There’s no river like the Cagayan River or the Rio Grande de Cagayan - the longest and widest river in the Philippines. 

The river drops rapidly from 91 meters above sea level to the mouth of the river from its principal tributaries - Pinacanauan, Chico, Siffu, Mallig, Magat, and Ilagan Rivers. It traverses four provinces: Nueva Vizcaya, Quirino, Isabela, and Cagayan.

The Cagayan River is vital in sustaining all life forms particularly agriculture, industries, domestic uses, recreation, and environment-related activities.

Cagayan Valley farmers depend on the river, which drains into the fertile valley soil that produces crops like rice, corn, bananas, coconut, citrus, tobacco, and others. It is also the main source of water supply that runs the irrigation systems.

The Ibanags, who are natives of the valley, derived their name and that of their language from the word ‘bannag’, meaning river. 

For as long as the Ibanags can remember, the river has always been the source of food for Cagayanos who are dependent on freshwater resources.

From the river comes freshwater species like ‘Ludong, now considered the most expensive fish in the country, according to Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Regional Director Angel B. Encarnacion. 

Ludong is a threatened fish species. Other than this, the river is also rich in Goby fish species called ‘Mori’, ‘Birut’, and ‘Ifun’ - which can be considered as the smallest fish species in the region;  ‘Agua’ or milkfish species; and ‘Sihin’ or freshwater eel. Reports said some of these species suspected of being threatened include the ‘cabibi’, ‘unnuk’, ‘anzikkan’, ‘ala’, ‘basikul’, ‘liddag’, and ‘ararayan.’ 

Over-gathering and the use of chemicals in agriculture have been blamed for the state of endemic species in the province.

The mighty and at times turbulent river also supports the lives of numerous endemic and endangered fauna species, like the Luzon bleeding-heart pigeon (Gallicolumba luzonica), Philippine eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyi) as well as other species that are also considered rare and threatened.

Throughout history, the Cagayan River has played a vital role in people’s day-to-day living. It was and still is utilized as a passageway to and from municipalities and barangays. 

However, the river occasionally becomes a bane when it swells its banks as a result of heavy rains brought about by floods during typhoons. It usually brings millions of pesos in losses in agriculture and infrastructure, and at times, loss of lives. It can take a toll on local and national economies.

To conserve and harness the potential of the Cagayan River, the Regional Development Council (RDC) adopted the ‘Cagayan Riverine Zone Development Framework Plan’ which aims to accelerate the sustainable development of the riverine zone as a means to enhance its productivity and realize its full development potential up to 2030.

NEDA Regional Director Dionisio C. Ledres Jr. said the framework was conceptualized to harmonize attempts of different organizations on various tourism activities as well as resource extractions from the river. 

The council members argued that aside from the abundant resources in the Cagayan River and its uses, river cruising, kayaking, boating, and water rafting are among the potential tourism activities that need investors.

Based on the local government units, so far, quarrying is the only booming industry in almost all municipalities located along the stretch of the river. They are regulated to ensure responsible mineral extraction activities.

Local officials who are also RDC members believe that the Cagayan River needs to be managed well and protected from exploitation to ensure the existence of its natural resources for the next generations of users.

They said all users have to unify their acts to protect a natural resource like the Cagayan River to harness its full use as a tool in improving productivity and economic growth in the Cagayan Valley Region. (OTB/PIA Region 2)