the northeastern part of Luzon Island, bordered by Quirino and Isabela to the east, Nueva Ecija to the south, Benguet to the west, and Ifugao and Mountain Province to the north.

MUNICIPALITIES POPULATION DATA

Nueva Vizcaya has 15 municipalities and 275 barangays.

name	type	barangay_count	population_2020	population_2024
Alfonso Castaneda	Municipality	6	8406	8725
Ambaguio	Municipality	8	15585	16180
Aritao	Municipality	22	42405	44021
Bagabag	Municipality	17	37285	38709
Bambang	Municipality	25	55794	57923
Bayombong	Municipality, Capital	25	67744	70322
Diadi	Municipality	19	19989	20750
Dupax del Norte	Municipality	15	27729	28783
Dupax del Sur	Municipality	19	21196	22005
Kasibu	Municipality	30	41821	43421
Kayapa	Municipality	30	26303	27307
Quezon	Municipality	12	24783	25727
Santa Fe	Municipality	16	18668	19379
Solano	Municipality	22	65629	68134
Villaverde	Municipality	9	20351	21125

DEMOGRAPHICS

Population by Age Group

Based on the 2020 Census, the largest age group is 5-9, with 48,765 individuals, followed closely by those aged below 5 years (47,321) and 10-14 years (46,987). In contrast, the smallest population is found in 75-79, with only 2,567 individuals.

age	population_2020
Below 5	47321
5-9	48765
10-14	46987
75-79	2567

Population by Gender

In 2020, the population was composed of approximately 50.34% males and 49.66% females, indicating a slightly higher number of males than females.

ECONOMY

Agricultural Production Trends (2018–2023)

From 2018 to 2023, Nueva Vizcaya’s agricultural sector showed steady growth. Crop production increased from 45,678 metric tons in 2018 to 52,345 metric tons in 2023. Livestock production peaked at 7,890 metric tons in 2020 but declined to 6,789 metric tons by 2023. Poultry production rose from 5,678 metric tons in 2018 to 6,543 metric tons in 2023. Fisheries production remained limited due to the province’s landlocked nature, fluctuating between 1,234 metric tons in 2018 and 1,456 metric tons in 2023.

title	2022	2023
Crops	50123	52345
Livestock	7012	6789
Poultry	6456	6543
Fisheries	1456	1456

BARANGAY