San Mariano, municipality of the Philippines in the province of Isabela
San Mariano is a municipality in Isabela province located in Cagayan Valley, spread across a large territory divided into many barangay communities. The landscape is dominated by rice and corn fields that form the backbone of the local economy.
The settlement began as a Spanish mission established in 1755 under the name Catalangan. It eventually developed into an independent municipality formally recognized as San Mariano in 1927.
The town grew where Spanish missionary work met indigenous communities, creating a layered local identity. Today farming traditions and family-centered activities shape how residents spend their time.
The municipality is reached by road after several hours of travel from Manila and requires planning to visit the various communities scattered across the region. Visit during the dry season when access roads are easier to navigate and farm activities are most visible.
The territory encompasses one of the largest municipal land areas in the country and was visited by 19th-century naturalists studying indigenous populations. Few travelers realize how extensive the barangay network spreads across forests and farmland.
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