Dubbed the "Tobacco Capital of the Philippines", the city is the country's largest producer of Virginia tobacco.
This once small resort town is known for making the world's heaviest and largest kalamay, a sweet and viscous snack made from sticky rice, coconut milk and sugar. This city also has a rich historical background. In its legends, the name of the city is derived from the legendary "kandong" tree which is almost extinct in the area. Its patron saint is John of Sahagún whose feast day is celebrated on June 12.[7]
Candon is the center of the 2nd district of Ilocos Sur and also the most populous city in that province. Government district offices are all located in the city, supporting more than 100,000 residents in terms of commercial and industrial services.
Etymology
The origin of the name of Candon is unknown. The name was rendered as Candón or Candon in old Spanish records. It might be named after the Spanish municipality of Candón in Huelva, Andalucia; or from a Hispanicization of Ilocano kandong (Cyrtophyllum fragrans), a native species of tree with very hard wood also known as agandong or urandong in other places in the Ilocos region.[8][9][10]
The settlement also had a long history of trading ties with Cordillerans in the highlands of Luzon, which continued through the Spanish colonial period. The town of Candon features prominently in the accounts of Biag, the legendary 17th century folk hero and founder of Sagada. Candon also hosted missionaries who were converting the Itneg and other Cordilleran peoples in neighboring regions.[12]
The history of Candon in the early Spanish period is hazy. The first church in the settlement was established by an Augustinian mission in 1591. According to modern folklore, this church was built near a kandong tree, which is supposedly the origin of the name of the city. The church was later replaced with the Candon Church in 1695. Candon Church was damaged by an earthquake in 1707 and was restored in 1713.[10][13] The church graveyard located south of the Población was opened in 1797.[citation needed]
The settlement was organized into a municipality in 1780. The first civil government was established under the cabeza de barangay Don Juan P. Madarang by the Augustinian friar Mariano de Conquera.[8] In the Diccionario geográfico, estadístico, histórico de las Islas Filipinas (Buzeta & Bravo, 1850-1851), Candon was described as being a city of around 3,000 households, with a port and a military fort named "San Martín de Tiagán". Candon was mainly agricultural. Its products consisted of rice, corn, sugarcane, vegetables, and fruits. It also had a cotton and indigo industry, as well as a livestock industry.[12][14]
During the Philippine Revolution, Candon started forming local revolutionary groups in 1896. They planned to overthrow the local government by April 1, 1898. However, their plans were discovered when one of their members was captured by Spanish forces, forcing them to launch a premature assault. On March 25, 1898, the revolutionaries led by Isabelo Abaya attacked the Spanish garrison in Candon and managed to take the town. Abaya established the Republica de Filipinas Katipunan de Candon, a revolutionary government, and declared independence from the Spanish colonial government.[8]
The Spanish colonial government retaliated by deploying the Cazadores, elite Spanish expeditionary troops. The better-trained and heavily armed Spanish forces retook Candon and the rebels were arrested and summarily executed.[8]
During the Japanese Occupation in the Second World War, another revolution was staged. Several truckloads of Imperial Japanese forces and supplies perished along the national highway. However, the Japanese soldiers retaliated by burning the whole town in January 1942.
Despite the hardships that the townsfolk went through during the war, residents resolved to rebuild. Tall acacia trees at the town plaza and municipal buildings are testimonies to the people's steadfastness, with large trees up to 15 meters high and 20 feet in circumference now line the National Highway in the Población.[15]
In the Charter of Candon City, Candon applied to become the second city in the Province of Ilocos Sur so it can undertake government programs with additional funding from the national government. These were intended to benefit the people in the field of social services, economic growth, peace and order, health, education, agriculture, and infrastructure development.
Like the "Kandong" tree of yore, Candon is just beginning to spread out its branches to reach out for the skies in its own bid to become the next city in Ilocos Sur. From the start of House Bill No. 7260 seeking to convert Candon into a component city was filed by then Congressman Eric D. Singson in the 10th Congress and later re-filed by Congresswoman Grace D. Singson in the 11th Congress. Owing to the merits and qualifications of Candon as the leading town in Southern Ilocos Sur, the bill easily got the approval of the Committees on Local Government in both House of Representatives and in the Senate.
Until recently, the aspiration for Candon to become a city remained a dream, but its destiny inevitable when the counterpart Senate Bill No. 2242 was sponsored by then Senate President Aquilino "Nene" Pimentel Jr., Senators Frank Drilon, Sergio Osmeña III, and all the members of the Senate Committee on Local Government. It was subsequently approved unanimously by the Senate in plenary session, and now it is up to the townspeople to embrace this honor with an equally unanimous "YES to Cityhood" vote.[16]
Geography
The City of Candon is situated in the lower central portion of the Province of Ilocos Sur. It has a C-shape with elevations ranging from 10 – 500ft above sea level.
