Sports mecca of Northern Luzon

Josemarie Diaz will take his oath as reelected mayor of Ilagan City on Saturday, June 28, at 8 a.m. Later that same day, the Ilagan Isabela Cowboys, co-owned by the mayor's son Jeao Diaz, will play a home game in the MPBL.

Home games are highly anticipated in the sports-passionate city, which is accustomed to hosting major events like the Palarong Pambansa, Asian Youth Athletics, Little League international baseball championships, and the Bakbakan Sa Ilagan boxing event. Further sporting events are scheduled, including PVL On Tour volleyball on July 12-13 and the second Bakbakan Sa Ilagan featuring WBF champion Wesley Caga in August.

Adding international flavor, Ilagan City will host The Asian Tournament in August, where the Ilagan Isabela Cowboys will compete with imports.

Mayor Diaz takes pride in establishing Ilagan City as a sports mecca in Cagayan Valley/Northern Luzon. He initiated the construction of the 10,000-seater Capital Arena, the Cowboys' home court for MPBL games, enabling the city to host more indoor sports and significant activities beyond its previous events like Little League Baseball, Asian Youth Athletics (which earned Patafa recognition), and Palarong Pambansa. Diaz also champions Ilagan as the Corn Capital.

Focusing on sports success, the Ilagan Isabela Cowboys retooled their roster during the league's player movement period. Key acquisitions include Donald Gumaru (a former Barangay Ginebra PBA guard and Ilagan native, making his homecoming on June 28) via a trade involving Allen Mina, Jerie Pingoy (acquired from Rizal in exchange for Philip Manalang), Dennis Santos, Jayboy Solis, TH Tumalip, and Agem Miranda for added size. The team aims for a strong mid-season push and hopes for a prolonged campaign culminating in a "Cinderella Finish" to complement the city's sports program.

Ilagan City seeks to maintain its momentum, viewing sports as synonymous with success. The article concludes with a rallying cry, "Sulong Ilagunenos!", expressing belief that anything is possible with community support.