Tanjay City, Negros Oriental

History

 

The first map of the island, dated around 1572, by Diego Lopez de Povedano, identified the place as Buglas. It was derived from the tall cane-like grass which ranged thick and persistent over the island. Here, in much earlier times, lived men who had relics and artifacts dating back to 200-500 AD and the 12th century Sung Dynasty have turned up in recent excavations were said to have ventured perhaps int he area now known as Tampi in Amlan. Here, in 1565, Esteban Rodriguez of the Legazpi expedition, caught by storm on his way back to Cebu from Bohol, sought refuge in the eastern shore of the island and came upon squat negroid inhabitants called ata, agta, of ati.

When he returned to Cebu, he reported what he found out about the island. This lead Fray Andres de Urdaneta to visit the island. He landed in what is now Escalante in Negros Occidental. In the same year, Capitan Mateo de Cadiz led a small expedition which reached an area near Tanjay. Capitan Miguel de Loarca followed with a bigger expedition and forced and proceeded to lay claim to what the Spaniards now call Negros. Both Diego Lopez de Povedano and Capitan manuel de Loarca pointed to Tanjay to Dumaguete area as the most densely populated in the eastern half of the island. Tanjay, considered as the more important settlement, was made the Administrative Capital of Oriental Negros. It was however, remained under the jurisdiction of the province of Cebu. It was the first archdeacon of Cebu. In June 11, 1580, the mission of Tanjay was founded. It became the center of religious supervision for Dumaguete, Marabago, Siaton and Manalongon.

Population/ Language/ Area

 

Tanjay City has a total land area of 276.05 km2 (106.58 sq mi). It is bounded on the north by Bais City, on the south by the Municipality of Amlan, on the east by the Tañon Strait and west by the Municipality of Pamplona. It has recorded a 79,098 population as of 2010. Majority of the population are Cebuanos with some migrants from other cultural groups such as Ilonggos and Boholanos. Roman Catholicism is the predominant religion.

Business Opportunity

 

The city offers opportunities in food processing especially sugar-based foods, meat and fish processing. The manufacture of furniture, clothing and fashion accessories, jewelry, personal care and other consumer goods are encouraged. The establishment of commercial complexes and tourist facilities are welcomed in this city.

Tourist Spots

 

  • Tiongson Ancestral Home (Poblacion)
  • Luparan Falls and caves (Bulon, Sta. Cruz Nuevo)
  • Rice Terraces (Canque, Pal-ew)
  • Mambulong Lakes (Pal-ew)
  • Mainit Hot Springs (San Isidro)
  • Red Land Scenic Views (Bulon, Sta. Cruz Nuevo)
  • Casa de las Dueñas, Hacienda Santa Escolástica (San José, Tanjay)

Festivals and Celebrations

 

  • Children’s Festival (January)
  • Festival of Hearts (February)
  • Sinulog de Tanjay (July)
  • Paaway sa Kabayo (July)
  • Pasko sa Tanjay (December)
  • Budbod Festival (December)
  • Park Cafe (Fridays)
  • Sugbaanay sa Parque (Saturdays)