Santander, Cebu

Location : 143.3 kms South of Cebu City
Area : 2, 477 hectares
No. of Barangays : 10
Town Fiesta : Last Sunday of April
Patron Saint : San Gabriel
Major Occupation : farming, fishing
Principal Products : corn, fish
Trade and Industry : deep sea fishing, transportation business
Places of Interest : Sanayon festival site (a yearly agro-tourism festivity)

Historical Notes :

Santander is at the southernmost tip of Cebu. From it, one can see the islands of Negros and Bohol. Facing Taņong Strait, the town was originally also called Taņong. But with the coming of the Spaniards, its first parish priest, keeping a soft spot in his heart and wishing to perpetuate the name of his hometown in his newfound abode, renamed the place Santander. Santander is in the northern coast of Spain, one of its chief ports and a famous bathing resort. 

The town was established in 1867; the parish, in 1897. The church was the work of Fr. Mauricio Alvarez, who was also credited for the building of the cemetery and convent, a bridge, two schools, and the tribunal. Andalecio Ondangan held the distinction of being the first capitan during the Spanish times. The first resident who served as president during the American regime was Macario Culanag. Celestino Bureros was the first mayor. 

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 methods of fishing used is the popular muro-ami.

From: Cebu In Legend and History
By: Evangeline Lavilles de Paula