Cordon

Cordon, Isabela is a charming municipality nestled at the southern tip of Isabela province in Northern Luzon. Dubbed as the “Gateway to the Heart of Isabela,” this vibrant town blends rustic charm, stunning landscapes, warm community vibes, and deep cultural roots. Whether you’re a wanderlust traveler, a foodie, or a festival chaser, Cordon offers a beautiful escape into the soul of the Cagayan Valley.

Cordon boasts scenic beauty with the Sierra Madre mountain range as its natural backdrop. The Dalton Pass offers a majestic view and connects Cordon to Nueva Vizcaya, a breathtaking stop for road trippers. Nature lovers can explore Gimod River for its cool waters, rock formations, and picnic-perfect sites. For hikers and adventure-seekers, the lush uplands and rolling hills of Barangay Tallag are a hidden gem.

Cordon’s history traces back to the Spanish colonial period and is named after Captain Cordon, a Spanish officer. The town has evolved while preserving its Ilocano heritage and the Ibanag and Gaddang influences seen in its dialects, traditions, and values. Locals are known for their hospitality and bayanihan spirit, ready with a warm smile and a hearty meal.

The most-awaited event in town is the Dinengdeng Festival, a celebration of Ilocano culinary pride. This fiesta features colorful street dancing, cooking competitions, parades, and cultural performances that honor the town’s agricultural abundance and love for local flavors. Expect lots of community feasting, traditional music, and joyful chaos, Ilocano style!

Food in Cordon is a delicious mix of Ilocano classics and Northern Luzon staples. Try the famous dinengdeng, a vegetable medley in fish sauce broth. Don’t miss bagnet, longganisa, and igado served with steaming rice. Local carinderias and roadside eateries serve authentic flavors that won’t hurt your wallet.

Cordon’s soundscape is dominated by Ilocano folk music, often played during town gatherings and celebrations. Traditional instruments and community choir singing bring a nostalgic vibe. Today’s youth also bring in acoustic and modern OPM, blending old and new harmonies.

• Dalton Pass Viewpoint
• Gimod River
• Barangay Tallag Hills
• Saint Joseph the Worker Parish Church
• Local farms and eco-parks

Ilocano is the main language, with Tagalog and English widely spoken. You may also hear some Ibanag and Gaddang in older communities, adding richness to the local tongue.

✅ Dalton Pass Gateway
✅ Scenic mountain views
✅ Ilocano culinary delights
✅ Dinengdeng Festival
✅ Rich farming culture