Gamu — Mediated Wiki

{{Short description|Municipality in Isabela, Philippines}} {{Use Philippine English|date=February 2023}} {{Use mdy dates|date=February 2023}} {{Infobox settlement | name = {{PH wikidata|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 = {{PH wikidata|image_map}} | map_caption = {{PH wikidata|map_caption}} | mapframe = yes | pushpin_map = Philippines | pushpin_label_position = left | pushpin_map_caption = Location within the {{PH wikidata|country}} | coordinates = {{PH wikidata|coordinates}} | settlement_type = {{PH wikidata|settlement_type}} | subdivision_type = Country | subdivision_name = Philippines | subdivision_type1 = Region | subdivision_name1 = {{PH wikidata|region}} | subdivision_type2 = Province | subdivision_name2 = {{PH wikidata|province}} | official_name = {{PH wikidata|official_name}} | etymology =  | named_for =  | native_name = | other_name = Santa Rosa de Gamút | nicknames = ''Gateway to Mallig Plains'' <br/> ''Mother Town of the 2nd District'' <br/>'' Oldest Town of Mallig Plains'' | motto = | anthem = | subdivision_type3 = District | subdivision_name3 = {{PH legislative district}} | established_title = Founded | established_date = December 5, 1741 | parts_type = Barangays | parts_style = para | p1 = {{PH barangay count | {{wikidata|label|raw}} }} (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 = {{PH wikidata|electorate}} voters (electorate_point_in_time}}|{{PH wikidata|electorate_point_in_time}}) | government_type = {{PH wikidata|government_type}} | government_footnotes = {{thinsp}}<ref>{{DILG detail}}</ref> | elevation_m = {{PH wikidata|elevation_m}} | elevation_max_m = 89 | elevation_min_m = 29 | elevation_max_rank = | elevation_min_rank = | elevation_footnotes = {{PH wikidata|elevation_footnotes}} | elevation_max_footnotes = | elevation_min_footnotes = | area_rank = | area_footnotes = {{PH area}} | area_total_km2 = {{PH wikidata|area}} | population_footnotes = {{PH wikidata|population_reference}} | population_total = {{PH wikidata|population_total}} | population_as_of = {{PH wikidata|population_as_of}} | population_density_km2 = auto | population_blank1_title = Households | population_blank1 = {{PH wikidata|household}} | population_blank2_title = | population_blank2 = | population_demonym = | population_rank = | population_note = | timezone = PST | utc_offset = +8 | postal_code_type = ZIP code | postal_code = {{PH wikidata|postal_code}} | postal2_code_type = {{PSGCstyle}} | postal2_code = {{PSGC detail}} | area_code_type = {{areacodestyle}} | area_code = {{PH wikidata|area_code}} | website = {{PH wikidata|website}} | demographics_type1 = Economy | demographics1_title1 = {{PH wikidata|income_class_title}} | demographics1_info1 = {{PH wikidata|income_class}} | demographics1_title2 = Poverty incidence | demographics1_info2 = {{PH wikidata|poverty_incidence}}% ({{PH wikidata|poverty_incidence_point_in_time}}){{PH wikidata|poverty_incidence_footnotes}} | demographics1_title3 = Revenue | demographics1_info3 = {{PH wikidata|revenue}} {{PH wikidata|revenue_point_in_time}} | demographics1_title4 = Revenue rank | demographics1_info4 = | demographics1_title5 = Assets | demographics1_info5 = {{PH wikidata|assets}} {{PH wikidata|assets_point_in_time}} | demographics1_title6 = Assets rank | demographics1_info6 = | demographics1_title7 = IRA | demographics1_info7 = | demographics1_title8 = IRA rank | demographics1_info8 = | demographics1_title9 = Expenditure | demographics1_info9 = {{PH wikidata|expenditure}} {{PH wikidata|expenditure_point_in_time}} | demographics1_title10 = Liabilities | demographics1_info10 = {{PH wikidata|liabilities}} {{PH wikidata|liabilities_point_in_time}} | demographics_type2 = Service provider | demographics2_title1 = Electricity | demographics2_info1 = {{PH electricity distribution | {{wikidata|label|raw}} }} | 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 = {{PH wikidata|climate_title}} | blank_info_sec1 = {{PH wikidata|climate_type}} | blank1_name_sec1 = Native languages | blank1_info_sec1 = {{PH wikidata|language}} | 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''' {{IPA|tl|gɐˈmu|}}, officially the '''Municipality of Gamu''' ({{langx|ilo|Ili ti Gamu}}; {{langx|tl|Bayan ng Gamu}}), is a municipality in the province of Isabela, Philippines. According to the {{PH wikidata|population_as_of}}, it has a population of {{PH wikidata|population_total}} people.{{PH wikidata|population_reference}}

