Gamu

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Municipality in Isabela, Philippines

title: "Gamu" type: doc version: 1 created: 2026-02-28 author: "Wikipedia contributors" status: active scope: public tags: ["municipalities-of-isabela-(province)", "populated-places-on-the-rio-grande-de-cagayan"] description: "Municipality in Isabela, Philippines" topic_path: "general/municipalities-of-isabela-province" source: "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gamu" license: "CC BY-SA 4.0" wikipedia_page_id: 0 wikipedia_revision_id: 0

::summary Municipality in Isabela, Philippines ::

::data[format=table title="Infobox settlement"]

FieldValue
name
image_skylineSta. Rosa de Lima Church.jpg
image_captionSanta Rosa de Lima Church
image_flagFlag_of_Gamu,_Isabela.png
flag_size120x80px
image_sealGamu Isabela.png
seal_size100x80px
image_map
map_caption
mapframeyes
pushpin_mapPhilippines
pushpin_label_positionleft
pushpin_map_captionLocation within the
coordinates
settlement_type
subdivision_typeCountry
subdivision_namePhilippines
subdivision_type1Region
subdivision_name1
subdivision_type2Province
subdivision_name2
official_name
etymology
named_for
other_nameSanta Rosa de Gamút
nicknamesGateway to Mallig Plains
Mother Town of the 2nd District
  • Oldest Town of Mallig Plains* | | subdivision_type3 | District | | subdivision_name3 | | | established_title | Founded | | established_date | December 5, 1741 | | parts_type | Barangays | | parts_style | para | | p1 | (see Barangays) | | leader_title | Mayor | | leader_name | Xian-Al D. Galanza | | leader_title1 | Vice Mayor | | leader_name1 | Alfredo Burkley Jr. | | leader_title2 | Representative | | leader_name2 | Ed Christopher S. Go | | leader_title3 | Councilor | | leader_title4 | Electorate | | leader_name4 | voters (electorate_point_in_time}}|) | | government_type | | | government_footnotes | | | elevation_m | | | elevation_max_m | 89 | | elevation_min_m | 29 | | elevation_footnotes | | | area_footnotes | | | area_total_km2 | | | population_footnotes | | | population_total | | | population_as_of | | | population_density_km2 | auto | | population_blank1_title | Households | | population_blank1 | | | timezone | PST | | utc_offset | +8 | | postal_code_type | ZIP code | | postal_code | | | postal2_code_type | | | postal2_code | | | area_code_type | | | area_code | | | website | | | demographics_type1 | Economy | | demographics1_title1 | | | demographics1_info1 | | | demographics1_title2 | Poverty incidence | | demographics1_info2 | % () | | demographics1_title3 | Revenue | | demographics1_info3 | | | demographics1_title4 | Revenue rank | | demographics1_title5 | Assets | | demographics1_info5 | | | demographics1_title6 | Assets rank | | demographics1_title7 | IRA | | demographics1_title8 | IRA rank | | demographics1_title9 | Expenditure | | demographics1_info9 | | | demographics1_title10 | Liabilities | | demographics1_info10 | | | demographics_type2 | Service provider | | demographics2_title1 | Electricity | | demographics2_info1 | | | demographics2_title2 | Water | | demographics2_title3 | Telecommunications | | demographics2_title4 | Cable TV | | blank_name_sec1 | | | blank_info_sec1 | | | blank1_name_sec1 | Native languages | | blank1_info_sec1 | | | blank2_name_sec1 | Crime index | | blank1_name_sec2 | Major religions | | blank2_name_sec2 | Feast date | | blank3_name_sec2 | Catholic diocese | | blank4_name_sec2 | Patron saint | ::

| name = | image_skyline = Sta. Rosa de Lima Church.jpg | image_caption = Santa Rosa de Lima Church | image_flag = Flag_of_Gamu,_Isabela.png | flag_size = 120x80px | image_seal = Gamu Isabela.png | seal_size = 100x80px | image_map = | map_caption = | mapframe = yes | pushpin_map = Philippines | pushpin_label_position = left | pushpin_map_caption = Location within the | coordinates = | settlement_type = | subdivision_type = Country | subdivision_name = Philippines | subdivision_type1 = Region | subdivision_name1 = | subdivision_type2 = Province | subdivision_name2 = | official_name = | etymology = | named_for = | native_name = | other_name = Santa Rosa de Gamút | nicknames = Gateway to Mallig Plains Mother Town of the 2nd District

