Alcala is the birthplace of Senator Melecio Arranz of 1st Senatorial District of the Philippines.

The indigenous tribes of the Ibanag people were the first settlers of modern-day Alcala.

After two centuries of Spanish rule, Fulay was formally proclaimed as a township on 20 July 1789.

Alcala, belonging to the first legislative district of the province of Cagayan, 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 Schools Division of Cagayan governs the town's public education system.