Cantilan, Surigao del Sur

Cantilan
Municipality
Cantilan Harbour
Nickname(s): The Cradle Town
Map of Surigao del Sur with Cantilan highlighted
Cantilan Location within the Philippines
Coordinates: 09°20′N 125°59′E / 9.333°N 125.983°E / 9.333; 125.983Coordinates: 09°20′N 125°59′E / 9.333°N 125.983°E / 9.333; 125.983
Country	Philippines
Region	Caraga (Region XIII)
Province	Surigao del Sur
District	1st district of Surigao del Sur
Founded	1782
Barangays	17
Government[1]
• Mayor	Philip A. Pichay
Area[2]
• Total	240.10 km2 (92.70 sq mi)
Population (2010)[3]
• Total	30,231
• Density	130/km2 (330/sq mi)
Time zone	PST (UTC+8)
ZIP code	8317
Dialing code	+63 (0)86
Income class	2nd

Cantilan is a second class municipality in the province of Surigao del Sur, Philippines. According to the 2010 census, it has a population of 30,231 people.^[3]

Cantilan is considered the "Cradle of Towns" in Surigao del Sur. It originally encompassed the whole area of Carcanmadcarlan or the present towns of Carrascal, Cantilan, Madrid, Carmen and Lanuza.

Geography

Cantilan is the second northernmost municipality of CarCanMadCarLan and so also the second northernmost municipality of the province. The neighbouring municipalities are Carrascal in the north-west and Madrid in the south-east.

Barangays

Cantilan is politically subdivided into 17 barangays.^[2] Buntalid and Magasang were constituted as barrios in 1956.^[4]

Climate

Cantilan, like the whole island of Mindanao is considered having a tropical climate, with an average monthly precipitation of 308.66 mm (12.5 inches). However, its wettest season fall between the months of November until March. Dry season starts between April to September with brief afternoon showers and thunderstorms locally called sobasco.

History

Cantilan existed as a settlement for more than three centuries as early as 1709.

According to legend, the word Cantilan originated from the big shell of a bivalve locally called, “Tilang”. A couple with beautiful daughters lived close to the location of the big shell. When suitors came to visit the daughters and were asked their destination, they would answer, “Can Tilang” (meaning “to Tilang’s"). Eventually, “Can Tilang” became “Cantilan”.^[5]

According to sources, it was created by virtue of the Spanish Royal Decree of 1768 known as Maura Law. Another source states however, that Fr. Valerio de San Agustin implemented it in 1782 at “Daan Lungsod,” the old town in the coastal area. It was populated with people from Bayuyo, Ilihan and Calagdan. They constructed a fortification, a "Kuta", (Fort) made of limetones later named as Baluarte de Señor San Miguel, located across the river in the modern Cantilan.

Caraga is obviously named after the old, historic Caraga, an extensive landmass covering several provinces, in the northeastern seaboard of Mindanao whose existence outdated the arrival of the Spaniards in this country.

The people of the old Calagan were originally from Ilihan (now Panikian), Calagan (now Calagda-an), Parasao (now Palasao) and Bayuyo (now Union, Manga and San Antonio).

1521 - For the first time, Antonio Pigafetta, the chronicler of Magellan's epic voyage around the world, called this region Calagam or Calagan.

Calagan was among the three choices for Ferdinand Magellan to dock for provisions and trade. "Magellan was anxious to resume his voyage and inquired which were the best ports for provisions and trade, wishing to turn of his many articles of barter into gold and spices. He was told that there were three - Ceylon (Leyte), Zzubu (Cebu) and Calagan, but that Zzubu was the largest and had the most traffic."

March 31, 1521 - The celebrated "Primera Misa", an Eastern Sunday Mass, was held in the Philippine Territory on the order of Ferdinand Magellan. Two of its prominent attendees were the Butuan brother kings: Rajah Kolambu of Butuan and Rajah Siagu of Calagan.

January 25, 1571 - Garcia Sierras Chacon were appointed to rule the district of Surigao and Parasao (Cantilan), an encomienda.

• 1574 - Andres Mirandaola wrote to King Felipe II of Spain that "much gold is found in the island of Mindanao, in the district of Butuan, Curigao (Surigao) and Parasao (Palasao). Much gold is mined there."
• 1609 - The conquistadores arrived in Tandag and constructed a stonefort (a militray garrison) to strengthen their conquest of the locals. This caused

the Northeastern portion of Mindanao to be raised to the status of a province. This "distrito" was called "Provincia de Caraga" with Tandag as the capital.

