Dalaguete is a 2nd class municipality of Cebu Province. It is considered as the “Summer Capital of Cebu”, the “Vegetable Basket of Cebu” and the “Little Baguio of Cebu”. It is known for its climate and the productivity of vegetables in the land.
The Municipality of Dalaguete is located in the southern part of Cebu Province, approximately 85 kilometers away from the main Cebu City. The Municipality of Argao is at its north while that of Alcoy is in the south. On its west are the municipalities of Badian and Alegria, and it is facing the Bohol Strait in the eastern part.
Dalaguete is composed of 33 barangays namely: Ablayan, Babayongan, Balud, Banhigan, Bulak, Caliongan, Caleriohan, Casay, Catolohan, Cawayan, Consolacion, Coro, Dugyan, Dumalan, Jolomaynon, Lanao, Langkas, Lumbang, Malones, Maloray, Mananggal, Manlapay, Mantalongon, Nalhub, Obo, Obong, Panas, Poblacion, Sacsac, Tapun, Tuba, Salug and Tabon.
Dalaguete has a total land area of 13,500 hectares and most of them are mountainous parts of Cebu with slippy slopes. Leveled lands are only minimal. Minerals like lime red stones, lime pink stones, wood stones, ice stones, coal and phosphate abound in the place.
The climate is tropical, meaning it is pleasant all year round, making it an ideal place for summer escapades especially in the mountaintops. Many tourists visit Dalaguete and do some mountain trekking to escape the excruciating pain due to the intensive heat of the sun during summer. No wonder, it is called the “Summer Capital and Little Baguio of Cebu” especially in Barangay Matalongon.
Agriculture is the main source of income for the Dalaguetnons. Because of the fair climate, the place is perfect for crop-raising, mostly vegetables of high value like lettuces, tomatoes, cabbages, carrots and other root crops as well as other nursery plants and herbs. Being the “Vegetable Basket of Cebu”, Dalaguete is a strategic center for agricultural development and introduction of modern technologies that would enhance the productivity of the farmers and the quality of the crops. Residents are using “Greenhouse” which helped in controlling some environmental nemeses like strong winds, heavy rainfall, extreme heat and some pests.
The vegetables, after testing its quality, are being marketed to the restaurants, hotels and supermarkets in the town that in turn would pay quality prices for high-quality goods.
In barangay Balud, the place is famous for its mat weaving and their blanket, “hinablon”. In barangay Casay, the main source of income is the production of woven baskets in which they are accounted for.
Fishing, of course, is one of the sources of income because of its bountiful sea, teeming with different marine flora and flauna. And one cannot complete the tour without tasting the delicacies of the place. It is famed for its delicious and tasty rice cakes or “bibingka” and torta.
History
Spaniards once took control of the country, Philippines, especially in Cebu. As a band of Spaniards passed in the mount of Obong Sping, they noticed a woman washing clothes in the spring. Unkown to them the name of the place, they asked the woman about it. the woman answered “Dalakit”, referring to the huge tree nearby. Eventually evolved into Dalaguete, that is how the lace got its name.
During the Spanish reign, Cebu has become a constant treat for the Moro slaves. Surprise attacks are habitually, leaving the residents defenseless against their adversaries. Under the supervision of Fr. Julian Bermejo, an Augustinian priest, he strategically constructed “baluartes” or watchtowers in late 1700s to early 1800s, from the north to the south. This warning system is effective in thwarting the Moros. There are three of them found in Dalaguete.
The town was once part of the Carcar parish in 1690. On 1711, it was declared as an independent parish. The church was especially dedicated to San Guillermo de Aquitania like that of Oslob.
The feast, in reverence to San Guillermo is celebrated every 9th and 10th day of February. Among the activities, the best part is the street dancing and showdown competition of Utanon Festival. It is a festival of music and dance in thanksgiving for the graces received. Utanon Festival is so-called because of its abundance in “utanon” or vegetables.
How To Get There:
Locals who would want to tour the entire Dalaguete, a tricycle will transport you to any places you want. Or, you can take multicabs if you want to visit neighboring towns. From Manila or other places within the country, one can take domestic airlines or by sea. From other countries, one may land directly in Mactan International Airport and take taxis or busses; both are plentiful in the place.
