Santander is a fifth-class municipality of Cebu Province. It is located in the southernmost tip of Cebu Island, for about 134.14 kilometers away from Cebu City. The Tañon Strait can be seen in the east while the Cebu Strait at the west. It is the town next to Oslob.
Santander is one of the smallest towns in Cebu with a total land area of 3, 567 hectares. It administers 10 barangays, 6 of it are coastal barangays and the rest are mountain barangays. Mountain barangays include Bunlan, Cabutongan, Kandamiang and Liptong while the coastal barangays are Canlumacad, Liloan, Looc, Pasil, Poblacion and Talisay.
Liloan Point is the farthest point and offers a magnificent view of the Tañon Strait, the Bohol Island and the other neighboring islets. Santander is only a few minutes ride from Dumaguete City in Negros. Barges, ferryboats and fast crafts dock at Santander especially in Liloan and Talisay. It offers an easy access not only to the passengers but also for traders from Dumaguete and Siquijor.
Santander’s highest point is elevated 200 meters from the sea level. 34 percent of Santander is found in the coastal areas, having gentle slopes which are appropriate for agricultural and industrial purposes. 31 percent ranges from hilly to mountainous and require heavy cultivation for cultivation of crops. The rest of the areas are good for forestry. Main crops are corn, copra and root crops.
How The Town Got Its Name:
In the past, Santander is known as "Tañong". The name was derived from the Tañon Strait and its turbulent waters continuously rush unto its shores. Eventually, when the Spanairds came, the town’s first parish priest changed it into Santander, the hometown of the priest in the northern coast of Spain and known as a chief port and bathing resort.
History
Long before Santander was declared as an independent political unit, it used to be under the administration of the Boljoon Parish in 1600. In 1848, Oslob Parish was created and the residents of Santander (was once Tañong) helped in the construction of Oslob Church.
During the Spanish period, it was run by “cabeza de barangay” which were appointed by the Spanish Governor of Cebu. Since Santander lies near the coast, it was part of the defense system of Fr. Julian Bermejo. Watchtowers were erected to warn any intruders especially the Moro raiders that brought nothing but terror to the town and other neighboring towns. Up to this day, two watchtowers still exist in the shores of Poblacion and Liloan.
Santander was relatively younger compared to the rest of the towns in Cebu province. It was then a barrio under the municipality of Oslob. Macario Culanag, the elected president of Oslob and a resident of barrio Santander worked hard of making Santander a separate municipality.
The proposal was successful and was declared an independent political unit in 1918. Culanag became the first political leader, after winning the elections. Political dynasty ruled the place. From late 1990 to early 2000, the violent and tumultuous years have slowly faded.
The changing of leaders in 2001 transformed Santander to its present status. Before, it was known for child labor and destructive fishing. Now, the leaders are the advocate to marine and coastal protection.
As it opened itself to a new beginning as a destination for both local and foreign tourists, Santander is treading the path to economic development. This peaceful town with powdery white sand, clear sea waters, beautiful night skies and breathtaking underwater heaven is currently enjoying more income derived from tourism alone.
Santander’s popularity as a tourist destination has a dramatic increase each year. Resort are also abundant. From 2, it has now 11 resorts and most of it are reasonably-priced so that all, even the ordinary workers can savor the once-in-a-lifetime experience in Santander.
It also has a marine sanctuary, best for snorkeling and diving. Some resorts offer diving facilities. The Wall of Death is a famous diving site, recommended for expert divers only because of its strong current. One will find hard and soft corals and sundry variety of marine species.
Some of the resorts exist in Santander:
• Eden Resort
• Albion Seaside Resort
• Lubi Resort
• Marine Village Dive House
• Bonga Villa
• Kingdom
• Ocean terrace Resort
• Pebbles Beach Resort
• PG Diver/Won Dive
• Swan Beach Resort
• Villa Tropical
How To Get There:
Several busses and van for hire bound for Santander at a 20-minute interval from the Cebu South Bus Terminal in Cebu City. The travel time is approximately three hours.