  • Oldest Town of Mallig Plains* | motto = | anthem = | subdivision_type3 = District | subdivision_name3 = | established_title = Founded | established_date = December 5, 1741 | parts_type = Barangays | parts_style = para | p1 = (see Barangays) | leader_title = Mayor | leader_name = Xian-Al D. Galanza | leader_title1 = Vice Mayor | leader_name1 = Alfredo Burkley Jr. | leader_title2 = Representative | leader_name2 = Ed Christopher S. Go | leader_title3 = Councilor | leader_name3 = | leader_title4 = Electorate | leader_name4 = voters (electorate_point_in_time}}|) | government_type = | government_footnotes = | elevation_m = | elevation_max_m = 89 | elevation_min_m = 29 | elevation_max_rank = | elevation_min_rank = | elevation_footnotes = | elevation_max_footnotes = | elevation_min_footnotes = | area_rank = | area_footnotes = | area_total_km2 = | population_footnotes = | population_total = | population_as_of = | population_density_km2 = auto | population_blank1_title = Households | population_blank1 = | population_blank2_title = | population_blank2 = | population_demonym = | population_rank = | population_note = | timezone = PST | utc_offset = +8 | postal_code_type = ZIP code | postal_code = | postal2_code_type = | postal2_code = | area_code_type = | area_code = | website = | demographics_type1 = Economy | demographics1_title1 = | demographics1_info1 = | demographics1_title2 = Poverty incidence | demographics1_info2 = % () | demographics1_title3 = Revenue | demographics1_info3 =
    | demographics1_title4 = Revenue rank | demographics1_info4 = | demographics1_title5 = Assets | demographics1_info5 =
    | demographics1_title6 = Assets rank | demographics1_info6 = | demographics1_title7 = IRA | demographics1_info7 = | demographics1_title8 = IRA rank | demographics1_info8 = | demographics1_title9 = Expenditure | demographics1_info9 =
    | demographics1_title10 = Liabilities | demographics1_info10 =
    | demographics_type2 = Service provider | demographics2_title1 = Electricity | demographics2_info1 = | demographics2_title2 = Water | demographics2_info2 = | demographics2_title3 = Telecommunications | demographics2_info3 = | demographics2_title4 = Cable TV | demographics2_info4 = | demographics2_title5 = | demographics2_info5 = | demographics2_title6 = | demographics2_info6 = | demographics2_title7 = | demographics2_info7 = | demographics2_title8 = | demographics2_info8 = | demographics2_title9 = | demographics2_info9 = | demographics2_title10 = | demographics2_info10 = | blank_name_sec1 = | blank_info_sec1 = | blank1_name_sec1 = Native languages | blank1_info_sec1 = | blank2_name_sec1 = Crime index | blank2_info_sec1 = | blank3_name_sec1 = | blank3_info_sec1 = | blank4_name_sec1 = | blank4_info_sec1 = | blank5_name_sec1 = | blank5_info_sec1 = | blank6_name_sec1 = | blank6_info_sec1 = | blank7_name_sec1 = | blank7_info_sec1 = | blank1_name_sec2 = Major religions | blank1_info_sec2 = | blank2_name_sec2 = Feast date | blank2_info_sec2 = | blank3_name_sec2 = Catholic diocese | blank3_info_sec2 = | blank4_name_sec2 = Patron saint | blank4_info_sec2 = | blank5_name_sec2 = | blank5_info_sec2 = | blank6_name_sec2 = | blank6_info_sec2 = | blank7_name_sec2 = | blank7_info_sec2 = | short_description = | footnotes =

Gamu , officially the Municipality of Gamu (; ), is a municipality in the province of Isabela, Philippines. According to the , it has a population of people.

Etymology

The name Gamu or gamu-t in ancient texts refers to the roots of tall grasses, akin to those of cogon grass, deeply embedded in the soil. Gamu was originally called 'Gamut', likely from a local plant whose roots were made into a type of medicine ('gamot'). From Fr. Jose Bugarin's Ibanag dictionary as follows: | style=font-style:italic; line-height:2.1em; | text="Gamu-t, root or stump [name] a town whose patroness is St. Rosa de Lima, under of the province of Cagayan until the year 1839, when the province of Nueva Vizcaya was established, and was added to it."

History

Gamu was founded on December 5, 1741 as a result of the merging of the towns of Batavag (near present-day Lullutan in Ilagan) and Itugod (now barangay Lenzon). The town was established on its present site as a compromise for residents of the two towns and also the fact that both towns were too few in population to survive on their own. The population problem was later partially resolved through the forced settlement of conquered tribes into the town by the Spanish.

Originally part of the Cagayan Valley, Gamu was later annexed to Nueva Vizcaya when the province was established on May 24, 1856. Subsequently, on March 31, 1859, it became part of Isabela with the subdivision of Cagayan Valley and the creation of the Province of Isabela.

