Before the advent of migration and urban development planning, Maddela was inhabited by native tribes who resided within the Sierra Madre Mountains and the hinterlands of the Mamparang Ranges.

In contrast, the Dumagats inhabited the eastern portion of the Cagayan River, living a nomadic lifestyle in makeshift huts made of forest leaves and subsisting on hunting and root crops.

In 1919, a group of 20 Ilocanos led by Forester Vicente Velasco settled along the Cagayan River, gradually expanding into the Pinappagan valley, now Maddela.

The Ilocanos, known for their enterprising spirit, cultivated crops such as rice, tobacco, corn, and peanuts, and established friendly relations with the native tribes.

The period between 1922 and 1925 marked the beginning of permanent settlement, with Lt. Quintin Alcantara initiating the construction of a road connecting Pinappagan and Panang.

During Sarandi's term, several new barrios were created, leading to agricultural expansion and increased commerce and trade with neighboring towns in Isabela.

It gained fame and attracted tourists after it was featured on Rated K of ABS-CBN along with the Siitan Nature Park in Nagtipunan, one of the Municipalities of Quirino Province.