• 1622 - The systematic evangelization of Caraga Province began with the arrival of eight Recoletos from Manila. They arrived in Tandag and branched out to outstations in the districts, namely: Butuan, Surigao, Dinagat, Gigaquit, Numancia, Calagdan (Cantilan), Iranza and Bislig. They were headed by their Superior Fray Miguel de Sta. Maria, OAR.
• 1622 - According to Erectio Conventum In Insuli Philippinis, the pueblos of Calagdan and Parasao (Palasao) were listed having 700 to 800 Christian families.
• 1626 - The Recollect chapter of 1626 appointed Fray Juan de Nicolas as priory of Tandag. Calagdan was among the priories that year. On the same year, 6 more priories was established: Bacuag, Tandag, Gigaquit, Butuan, Calagdan, and Dinagat.
• 1629 - Calagdan disappeared from the list of residential stations.
• 1700 - Two Spanish soldiers from the fort of Tandag was assigned at Parasao and Calagdan, namely Antonio Garcia and Cristobal Moreno, respectively.
• 1740 - A map made by Italian mapmaker Giambattista Albrizzi in Venice, Italy mentioned the northern part of Mindanao as "Manobos". Described as a place near the ocean and a rivermouth.
• 1750 - A census copy now on display in a museum in London mentioned the two pueblos of Calagdan (Calagda-an) and Bayuyo (now the present-day Union).
• 1752 - Bayuyo, I. St.Jean (an island near Bayuyo ), I. De General and Bucas are mentioned in a map made by French Cartographer Jacques Nicolas Bellin.
• 1752 - Moro raiders attacked and burned the two barrios of Bayuyo and Calagdan.
• 1761 - A concentrated resettlement of Calagdan, Palasao and Bayuyo in one place had been realized. The place is located across the river later named as Cantilang.
• 1767 - Padre Fray Valero de San Agustin, visited Calagdaan (Cantilang) and established a northern outstation outside Tandag.
• 1767 - The Moro pirates attacked Tandag Fort in 1758, 1761, 1767. But of all these attacks, the worst casualties suffered by the Moros was in 1767 when Fray Valero de San Agustin brought a reinforcement of 200 Calagdaan (Cantilan) fighters led by valiant warriors Francisco Arreza and Santiago Arizobal. They rode on seven sailboats to Tandag. After the fierce battle, many Moros were killed and several of their boats were sunk on Tandag river and sea.
• 1782: Cantilan became a regular parish under Fray Valero de San Agustin, a recollect.
• 1856: On October 14, a hurricane from the north which turned over east and south increased to an intensity that tidal waves changed the whole town into a sea. Every thing was swept away. On October 15, Cantilan became a wasteland. The survivors together with the parish priest Fray Modesto Marzo y Casabana then crossed the river and started to build the new Cantilan.
• 1898: Cantilan total population had reached 10,026.
• 1918: On December 10, Executive Order No. 52 of American Governor General Francis Burton Harrison was issued that divided Cantilan into three parts.
• World War II - For much of the war Cantilan was a place of refuge for those escaping the Japanese occupation of coastal areas of Mindanao. The convent there was filled with refugees, including nuns fleeing other areas. Even a few American civilians who had been living in the Philippines before the war took refuge in Cantilan.^[6]
• 1960: Cantilan became part of the new province of Surigao del Sur.

Cantilan's Brief History

Cantilan has existed as a settlement for more than three centuries on the two barrios of Bayoyo and Kalagda-an which was then included in the Spanish administration of Tandag as early as 1709. The settlement of Ilihan was also part of the Cantilan area that time.

Prior to the Spanish regime, inhabitants of Cantilan were Bagani Bankayan Sandigan people, who descended from Malay immigrants. At times the early settlers were forced to join and fight marauding bands who came for slaves and plundered. In the process, they built stone walls and a watchtower as can be shown on some ruins of these structures which still exist on the sea coast.

The Spanish arrived and established a settlement at "Daan Lungsod" (Old Town) in the early 1700's and (Cantilan was separated from Tandag in 1791). The Spanish introduced Christianity and a governmental administration headed by priest.

Compulsory taxation was later featured from spanish rule. Other legacies of the Spanish time were the Spanish name given to the local inhabitants and the Spanish words which were added to the local language. The Jesuit fathers constructed a church in Cantilan in the 1890's - part of the walls still stands near the new church constructed in 1959.

During the Spanish time, local people were frequently attacked by muslims and so a fort was built at Daan Lungsod which aided in repelling five attacks, ending once and for all these raids. Other problems were diseases (especially smallpox and other epidemics) were on the rise added with disasters like typhoon.

In 1856, Daan Lungsod was destroyed by disastrous typhoon on the night of October 14. Beginning at midnight and continuing through the entire next day. A typhoon and series of tidal waves rolled over the town sweeping away all but one house and killing 30 people as well as destroying crops and livestock. The ruins of Daan Lungsod can still be seen on the other side of Cantilan River, but after the storm it was decided to rebuild the town on its present site.

Before the storm, residents often crossed the river to buy fish from a woman named Tilang. When asked where they were going, they replied, "Adto Kan Tilang"; and the place gradually became known as Kantilang (Cantilan to Spanish). After the storm the new town was built in this area, across the river and was named Kantilang or Cantilan.

