Alicia

Welcome to Alicia, Isabela, a charming and fertile land where vast golden rice fields stretch to the horizon, carabaos roam freely, and traditions run deep like the Cagayan River! Nestled in the heart of Region II, this thriving agricultural town is more than just a rice granary, it’s a place where history, culture, and natural wonders unite in harmony.

Alicia is one of the largest municipalities in Isabela, boasting rich plains perfect for farming and scenic spots for quiet escapes. With its warm-hearted locals and relaxing countryside vibes, Alicia offers an authentic Filipino experience that soothes the soul and fills the heart.

• Our Lady of Atocha Church: A beautiful Spanish-style church that’s both a spiritual center and historical landmark.
• Dibulo Falls: Hidden in the nearby mountains, this majestic multi-tiered waterfall is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
• Mount Cagua Climb and Trek: While outside Alicia proper, this nearby trail is accessible and offers stunning views and cool mountain breezes.
• Alicia Rice Terraces: Not as famous as Banaue’s, but these man-made terraces showcase local ingenuity and are perfect for your IG feed.

Alicia thrives with a proud Ibanag and Ilocano heritage. Locals primarily speak Ilocano, Ibanag, and Tagalog, with English widely understood. Traditional practices like community bayanihan, pammadayaw (thanksgiving), and ancestral storytelling still shape the town’s character. Hospitality here is genuine, strangers are treated like family.

The food in Alicia is simple, hearty, and straight from the fields:

• Inabraw (vegetable stew with bagoong)
• Tinuno (grilled native pork or tilapia)
• Pinais na Labanos (steamed radish in banana leaves)
• Kakanin Delights like tupig, patupat, and binallay

And don’t miss out on freshly milled Alicia rice, soft, aromatic, and proudly local.

• Alicia Town Fiesta (February): The streets come alive with floats, street dances, and culinary showcases, especially focusing on local agriculture.
• Panagyaman Festival: A celebration of thanksgiving for the bountiful harvest, often held around the same time as the town fiesta.

Alicia’s music scene is deeply cultural. Expect traditional kulintang, gandingan, and kudyapi music during festivals, blended with Ilocano folk songs and modern acoustic acts. The community also supports local bands, especially during barangay events and youth nights.

• Being one of the top rice producers in the Cagayan Valley
• Its warm rural hospitality
• Unique mix of Ilocano and Ibanag culture
• Eco-tourism sites like waterfalls and hidden rivers
• Historical charm with a peaceful countryside pace