Candon City
Encyclopedia
Candon City is a 4th class city in the province of Ilocos Sur, Philippines
Philippines
The Philippines , officially known as the Republic of the Philippines , is a country in Southeast Asia in the western Pacific Ocean. To its north across the Luzon Strait lies Taiwan. West across the South China Sea sits Vietnam...

. According to the latest census, it has a population of 56,270 people in 10,257 households. Dubbed as the "Tobacco Capital of the Philippines" the city is the country's largest producer of Virginia-type tobacco. As the district center of southern Ilocos Sur, the city plays a vital role in the development of adjacent municipalities.

This once small resort town is known for making the heaviest and largest calamay, a sweet and sticky snack made from sticky rice, coconut milk and sugar, in the world. This City also has a rich historical background. In its legends, the name of the city is derived from the legendary "kandong" tree which is now but extinct in the area. Its patron saint is John of Sahagun
John of Sahagún
John of Sahagún , also known as Saint John of San Facondo, was a Spanish priest who belonged to the Order of Hermits of St. Augustine...

 and his feast day is celebrated every June 12.

Candon City is the center of the 2nd district of Ilocos Sur. Government District offices are all located in the city. The city plays an important part in the growth and development of the 2nd district of Ilocos Sur. The city supports more than 100,000 citizens in terms of commercial and industrial services.

Most Business Friendly City in the Philippines for 2010

On October 15, 2010, The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry adjudged Candon City as the Most Business Friendly City in the Philippines (Level II - City Category). During the final deliberation, Candon, in its first attempt to join the PCCI’s sponsored prestigious nationwide competition, bested the Alaminos City
Alaminos City
Alaminos City is a 4th class city in the province of Pangasinan, Philippines. According to the latest census, it has a population of 79,788 people in 15,527 households...

 in Pangasinan
Pangasinan
Pangasinan is a province of the Republic of the Philippines. The provincial capital is Lingayen. Pangasinan is located on the west central and peripheral area of the island of Luzon along the Lingayen Gulf, with the total land area being 5,368.82 square kilometers . According to the latest census,...

 and Balanga City
Balanga City
Balanga City is a second class city in the province of Bataan, Region III - Central Luzon, Philippines. It is the capital city of Bataan. According to the latest census, it has a population of 84,105 people in 14,065 households. Its citizens are called Balangueños.Balanga City is primarily a...

 in Bataan
Bataan
Bataan is a province of the Philippines occupying the whole of the Bataan Peninsula on Luzon. The province is part of the Central Luzon region. The capital of Bataan is Balanga City and it is bordered by the provinces of Zambales and Pampanga to the north...

 on investments and quality customer service. The city took pride of its 5,112 business applications for the period January 2009 to August 2010 with an accumulated P104 million investments poured – in based on their business capital submitted.

The city had also generated a local income amounting to P37.6 million in which the tax revenues collected had a total of P15.8 million (real property tax – P2.9 million, tax on business -P12.1 million and other taxes – P836 ,000); and the non-tax revenues reflected P21. 8 million (P5.2 million – regulatory fees on permits and licenses, P1.8 million – service user charges like clearance certificates, P13.4 million income from economic enterprise – market collection and P1.2 million from other receipts like violations/miscellaneous. The city has more than P220 million Internal Revenue Allotment for 2010.

In the quality customer service, the city government has its Business- One – Stop- Shop (BOSS) and the Citizens’ charter to show of. The BOSS is set up to provide the most efficient way for securing and issuances of different permits and licenses including renewals. The city’s Citizen Charter billboards are clearly and strategically located at the city hall’s main lobby and flow charts are displayed in all offices for customer’s guidance.

The city is also engaged in public- private partnership with its Nego viaje project launched in March 2008. Under the City Tourism Council, the project is the organization of the city’s food strip vendors along the portion of Marina Street. The city provided uniformly designed food carts and picnic tables.

Origin of the City's Name

The name of the city was derived from the now rare "candong" tree. During Spanish times, the powerful chieftains of the area, after having a gathering called a "kaniaw," held a contest (called "gabbu," a wrestling contest) to decide the husband of Ineng, the daughter of the most powerful chieftain, Madal-ang, and his would-be successor, owing to his advancing age. The contest was held under the shade of the candong trees, the residence of Madal-ang. The winner was the chieftain named Kalinio, resident of the caves of Cauplasan who defeated Madal-ang and another chieftain named Abay-a from the caves of Cadanglaan. Kalinio and the daughter of the chieftain were wed under the shade of a candong tree in grandiose ceremonies.

