Early results show Ilagan residents favor cityhood

ILAGAN, Isabela, Philippines – Initial results of yesterday’s plebiscite showed an overwhelming affirmation for this town’s cityhood bid.

At least 23,863 affirmative votes were obtained as against 1,028 opposing this town’s conversion into a city, partial and unofficial results showed.    

“I convey my profound gratitude to the Almighty and the Ilagueños for their vigilance and deep concern for making the once elusive dream a reality. You have given Ilagan a new lease on life to pursue our march to development as a new born city,” Ilagan Mayor Josemarie Diaz said.

Diaz vowed to elevate Ilagan’s stature not only as a prime city in Cagayan Valley but also a “better place to live in.”    

Superintendent Vicente Valdez, spokesman for the provincial police office, said 70 percent of this town’s 83,470 registered voters cast their votes.

“We are most grateful that the residents of Ilagan voted overwhelmingly for its cityhood. The conversion of Ilagan into a city would result in more funds for the city and redound to the benefit of its constituents,” Gov. Faustino Dy III said.

If the early turnouts is an indication of voters’ preference, this town will be the province’s third city after Santiago City and Cauayan City. It will be the fourth in Cagayan Valley, including Tuguegarao City, the capital of Cagayan.

It will also be a reversal of the result of the plebiscite in 1998, when residents rejected the town’s cityhood bid.

A major corn and rice-producing area, Ilagan which has 92 barangays, is one of the biggest towns in terms of land area. – Charlie Lagasca, Raymund Catindig