Discover Philippines-Candoni

Unique Facts
Region	Region VI (Western Visayas)
Province	Negros Occidental
Distance from Bacolod City	137.7 kilometers
Land Area	19,170 hectares
Population	22,407 (2010), 22,631(2011)
No. of Households	4,933 (2010) , 4,790 (2011)
Registered Voters	12,358 (2010)
No. of Barangay	9 (Partially Urban)
Income Classification	4th Class
Languages	Hiligaynon or Ilonggo, Cebuano, English

History

Candoni was derived from the native phrase Kan Dune, which means belonging to Dune, a legendary beautiful maiden named after Dionesia (but other natives believe it was Donay) who committed suicide after being forced by her parents to marry a man she did not love. But other Candonians also consider that the name was coined from Ka Doni (e), an early leader of settlers in Candoni.

Formerly a barrio of the municipality of Cauayan, Candoni started as the center of the Tabla Valley Settlememt founded in 1935 by Santiago H. Diego, a prominent man from the Municipality of Isabela, Negros Occidental. He led a group of settlers and formed a cooperative known as Tablenos. Thy toiled forests enduring harpships, but many of them died of malaria. Their efforts were noticed by the Provincial Governemnt and helped them to appeal in Malacanang for tangible government aid which came in the form of about 40km-road from Dancalan,Ilog to Candoni, following the trail blazed by the tablenos.

After 23 years after the discovery, Candoni was finally declared a municipality specifically on August 22, 1958.

On 1985’s, Candoni showed again it’s people’s struggle, this time, against the turmoil brought about by the insurgency problem. Fed up with being caught in the crossfire of battles between the rebel (NPA) and Government forces, the people of Sitio Cantomanyog in Brgy Haba of the town declared their area as a “Zone of Peace”, the first in the country ever to be declared as such by the residents composed of some 40 families and this policy is respected by both rebels and government troops.

How to get there?

Candoni was located in the southern part of Negros Occidental. It is approximately four (4) to five (5) hour drive from Bacolod City aboard a public utility vehicle for only about Php140.00 (2012 Ceres Bus rate) and about three (3) hours on a private car. From Bacolod City, buses are available at Bacolod South Terminal. From Kabankalan City, one can take the public utility jeepneys going to this town. To find the beauty of every Barangay in this town, you may ride through a public utility tricycle for very accessible Barangay or “Habal-Habal” for tricky and high altitude areas.

Why should be there?

Ecosystems: Agricultural Ecosystems, Forest Ecosystems, Freshwater Ecosystems

Tourism Potential: History & Culture, Natural Attractions

Economic Activity: Agricultural, Commercial & Services Centers
The town may don’t have the richest historical sites and culture of Spanish era but the mark of hospitability, unity and faith despite of struggles and hardships are strong evidence of its rich Filipino culture and history.If you’re looking for a peaceful escape and friendly natives, this hidden splendor is the answer for your needs. I’m not sure if there are lodging houses available for the travelers, but I’m very sure that there are kind-hearted and hospitable folks willing to cater travelers’ and visitors’ needs.

Candoni is one of those who have the most celebrated fiestas in the Philippines, every Barangay, Sitio, and small group of community have their own fiesta date which invites and attracts neighboring community and town visitors. Most fiestas were celebrated every Summer and December, the most popular are of Barangays Haba, Banga, Caningay, Payauan, Cabia-an, Gatuslao. The Grandest one was of Town Fiesta known as “Pabalhas sa Tablas” celebrated every February 7-11 in honoring the patron, Our Lady of Lourdes. Of course one of my favorite fiestas is of Sitio Cantomanyog because of their unity during such event.

The nature scenic view, fresh air and water, organic and locally grown vegetables, very affordable or even free commodities, peaceful vacation and the PEOPLE are some of its greatest priceless capital assets that this town should always be proud of.

If you want to experience a true Filipino values, one must try to visit this Hidden Paradise.

Special Citation- Financial:

Financial Data	2010	2011
Internal Revenue Allotment	47,134,757.00	50,951,330.00
Local Source	2,738,513.34	2,471,678.94
Others Revenues	0.00	0.00
Total LGU Income	49,873,870.34	53,423,008.94

Sources:

Local Government Performance Management System: http://www.blgs.gov.ph/lgpmsv2/cmshome/index.php?pageID=23&frmIdDcfCode=8&fLguType=CM&frmIdRegion=9&frmIdProvince=55&frmIdLgu=986

National Statistics Coordination Board: http://www.nscb.gov.ph/activestats/psgc/municipality.asp?muncode=064506000&regcode=06&provcode=45

Province of Negros Occidental-Candoni: http://negros-occ.gov.ph/about-negros-occidental/cities-and-municipalities/municipalities/municipality-of-candoni/