| Casiguran | |
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| — Municipality — | |
| Map of Aurora showing the location of Casiguran. | |
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Casiguran
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| Coordinates: | |
| Country | Philippines |
| Region | Central Luzon (Region III) |
| Province | Aurora |
| District | Lone District |
| Founded | June 13, 1609 |
| Barangays | 24 |
| Government | |
| • Mayor | Reynaldo T. Bitong |
| Area | |
| • Total | 715.43 km2 (276.2 sq mi) |
| Population (2007) | |
| • Total | 22,403 |
| • Density | 31.3/km2 (81.1/sq mi) |
| Time zone | PST (UTC+8) |
| ZIP code | 3204 |
| Income class | 3rd class |
| Website | casiguran-aurora.gov.ph |
| Population Census of Casiguran | |||
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| Census | Pop. | Rate | |
| 1995 | 19,578 |
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| 2000 | 21,459 | 1.99% | |
| 2007 | 22,403 | 0.60% | |
Casiguran is a 3rd class municipality in the northern part of the province of Aurora, Philippines. According to the latest census (2007), it has a population of 22,403 people in 4,366 households.
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It is located 121 km from Baler, the provincial capital. It is bounded on the northeast by Dilasag, on the southwest by Dinalungan, on the northwest by Quirino and southeast by the Pacific Ocean. It lies between 16°01'39"N and 16°27'53"N latitude and between 121°52'23"E and 122°14'14"E longitudes.
In 1960, the population of Casiguran was 6,900. This was almost doubled by the 1970s when population was 12,128, an increase of about 76% (5.8% annual average growth rate). Between 1970 and 1975, there was a marked decreased in the number of population from 12,128 to 11,670. This reduction was due to deteriorated peace and order, which forced some of the population to move away. The trend reversed by 1980, with an increase of 19% or an annual average growth rate increase of 3.86%. Increasing population continued during the succeeding censal years (1980 to 1995) but with a declining annual average population growth rate. This is attributed to the gradual stoppage of logging operations in the area. Many workers involved in this trade were not original residents, so when the jobs were no longer available, they left.
Between 1995 and 1999 there was a significant increase of the annual average population growth rate to 4.36%. With this present growth rate, the municipality of Casiguran was expected to have an additional 25% increase in its 2009 projected population level.
According to folk legend, the name Casiguran was obtained from the word Kasiguruhan which means "safety" or "assurance". Safety means defense - a fortress or sanctuary for sailing ships during stormy weather. Another legend says that if an unmarried stranger comes to the place, he unavoidably falls in love with someone and gets married and most of the time stays for good.
Casiguran was founded by the Spanish Missionaries on June 13, 1609. Prior to their arrival, early settlers were the Dumagats and Aetas, followed by migrants from other areas of the country. These migrants spoke different dialects such as Ilokano, Visayan, Bicolano, Pampango, Gaddang, Itawes and Ibanag. A Kasiguranin language evolved out of these dialects. In 1942, Japanese Occupation forces landed in the town of Casiguran. In 1945, the town of Casiguran was liberated by Allied Philippine Commonwealth troops and recognized guerrilla units during the Battle of Casiguran at the end of World War II.
When the Philippines became independent in 1946, Aurora was still part of Tayabas Province (now Quezon Province) and Casiguran was a lone northern town. Its political jurisdiction is bounded on the north by the province of Isabela, on the west by Quirino Province, and on the south west by barangay Dinadiawan, which was then the boundary between Baler and Casiguran.
In 1959 and 1966, the barrios of Dilasag and Dinalungan, which were part of Casiguran and situated on its northern and southwestern portions, were created municipalities.
A total of 34 local leaders administered the municipality of Casiguran since its establishment as a community and creation as a municipality. At present, the incumbent municipal mayor (34th) is Hon. Reynaldo Teh Bitong.
Casiguran is home to the Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority or APECO a special economic zone located in this coastal town. Created in 2007 by virtue of Republic Act No. 9490 thru the efforts of Sen. Edgardo Angara and Rep. Juan Edgardo Angara, it is expected be a major transshipment hub going to the pacific region. It aims to boost social, economic and industrial developments in Aurora and nearby provinces by generating jobs for the people, improving the quality of their living conditions, advocating an eco-friendly approach to industrialization and enhancing the potential of the community in productivity.
Casiguran is politically subdivided into 24 barangays.
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