San Jose
is the second town north of Dumaguete City. It is about 20 minutes
from the capital city of the province. In terms of population, the
town is the smallest in the province.
BRIEF PROFILE
|
Land Area: |
54,46 km ² |
Population: |
19,098 (2010) |
Barangays: |
14 |
A Brief History___________________________
It was called Ayuquitan by the Spanish colonizers. They inquired
what the place was called and ,the natives, thinking the strangers
were pointing at the pile of husks and chaff, the leftovers of
fruits and grains after birds had picked their fill, informed
them these were "inokitan".
The town was a mere "visita" administered from Amlan
since 1850. When the Americans came, they fused Ayuquitan with
Amlan for administrative expediency. In 1955, it finally gained
the status of independent municipality and was renamed San Jose.
The People______________________________
Majority of the population speak the Cebuano dialect.
Commerce and Industry_____________________
Seven kilometers of shoreline along Tañon Strait give
San Jose two of the province's shortest take-off points to seaports
in certain towns in Cebu. Ferries and barges keep inter-island
trade and travel busy, bolstering an economy based mainly on sugarcane,
rice, copra and cottage crafts.
Getting There and Away_____________________
Buses and jeepneys, from neighbouring cities and towns, pass through
San Jose several times daily.
Other Information__________________________
Upon its construction in 1952, the parish church was remarkable
for its sleek, contemporary lines, a total departure from massive
Hispanic architecture.
The Lourdes Shrine in Cambaloctot is a popular pilgrimage site.
San Joses's beaches are sought even by out-of-towners. The southern
coastal approach to the town is an attractive strech of highway,
as is the storied Lalaan Drive.
The town fiesta is ushered in by the Ayuquitan Festival, streetdancing
and field presentations retelling the origin of the towns old place
name.