Danao | |
|---|---|
| City of Danao | |
 Aerial view of Danao | |
 Seal | |
| Anthem: Danao among pinangga (Our beloved Danao) | |
 Map of Cebu with Danao highlighted | |
OpenStreetMap  | |
.svg)  Danao Location within thePhilippines | |
| Coordinates:10°32′N123°56′E / 10.53°N 123.93°E /10.53; 123.93 | |
| Country | Philippines |
| Region | Central Visayas |
| Province | Cebu |
| District | 5th district |
| Chartered | 1773 |
| Cityhood | June 7, 1961 |
| Barangays | 42 (seeBarangays) |
| Government | |
| • Type | Sangguniang Panlungsod |
| • Mayor | Ramon D. Durano III (BAKUD) |
| • Vice Mayor | Carmen Remedios H. Durano (BAKUD) |
| • Representative | Vincent Franco D. Frasco (One Cebu) |
| • City Council | Members
|
| • Electorate | 99,396 voters (2025) |
| Area | |
• Total | 107.30 km2 (41.43 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 119 m (390 ft) |
| Highest elevation | 867 m (2,844 ft) |
| Lowest elevation | 0 m (0 ft) |
| Population (2024 census)[2] | |
• Total | 161,307 |
| • Density | 1,503.3/km2 (3,893.6/sq mi) |
| • Households | 38,361 |
| Economy | |
| • Income class | 2nd city income class |
| • Poverty incidence | 29.59 |
| • Revenue | ₱ 1,444 million (2022) |
| • Assets | ₱ 3,264 million (2022) |
| • Expenditure | ₱ 1,135 million (2022) |
| • Liabilities | ₱ 660.1 million (2022) |
| Service provider | |
| • Electricity | Cebu 2 Electric Cooperative (CEBECO 2) |
| Time zone | UTC+8 (PST) |
| ZIP code | 6004 |
| PSGC | |
| IDD : area code | +63 (0)32 |
| Native languages | Cebuano Tagalog |
| Website | www |
Danao, officially theCity of Danao (Cebuano:Dakbayan sa Danao;Filipino:Lungsod ng Danao), is acomponent city in theprovince ofCebu,Philippines. According to the 2024 census, it has a population of 161,307 people.[4]
Danao is within theMetro Cebu area.
According to the most popular legend, the town derived its name from the worddanawan, which meanspond inEnglish when Captain del Rosario established the town as amunicipio.
The origin of the nameDanao lacks concrete historical records, though two legendary accounts exist regarding its establishment as a municipio. The most popular legend dates back to 1844, involving a Spanish captain named Manuel Anecito del Rosario. Commissioned by early Spanish authorities inCebu province, del Rosario's mission was to establish municipios fromCompostela toBorbon.
While traveling north on horseback, Captain del Rosario encountered natives in Cotcot, tending to theircarabaos in a pond. Unfamiliar with the area, he asked the locals (inSpanish) the name of the place. Misunderstanding his question, the natives thought he referred to the pond and replieddanawan, meaning pond. Due to the captain's limited understanding of the local dialect and defective hearing, he interpreted the response as "Danao." Consequently, the place was named Danao, and Captain del Rosario established it as amunicipio.
Captain del Rosario stayed in Danao for several years, overseeing the construction of essential infrastructure, including thepresidencia (town hall), the Roman Catholic Church completed in 1847, theconvento, and town streets such asCalle Lapulapu,Calle Rizal, andCalleMarcelo del Pilar. Some of theSpanish-era culverts in these streets still exist today.
Following the establishment of Danao, del Rosario continued to the north, helping to organize the towns ofCarmen,Catmon, andBorbon. In 1860, he returned to Danao, adopting the surnameGonzales and settling permanently in the town he favored most.
Efforts to document Danao’s pre-war and post-liberation history were unsuccessful, as many records were presumed lost or destroyed during World War II.[5]
Danao was officially established as a city on June 7, 1961, by virtue of Republic Act No. 3028. Each year, a Charter Day Celebration takes place from June 1–7, featuring various activities such as traditional games and customs enjoyed by Danawanons across generations.
