DAPITAN CITY

Dapitan Rizal Park

DAPITAN CITY Shrine City of the Philippines Postal Code 7101 Area Code 065 Land Area 29.521 sqkm Population 68,728 Dialects Spoken 99%Cebuano, Others include Ilonggo, Subano, Tagalog, Tausog, Ilocano and Chavacano. Majority can speak and understand Tagalog and English Religion 95% Roman Catholics, 5% Prostestants Background Dapitan is derived from the word "Dapit" in Visayan meaning "to invite". People and Culture Dapitan City was home to Dr. Jose P. Rizal, the country's national hero, during his exile from Manila. It holds a wealth of fascinating sites and artifacts from that era. Area Profile Dapitan City lies on the northwestern coast of the island of Mindanao. It is a double wedge-shaped mass of land bounded on the north by the Sulu Sea and linked on the south by the Municipalities of Mutia and La Libertad, on the east by the Municipalities of Sibutad and Rizal, on the west by Dipolog City and the Municipalities of Polanco, Sibutad, La Libertad and Rizal, all of the province of Zamboanga del Norte. Commerce and Industry Dapitan City is predominantly agricultural and majority of the populace depend on the land and water resources. Due to its terrain, which are more hilly and mountainous than plain areas, coconut is the main crop utilizing approximately 84 percent of the total land area. Fishing is the second occupation of the people, with more than 26 percent of the City's barangay along coastlines. An agricultural community that lacks of large manufacturing concerns characterizes the economy of Dapitan City. Except for a few small-scale manufacturing venture/industries, sari-sari stores predominate the commerce and industry of the City. EVENTS June 22 - Dapitan City Charter Day Pageantry deriving from colorful religious, cultural and enthronement rites culminating in the exchange of goodwill among traders and local folk. June 12 -July 25 Kinabayo Festival Traditionally, this festival is a re-enactment of the Battle of Covadonga, where the Spanish forces under Pelagio took their last stand against the Saracens and were only able to reverse the tide of war with the miraculous apparition of St. James, the Greater. The annual revelry is on its 2nd year only, but it promises to become a popular, exotic, and colorful attraction, which will lure thousands of visitors to the city. June 24 -"Sinulog" A dance profession in honor of the City's patron saint, St. James the great, It is an expression of prayer and thanksgiving. Eye-dazzling costumes of devotees, unison shouts of "Viva Senor! with solid resonance of drums and lively bands make Sinulog colorful, exciting and memorable. June 25 - City Annual Fiesta Preceded with a nine-day novena and highlighted with a celebrated mass at the Church. Colorful bindings adorned the streets and the residents hospitality is at its peak. Visitors treated to banquet of Spanish, Chinese, Filipino and the famous Crustacean dishes of Dapitan. July 31 -104th Anniversary of the end of Rizal's Exile. INTERESTING DESTINATIONS Rizal Shrine - Dapitan's major historical landmark of the City. It is the original estate of the country's nation hero, Dr. Jose Rizal, who lived for four years in Dapitan as an exile from July 17,1892 to July 31, 1896. Relief Map of Mindanao - Across St. James is a giant Relief Map of Mindanao roughly 900 sq. m. area and made by Dr. Jose P. Rizal with the assistance of Fr. Francisco de Paula Sanchez, S.J. was intended as a motivating device for teaching history and geography to the town folks and at the same time contributed to Rizal's beautification efforts of the plaza. Dakak Park and Beach Resort (world-renowned five star resort) - One of the developed beach resorts with complete accommodation facilities. Located at Dakak, Batangay Taquilon, about 9 kilometers from the city proper. The resort is ideally situated in a natural cane of pure sand. Facilities include quite a number of cottages, aquacycles, swimming pools, hobbicats, surf board for windsurfing, a disco house, tennis court, bowling alleys, billiard, horseback riding and a nice chapel. It It also offers the best continental cuisine. How to get There By Air, One can ride the 1 hour and 20 minute Dipolog plane from Manila and then go by land, 12 km to Dapitan City. Philippine Airlines flies 5 times a week (Tues to Sun). DID YOU KNOW? Dapitan City is officially called the Shrine City of the Philippines. It holds a special place in history as it once sheltered national hero Dr. Jose P. Rizal while in exile July 17, 1892 to July 31, 1896. Credits Informations from ClickMindanao.com

Source: Lakbaypilipinas.com