Candon

Candon, officially the City of Candon (Ilocano: Siudad ti Candon; Filipino: Lungsod ng Candon), is a 4th class city in the province of Ilocos Sur, Philippines. According to the 2015 census, it has a population of 60,623 people. [3]

Candon
Component city
City of Candon
Candon city center
Seal
Nickname(s): 
Tobacco Capital of the Philippines
Motto(s): 
Liberty, Justice and Unity
Anthem: Cry of Candon
Map of Ilocos Sur with Candon highlighted
OpenStreetMap
Candon
Location within the Philippines
Coordinates: 17°12′N 120°27′E
Country Philippines
RegionIlocos Region (Region I)
ProvinceIlocos Sur
District2nd District
Established1780 (as municipality)
CityhoodMarch 28, 2001
Barangays42 (see Barangays)
Government
 [1]
 • TypeSangguniang Panlungsod
 • MayorEricson G. Singson
 • Vice MayorKristelle G. Singson
 • RepresentativeKristine Singson-Meehan
 • Electorate38,219 voters (2019)
Area
 [2]
 • Total103.28 km2 (39.88 sq mi)
Elevation
67 m (220 ft)
Population
 (2015 census) [3]
 • Total60,623
 • Density590/km2 (1,500/sq mi)
 • Households
13,414
Economy
 • Income class4th city income class
 • Poverty incidence10.37% (2015)[4]
 • Revenue₱747,578,009.40 (2016)
Time zoneUTC+8 (PST)
ZIP code
2710
PSGC
012906000
IDD : area code +63 (0)77
Climate typetropical monsoon climate
Native languagesIlocano
Tagalog
Websitewww.candoncity.gov.ph

Dubbed as the "Tobacco Capital of the Philippines" the city is the country's largest producer of Virginia-type tobacco.

This once small resort town is known for making the heaviest and largest kalamay, 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 and his feast day is celebrated every June 12.[5]

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

Etymology

Several theories exist about the etymology of the city. One is that the name of the city was derived from the now rare "candong" tree. It is said by locals that 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, passed by, and asked what was going on. Natives thought they were asking for the name of the tree, so they uttered, "Candong." Candon in Spanish would be pronounced as Candong.

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 into 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.[6]

Cityhood

In the Charter of Candon City, Candon applied 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.[7]

Geography

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 346 kilometres (215 mi) from Metro Manila and 61 kilometres (38 mi) from Vigan City, the provincial capital.

Climate

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 (81 °F). January is the coldest.[6]

Climate data for Candon City, Ilocos Sur
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Average high °C (°F) 30
(86)		 31
(88)		 33
(91)		 34
(93)		 33
(91)		 31
(88)		 30
(86)		 30
(86)		 30
(86)		 31
(88)		 31
(88)		 30
(86)		 31
(88)
Average low °C (°F) 19
(66)		 20
(68)		 21
(70)		 23
(73)		 25
(77)		 25
(77)		 25
(77)		 25
(77)		 24
(75)		 22
(72)		 21
(70)		 20
(68)		 23
(73)
Average precipitation mm (inches) 10
(0.4)		 10
(0.4)		 14
(0.6)		 23
(0.9)		 80
(3.1)		 103
(4.1)		 121
(4.8)		 111
(4.4)		 119
(4.7)		 144
(5.7)		 39
(1.5)		 15
(0.6)		 789
(31.2)
Average rainy days 5.2 3.9 6.2 9.1 18.5 21.4 22.9 19.8 19.8 16.2 10.5 6.1 159.6
Source: Meteoblue (Use with caution: this is modeled/calculated data, not measured locally.) [8]

Barangays

Candon City is politically subdivided into 42 barangays.

  • 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

Demographics
Population census of Candon
YearPop.±% p.a.
1903 18,828—    
1918 19,950+0.39%
1939 20,528+0.14%
1948 22,362+0.96%
1960 27,780+1.82%
1970 31,116+1.14%
1975 34,701+2.21%
1980 36,802+1.18%
1990 43,473+1.68%
1995 45,128+0.70%
2000 50,564+2.47%
2007 56,270+1.49%
2010 57,884+1.03%
2015 60,623+0.88%
Source: Philippine Statistics Authority [3] [9] [10][11]

In the 2015 census, the population of Candon was 60,623 people, [3] with a density of 590 inhabitants per square kilometre or 1,500 inhabitants per square mile.

Economy
McDonald's Candon City, located along the National Highway, is the only 24-hour McDonald's store in Ilocos Sur

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 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 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 (deep-fried corn), bakeshop/bakery, ice cream, and vinegar; furniture making, concrete products manufacturing, and a Coconut Oil Processing Plant located at Barangay Talogtog. On the other hand, cottage industries include balut egg production, fish re-drying, salt making, native delicacies, woodcraft and handicraft.

Service establishments are also present in Candon, such as sari-sari and grocery stores, carinderias (small diners), 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.[6]

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.

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 where you can find the Muslim Mosque aside of it. This Road 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, 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:

Educational institutions
  • North Luzon Philippines State College - Formerly a campus of the University of Northern Philippines, founded as the Candon Community College before its merger with UNP by virtue of a bill enacted by then Congressman Eric Singson
  • Saint Joseph Institute, Inc. - a co-ed private school owned and administered by the Sisters of St. Paul of Chartres
  • Candon National High School

Tourism
Candon Church Facade
  • Candon Church (Saint John de Sahagun Parish Church)
  • Darapidap Beach
  • Tobacco Festival - Celebrated every month of March as thanksgiving for the city's vast harvest of tobacco
  • Feria de Candon (Trade Fair)- Every first week of December in honor of Santa Barbara (December 4).

City Seal
Candon City Hall

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 its Cityhood charter under Republic Act 9018 on March 28, 2001.

Explanatory notes:[12]

  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.

Media

AM stations
  • DZTP 693 kHz Tirad Pass Broadcasting Network

FM stations
  • DWRE 104.5 Radyo Natin

Sister Cities

References
  1.  City of Candon | (DILG)
  2. "Province: Ilocos Sur". PSGC Interactive. Quezon City, Philippines: Philippine Statistics Authority. Retrieved 12 November 2016.
  3. Census of Population (2015). "Region I (Ilocos Region)". Total Population by Province, City, Municipality and Barangay. PSA. Retrieved 20 June 2016.
  4. "PSA releases the 2015 Municipal and City Level Poverty Estimates". Quezon City, Philippines. Retrieved 1 January 2020.
  5. http://www.candoncity.gov.ph
  6. http://www.1stphilippines.com/pc-18308ca7a28b30d70493248a7f6b2d64.html
  7. http://candoncity.gov.ph/new/about-the-city/28-citihood%5B%5D
  8. "Candon: Average Temperatures and Rainfall". Meteoblue. Retrieved 14 May 2020.
  9. Census of Population and Housing (2010). "Region I (Ilocos Region)". Total Population by Province, City, Municipality and Barangay. NSO. Retrieved 29 June 2016.
  10. Censuses of Population (1903–2007). "Region I (Ilocos Region)". Table 1. Population Enumerated in Various Censuses by Province/Highly Urbanized City: 1903 to 2007. NSO.
  11. "Province of Ilocos Sur". Municipality Population Data. Local Water Utilities Administration Research Division. Retrieved 17 December 2016.
  12. http://candoncity.gov.ph/new/about-the-city/32-the-seal%5B%5D
  13. "05/11/15 Honolulu and Candon City become Sister-Cities". honolulu.gov. Retrieved November 26, 2015.
  14. "Baguio and Candon City Sign Sisterhood MOU". SunStar. Retrieved June 28, 2016.
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