Sunday 15 December 2019

A Brief History of Danao City


There are nil records about Danao before the Spanish colonial period except for the early years of 1400 A.D. when Sri Lumay who came from Sumatra, reached and settled in the island now we called Cebu. He became king of Cebu and years later divided Cebu Island into three kingdoms namely: Kingdom of Sugbo – the central Cebu, Kingdom of Sialo – the southern Cebu and Kingdom of Nahalin – the northern Cebu. King Lumay ruled the Kingdom of Sugbo and assigned the rest of the kingdoms to his sons. He assigned Sri Alho to rule the Kingdom of Sialo (Carcar to Santander) and Sri Ukob to rule the Kingdom of Nahalin comprising the area of what is now Consolacion to Bantayan. King Ukob made the area now we called Danao as the center of his kingdom. The settlements and the center of activity in Danao during the time of King Ukob and his successors is believed to be somewhere at the seaside area of what is now barangay Guinsay and Dunggo-an.

As the time went by, the community of people in Danao grew considerably in number. Being the center of Kingdom of Nahalin, Danao, though an ordinary fishing village and farming settlement, gradually became active in commerce and trade for during the time of Humabon who ruled Kingdom of Sugbo and gave Lapulapu an administrative authority for the commerce and trade of Parian, Parian (where Colon is located) further flourished because of the goods which Lapulapu brought from the land and sea in northern Cebu of which Danao is located. The connection of commerce and trade between Nahalin and Sugbo thrived and only ceased when the relationship of Lapulapu and Humabon turned hostile. Lapulapu then lived in Mactan and eventually became a “mangatang” (pirate) who ordered his men to pirate boats from the north every time they pass by Mactan Island. This piratical activity greatly affected the trading transactions in Parian that angered Humabon. At this period, boats were the very means of transportation of goods for trading and the piratical activity had eventually resulted to the discouragement of Nahalin to trade with Sugbo.

Then came the Spaniards, who brought Cebu into the map when Ferdinand Magellan arrived in 1521. But it was only in 1565 (44 years later after Magellan) that the Spaniards headed by Miguel Lopez de Legaspi, successfully conquered Cebu, by penetrating the island and converting people to Christianity. The Spaniards were determined to establish settlements in the whole island of Cebu. Danao, once the center of Kingdom of Nahalin, was no exception. But when the Spaniards established settlement in Cebu by constructing a fort, a church and houses, the Portuguese soldiers then launched an attack against the Spaniards for they claimed that Cebu Island belonged to their king. In early 1568, the conflict between Legazpi of Spain and Captain Pereira of Portugal heightened to the extent of killing the natives and inhabitants without exempting even women and children in Danao and other places in Cebu by the Portuguese by sacking, bombarding and burning of the villages. The greater number of Portuguese soldiers with their superior naval arsenal made Legaspi and his men hard to defend Cebu and so they took their refuge in Panay Island. Legaspi returned to Cebu when Spain later sent reinforcement and a message that ordered him to take full possession of the Philippines. However, the union of Spain and Portugal in 1580 resolved this conflic. It was then that Legaspi and his men successfully conquered Cebu by penetrating the island and converting people to Christianity.

Though Danao was already an established settlement back from the time of King Ukob when the place was already active in commerce and trade but other records of Spanish origin revealed that the founding and naming of the place now we called Danao can be traced back during the time of Legaspi’s conquest in 1565.The oldest writing so far of which the name Danao appeared was the complained letter of Legaspi about the atrocities done by Portuguese Navy led by Captain Gonzalo Pereira dated October 28,1568. Another source is the Agustinian Recollect writer and parish priest of Danao Fray Fidel Moreno in his document dated November 10, 1886 refers Danao's name to a low swampland and situates the founding of Danao to the time of Legazpi's conquest in 1565.

In the early years of Spanish domination, circa 1570s, Danao, like other places in the Philippines was made an “encomienda” of which the encomiendero (a Spanish settler and one who had done well for the Spanish authorities) was given a large area of land as well as the right to control and force the native population to work it. The Encomiendero was also obliged to support the Augustinian priests (OSA) for the evangelization of the people of Danao. Under “encomienda system” priests ruled communities alongside of civil leaders. But in 1700s this system was abolished because of the evils and abuses it brought about to the native population. So the Spaniards moved to institute civil government by establishing municipalities of which control of municipal government was passed largely into the hands of gobernadorcillos and cabezas. But parish priests still exercised civil as well as religious authority.

