Santander, Cebu

Santander
Tañong
Municipality

Fast craft terminal in Liloan

Map of Cebu with Santander highlighted
Santander

Location within the Philippines

Coordinates: 9°27′N 123°20′E / 9.45°N 123.33°ECoordinates: 9°27′N 123°20′E / 9.45°N 123.33°E
Country Philippines
Region Central Visayas (Region VII)
Province Cebu
District 2nd district of Cebu
Founded 1867
Barangay 10 (see § Barangays)
Government[1]
 • Type Sangguniang Bayan
 • Mayor Marilyn Wenceslao (LP)
 • Vice mayor Wilson Wenceslao
 • Town Council
Area[2]
 • Total 29.53 km2 (11.40 sq mi)
Population (2010)[3]
 • Total 16,105
 • Density 550/km2 (1,400/sq mi)
Demonym Tañonganon
Time zone PST (UTC+8)
ZIP code 6026
IDD :  +63 (0)32
Income class 4th class
PSGC 072245000

Santander is a fourth income class municipality in the province of Cebu, Philippines. According to the 2010 census, it has a population of 16,105.[3]

Santander is the southernmost municipality of Cebu. It is the location of sea ports that connect to Negros Oriental. Fast craft ferry passengers to Sibulan, with trips taking 20 minutes. Roll-on roll-off barges travel to Amlan, with trips taking 1 hour.

It is known for its Tostado Festival.

Geography

Santander's terrain is dominated by a backdrop of rugged ranges which raise from a flat narrow coastal plain to an average elevation of 200 metres (660 ft). Strongly sloping to sleepy sloping contours are scattered throughout the municipality.

Barangays

Santander comprises 10 barangays:[2]

Barangay Population
(2007) 		Population
(2010)[3] 		Annual
Growth Rate
Bunlan 1,877  1,929  0.80% 
Cabutongan 1,025  1,090  2.26% 
Candamiang 906  899  −0.28% 
Canlumacad 754  769  0.72% 
Liloan 1,906  1,950  0.83% 
Liptong 1,244  1,138  −3.19% 
Looc 1,673  1,899  4.72% 
Pasil 1,447  1,514  1.66% 
Poblacion 2,907  2,583  −4.21% 
Talisay 2,050  2,334  4.83% 

Coastal barangays are Poblacion, Pasil, Canlumacad, Talisay, Liloan and Looc;
Mountain barangays are Lip-tong, Bunlan, Candamiang, and Cabutongan.

History

Santander is at the southernmost tip of Cebu. The town was originally called Tañong, but with the coming of the Spaniards, it was renamed Santander, after the city on the northern (Atlantic) coast of Spain.

The town was established in 1867; the parish in 1897.

Economy

Santander Municipal Hall

Santander is the third smallest town in Cebu. But it has turned out many professionals. Majority of the people depend on the sea for livelihood – fishermen who continually explore the vast Palawan and China seas in search for rich fishing grounds. The method of fishing used is the destructive muro-ami technique.

Before, there were four wholesale enterprises, one superstore and few sari-sari stores. An improvised market composed mostly of "talipapas" serves as satellite mater. This were located along Jose Rizal Street beside the Municipal Building. By the year 2001, the business establishments began to grow and develop. Many larger businesses have been established in Santander such as LGC Marketing.

Before, there were only two ports in Santander serving barges and boats bound for Dumaguete City. Now there are 4 ports connecting to Negros Island – three are located at Liloan and one at Talisay.

The major agricultural produce in Santander is corn, copra, and root crops (cassava and sweet potato). Most people especially those living in mountain barangays plant corns as a source of their income and livelihood.

Santander was the only 5th class and small municipality in Cebu that promoted its income class from 5th to 4th class.

Demographics

Population census of Santander
YearPop.±% p.a.
1990 11,831—    
1995 12,382+0.86%
2000 13,842+2.42%
2007 15,294+1.39%
2010 16,105+1.90%
Source: National Statistics Office[3][4]

The death rate is 3.06 per 1000 people, or 0.306%.

Language

Most of the Tañonganons (people living in Santander) speak Cebuano (Santander Version). In schools, Filipino and English languages are taught and used as a major instruction in all subjects.

Education

There are 8 elementary and 3 high schools in Santander. Two of these schools are private located in Looc. Most of the Tañonganon students are enrolled in public schools especially in Santander Central Elementary School and Santander National School.

Sports

Basketball is the most popular sport in Santander. This game is usually played in the afternoons where school time is over and also for the adults whose work hours is done (specially construction works). During summer, a lot of basketball competitions between different barangays. This was done in order that youths avoid vices and illegal drugs. Volleyball is also played in summer competitions but it is more usually participated in by women. Other sports such as baseball and football are also played in Santander.

Tourism

Waterfront of Santander, with Negros Oriental in the background

Santander's popularity as a tourist destination has increased in the past few years, since it serves as the hub for some world renowned dive spots like Apo Island, Balicasag, Pescador Island, Sumilon and Siquijor. This is also reflected in the growth of Santander in the tourism industry. 6 years ago there were only 2 resorts, still open today. Today there are 11.

References

  1. ↑ "Municipalities". Quezon City, Philippines: Department of the Interior and Local Government. Retrieved 8 April 2013.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 "Province: Cebu". PSGC Interactive. Makati City, Philippines: National Statistical Coordination Board. Retrieved 8 April 2013.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 "Total Population by Province, City, Municipality and Barangay: as of May 1, 2010" (PDF). 2010 Census of Population and Housing. National Statistics Office. Retrieved 1 April 2013.
  4. ↑ "Population and Annual Growth Rates by Province, City and Municipality: Central Visayas: 1995, 2000 and 2007" (PDF). National Statistics Office. Archived from the original (PDF) on 24 June 2011.

External links

 Samboan Oslob
Amlan ⛴ Tañon Strait Bohol Sea
   Santander  
San Jose, Negros Oriental ⛴ Tañon Strait Tañon Strait
⛴ Sibulan