San Gabriel de Batauag, the first mission to Christianize the area, was established by Dominican missionaries in 1612, led by Father Luis Flores and his assistant, Fr. Juan de Sta Ana. The mission was initially situated in Batauag, now known as Lulutan, a barrio in Ilagan. However, due to grievances and maltreatment by the Spaniards, the natives of Batauag revolted, leading to the abandonment of the mission. In 1673, the mission was restored by Fr. Pedro Sánchez and Fr. Geronimo Ullos. Despite resistance from some natives, Fr. Pedro Jiménez, appointed as Ambassador of Peace, successfully persuaded many to settle in Cabagan and Itugod. Consequently, the towns of Cabagan, Itugod, and Santa Rosa de Gamu-t emerged from the original seven envisioned by the mission.

Santa Rosa de Gamu-t and Our Lady of Victories of Itugod merged on December 5, 1741, due to financial constraints, with Gamu serving as the central settlement. Fr. Martin Fernández constructed the church and planned the town, which was annexed to Gamu-t in 1774. In 1779, the two entities merged under the leadership of Fr. Sanin, with Gamu as the central seat of the mission.

Initially under the care of Dominican Fathers until 1922, Gamu saw a transition during the American Regime when Fr. Felix Domingo, a Filipino secular priest, took charge. The La Salette missionaries assumed responsibility for Gamu from 1962 to 1977.

In December 1949, an earthquake devastated the church and convent, leading to the construction of a wooden church in 1950-1951 adjacent to the ruins of the Spanish Church.

Geography

Gamu is located in the central part of the province of Isabela with a total land area of 129.40 square kilometers. It is bounded on the north by the city of Ilagan, or the north-west by the municipality of Quirino, on the south by the municipality of Reina Mercedes and on the south-west by the municipality of Burgos, and on the Southeast by the municipality of Naguilian.

Gamu is situated 14.53 km from the provincial capital Ilagan, and 430.56 km from the country's capital Manila.

Barangays

Gamu is politically subdivided into 16 barangays. Each barangay consists of puroks while some have sitios. Currently, three of these are classified as urban barangays: District I, District II, and District III. The rest of the barangays are considered rural.

  • Barcolan
  • Buenavista
  • Dammao
  • District I (Poblacion)
  • District II (Poblacion)
  • District III (Poblacion)
  • Furao
  • Guibang
  • Lenzon
  • Linglingay
  • Mabini
  • Pintor
  • Rizal
  • Songsong
  • Union
  • Upi

Climate

| width = auto | location = Gamu, Isabela | metric first = Yes | single line = Yes | Jan high C = 29 | Feb high C = 30 | Mar high C = 32 | Apr high C = 35 | May high C = 35 | Jun high C = 35 | Jul high C = 34 | Aug high C = 33 | Sep high C = 32 | Oct high C = 31 | Nov high C = 30 | Dec high C = 28 | Jan low C = 19 | Feb low C = 20 | Mar low C = 21 | Apr low C = 23 | May low C = 23 | Jun low C = 24 | Jul low C = 23 | Aug low C = 23 | Sep low C = 23 | Oct low C = 22 | Nov low C = 21 | Dec low C = 20 | Jan precipitation mm = 31.2 | Jan rain days = 10 | Feb precipitation mm = 23 | Feb rain days = 6 | Mar precipitation mm = 27.7 | Mar rain days = 5 | Apr precipitation mm = 28.1 | Apr rain days = 5 | May precipitation mm = 113.5 | May rain days = 13 | Jun precipitation mm = 141.4 | Jun rain days = 12 | Jul precipitation mm = 176.4 | Jul rain days = 15 | Aug precipitation mm = 236.6 | Aug rain days = 15 | Sep precipitation mm = 224.9 | Sep rain days = 15 | Oct precipitation mm = 247.7 | Oct rain days = 17 | Nov precipitation mm = 222.9 | Nov rain days = 16 | Dec precipitation mm = 178 | Dec rain days = 15 |source 1 = World Weather Online | date=October 2015}}

Demographics

| align = left | cols = 2 | title = Population census of | 1903 = | 1918 = | 1939 = | 1948 = | 1960 = | 1970 = | 1975 = | 1980 = | 1990 = | 1995 = | 2000 = | 2007 = | 2010 = | 2015 = | 2020 = | 2024 = | 2030 = | footnote= Source: Philippine Statistics Authority

In the 2024 census, the population of Gamu was 30,850 people, with a density of {{sigfig|30,850/129.40|2}} PD/km2.

Economy

Military

Camp Melchor F. dela Cruz, the headquarters of the 5th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army, is located in Barangay Upi. It was one of four strategic military bases in the Philippines that were opened to the US military in 2023 as part of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement.