In 2005, the definition ofMetro Cebu was expanded, including Danao City as the northern boundary andCarcar as the southern boundary.
Danao is in theMetro Cebu area and is 33 kilometres (21 mi) fromCebu City.[6] It is bordered on the north byCarmen, on the west byAsturias, on the south byCompostela and to the east by theCamotes Sea.
Danao is politically subdivided into 42barangays. Each barangay consists ofpuroks and some havesitios.
| PSGC | Barangay | Population | ±% p.a. | Area | PD 2024 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024[7] | 2010[8] | ha | acre | /km2 | /sq mi | |||||
| 072223001 | Baliang | 1.1% | 1,843 | 1,728 | ▴ | 0.44% | 527 | 1,302 | 350 | 910 |
| 072223002 | Bayabas | 0.4% | 714 | 609 | ▴ | 1.10% | 220 | 544 | 320 | 840 |
| 072223004 | Binaliw | 1.6% | 2,635 | 2,341 | ▴ | 0.81% | 121 | 299 | 2,200 | 5,600 |
| 072223006 | Cabungahan | 1.4% | 2,317 | 2,201 | ▴ | 0.35% | 130 | 321 | 1,800 | 4,600 |
| 072223007 | Cagat-Lamac | 0.8% | 1,253 | 1,023 | ▴ | 1.40% | 121 | 299 | 1,000 | 2,700 |
| 072223008 | Cahumayan | 2.6% | 4,162 | 3,506 | ▴ | 1.18% | 1,260 | 3,114 | 330 | 860 |
| 072223009 | Cambanay | 2.2% | 3,526 | 2,818 | ▴ | 1.55% | 336 | 830 | 1,000 | 2,700 |
| 072223010 | Cambubho | 0.6% | 940 | 594 | ▴ | 3.20% | 165 | 408 | 570 | 1,500 |
| 072223011 | Cogon-Cruz | 2.6% | 4,188 | 3,034 | ▴ | 2.24% | 281 | 694 | 1,500 | 3,900 |
| 072223012 | Danasan | 0.8% | 1,350 | 1,266 | ▴ | 0.44% | 516 | 1,275 | 260 | 680 |
| 072223013 | Dungga | 0.8% | 1,273 | 1,017 | ▴ | 1.55% | 256 | 633 | 500 | 1,300 |
| 072223014 | Dunggoan | 3.9% | 6,310 | 5,313 | ▴ | 1.19% | 241 | 596 | 2,600 | 6,800 |
| 072223015 | Guinacot | 3.0% | 4,853 | 4,089 | ▴ | 1.18% | 300 | 741 | 1,600 | 4,200 |
| 072223016 | Guinsay | 5.7% | 9,152 | 7,887 | ▴ | 1.03% | 376 | 929 | 2,400 | 6,300 |
| 072223017 | Ibo | 0.7% | 1,171 | 964 | ▴ | 1.34% | 194 | 479 | 600 | 1,600 |
| 072223018 | Langosig | 0.6% | 1,020 | 750 | ▴ | 2.13% | 126 | 311 | 810 | 2,100 |
| 072223019 | Lawaan | 1.0% | 1,679 | 1,352 | ▴ | 1.50% | 418 | 1,033 | 400 | 1,000 |
| 072223020 | Licos | 1.1% | 1,852 | 1,581 | ▴ | 1.09% | 251 | 620 | 740 | 1,900 |
| 072223021 | Looc | 5.9% | 9,543 | 9,200 | ▴ | 0.25% | 305 | 754 | 3,100 | 8,100 |
| 072223022 | Magtagobtob | 0.3% | 453 | 382 | ▴ | 1.18% | 324 | 801 | 140 | 360 |
| 072223023 | Malapoc | 0.8% | 1,256 | 974 | ▴ | 1.76% | 153 | 378 | 820 | 2,100 |
| 072223024 | Manlayag | 1.0% | 1,638 | 1,578 | ▴ | 0.26% | 426 | 1,053 | 380 | 1,000 |
| 072223025 | Mantija | 0.9% | 1,447 | 1,233 | ▴ | 1.10% | 337 | 833 | 430 | 1,100 |
| 072223026 | Masaba | 1.9% | 3,090 | 2,743 | ▴ | 0.82% | 223 | 551 | 1,400 | 3,600 |
| 072223027 | Maslog | 6.2% | 9,929 | 9,892 | ▴ | 0.03% | 323 | 798 | 3,100 | 8,000 |
