Tuguegarao

Tuguegarao stretches between the Sierra Madre Mountains and Cordillera Mountains, where the Pinacanauan River joins the Cagayan River. The Regional Government Center on Enrile Boulevard houses administrative offices and maintains 24-hour emergency response services through the City Command Center.

The settlement was established in 1604 by Dominican missionary Tomas Villa. It gained prominence as the provincial capital of Cagayan in 1839 with the opening of Manila Road.

The name comes from the Ibanag language and refers to the original land clearing method. The Pavvurulun Afi Festival brings together students and residents for street dancing performances and competitions honoring Saint Jacinto de Polonia.

The area sits between two mountain ranges at about 120 meters (394 feet) elevation, where two rivers meet. Main administrative buildings and public facilities are located along Enrile Boulevard and in the government district.

The city name Tuguegarao combines the Ibanag words Tuggi, gari and yaw. This word combination describes the technique the first settlers used to clear forest land for cultivation.

Location: Cagayan

Inception: May 9, 1604

Elevation above the sea: 120 m

Shares border with: Solana, San Pablo

Website: http://tuguegaraocity.gov.ph

GPS coordinates: 17.61333,121.73028

Latest update: December 13, 2025 15:49