During this wedding, a group of Spaniards, which included Captain Juan de Salcedo
Juan de Salcedo
Juan de Salcedo was a Spanish conquistador. He was born in Mexico in 1549 and he was the grandson of Miguel López de Legazpi and brother of Felipe de Salcedo. Salcedo was one of the soldiers who accompanied the Spanish colonization of the Philippines in 1565...

, passed by, and asked what was going on. Natives thought they were asking for the name of the tree, so they uttered, "Candong." Dropping the "g" for convenience, the place was named Candon.
Another theory is that the place was named after the town of Candon in Spain.

History

According to the city archives, Malayan settlers were the first residents of Candon City that later turned into a village. Settlers were mostly farmers, fishermen, woodsmen and craftsmen. The Village was then ruled by three local chieftains: Abay-a, Madalang and Kalinio. Madalang chose as his abode the shade of a gargantuan tree which stood in the center of the said village and under this large tree people converged to exchange pleasantries and goods. This is also where the elders and the chief settle disputes and offer advice. The Villagers named the large tree “Kandong”.

Upon the arrival of the Spanish colonizers in the 16th century, the symbolic tree was cut down upon orders of the friars and its lumber was used for the construction of the first Catholic Church in the area. The people were easily led in to the new church and were converted to Catholicism. The Spaniards named the place Candon from their version of the “Kandong” tree. The cemetery yard in the Catholic Church located south of the Poblacion area was constructed in 1797. In 1780, the village was turned into a municipality. Under the Spanish rule, the village was quickly taken over by wealthy Spaniards employing the natives in conditions of near slavery. Famine occurred in 1881 and 1882. Then on March 25, 1898, a revolutionary government was declared and attacked the Spaniards. However, Spanish troops were able to re-occupy Candon. Most of the leaders and participants of the uprising were arrested and then summarily executed.

During the Japanese occupation in 1942, another revolution was staged. Several truckloads of Japanese forces and supplies perished along the national highway. However, the Japanese Soldiers retaliated back by burning the whole town in January 1942, which is considered the greatest event that ever happened in the history of Candon.
Despite the hardships that the townsfolk went through during the World Wars, residents were steadfast to go through the process of redemption and rebuilding. And the tall acacia trees that now adorned the town plaza and municipal buildings are testimonies of the Candon’s steadfastness. Large trees now spans alongside the National Highway of the Poblacion which towers up to 15 meters high and 20 feet in circumference.

Cityhood

In the Charter of Candon City, Candon is applying to become the second city in the Province of Ilocos Sur so it can undertake government programs with additional funding from the national government to benefit the people in the field of social services, economic growth, peace and order, health, education, agriculture and infrastructure development.

Like the "Kandong" tree of yore, Candon is just beginning to spread out its branches to reach out for the skies in its own bid to become the next city in Ilocos Sur. From the start of House Bill 7260 seeking to convert Candon into a component city was filed by then Congressman Eric D. Singson in the 10th Congress and later re-filed by Congresswoman Grace D. Singson in the 11th Congress. Owing to the merits and qualifications of Candon as the leading town in Southern Ilocos Sur, the bill easily got the approval of the Committees on Local Government in both House of Representatives and in the Senate.

Until recently the aspiration for Candon to become a city remained a dream, but its destiny inevitable when the counterpart Senate Bill No. 2242 was sponsored by no less than Senate President Aquilino "Nene" Pimentel Jr., Senators Frank Drilon, Sergio Osmeña III and all the members of the Senate Committee on Local Government. It was subsequently approved unanimously by the Senate in plenary session, and now it is up to the townspeople to embrace this honor with an equally unanimous "YES to Cityhood" vote.

City Seal

THE OFFICIAL SEAL

The official seal of the City of Candon was approved and adopted by the Sangguniang Panlungsod under RESOLUTION NO. 017-01 sponsored by Councilor DAVID GACUSANA. It is published to immortalize the “Cry of Candon” of March 1898 and to commemorate the ratification of the Cityhood charter under Republic Act 9018 on March 28, 2001.

EXPLANATORY NOTES:
1. The seal is patterned after the Official Seal of Ilocos Sur, which is also the general pattern being used by all the seals of the different provinces in the Philippines.

2. The emblem at the middle of the circle represents the Philippine Flag, which symbolizes the spirit of nationalism.

3. The TORCH at the middle of the flag represents the spirit of 1898 demonstrating an ever burning desire of our people for “liberty, justice and democracy.”

4. The SABER and the RIFLE crossed below the torch are symbols of the readiness of the people to protect human rights. While the TOBACCO LEAVES behind them are like outstretched wings whereby the local agriculture economy thrives.

