Aquino signs Ilagan cityhood law

ILAGAN, Isabela, Philippines  – President Aquino signed into law last week the measure converting this town into a city.

Isabela Gov. Faustino Dy III said Republic Act 10169, is another breakthrough for the capital town and proves the the province’s continuous development.

“This is another momentous development for all Isabelinos….That (signing) had been long overdue. The President was a congressman in 1995 and must naturally know the circumstances behind the cityhood campaign of Ilagan,” Dy said. 

Dy, with Vice Gov. Rodito Albano, reiterated the provincial government’s all-out support to Ilagan’s cityhood. The measure was principally authored by Isabela’s first district Rep. Rodolfo Albano Jr.

Officials also predicted a landslide win for the cityhood of Ilagan.

Provincial police director Senior Superintendassessment, said he sees no active opposition among residents to the town’s cityhood.

Residents rejected a similar bid more than 10 years ago for fear of a drastic increase in business and real property taxes, among others. 

Isabela Mayor Jose Marie Diaz likewise expressed confidence that the cityhood measure will be ratified by its residents.

The plebiscite is tentatively scheduled on July 28.

“We will continue to endeavor for the further development of Ilagan,” said Diaz, who sees more schools and hospitals being established here with the expected increase in their Internal Revenue Allotment.

Home to what is touted the world’s biggest butaka or armchair, Ilagan, if it succeeds in its cityhood bid, will be the fourth city in the region, after Santiago City and Cauayan City, both in Isabela and Tuguegarao City in Cagayan.