==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: {{Poemquote | 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.<ref>{{cite book |last=Salgado|first=Pedro|title=Cagayan Valley and Easter Cordillera: 1581-1898, Volume I |publisher=Rex Publishing |orig-date=2002|pages=459–464|chapter=Specific Irraya Missions in Northern and Mid Isabela|isbn=}}</ref>

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.<ref>{{Cite web |title=HISTORY OF GAMU |url=https://pdfcoffee.com/history-of-gamudocx-pdf-free.html |access-date=April 28, 2024 |website=PDF Coffee}}</ref>

==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 {{convert|14.53|km}} from the provincial capital Ilagan, and {{convert|430.56|km}} from the country's capital Manila.

===Barangays=== Gamu is politically subdivided into 16 barangays.{{PSGC detail|area}} 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.<ref name="Facts and Figures of Gamu, Isabela">{{cite web| url =http://provinceofisabela.ph/index.php/municipalities/second-district/2013-07-10-15-01-18| title= Facts and Figures of Gamu, Isabela| access-date = July 11, 2014}}</ref>

{{Div col|colwidth=15em}} * Barcolan * Buenavista * Dammao * '''District I (Poblacion)''' * '''District II (Poblacion)''' * '''District III (Poblacion)''' * Furao * Guibang * Lenzon * Linglingay * Mabini * Pintor * Rizal * Songsong * Union * Upi {{div col end}}

===Climate=== {{Weather box | 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<ref name="met_norms">{{cite web | url = http://www.worldweatheronline.com/Gamu-weather-averages/Isabela/PH.aspx| title = Gamu, Isabela: Average Temperatures and Rainfall| publisher = World Weather Online| access-date = October 31, 2015}}</ref> | date=October 2015}} {{clear left}}

==Demographics== {{Philippine Census | align = left | cols = 2 | title = Population census of {{PH wikidata|name}} | 1903 = {{PH census population|1903}} | 1918 = {{PH census population|1918}} | 1939 = {{PH census population|1939}} | 1948 = {{PH census population|1948}} | 1960 = {{PH census population|1960}} | 1970 = {{PH census population|1970}} | 1975 = {{PH census population|1975}} | 1980 = {{PH census population|1980}} | 1990 = {{PH census population|1990}} | 1995 = {{PH census population|1995}} | 2000 = {{PH census population|2000}} | 2007 = {{PH census population|2007}} | 2010 = {{PH census population|2010}} | 2015 = {{PH census population|2015}} | 2020 = {{PH census population|2020}} | 2024 = {{PH census population|2024}} | 2030 = | footnote= Source: Philippine Statistics Authority{{PH wikidata|population_reference}}{{PH census|2015}}{{PH census|2010}}{{PH census|2007}}{{LWUA population data}} }}

In the 2024 census, the population of Gamu was 30,850 people,{{PH wikidata|population_reference}} with a density of {{convert|{{sigfig|30,850/129.40|2}}|PD/km2|disp=or}}.