5. The date on top of the glowing flame is the date of the immortal “Cry of Candon” when our forefathers, led by the indomitable Don Isabelo Abaya, fought and successfully liberated Candon from the Spanish overlords a full three months before the National uprising of June 12, 1898.

6. Finally, the banner beneath the emblem contains the historic Candon City Charter – Republic Act 9018 of March 28, 2001 declaring Candon as a city.

City Hymn

Cry of Candon

Lyrics and Music by: M.D. Singson

Intay lagipen daydi aldaw a napateg

Ti veinte cinco ti Marzo mil ocho sientos noventa y ocho

"Cry of Candon"

Dayta nga aldaw ken rabii

immalsangad ti umili

Impangolloan da Isabelo Abaya ken Fernando Guirnalda

nga amma tayo

Inda imbayog ti wagayway, waya waya

Daytoy comat mangted cadatay ti timpuyog,

talna, regta, ragsao kappia't Candon.

Geography and climate

Candon City is situated in the lower central portion of the Province of Ilocos Sur. It has a "C" shape with elevations ranging from 10 – 500 ft above sea level. The city is bounded by the municipality of Santa Lucia
Santa Lucia
Santa Lucia is a traditional Neapolitan song. It was transcribed by Teodoro Cottrau and published by the Cottrau firm, as a "barcarolla", at Naples in 1849. Cottrau translated it from Napuletano into Italian during the first stage of the Risorgimento, the first Neapolitan song to be given Italian...

 in the south; the municipality of Salcedo
Salcedo
Salcedo or Salzedo is a Spanish noble surname, of a family proceeding from the Kings of León, of which a branch passed to Portugal. It is also used through marriage and female line by the only legitimate branch and representative of the Salazar family...

 is the southeast,; the municipalities of Galimuyod and San Emilio in the east; the municipalities of Santiago
Santiago, Ilocos Sur
Santiago is a 5th class municipality in the province of Ilocos Sur, Philippines. According to the latest census, it has a population of 16,806 people in 3,233 households.Santiago Cove is dubbed as the "Boracay of Ilocos Sur" because of its white sands....

 and Banayoyo in the north and the South China Sea
South China Sea
The South China Sea is a marginal sea that is part of the Pacific Ocean, encompassing an area from the Singapore and Malacca Straits to the Strait of Taiwan of around...

 in the west.

The climate is generally dry that usually occurs from the months of October to May. However, the southernmost portion is observed to be humid and rain is evenly distributed throughout the year while the eastern part is dry with rain not sufficiently distributed. August has the most rainfall while January and February have the least. The mean temperature in the province is 27 °C. January is the coldest.

Barangays

Candon City is politically subdivided into 42 barangay
Barangay
A barangay is the smallest administrative division in the Philippines and is the native Filipino term for a village, district or ward...

s.
  • Allangigan 1st
  • Allangigan 2nd
  • Amguid
  • Ayudante
  • Bagani Campo
  • Bagani Gabor
  • Bagani Tocgo
  • Bagani Ubbog
  • Bagar
  • Balingaoan
  • Bugnay
  • Calaoa-an
  • Calongbuyan
  • Caterman
  • Cubcubbuot
  • Darapidap
  • Langlangca 1st
  • Langlangca 2nd
  • Oaig Daya
  • Palacapac
  • Paras
  • Parioc 1st
  • Parioc 2nd
  • Patpata 1st
  • Patpata 2nd
  • Paypayad
  • Salvador 1st
  • Salvador 2nd
  • San Agustin
  • San Andres
  • San Antonio (Poblacion)
  • San Isidro (Poblacion)
  • San Jose (Poblacion)
  • San Juan (Poblacion)
  • San Nicolas
  • San Pedro
  • Santo Tomas
  • Tablac
  • Talogtog
  • Tamurong 1st
  • Tamurong 2nd
  • Villarica

  • Transportation

    Candon City is accessible via the McArthur National Highway, which is also the city's main thoroughfare. Other major streets in the city are 25 de Marzo Street and San Juan Street, both parallel to the National Highway. Quirino Boulevard is a secondary highway that connects the city proper to the upland barangays of Candon City and the upland municipalities of Ilocos Sur. The Darapidap Beach Road or the Samonte Boulevard connects the seaside barangays to the urban center.

    Tricycles and jeepneys are the major types of transportation in the city. There are over 3000 registered tricycles in the city, the highest number of registered tricycles in the province (as an individual local government unit.)
    Buses provide long distance trips to major cities like Manila
    Manila
    Manila is the capital of the Philippines. It is one of the sixteen cities forming Metro Manila.Manila is located on the eastern shores of Manila Bay and is bordered by Navotas and Caloocan to the north, Quezon City to the northeast, San Juan and Mandaluyong to the east, Makati on the southeast,...

