“Christmas Symbols Capital of Mindanao”

History

Tangub came from the word “tangkub”, a Subanen word for rice container made of tree bark woven together by rattan strips. A Spanish soldier on patrol in the area found a dead man whom the Subanens described as bitten by a snake inside the “tangkub” when he checked if there was still rice in the container. Not understanding the dialect, the soldiers reported that there was a dead man from “tangkub” and the name stuck, which later on was changed to Tangub.

Trade and commerce emerged when many agricultural products were harvested, and the Subanos bartered their land for goods brought in by other Christian settlers. Years after, Chinese merchants settled in this place and helped to hasten the transportation of the settlements into a civilized communities. Tangub became successful during the years 1898-1910.

Tangub became a municipality in the 19th century by virtue of an executive order by American Governor-General Dwight Davis. There was also a time that the name of the municipality was changed to “Regidor”; however the orginal name was also restored a few years later.  Then on June 17, 1967 under Republic Act No.5136, Tangub became a chartered city.

Population/ Language/ Area

As of 2010, Tangub City recorded a total population of 31,326.

Tangub City is located at the southern part of the province of Misamis Occidental, forming a D-shape. It is bounded by Mt. malindang in the north, Ozamiz City in the east, Panguil Bay in the south and the municipality of Bonifacio in the west. Travelers can reach the place through plane for just an hour and a half from Manila; 30 minutes by plane from Cebu City; and an overnight travel by boat from Cebu City; and three hours and thirty minutes by public utility bus from Cagayan de Oro City.

Sheltered by the mighty Mt. Malindang Range and embraced by the placid Panguil Bay, Tangub City is composed of fifty-five barangays spread over a land area of 16,572 hectares. The topography is approximately 40% plain along the coast of Panguil Bay and 6% rolling and hilly, gradually rising to the Mt. Malindang National Forest Reservation area. The city does not have high rise buildings and traffic congestion.

Products and Services

The city was greatly damaged during the World War II, and this has declined the progress of the city for some time. The growth and development of the city after the war underwent a very slow process; however with the cooperation of the local residents agricultural lands were tilled again and agricultural products grown abundant again. Vegetables, bananas and root crops were raised with copra as the major agricultural crop. Other residents were also engaged in fishing. The output was estimated as 1,900 metric tons from January 1980 to December 1980, collecting revenues amounting to P 8,062.80 in that year for fishing permits alone. Grant loans under the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) Fishing Development Program greatly helped many fishermen that became the major factor for the fishing industry to boost.

Tourist Spots

Tangub City was nicknamed as the “Christmas Symbols Capital of Mindanao”, as many visitors prepare lots of activities and Christmas decorations and lanterns are being made and displayed in the city plaza, highways, barangays as part of competition. Other worth visiting destinations in Tangub City are:

• Hoyohoy Highland Park – here every tourist can see the panoramic views of Panquil Bay and the surrounding cities and towns of the city.
• Memorial Hill – this is a small hill located inside the prison reservation compound. This hill has a World War II Vintage Japanese canon. It is also a burial site of Eriberto Misa, the famous Prison’s Director from years 1937 to 1949.

Festivals and Celebrations

• Dalit Cultural Festival –This is celebrated every February 28 in lieu of the City Charter Anniversary day. Various activities are highlighted on this day, such as serenade or “mañanita”, colorful public parade, and ethnic dances. “Dalit” means to offer and the festival is opened with the offering of a live goat killed by the wildlife hunters after the blessings of the tribal head are made. Selected beauties dressed in their ethnic costumes are also being offered as a modern version of the festival. This is a revival of the old tribal custom of expressing thanks for peace, a bountiful and all the blessings bestowed by God.
• Harvest Festival –This festival showcases various agricultural products for selling and promotion. The festival is a venue to promote the agri-tourism program of the city, creating business-matching opportunities for the people of Tangub City.