Culture

The town celebrated the Kuliglig Festival on August 23, 2013, following an executive order issued by the municipal government to officially proclaim it as the official festivity of the town.

Tourism

Gamu is noted for having the most number of Roman Catholic churches in the entire province of Isabela. These churches are often visited by pilgrims and frequented by travelers all over the country to pay homage to each of the respective Roman Catholic icons to whom each of the churches were dedicated and named after.

Government

Local government

Main article: Sangguniang Bayan

As a municipality in the Province of Isabela, government officials at the provincial and municipal levels are voted by the town. The provincial government has political jurisdiction over most local transactions of the municipal government.

The Municipality of Gamu 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 municipal councilors are elected directly by the people through an election held every three years.

Barangays are also headed by elected officials: Barangay Captain, Barangay Council, whose members are called Barangay Councilors. The barangays have SK federation which represents the barangay, headed by SK chairperson and whose members are called SK councilors. All officials are also elected every three years.

Elected officials

::data[format=table title="Members of the Gamu Municipal Council
(2022-2025){{cite web|title=Gamu, Isabela Election Results 2022|url= https://ph.rappler.com/elections/2022/isabela/gamu |work=Rappler PH|publisher=ph.rappler.com|access-date=May 13, 2022}}"]

PositionName
District RepresentativeEd Christopher S. Go
Municipal MayorAtty. Xian-Al D. Galanza
Municipal Vice-MayorMitzi P. Cumigad
Municipal CouncilorsSheryl L. Labbuanan
March Luigi E. Cumigad
Estela C. Burkley
Camilo A. Preza
Reynante D. Agustin
Felicisimo Caro
Norberto Labayog
Dante D. Martinez
::

Congress representation

Gamu, belonging to the second legislative district of the province of Isabela, currently represented by Hon. Ed Christopher S. Go.

Education

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

Primary and elementary schools

  • Barcolan Elementary School
  • Buenavista Elementary School
  • Camp Melchor F.D.C. Elementary School
  • Dammao Elementary School
  • Furao Elementary School
  • Gamu Central School
  • Gamu Galilee Nursery-Kindergarten School
  • Gamu Rural School-Main
  • Guibang Elementary School
  • Lenzon Elementary School
  • Linglingay Elementary School
  • Mabini Adventist Multigrade School
  • Mabini Christian Nurture Center
  • Mabini Elementary School
  • Pintor Elementary School
  • Rizal Primary School
  • Songsong Elementary School
  • Sta. Rosa Primary School
  • Union Elementary School
  • Upi Elementary School

Secondary schools

Although the Isabela SPED Center Extension (School for the Deaf), and Isabela Sports Senior High School are both located in the capital Ilagan, these are being managed by Gamu District Office.

  • Gamu Agri-Fishery School (formerly Gamu Rural School - Main)
  • Gamu Rural School Annex - Junction Upi Annex
  • Isabela SPED Center Extension (School for the Deaf)
  • Isabela Sports Senior High School
  • La Dolce Vita at Bethel Christian School
  • Mabini National High School

References

References

  1. {{DILG detail
  2. Salgado, Pedro. "Cagayan Valley and Easter Cordillera: 1581-1898, Volume I". Rex Publishing.
  3. "HISTORY OF GAMU".
  4. "Facts and Figures of Gamu, Isabela".
  5. "Gamu, Isabela: Average Temperatures and Rainfall". World Weather Online.
  6. (10 November 2022). "IKA-51ST DEATH ANNIVERSARY NI COL. MELCHOR F. DELACRUZ, GINUNITA". RMN.
  7. (3 April 2023). "Philippines Reveals Locations of 4 New Strategic Sites for US Military Pact". VOA.
  8. "Shrine of Our Lady of the Visitation of Guibang". vigattintourism.com.ph.
  9. "Papal nuncio dedicates newly rebuilt national shrine in Isabela". interaksyon.philstar.com.
  10. (September 22, 2013). "Pope Francis transfers episcopal seat of Diocese of Ilagan to Gamu, Isabela".
  11. "Unveiling of Historical Marker of the Saint Rose of Lima Church Complex issued by the National Museum of the Philippines". facebook.com.
  12. "Gamu, Isabela Election Results 2022". ph.rappler.com.
  13. "House of Representatives: 19th Congress". congress.gov.ph.
  14. "HISTORY OF DEPED-ISABELA".
  15. "DEPED REGIONAL OFFICE NO. 02".
  16. (January 15, 2021). "Masterlist of Schools".

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municipalities-of-isabela-(province)populated-places-on-the-rio-grande-de-cagayan