    , Baguio and Laoag. Mini-Buses provide short trips to neighboring municipalities and the nearby cities of Vigan and San Fernando, La Union. Major Bus Companies also established their terminals in the city, among them are:
    • Partas
      Partas
      Partas Transportation Co., Inc. is a bus transportation company in the Philippines. It operates a 24/7 service for passengers and freight between Metro Manila and northwest Luzon , with services also running to Baguio City and the Central Luzon plains .Aside from transportation by bus, Partas also...

    • Dominion Bus Lines
      Dominion Bus Lines
      Dominion Bus Lines is a bus transportation company in the Philippines. It operates a 24/7 service for passengers and freight between Metro Manila and northwest Luzon .-History:...

    • Sta. Lucia Express and Martinez Trans (managed by Victory Liner
      Victory Liner
      Victory Liner, Inc. is one of the largest provincial bus companies operating in the Philippines. This bus company played a major role in transport industry since it became the product of Japanese occupation in the country after World War II....

      )
    • Candon Bus Line

    Commerce and Industry

    Candon City has a geographical setting and proximity to the national highway and other towns that encouraged greater mobility in terms of trade, economic, social and cultural activities. The Department of Trade and Industry
    Department of Trade and Industry (Philippines)
    The Philippines’ Department of Trade and Industry , abbreviated as DTI is the executive department of the Philippine Government tasked to expand Philippine trade, industries and investments as the means to generate jobs and raise incomes for Filipinos...

     termed the City as the center for trade and commerce in Ilocos Sur.

    Many adjacent towns frequent Candon for commercial activities, catering to the commercial needs of an estimated 100,000 population. The City also has a supermarket and a shopping mall, banking and lending institutions, recreational facilities, tourism facilities, health and medical establishments.

    Existing industries in Candon City are manufacturing, agro-industry and cottage industry. The manufacturing sector owns the Tobacco Stalk Cement Bonded Board Plant that produces particle boards for low cost housing and other construction needs. Other manufacturing establishments are based on calamay making, chichacorn, bakeshop/bakery, and ice cream, and vinegar, furniture making shop, concrete products and Coconut Oil Processing Plant located at Barangay Talogtog. On the other hand, the cottage industry includes “balut” or egg production, fish re-drying, salt making, native delicacies, woodcrafts and handicrafts.

    Service establishments are also present in Candon, such as sari-sari and grocery stores, carinderias, nightclubs, barber shops, beauty parlors, gasoline stations and stores/outlets for the following: auto parts, agricultural equipment and supplies, school and office supplies, photo and supplies, appliances, pharmaceuticals, hardware and electrical. There are also video centers, bazaars, gift shops, pawnshops and mineral/distilled drinking water store outlets, and real estate.

    The city is the center of trade and commerce in the 2nd district of Ilocos Sur. Urban growth has a linear pattern along major thoroughfares in the city center and the national highway.

    Banks

    Commercial Banks
    • Banco de Oro
    • Bank of the Philippine Islands
    • Philippine National Bank
    • Metrobank
    • RCBC
    • Bank of Commerce
    • Land Bank of the Philippines
    • Allied Bank


    Rural Banks
    • Rang-ay Bank
    • Summit Bank
    • Ilocos Sur Cooperative Bank

    Fast Food Chains

    • Jollibee
      Jollibee
      Jollibee Foods Corporation is the parent company of Jollibee, a fast-food restaurant chain based in the Philippines. Among JFC's popular brands are Jollibee, Chowking, Greenwich, Red Ribbon, Caffe Ti-amo, Mang Inasal and Burger King...

    • McDonald's
      McDonald's
      McDonald's Corporation is the world's largest chain of hamburger fast food restaurants, serving around 64 million customers daily in 119 countries. Headquartered in the United States, the company began in 1940 as a barbecue restaurant operated by the eponymous Richard and Maurice McDonald; in 1948...

    • Greenwich
    • Chowking
    • Red Ribbon
    • Goldilocks
    • Max's Restaurant

    Educational institutions

    • Candon Community College - University of Northern Philippines Candon - a branch of the University of Northern Philippines created when Candon Community College was merged into UNP by virtue of a bill enacted by then Congressman Eric Singson.

    • Saint Joseph Institute - a co-ed private school own and administered by the sisters of St. Paul of Chartres

    Tourism

    Candon Church (Saint John de Sahagun Parish Church)
    Candon City Hall
    Darapidap Beach
    Tobacco Festival

    Celebrated every month of March as thanksgiving for the city's vast harvest of tobacco

    External links

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