The next visit by a governor was only in 1981, by Justiniano P. Cortez, when a mobile government was organized to improve the health conditions of the people and to distribute medicine and food items such as rice, canned goods, and seeds.

This was welcomed by the people of Calayan as it ushered prosperity to the island as well as provision of medicine, clothing and other items of utility.

In return, the Calayanos offered gifts to the soldiers such as ancient jars, sea shells and handicrafts.

[6] The rocky northern coast line of the Calayan Island was the scene of a disaster when the warship Datu Kalantiaw, which had served during World War II and subsequently under the Philippine flag, was hit by Typhoon Clara.

Tidal coral flats that protect the sandy beaches between the settlements of Dilam and Dibay are also a distinct feature.

[12] The present access is by outrigger boats locally called lampitaw, which takes the islanders from Calayan to the port of Aparri and Claveria on the west coast of the Cagayan Province where an airport to operate small aircraft is also under construction.

[14] Thick forest is found in the hill ridge that is in the center of the island (elevation 499 metres (1,637 ft)[12]).

This forest has tall “cogon” grass, apart from many species of timber trees along the east coastline and at the north-western tip of the island.

Other vegetables and crops grown are tobacco, corn, rice and camotes, in the intermediate patches of land.

The beach front, above the high wave zone, is covered with butun (a Tugalo language name) trees where hawks are seen.

[12][17] Endemic gecko are found in rocky outcrops, in caves, forests and on tree trunks in the island.

[10] According to a field survey carried out in 2004, the newly sighted bird on the island was the Calayan rail Gallirallus calayanensis.

[12] Apart from this, the other species recorded during the field visit were:[12] The Sibang Cove is known for the many ancient burial grounds, and many artifacts unearthed here are in the National Museum.