Candon is situated 60.19 kilometres (37.40mi) from the provincial capital Vigan City, and 343.19 kilometres (213.25mi) from the country's capital city of Manila.
The climate is generally dry that usually occurs from the months of October to May. However, the southernmost portion is observed to be humid and rain is evenly distributed throughout the year while the eastern part is dry with rain not sufficiently distributed. August has the most rainfall while January and February have the least. The mean temperature in the province is 27°C (81°F). January is the coldest.[15]
In the 2020 census, the population of Candon was 61,432 people,[23] with a density of 590 inhabitants per square kilometre or 1,500 inhabitants per square mile.
Candon City, located in the province of Ilocos Sur, is predominantly Christian, reflecting its strong religious heritage rooted in Spanish colonial influence and diverse faith traditions.
Religious Demographics
According to the 2015 data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) and the National Statistics Office (NSO), the religious composition of the city is as follows:
Roman Catholicism – 82.11%
Iglesia ni Cristo – 10.45%
Protestantism – 4.12%
Other Christian denominations – 3.32%
Islam – 1–2%
Indigenous or traditional beliefs – Less than 1%
Major Religious Groups
Roman Catholicism is the dominant religion, a legacy of centuries of Spanish colonial rule.
Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) has a significant presence in the city, with active congregations and regular worship services.
Protestant groups in the city include Baptists, Evangelicals, and the United Methodist Church.
Other Christian denominations, such as the Seventh-day Adventist Church, Jehovah's Witnesses, and Pentecostal communities, also have established congregations.
A small Muslim population resides in the city, contributing to its religious diversity.
Some residents maintain indigenous or animist beliefs, though this group represents a very small portion of the population.
Notable Places of Worship
Candon Catholic Church (St. John of Sahagún Parish) – A historic church under the Archdiocese of Nueva Segovia
Iglesia ni Cristo – Candon Locale
Candon Evangelical Church
United Methodist Church – Candon District
Religious Festivals and Celebrations
Candon City observes a variety of religious festivals and events, including:
Holy Week (Semana Santa) – Marked by processions and church activities
Simbang Gabi – Traditional pre-Christmas dawn masses
Candon City Fiesta – Celebrated in honor of the city's patron saint
Fiesta de San Juan – Local celebration associated with St. John the Baptist
Religious Institutions and Organizations
The city is also home to religious educational institutions such as the Candon Catholic School, and hosts a number of community activities organized by churches and faith-based groups. Religious observances and festivals draw not only local devotees but also tourists, reflecting the city’s strong spiritual and cultural identity.
McDonald's Candon City, located along the National Highway, is the only 24-hour McDonald's store in Ilocos Sur
Candon City has a geographical setting and proximity to the national highway and other towns that encouraged greater mobility in terms of trade, economic, social and cultural activities. The Department of Trade and Industry termed the city as the "Center for Trade and Commerce" in Ilocos Sur.
Many adjacent towns frequent Candon for commercial activities, catering to the commercial needs of an estimated 100,000 population. The city also has a supermarket and shopping mall, banking and lending institutions, recreational facilities, tourism facilities, health and medical establishments.
Existing industries in Candon City are manufacturing, agro-industry and cottage industry. The manufacturing sector owns the Tobacco Stalk Cement Bonded Board Plant that produces particle boards for low cost housing and other construction needs. Other manufacturing establishments are based on kalamay-making, chichacorn (deep-fried corn), baked goods, ice cream, and vinegar; furniture making, concrete products manufacturing, and a coconut oil processing plant located at Barangay Talogtog. On the other hand, cottage industries include balut egg production, fish re-drying, salt making, native delicacies, woodcraft and handicraft.
Service establishments are also present in Candon, such as sari-sari and grocery stores, carinderias (small diners), nightclubs, barber shops, beauty parlors, gasoline stations and stores/outlets for the following: auto parts, agricultural equipment and supplies, school and office supplies, photo and supplies, appliances, pharmaceuticals, hardware and electrical. There are also video centers, bazaars, gift shops, pawnshops and mineral/distilled drinking water store outlets, and real estate.[15]
The city is the center of trade and commerce in the 2nd district of Ilocos Sur. Urban growth has a linear pattern along major thoroughfares in the city center and the national highway.
Candon, belonging to the second congressional district of the province of Ilocos Sur, is governed by a mayor designated as its local chief executive and by a city council as its legislative body in accordance with the Local Government Code. The mayor, vice mayor, and the councilors are elected directly by the people through an election which is being held every three years.
Elected officials
Members of the Candon City Council (2019–2022)[32]
Position
Name
District Representative (2nd Legislative District the Province of Ilocos Sur)
The official seal of the City of Candon was approved and adopted by the Sangguniang Panlungsod under Resolution No. 017-01 sponsored by Councilor David Gacusana. It is published to immortalize the “Cry of Candon” of March 1898 and to commemorate the ratification of its Cityhood charter under Republic Act 9018 on March 28, 2001.
