Welcome to our vibrant and diverse city, a 3rd class component city that proudly reflects the rich cultural heritage and dynamic growth of our region. With a population of 140,218 as of 2016 and 30,556 households, our city showcases a steady growth rate of 1.45%. The local dialects spoken here include Ilocano, Tagalog, and Gaddang, contributing to the multicultural fabric of our community.

Our city experiences a relatively wet climate from May to November, with the rest of the year remaining dry. Agriculture is the backbone of our economy, with palay, corn (both yellow and white), roots and tubers like cassava and camote, as well as a variety of vegetables and fruits being the primary products. The livelihoods of our residents are largely sustained by agriculture, trade and commerce, and various services.

In 2016, our city's Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) share amounted to PhP 542,027,140.00, complemented by locally sourced revenue of PhP 157,463,060.00, culminating in a total LGU income of PhP 699,490,200.00. The city is dotted with historical sites, including the grand adobe stone church in the Poblacion and the Tabacalera warehouse and La Insular bodegas in Barangay Turayong, remnants of the Spanish era.

Our agricultural lands cover 59.33% of our area, totaling 19,959.7065 hectares, while built-up areas span 4,013.2820 hectares. With a population density of 390 persons per square kilometer and an impressive literacy rate of 98.74%, our city is well-equipped with essential services and infrastructure. The police force comprises 75 officers, while the fire protection force includes 13 members, ensuring the safety and security of our residents. The crime rate is remarkably low, with only 0.6 incidents per 1000 people.

Our community is supported by 30 non-governmental organizations (NGOs), 33,225 power connections, and 9,844 potable water connections. The city also boasts three internet service providers, 3,418 registered business establishments, and 34 banks. Healthcare facilities are ample, with 8 hospitals, 37 medical clinics, 15 dental clinics, 4 dermatology clinics, 4 EENT clinics, 2 orthopedic clinics, and 8 optical clinics.

Education is a priority, with 6 tertiary schools, 20 secondary schools, 76 elementary schools (12 private and 64 public), 12 preparatory schools, and 2 special schools. For recreation, we offer 1 recreational park and 3 recreational/amusement centers. Our communication infrastructure includes 20 cell sites, while accommodation needs are met by 25 hotels and 10 resorts.

Our city is the fourth largest in population size among the municipalities of Region 2. From its humble beginnings as a small town, it was transformed into a component city through RA 9017, ratified by a majority vote on March 30, 2001. Identified under the RPFP 2001-2030 as one of the region’s key urban centers, our city provides a diverse range of facilities to cater to the administrative, social, commercial, and institutional needs of the region’s population. We are proud to serve as a hub of activity and growth in the heart of the region.