Iriga City, known as the “City of Springs,” is a highly important cultural, agricultural, educational, and commercial center of the Rinconada area. It is located between Naga City and Legazpi City and serves as a major center of trade and commerce for the surrounding municipalities. The city's economy is strongly based on agriculture, with coconut, banana, corn, vegetables, and other crops among its major products.
Iriga's history traces back to 1578, when the I-raga settlement was established as a visita of Nabua. It became a pueblo in 1683, and in 1968, Iriga was formally organized and inaugurated as the third city in the Bicol Region under Republic Act No. 5261.
The city is particularly known for Mt. Iriga/Mt. Asog, Tinagba Festival, traditional Irigueño cuisine, indigenous crafts, springs and waterfalls, and its agricultural heritage. The city government also identifies Iriga's culinary heritage as an important part of its cultural identity.
