General Information

Tuguegarao City is the only existing city in the province of Cagayan, Philippines. It is the  provincial capital of Cagayan & the regional capital of Region 02. Currently known as the Premier Ibanag City. It is located in a peninsula, lies near the great river of the original vast territory Cagayan Valley. In the east portion, the city is protected by the Sierra Madre Mountains; the Gran Cordillera mountain range in the West; and, the Caraballo Mountains in the South. It is a narrow strip of land projecting into the banks of the mighty Rio Grande also called Cagayan River and the swift Pinacanauan River, near the southern border of the province. In the ancient times, the southeastern part of Tuguegarao is known as the Itawis District, while the rest of the place is an Ibanag & Irraya Territory.

Quick Facts

Tuguegarao City is the Center of Excellence in Education, Commerce and Culture in Northeastern Philippines.

Ibanag and Itawit language is the native tongue. While majority of the people understand and speak the Filipino language, though Ilokano language is commonly understood and spoken, the English language is widely used in business transactions and education.

Weather/Temperature

Tuguegarao City is best to be visited from the months between December to May when the weather turns dry. Most of the travelers,  Balik-Bayans and the local residents  prefer to visit/return in the city from its coolest months which is from December to February. While tourist from the other cold countries prefer to be in the city from its hottest days during March to May. Temperature can rise as high as 32.2°C in the summer. The rainy season begins in July-December bringing heavy downpours when Typhoons come.

Fact: The highest recorded temperature in the Philippines and of the Western Pacific Region was in Tuguegarao on April 29, 1912 at 42.2°C (108°F). Average temperature during March and April is 38°C, one of the highest in the country for years.

Dress to Wear

Wear natural-cotton-fiber, lightweight clothing during dry seasons. While cold and wet seasons wear thick clothes.

What to Bring

Bring and wear only bathing suits in local resorts. Bring insect repellent, flashlight, sun block cream, comfortable shoes for walking, rubber slippers for the hiking, mountain climbing and spelunking.

Electrical Appliances

Most areas in the City of Tuguegarao and neighboring towns are supplied with 220 volts, 60 cycles. A plug with 2 flat parallel prongs is the norm.

Money & Peso Exchange

The most used currency is the Philippine peso, that can be divided into 100 centavos. The US Dollars are also used in some establishments but most foreign currencies can be easily changed at banks, hotels and authorized money changers. All major foreign credit cards are may be accepted only at major hotels, resorts, shops and dining restaurants. Visitors are advised to bring sufficient amount of change in small bills or coins.

Business Hours

The Banks (all local branches) are open from 9 in the morning to 3 in the afternoon (9am-3pm Philippine Time) on Monday to Friday; most of the Government agencies and offices are open 8am to 5pm Monday to Friday; most of the Major City Malls and Department Shops are open for business 10am to 8pm; the Groceries and Mini-stores are also open from 7am to 6pm and while the Public Super Markets are open as early as 5am to 7pm Monday to Sunday. Though there are some business establishments are open 24 hours a day and/or 24/7 in a week.

Tipping

You know that in major tourist destinations around world and the Philippines most of the bellhops expect a tip, as well most of the waiters do, tricycle drivers, hairdressers, beauticians and porters. Tipping is between 5-15% of the bill is appropriate if no service charge is included. It is better to give a hundred and below!

Public Transport

Getting around Tuguegarao is very easy, one may take a colorful Kalesa, Tricycle and or a Jeepney at a minimal fare. Tricycles are widely available, while Kalesa are only available early in the morning or late in the afternoon.