Atimonan, Quezon

Infobox Philippine municipality
infoboxtitle = Municipality of Atimonan


sealfile = Ph_seal_quezon_atimonan.png locatormapfile = Ph_locator_quezon_atimonan.png caption = Map of Quezon showing the location of Atimonan.
region = CALABARZON (Region IV-A)
province = Quezon
founded = February 4, 1608
districts = 4th district of Quezon
barangays = 42
class = 2nd class; partially urban
mayor = Jose F. Mendoza (Kampi)
website = [http://www.atimonan.gov.ph www.atimonan.gov.ph] [http://www.atimonan-quezon.com www.atimonan-quezon.com]
areakm2 = 160.3
pop2007 = 59,157
popden2007 = 369
coordinates = 14° N, 121° 55' 1.2" E
The Municipality of Atimonan (Filipino: "Bayan ng Atimonan") is a second class municipality in the province of Quezon, Philippines. It lies on the western shore of the province, 173 kilometers southeast of Manila. Atimonan is bounded by the municipalities of Gumaca, Plaridel, Pagbilao and Padre Burgos. According to the 2007 census, it has a population of 59,157.cite web | url = http://www.census.gov.ph/data/census2007/index.html | title = 2007 Census of Population | publisher = Philippine National Statistics Office| accessdate = 2008-09-27] .

History

There were conflicting stories on how Atimonan got its name. Some concluded that the name Atimonan originated from a tree known as "Atimon" alleged to have been prevalent in the area and had reportedly served many uses to the residents. These trees are now extinct and its non-existence could not be accounted for.

Others say it came from the words "atin muna", signifying a policy, unity of feeling and sentiments among the residents that bolster their spirit in the fight against their enemies during that time.

But the real and most popular version is that it originated from the name of its founder, Simeona Mangaba, known to her town mates as "Ate Monang". She is a woman reputed to be of unquestionable leadership, which the people regarded as their adopted parent , leader and protector.

Ate Monang was the eldest sister of Francisco Mangaba, the first captain of the town. She founded the town on February 4, 1608 along the banks of the big Maling River, now known as Atimonan River.

Living along the river bank, the people has always been a prey to Moro attacks and so for fear of Moro reprisals, the inhabitants decided to transfer to "Palsabangon", now a barrio of Pagbilao, Quezon. However, the people felt discontented in Palsabangon because the place abounds in wild crocodiles that from time to time disturbed them.

So, after two years of stay (1610), they left the place and transferred to "Babyaw", a part of Atimonan. They settled in Babyaw for almost 14 years, but transferred again to another site called "Minanukan" for some unknown reasons.

In 1635, they again transferred to another place called "Bisita", but some families separated from the majority and settled in "Yawe", now San Isidro, a barrio in Padre Burgos, Quezon.

The next year, when Simeona Mangaba learned of what happened to the original group of settlers, she, together with Fray Geronimo de Jesus, a Spanish friar, tried to unite them once more and convinced them to return to the place where it was first founded. The place known now as Bagumbayan, this was during the time of Captain Pablo Garcia.

Today, Atimonan is a fast growing town known for its cleanliness, beautiful beaches, many historical and natural scenery and most of all warm and peace-loving people.

Tagultol Festival

The Tagultol Festival is an evolution of various cultural activities, practiced in previous years by Atimonanins. The Town & Patronal Fiesta every August 1 & 2 is simply celebrated with the usual parade, a cultural program, thanksgiving mass and procession. In 1981, during the administration of the late Quezon Board Member and former Mayor of Atimonan Remedios V. Diestro, an activity was started – the "Karakol". It is a fluvial parade done in the afternoon of the 2nd day of the fiesta. The boats traveled around Lamon Bay within the boundaries of the town proper headed by the Grand Boat where the patron - Nuestra Senora de Los Angeles was aboard. There were singing, dancing & band playing, all in expression of gratitude to the Almighty for the year’s bountiful catch. The parade then joined the religious procession and ended at the church.Later, it was done in the morning after the thanksgiving mass at the Fishing Port and Boat Racing Competition followed after the Karakol.The creation of the Lupong Tagapangasiwa ng Kultura at Sining sa Atimonan (LUPTAKSA) under the leadership of Mr. Francisco T. Laude, a retired public school teacher, put new dimension and vigor to the town’s cultural awareness and in the year 2003, the Tagultol Festival was finally launched. Tagultol, an old fishing method used by Atimonanins, was derived from the Tagalog word "ugtol", meaning bounce. Tagultol fishing consists of a rectangular stone tied at the end of abaca strings dip in honey. Thorns of calamansi & similar plants with bait were tied 2 feet above the stone before dipping in water and moved in a bouncing movements.The festival is a five-day celebration starting July 29 until August 2. The celebration is an array of both cultural and sports activities, talent and beauty contests participated by community organizations and individuals and headed by the local government’s culture and arts council (LUPTAKSA) and Atimonan Tourism Council.

People and culture

People from Atimonan are called Atimonanins. The primary language is Tagalog, with many local phrases and expressions. Manilans usually understand Atimonan Tagalog, albeit with some frustrations. Many Atimonanins are part Chinese or Spanish. Some Atimonanins can also speak Bicolano, Lan-nang, or Spanish.

The dominant religion in Atimonan is Roman Catholic, though there is a significant following of the Born Again. The culture in Atimonan is primarily ingrained in rural maritime Filipino settings. Weather remains a powerful force in this town.

Economy

The economy of Atimonan is sustained by fishing and agriculture. Many also engage in seafaring. The town is part of the Tourism Highway Program of the Department of Tourism.

Government

Municipal Officials (2007-2010)

*Municipal Mayor: Jose F. Mendoza
*Municipal Vice Mayor: Nestor M. Parafina
*Municipal Councilors:
**Iñigo P. Mapaye
**Zenaida D. Veranga
**Nestor E. Santander
**Rizaldy L. Velasco
**John Francis L. Luzano
**Cielyn S. Diestro
**Maria Aurora A. Tamayo
**Renato C. Sarmiento
**Victor C. Reyes, PPLB President
**John Carlo Villasin, PPSK President

Barangays

Atimonan is politically subdivided into 42 barangays.

Highlights

* Quezon National Forest Park
* Mount Mirador
* Pinagbanderahan

Notes

External links

* [http://www.atimonan.gov.ph/ Official Website of Atimonan Municipal Government]
* [http://www.atimonanin.2ya.com/ Atimonan Online]
* [http://www.atimonan-quezon.com/ Discover Atimonan, Quezon]
* [http://www.nscb.gov.ph/activestats/psgc/default.asp Philippine Standard Geographic Code]
* [http://www.t-macs.com/kiso/local/ 2000 Philippine Census Information]