When the Recollects (now OAR) arrived in the Philippines in 1609, Danao then was dawn to become one of the most important places of missionary activities in Cebu. In 1620, the Augustinian authorities in Cebu decided to turn the oversight of Danao over to the Recollects. Oftentimes, the areas given to the Recollects were the poorest places and not even desired by other Orders because of distance and risk of life. But like what they had done to other places assigned to them, the Recollects later proved themselves to be one of the most important groups in the history ofdevelopment in Danao. In 1671, the Recollects helped established Danao as a parish; however, not as an organized town with its civilian government. Its patron saint is Sto. Tomas de Villanueva. From 1671 to 1898, Spanish Recollect Friars served as parish priest in Danao. In 1742, the spiritual administration of Danao was turned over to the Recollect friars and the territorial domain of Danao parish then was finally defined. Its territory was from what is now Compostela to Catmon. However, the territory was not as vaster as compared to that of Kingdom of Nahalin’s territorial domain in the past.

Why it was named DANAO?
Local legend has a Spanish Captain, Manuel Aniceto del Rosario traveling around northern Cebu. He was tasked by the Spanish government to build and develop towns. While resting beside a lake, the captain met a few resting natives with their carabaos. He then asked where he was. Thinking that he was asking about the lake, one of the farmers answered, "danawan" (Visayan term for a "small lake"). The Spanish Captain then documented the place as "Danao" which really underlined the fatuousness or laziness of some of our early colonizers.

Historical Timeline of Danao City

From a simple fishing village and farming settlement during pre-Spanish period, to one of the most progressive municipalities in the whole Island of Cebu during the Spanish period and with a giant leap of development in the 1960s, Danao then evolved as a premier city in the northern part of Cebu with its people willing to evolve in modern society hoping to uplift themselves socially, economically, and spiritually.

TIME
H  I  S  T  O  R  I  C  A  L     E  V  E  N  T  S


1400s
Sri Lumay became king of Cebu and years later divided Cebu Island into three kingdoms namely: Kingdom of 
Sugbo – the central Cebu, Kingdom of Sialo – the southern Cebu and Kingdom of Nahalin – the northern Cebu. 
King Lumay ruled the Kingdom of Sugbo and assigned the rest of the kingdoms to his sons. He assigned Sri Alho 
to rule the Kingdom of Sialo and Sri Ukob to rule the Kingdom of Nahalin of which Danao is located.

1405
King Ukob made the area now we called Danao as the center of his kingdom.

1568
The conflict between Legazpi of Spain and Captain Pereira of Portugal heightened to the extent of killing the 
natives and inhabitants by the Portuguese by sacking, bombarding and burning of the villages without exempting 
even women and children in Danao and other places in Cebu.

1570s
Danao, like other places in the Philippines was made an “encomienda” by the Spaniards.

1621
The Augustinian authorities in Cebu decided to turn the oversight of Danao over to the Recollects.

The Recollects helped established Danao as a parish and not yet as an organized town with its civilian government. 

1742
The spiritual administration of Danao was turned over to the Recollect friars and the territorial domain of Danao 
parish then was finally defined. Its territory was from what is now Compostela to Catmon.

1755
Sto. Tomas de Villanueva Church in Danao was constructed and its construction was credited to Fr. Manuel de 
Santa Barbara, a Recollect friar and the then Vicario Prior of Danao.

1773
The municipality of Danao was established with poblacion (at present site) as the seat of its civilian government.

Don Guillermo Sayson was chosen as the first Gobernadorcillo of Danao because of the important part he 
played of creating the poblacion.

1800s
The Recollect fathers made Danao the headquarters of their missionary activities in northeastern Cebu, 
making Danao then as a major political and religious jurisdiction in the Spanish colonial system. Danao evolved 
and functioned as the ecclesiastical and commercial center of the northeast of Cebu.