== Economy == {{PH poverty incidence}}

==Military== Camp Melchor F. dela Cruz, the headquarters of the 5th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army, is located in Barangay Upi.<ref>{{cite web |title= IKA-51ST DEATH ANNIVERSARY NI COL. MELCHOR F. DELACRUZ, GINUNITA |url=https://rmn.ph/ika-51st-death-anniversary-ni-col-melchor-f-delacruz-ginunita/ |publisher=RMN |date=10 November 2022 |access-date=10 August 2023}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web |title= Philippines Reveals Locations of 4 New Strategic Sites for US Military Pact |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/philippines-reveals-locations-of-4-new-strategic-sites-for-us-military-pact/7033788.html |publisher=VOA |date=3 April 2023 |access-date=10 August 2023}}</ref>

==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.{{citation needed|date=April 2024}}

==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.

*The '''National Shrine of Our Lady of the Visitation of Guibang''' was elevated into a National Shrine in 1986 by the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) through the initiative of Miguel Purugganan, then Bishop of the Diocese of Ilagan. It is where the Marian image of the ''Our Lady of the Visitation of Guibang'' is enshrined.<ref>{{cite web|title=Shrine of Our Lady of the Visitation of Guibang|url= https://www.vigattintourism.com/tourism/articles/Shrine-of-Our-Lady-of-the-Visitation-of-Guibang|work=Kheem Caparas of Vigattin Tourism|publisher=vigattintourism.com.ph|access-date=June 22, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Papal nuncio dedicates newly rebuilt national shrine in Isabela|url= https://interaksyon.philstar.com/trends-spotlights/2023/02/17/242807/papal-nuncio-dedicates-newly-rebuilt-national-shrine-in-isabela/ |work=CBCP News|publisher=interaksyon.philstar.com|access-date=February 17, 2023}}</ref> *The '''Cathedral of Saint Michael the Archangel''' is located along the National Highway in Barangay Upi. It is where the episcopal seat of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Ilagan is located since 2013, when it was transferred from Saint Ferdinand Cathedral in neighboring Ilagan.<ref name=PDI>{{cite news|last1=Darang|first1=Josephine|title=Pope Francis transfers episcopal seat of Diocese of Ilagan to Gamu, Isabela|url=http://lifestyle.inquirer.net/126825/pope-francis-transfers-episcopal-seat-of-diocese-of-ilagan-to-gamu-isabela|accessdate=29 March 2015|agency=Philippine Daily Inquirer|date=September 22, 2013}}</ref> *The '''Poor Clare Monastery''' in Barangay Guibang is a church and monastery that was built and dedicated to Saint Clare of Assisi. It was established in 1991 by Poor Clare nuns from Cabuyao, Laguna through the assistance of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Ilagan and help from civic-minded benefactors. *The '''Saint Rose of Lima Church''' is a Baroque-style 18th century structure dedicated to the town's patron saint, Saint Rose of Lima. It is notably the oldest church in the town and one of the only remaining churches of its kind in the province of Isabela. On June 27, 2019, the National Museum of the Philippines and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) recognized the Saint Rose of Lima Church and its surrounding complex as an Important Cultural Property of the Philippines. The unveiling of the historical marker was done on May 12, 2023.<ref>{{cite web|title= Unveiling of Historical Marker of the Saint Rose of Lima Church Complex issued by the National Museum of the Philippines |url= https://www.facebook.com/752049669/posts/pfbid02r36EHypwpLwDvJ2XQJWTfuinMBMsneze6BTye7VmhFh7fvyH2GZeEboSZbNPUfyKl/?mibextid=cr9u03 |work= Official Facebook Page of Dr. Alexander Troy Miano / DOT RO2 PH|publisher=facebook.com|access-date=May 12, 2023}}</ref>

