[1] Ilagan had its beginnings as an encomienda of Don Hernandez de Paz circa 1617.

The town was also founded as a mission of the Dominican priests called San Miguel de Bolo on April 21, 1619.

During that time, it was officially named as San Fernando de Ilagan.

One person was injured after coming into contact with superheated metal while salvaging items from the cathedral.

The cathedral served as the episcopal seat the Roman Catholic Diocese of Ilagan since its establishment in 1970[5] until 2003, when it was transferred to the newer Saint Ferdinand Cathedral in Barangay Upi, Gamu.