Different infrastructures started to exist in Danao.

1820s
Padre Miguel Y Lafuente de Jesus, a Recollect friar assigned in Danao as parish priest introduced to Danawanons the knowledge 
and skill of white cheese-making. White cheese (Kiseo) which is coming from carabao's milk was the earliest popular delicacy in Danao.

1847
The construction of the old Convent fronting the Rizal plaza was completed.

1850s
Padre Ambrosio Itturiaga del Carmen constructed the road to Sta. Rosa near Camansi where coal mines were located.

1863
Padre Manuel Fernandez de la Virgin del Rosario, a Recollect friar, built two schools of thick solid stone walls for boys and girls now the 
Danao City Central School.

1898
Danao parish was placed under the administration of Filipino priests and Rev. Fr. Cecilio Sanchez succeeded the last Spanish Recollect friar.

1901
The Americans completely controlled Danao and Spanish domination in Danao ended.

1902
The primary school in Danao was opened. Danao Elementary School now Danao City Central School started its operation.

1905
Pottery began to mark as a good industry in Danao

Gun industry started to draw attention to Danawanons that later became a means of livelihood.

1907
The railway from Cebu to Danao was operational.

1908
Alejandro B. Derecho was the first elected Municipal President (mayor of today) in Danao under American regime.

1940s
Danao became active in coal mining business because of its coal deposits

1942
Alcalde Municipal’s office was transferred to Guinacot school when Japanese soldiers occupied Danao during World War II

During Second World War the church was destroyed by fire and only the facade, walls and belfry of the church remained intact.

Danao Elementary School building located in front of where the city hall stands today was burnt by the Japanese forces occupying Danao 
during World War II.

1945
American Liberation Forces arrived in Danao  (77th Division)

1946
Jovenal D. Almendras, the son of Don Paulo Almendras was elected as congressman of the then first district 
of Cebu. He is considered as the first Danawanon elected representative to national position.

The year the church was rebuilt and Masses were temporarily held in the old convent located of what is today 
Sto. Tomas College in Danao City. The rebuilding of the church was completed in 1960 by Rev. Fr. Cesar Jose Alcoseba.

Danao Elementary School building which was destroyed by fire during World War II was rebuilt and was funded by the 
United States of America.

1948
Danao Visayan Institute (now UV – Danao Branch) was established and is considered as the first secondary school in Danao.

1949
Ramon M. Durano Sr. was elected Congressman of the First District of Cebu.

Danao Provincial High School (now CTU - Danao) was established by the authority of Danao Municipal Resolution during the 
incumbency of then Mayor Pedro Sepulveda

1951
Alejandro D. Almendras, a Danawanon and a nephew of Manong Amon, was elected as governor of the undivided Davao. 
He was re-elected in 1955. The first Danawanon to become a governor. 

1956
Beatriz D. Durano (Manang Ati) was elected as the first lady mayor of Danao.

1958
St. Joseph The Worker church in Lawaan, Danao City was constructed by Manong Amon.

1959
The first City Hall was constructed during the incumbency of mayor Beatriz D. Durano.

Republic Acts 2386 and 2384 were approved into law. RA 2386 authorized the Durano and Company and the Universal 
Cement Company Incorporated to widen and concrete the national highway and the municipal streets of Danao. RA 2384 
granted to Dancar Electric Company a franchise to construct, operate and maintain electric light, heat and power systems and an 
ice plant in Danao.

Alejandro D. Almendras, a Danawanon and a nephew of Manong Amon, was appointed by Pres. Carlos Garcia as Secretary of the Department 
of General Services. He was considered as the first Danawanon to become a cabinet secretary to the President of the Phils.   

Alejandro D. Almendras resigned as secretary and was elected senator of the Republic of the Philippines.

Atty. Vicente G. Duterte, a Danawanon, was elected as governor of the undivided Davao succeeding his friend and ally Senator Almendras. 

1960s
Danao became an industrial city in the northern part of Cebu when the Durano Industrial Complex with its Universal Cement 
Company that produced an output of 20,000 bags of cement per day and Durano Sugar Mill with 2,000-ton daily capacity, was in full operation.

