Aparri

Aparri, officially the Municipality of Aparri (Ibanag: Ili nat Aparri, Ilocano: Ili ti Aparri, Tagalog: Bayan ng Aparri), is a municipality in the province of Cagayan, Philippines. According to the 2024 census, it has a population of 68,368 people. The town is a bustling municipality and the primary growth center of northern Cagayan.^[1]

Etymology

The origin of the name Aparri has been disputed. One version says that the town was named by Spanish conquistador Juan Pablo Carreón, who, upon landing there in 1581, named the town after the colloquial word for "supper" in his hometown. Another version claims that the name comes from the Spanish word aparte ("separate"), referring to the town's separation from Camalaniugan and Buguey in 1680.^[1]

History

Aparri was formerly a Japanese trading post because of its location at the northern tip of Luzon at the mouth of the Cagayan River. It was the main area for trade between Japan and the island of Luzon. Much of the area was once home to the native Ibanag people, who were at the time in alliance with Japan as an early form of an informal protectorate city-state.^[1]

Geography

Aparri sits at the mouth of the Cagayan River, the longest river in the Philippines. It administers Fuga Island, which is part of the Babuyan Group and is much closer to Claveria.^[1]

Barangays

Aparri is politically subdivided into 42 barangays. Each barangay consists of puroks, while some have sitios.^[1]

Demographics

In the 2024 census, the population of Aparri was 68,368 people, with a density of 240 inhabitants per square kilometer or 620 inhabitants per square mile.^[1]

Economy

Aparri has an approximate income of ₱250 million. The valley has been one of the largest tobacco-producing sections in the Philippines, and the town has a considerable coastwise trade.^[1]

Tourism

Aparri is known for its foods such as the "bulung-unas", or ribbon fish (aka belt fish), which are in abundance during January and early February. "Kilawin naguilas-asan" is a fillet of smaller "bulung-unas" which are leftover baits, soaked in Ilocos vinegar and seasoned with salt and pepper as well as finely cut onions and ginger. Ludong, a variety of Pacific salmon, is the Philippines' most expensive fish, ranging from 4,000 pesos to 5,000 per kilo.^[1]

Local government

Aparri is part of the first legislative district of the province of Cagayan. It 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 councilors are elected directly by the people through an election held every three years.^[1]

Education

The Schools Division of Cagayan governs the town's public education system. The division office is a field office of the DepEd in the Cagayan Valley region. There are two schools district office that govern both the public and private elementary and high schools throughout the municipality.^[1]

Location

Aparri is based in Cagayan Valley, Cagayan, Aparri.^[2]

Online presence

Aparri works in local government and places. Its website is web.archive.org.^[2]