Camarag: The Heart of Isabela’s Origins 

Long before the names Echague and San Isidro became well known, Camarag was already an important place. The name “Camarag” came from the Camarag trees that were abundant in the area during the Spanish period. It became a significant site when the Dominican Order established a mission there in 1710. A large Roman Catholic church was built, along with a road that connected Camarag to nearby places like Santiago and Vizcaya. Some ruins from that time still remain today.

In 1776, Camarag became a town under the Province of Cagayan, which was the only province in the Cagayan Valley at the time. Later on, in 1839, Camarag became the capital of Nueva Vizcaya when that province was created. Seventeen years later, in 1856, when Isabela was established as a new province, Camarag became one of its original towns along with Cabagan, Ilagan, Cauayan, and others.

However, in 1863, the townsite of Camarag was moved to Katuray, a place near the Cagayan River. This location was chosen because of its access to river transport and fertile land suitable for growing tobacco. The new town was renamed Echague, in honor of Governor-General Rafael de Echague.

After this relocation, Camarag became a barrio of Echague and stayed that way until 1967, when San Isidro was created as a separate municipality under Republic Act No. 5139.

In many ways, Camarag is considered the “mother” of both Echague and San Isidro a place with a deep history that played a key role in shaping the identity and development of this part of Isabela.

The People of San Isidro

The earliest settlers of San Isidro were the Yogads, the indigenous people of Echague. However, later on, Ilokanos moved to Camarag, making the town's population a mix of both Yogad and Ilokano people. These Ilokanos came from Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte. They were encouraged by Antonio Mangadap, a leader who had traveled extensively through Northern Luzon.

Antonio's son, Jordan Mangadap, took over as the leader of Camarag and served as the gobernadorcillo (town head) and judge. Other members of the Mangadap family, including Alfredo Mangadap, who was the father of Mayor Proceso Mangadap, also held leadership roles in the town.

In the 1920s, the opening of the San Jose-Santa Fe road allowed people from Ilocos and Central Luzon to explore the Cagayan Valley. Many of these people chose to settle in Camarag, including notable leaders like Benito Tumamao, Vicente Ramos, Roman Felipe, Tomas Galapia, and Alejandro Viloria.

With the arrival of these new settlers, the population of Camarag grew, and so did trade and commerce in the area.

Today, while the Ilokanos are still the dominant group in San Isidro, many other groups have also made the town their home. These include Tagalogs, Pangasinense, Ibanags, Gaddangs, and other communities who now contribute to the diversity and growth of the municipality.