The seal is patterned after the Official Seal of Ilocos Sur, which is also the general pattern being used by all the seals of the different provinces in the Philippines.
The emblem at the middle of the circle represents the Philippine Flag, which symbolizes the spirit of nationalism.
The TORCH at the middle of the flag represents the spirit of 1898 demonstrating an ever-burning desire of our people for “liberty, justice and democracy.”
The SABER and the RIFLE crossed below the torch are symbols of the readiness of the people to protect human rights. While the TOBACCO LEAVES behind them are like outstretched wings whereby the local agriculture economy thrives.
The date on top of the glowing flame is the date of the immortal “Cry of Candon” when our forefathers, led by the indomitable Don Isabelo Abaya, fought and successfully liberated Candon from the Spanish overlords a full three months before the National uprising of June 12, 1898.
Finally, the banner beneath the emblem contains the historic Candon City Charter – Republic Act 9018 of March 28, 2001, declaring Candon as a city.
Tobacco Festival - Celebrated every month of March as thanksgiving for the city's vast harvest of tobacco
Feria de Candon (Trade Fair) - Every first week of December in honor of Santa Barbara (December 4).
Candon City Arena - Opened in 2023, the 8,000-seater arena has hosted various sporting events and concerts.[34][35][36]
Transportation
Candon City is accessible via the McArthur National Highway, which is also the city's main thoroughfare. Other major streets in the city are 25 de Marzo Street and San Juan Street, both parallel to the National Highway. Quirino Boulevard is a secondary highway that connects the city proper to the upland barangays of Candon City and the upland municipalities of Ilocos Sur. The Darapidap Beach Road or the Samonte Boulevard where you can find the Muslim Mosque aside of it. This Road connects the seaside barangays to the urban center.
Tricycles and jeepneys are the major types of transportation in the city. There are over 3000 registered tricycles in the city, the highest number of registered tricycles in the province (as an individual local government unit.)
Buses provide long-distance trips to major cities like Manila, Baguio and Laoag. Mini-Buses provide short trips to neighboring municipalities and the nearby cities of Vigan and San Fernando, La Union. Major Bus Companies also established their terminals in the city, among them are:
Santa Lucia Express and Martinez Trans (managed by Victory Liner)
Candon Bus Line
Education
The Candon City Schools Division Office oversees the operations of all Schools District Offices within the city. The Division Office is managed by the Department of Education (DepEd). There are two schools district offices (SDOs), namely: Candon City District I Schools District Office, and Candon City District II Schools District Office. They govern the operations of all private and public elementary and high schools throughout the city.[37] Tertiary levels are governed by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).
Primary and elementary schools
Allangigan Elementary School
Amguid Elementary School
Ayudante Elementary School
Bagani Elementary School
Bagani-Tocgo Elementary School
Bagar Elementary School
Balingaoan Elementary School
Bugnay Elementary School
Cabanela Preschool Center
Calaoa-an Elementary School
Calongbuyan Elementary School
Candon North Central School
Candon South Central School
Candon South Central School SPED Center
Caterman Elementary School
Caterman Mt. Zion Academy
Cubcubbuot Elementary School
Filomeno G. Gagarin Elementary School
Darapidap Elementary School
Langlangca Elementary School
Maranatha Christian Academy (Elementary)
Nicosat Colleges (Elementary)
Oaig-Daya Elementary School
Parioc East Elementary School
Parioc Elementary School
Patpata Elementary School
Paypayad Elementary School
Salvador Elementary School
San Andres Adventist Elementary School
San Juan de Sahagun (Parish) Pre-School Formation Center
St. Cecilia Early Learning Center (Elementary)
St. Joseph's Institute (Elementary)
Sto. Tomas Elementary School
Tablac Elementary School
Talogtog Elementary School
Tamurong Elementary School
The Shepherd Kiddie School
The Sto. Tomas UMC Children's Garden Learning Center
Ubbog Elementary School
UCCP - Nursery Kindergarten School
Secondary schools
Candon City High School
Candon City Information Technology National High School
Candon National High School
Dr. Ricardo Gacula Memorial National High School
Maranatha Christian Academy
Nicosat Colleges (High School)
St. Cecilia Early Learning Center
St. Joseph's Institute
Sto. Tomas National High School
Higher educational institutions
Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College (ISPSC)
Nicosat Colleges
North Luzon Philippines State College - Formerly a campus of the University of Northern Philippines, founded as the Candon Community College before its merger with UNP by virtue of a bill enacted by then Congressman Eric Singson.
Saint Joseph Institute - a co-ed private school owned and administered by the Sisters of St. Paul of Chartres.
1 2 Scott, William Henry (1964). "The Legend of Biag, an Igorot Culture Hero". Asian Folklore Studies. 23 (1): 93–110. doi:10.2307/1177639. JSTOR1177639.
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