| 072223028 | Nangka | 0.3% | 413 | 446 | ▾ | −0.53% | 306 | 756 | 130 | 350 |
| 072223029 | Oguis | 0.4% | 634 | 600 | ▴ | 0.38% | 92 | 227 | 690 | 1,800 |
| 072223030 | Pili | 0.5% | 777 | 677 | ▴ | 0.95% | 184 | 455 | 420 | 1,100 |
| 072223031 | Poblacion | 5.6% | 9,090 | 8,710 | ▴ | 0.29% | 131 | 324 | 6,900 | 18,000 |
| 072223032 | Quisol | 0.9% | 1,461 | 1,255 | ▴ | 1.05% | 173 | 428 | 840 | 2,200 |
| 072223033 | Sabang | 7.7% | 12,431 | 9,945 | ▴ | 1.54% | 343 | 848 | 3,600 | 9,400 |
| 072223034 | Sacsac | 0.4% | 618 | 514 | ▴ | 1.27% | 184 | 455 | 340 | 870 |
| 072223035 | Sandayong Norte | 0.9% | 1,490 | 1,454 | ▴ | 0.17% | 71 | 175 | 2,100 | 5,400 |
| 072223036 | Sandayong Sur | 1.9% | 3,069 | 2,808 | ▴ | 0.61% | 404 | 998 | 760 | 2,000 |
| 072223037 | Santa Rosa | 1.0% | 1,559 | 1,151 | ▴ | 2.10% | 218 | 539 | 720 | 1,900 |
| 072223038 | Santican | 0.8% | 1,218 | 1,014 | ▴ | 1.27% | 290 | 717 | 420 | 1,100 |
| 072223039 | Sibacan | 0.4% | 635 | 519 | ▴ | 1.39% | 326 | 806 | 190 | 500 |
| 072223040 | Suba | 4.7% | 7,523 | 6,785 | ▴ | 0.71% | 40 | 99 | 19,000 | 49,000 |
| 072223041 | Taboc | 3.4% | 5,482 | 4,880 | ▴ | 0.80% | 126 | 311 | 4,400 | 11,000 |
| 072223042 | Taytay | 2.4% | 3,914 | 3,618 | ▴ | 0.54% | 31 | 77 | 13,000 | 33,000 |
| 072223043 | Togonon | 1.0% | 1,619 | 1,394 | ▴ | 1.03% | 1,100 | 2,718 | 150 | 380 |
| 072223044 | Tuburan Sur | 4.3% | 6,944 | 5,407 | ▴ | 1.73% | 229 | 566 | 3,000 | 7,900 |
| Total | 161,307 | 119,252 | ▴ | 2.09% | 10,730 | 26,514 | 1,500 | 14 | ||
| Climate data for Danao, Cebu | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Mean daily maximum °C (°F) | 28 (82) | 29 (84) | 30 (86) | 31 (88) | 31 (88) | 30 (86) | 30 (86) | 30 (86) | 30 (86) | 29 (84) | 29 (84) | 28 (82) | 30 (85) |
| Mean daily minimum °C (°F) | 23 (73) | 23 (73) | 23 (73) | 24 (75) | 25 (77) | 25 (77) | 25 (77) | 25 (77) | 25 (77) | 25 (77) | 24 (75) | 23 (73) | 24 (75) |
| Averageprecipitation mm (inches) | 70 (2.8) | 49 (1.9) | 62 (2.4) | 78 (3.1) | 138 (5.4) | 201 (7.9) | 192 (7.6) | 185 (7.3) | 192 (7.6) | 205 (8.1) | 156 (6.1) | 111 (4.4) | 1,639 (64.6) |
| Average rainy days | 13.4 | 10.6 | 13.1 | 14.5 | 24.2 | 27.9 | 28.4 | 27.7 | 27.1 | 27.4 | 22.5 | 15.9 | 252.7 |
| Source: Meteoblue(modeled/calculated data, not measured locally)[9] | |||||||||||||
| Year | Pop. | ±% p.a. |
|---|---|---|
| 1903 | 16,173 | — |
| 1918 | 22,581 | +2.25% |
| 1939 | 28,387 | +1.10% |
| 1948 | 26,461 | −0.78% |
| 1970 | 47,662 | +2.71% |
| 1975 | 50,260 | +1.07% |
| 1980 | 56,967 | +2.54% |
| 1990 | 73,358 | +2.56% |
| 1995 | 79,932 | +1.62% |
| 2000 | 98,781 | +4.64% |
| 2007 | 109,354 | +1.41% |
| 2010 | 119,252 | +3.20% |
| 2015 | 136,471 | +2.60% |
| 2020 | 156,321 | +2.90% |
| Source:Philippine Statistics Authority[10][11][8][12] | ||
Poverty incidence of Danao