Throughout the period, Cantilan remained primarily a fishing and agricultural settlement, as it is today. The area was larger at that time because it comprised the present municipalities of Cantilan, Carrascal, Madrid, Carmen and Lanuza (CarCanMadCarLan)

The first Americans set foot in Surigao in 1904 and were met some active resistance. But fighting died out after a relatively short time. The main American contribution to Filipino life was restructuring of governmental administration and the public schools. (Some early teachers were Mr. Bonnie, Mr. &Mrs. Edward Tylor, and Mr. William Hotchkiss).

During World War II, Cantilangnons were very active as guerillas figthing against the Japanese, who established a garrison in Cantilan from June 1942 to 1944.

The Japanese were headquartered in the present day Municipal Hall and formations were often held at the plaza. The people were afraid and forced to flee to the mountains or to the outlying island to avoid the Japanese. In some barrios, like Barangay General Island, the population increased on account of the mass evacuation. Peace time at last came when the Japanese finally withdraw their troops from Cantilan because of the invasion of the Americans in Leyte.

Years rolled along after full Independence was granted to the Philippines in 1946. Cantilan became part of the new province of Surigao del Sur in 1960. It had also taken and fixed its present boundaries at that time, with the creation of Madrid as a new municipality.

Cantilan remains primarily a rural, agricultural and fishing municipality, but its residents are well known for their high standing standard of education obtained by a large number of professionals who hail from Cantilan.

In more recent times, the logging and timber industry has had an impact in Cantilan, both logging and veneer manufacturing plant operating in this town. It has also a potential for mining, although no large scale operations have as yet been undertaken.

Cantilan remains an interesting beautiful place blessed with natural resources and a rich history.

This narrative history and other information was taken from the benevolent book of Eleazar Published 1980 entitled "History of Cantilan".

Immaculate Concepcion Parish Church. Photo taken last December 2011

The Cantilan Puericulture Center, constructed in 1915. The main purpose of this is to establish a women's club which aims to serve babies and mothers

The bust of Lino Triumfante Arreza. The first Cantilangnon to set foot in the United States to study. Among the few Filipino Pensionados

This wood marker fixed in the wall beside the entrance of Tribunal tells the story of the buildings' construction which started on 1878 under Fr.Marzo. After his death, the construction continued and was finished in 1879.

Demographics

Coast Fishing in Cantilan

The inhabitants of Cantilan are called Cantilangnons. Its unique dialect is called Cantelangnon.

Economy

The main part is agriculture (rice, coconut palms), animal breeding (water buffalos, pigs and chickens/roosters) and coastal fishing.

Tourism

Beach Resort at bay-bay

Points of interest:

• Tinago Surf Break (Ayoke Island)
• Baluarte Surfing Spot (Baybay II)
• General Island wreck diving
• Tilang Beach
• Malinawa Cool Spring (Parang Cantilan)
• Blue Lagoon

Sirong Festival

The Sirong Festival is a mardi-gras parade participated by different contingents from other towns. A cash price and a trophy awaits to the winner of the street dancing competition and the final showdown (2009 Sirong Festival Champion (SURIGAO CITY, SDN Contingent)).

Education

Surigao del Sur State University

Cantilan has both public and private schools from elementary, secondary and tertiary.

• Hotchkiss Learning Center
• Cantilan East Central Elementary School
• Cantilan Pilot School
• Cantilan National High School
• Saint Michael's College
• Cantilan Campus of the Surigao del Sur State University

Notable Cantilangnons

• Prospero Arreza Pichay, Jr. (Butch Pichay) - Born on June 20, 1950 in Cantilan, Surigao del Sur. He is the son of Provincial Treasurer Prospero Pichay Sr. He became the Congressman of Surigao del Sur 1st district from 1998 until 2007.
• Lt. Gen. William Hotchkiss III - Born on January 8, 1943 in Cantilan, Surigao del Sur. He was a member of the famed Blue Diamonds, a combat ready pilot. On November 29, 1996, he became the 24th Commanding General of the Philippine Air Force. Further, in line with environmental protection, he is an ex-officio member of the Philippine Eagle Foundation. He is currently the CAAP (Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines) Director General.
• Lt. Gen. Hernando Delfin Carmelo Arreza Iriberri, PMA Class "Matikas", 1983 - became the Commanding General of the Philippine Army (56th) and the retired Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.^[7]

References

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Cantilan, Surigao del Sur.

• Statistische Informationen des NSCB
• The Official Website of Municipality of Cantilan
• Philippine Standard Geographic Code
• Local Governance Performance Management System
• kantilangini.multiply.com
• eCarCanMadCarLan Portal

		Carrascal
	Santiago, Agusan del Norte		Philippine Sea
		Cantilan
	Sibagat, Agusan del Sur	Madrid

Province of Surigao del Sur
Tandag (capital)
Municipalities	Barobo Bayabas Cagwait Cantilan Carmen Carrascal Cortes Hinatuan Lanuza Lianga Lingig Madrid Marihatag San Agustin San Miguel Tagbina Tago
Component cities	Bislig Tandag