Alcala, officially the Municipality of Alcala, is a 3rd class municipality in the province of Cagayan, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 41,295 people. Alcala is home to the Saint Philomene Church, regarded as the widest church in the Cagayan Valley. Alcala is the birthplace of Senator Melecio Arranz of 1st Senatorial District of the Philippines. Alcala is 35 km from Tuguegarao and 516 km from Manila.

History

The indigenous tribes of the Ibanag people were the first settlers of modern-day Alcala. They called the area Fulay, literally meaning red, in its reference to the distinct red color of its soil. After two centuries of Spanish rule, Fulay was formally proclaimed as a township on 20 July 1789. However, it was not until 1843 when it was renamed Alcala, in honor of the governor general Francisco Paula de Alcala.

Geography

Barangays

Alcala is politically subdivided into 25 barangays. Each barangay consists of puroks while some have sitios.

Climate

Demographics

In the 2020 census, the population of Alcala, Cagayan, was 41,295 people, with a density of undefined PD/km2.

Economy

Alcala Milk Candy is a famous product of this municipality.

Government

Local government

Alcala, belonging to the first legislative district of the province of Cagayan, is governed by a mayor designated as its local chief executive and by a municipal council as its legislative body in accordance with the Local Government Code. The mayor, vice mayor, and the councilors are elected directly by the people through an election which is being held every three years.

Elected officials

Education

The Schools Division of Cagayan governs the town's public education system. The division office is a field office of the DepEd in Cagayan Valley region. The office governs the public and private elementary and public and private high schools throughout the municipality.

Notable personalities