Source:Philippine Statistics Authority[13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20]
TheCebu railway ran from Danao south toArgao. DuringWorld War II, the bridges, tracks and Central Station were bombed so extensively that the railway never recovered, and it closed in 1942. After that, whatever was left after the war was dug up to become the Cebu North Road.
Now a new light railway is to be built inCebu.[21][22]
The old system ofmilling sugar cane used to produce sugar, called"intosan". Although the railway was originally to move coal, it was soon used too to move sugar cane to the docks.
Danao was well known for its gun industry. The industry started around 1905–06.[23] When World War II came, the Danao gunsmiths went underground, joined the guerrilla movement or were inducted into theUnited States Army Forces in the Far East. Their main task was to re-chamber the JapaneseArisaka rifles to fit the US .30 caliber round or to keep the original Japanese rifle in good service.
The industry went on, still underground. In the 1960s, the termpaltik was given to the homemade (and illegal) guns.[citation needed] In the early 1990s the industry was legalized by the government, with the creation of two organizations of local gunsmiths. The organization now left with proper permit is Workers League of Danao Multi-purpose Cooperative (World MPC), in Dungguan, Danao.[24]
World MPC was incorporated in October 1994 with twenty-five initial members. In November 1996 it was given license to manufacture handguns from caliber .22 to .45 by thePhilippine National Police (PNP). The organization had been a potent group in working for the legalization of gun-making industry in the country with the aim to upgrade the technology and skills of gun makers, to provide job security and additional revenue for the government. The gun-making industry in Danao was pioneered using brass or copper as materials. The Chairman of World MPC was in charge of the compliance of the requirements of the Firearms Explosives Security Service Agency and Guards Supervisory Section (FESSAGES) until his death in 2010 after which World MPC itself was then shut down for non-compliance of FESSAGES policies.
Tourism in the area is still in its infancy. All along the eastern seaboard of Cebu there are family-owned resorts.
In 2017, Danao hosted the Xterra Off-road Triathlon. This was held at the Coco Palms resort.[25][26]
Mitsumi is one of the largest employers in northern Cebu.[A][27]
Work for the ₱50 billion, 74-kilometre (46 mi)Metro Cebu Expressway, started in 2018. It will connect Naga in the south to Danao in the north.[28]
Danao, Cebu travel guide from WikivoyagePlaces adjacent to Danao, Cebu | |
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