==Government==

===Local government=== {{main|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=== {| class="wikitable" style="line-height:1.20em; font-size:100%;" |+ Members of the Gamu Municipal Council<br>(2025-2028)<ref>{{cite web|title=Gamu, Isabela Election Results 2025|url= https://halalanresults.abs-cbn.com/local/isabela/gamu |work=ABS-CBN News|publisher=halalanresults.abs-cbn.com|access-date=April 1, 2026}}</ref> |- ! Position ! Name |- | District Representative | style="text-align:center;" | Ed Christopher S. Go |- | Municipal Mayor | style="text-align:center;" | Atty. Xian-Al D. Galanza |- | Municipal Vice-Mayor | style="text-align:center;" | Bob Burkley |- |rowspan=8| Municipal Councilors | style="text-align:center;" | Timoteo Galanza |- | style="text-align:center;" | Nestor Lacerna |- | style="text-align:center;" | Reynante Agustin |- | style="text-align:center;" | Cel Burkley |- | style="text-align:center;" | Tim Uy |- | style="text-align:center;" | Bong Caro |- | style="text-align:center;" | JR Villareal |- | style="text-align:center;" | Norberto Labayog |- |}

===Congress representation=== Gamu, belonging to the second legislative district of the province of Isabela, currently represented by Hon. Ed Christopher S. Go.<ref>{{cite web|title=House of Representatives: 19th Congress|url= https://www.congress.gov.ph/members/search.php?id=go-e |work=Official Website of the House of Representatives PH|publisher=congress.gov.ph|access-date=May 15, 2022}}</ref>

==Education== The Schools Division of Isabela governs the town's public education system.<ref>{{Cite web |title=HISTORY OF DEPED-ISABELA |url=https://deped-isabela.com.ph/transparency/about-sdo-isabela/history/ |access-date=March 13, 2022 |website=DepED Isabela {{!}} The official website of DepED Schools Division of Isabela}}</ref> The division office is a field office of the DepEd in Cagayan Valley region.<ref>{{Cite web |title=DEPED REGIONAL OFFICE NO. 02 |url=https://region2.deped.gov.ph/page/14/ |website=DepED RO2 {{!}} The official website of DepED Regional Office No. 02 |access-date=March 12, 2022 |archive-date=April 12, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220412180850/https://region2.deped.gov.ph/page/14/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> Gamu Schools District Office governs both the public and private elementary and high schools throughout the municipality.<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 15, 2021 |title=Masterlist of Schools |url=https://www.deped.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/SY-2020-2021-Masterlist-of-Schools-Address-only-1-1.pdf |access-date=April 10, 2025 |website=Department of Education}}</ref>

===Primary and elementary schools=== {{Div col|colwidth=20em}} * 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 {{div col end}}

===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. {{Div col|colwidth=20em}} * 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 {{div col end}}

==References== {{Reflist}}

==External links== *[http://www.competitive.org.ph/cmcindex/pages/profile/?lgu=Gamu Municipal Profile at the National Competitiveness Council of the Philippines] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171026172218/http://www.competitive.org.ph/cmcindex/pages/profile/?lgu=Gamu |date=October 26, 2017 }} *[http://provinceofisabela.ph/index.php/municipalities/second-district/2013-07-10-15-01-18 Gamu at the Isabela Government Website] *[https://web.archive.org/web/20161010201809/http://www.blgs.gov.ph/lgpmsv2/cmshome/index.php?pageID=23 Local Governance Performance Management System] *[{{NSCB detail}} Philippine Standard Geographic Code] *[https://web.archive.org/web/20081120024509/http://www.census.gov.ph/data/census2007/index.html Philippine Census Information] *[https://web.archive.org/web/20070913175057/http://elgu2.ncc.gov.ph/gamu-isabela/ Municipality of Gamu]

{{Geographic location  |Centre = Gamu |Northeast = Ilagan |Southeast = Naguilian |South = Reina Mercedes |West = Burgos |Northwest = Quirino }} {{Isabela}} {{Authority control}}

Category:Municipalities of Isabela (province) Category:Populated places on the Rio Grande de Cagayan