1961
Manong Amon drafted the City Charter of Danao.

Danao became a chartered city and Beatriz D. Durano became the first city mayor.

St. Joseph the Worker Parish in Lawaan was established and is considered as the second parish established in Danao.

1962
Division of Danao City was created and started its operation of overseeing the educational institutions of the city.

1963
Priscillano D. Almendras, the son of Paulo Almendras and Elisea Durano was elected vice-governor of Cebu Province. 
He is considered as the first Danawanon elected as vice-governor of Cebu.

1964
Sto. Tomas School (now Sto. Tomas College) was established. It is a private sectarian school run by the Augustinian Sisters of Our Lady of 
Consolation.

1964
President Diosdado Macapagal inaugurated the P125,000 Sub-port in Danao on July 27, 1964. The event was attended 
by Cebu Province Gov. Rene Espina, Congressmen Ramon M. Durano Sr., Manuel Zosa and Tereso Dumon and Danao 
City officials headed by mayor Beatriz D. Durano.

1965
Vicente G. Duterte was appointed by President Marcos as Secretary of the Department of General Services. He was 
considered as the second Danawanon to become a cabinet secretary to the President of the Phils.   

1971
The third centennial anniversary of the creation of the parish of Danao was celebrated. This year the new convent was completed through the effort of Rev. Fr. Cesar Alcoseba.

This year the new convent located beside the church was completed through the effort of Rev. Fr. Cesar Alcoseba. 

Ramon “Boy” D. Durano Jr. assumed as mayor when his mother as mayor resigned from office to run for gubernatorial election.

1973
The church of San Antonio de Padua in Guinsay which was constructed by Manong Amon in 1970 was completed and inaugurated on July 23 1973.

Division of Danao City was dissolved after 10 years of operation due to the number of teachers that could not met the DepEd’s minimum requirement of 500.

1974
Lawaan Barangay High School, the first barangay high school in Danao, was established.

The church of San Antonio de Padua was granted “Chaplaincy” on Sept. 1, 1974.

1975
Danao finally has a college institution when Danao Vocational School (formerly Danao Provincial High School) offered the two – year technical curriculum.

1979
Arnulfo "Arnie" Tuadles, a Danawanon, joined Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) by playing Toyota Tamaraw team. 
He became PBA Rockie of the year (1979) and member of the PBA Mythical Five (1979). His name is enlisted in the PBA's Hall of Fame.   

1980
Danao City Karansa Festival started. It is a street dancing and showdown competition which is held every 3rd Sunday of September, a day before the city fiesta.

Ramon”Nito” D. Durano III was elected vice-governor of Cebu Province.

Bernardo “Ber” Hermoso, a great Danawanon artist, won his first Grand Prize in a National Art Competition for the “International Year of the Child”. (Manila Peninsula)

1981
The year the renovation of the Sto. Tomas de Villanueva church started which was initiated by Msgr. Santos de La Serna and funded byManong Amon. The renovation was completed in 1985. The architecture of the renovated church was designed by Roll Durano.

1984
Ramon”Nito” D. Durano III was elected Assemblyman of the Batasang Pambansa (Legislative Assembly)

1985
St. Francis of Assissi Parish in Maslog was established.

1986
The construction of St. Peter the Apostle Church in Taytay, Danao City was completed and inaugurated on June 29 1986. This church was also constructed by Manong Amon.

Ramon”Nito” D. Durano III was elected Representative of the 5th District of Cebu to the newly restored Phil. Congress after its abolition when Martial Law was declared in 1972.

1987
San Antonio de Padua church, its rectory and land was donated by Manong Amon to the Archdiocese of Cebu. The church is located in Guinsay, Danao City.

1988
The year Manong Amon, the newly elected city mayor died (on October 3) at the age of 82. He is considered in the history of Danao as “The Father of Danao City”.

Vice-mayor Jesus “Don” D. Durano assumed as mayor in effect of Manong Amon’s death.

1994
Danao City Public Market was donated during the administration of Mayor Jesus “Don” D. Durano, by the Government of Japan with technical cooperation of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)

1998
Joseph “Ace” H. Durano was elected Representative of the 5th District of Cebu following his father.

2001
Ramon ‘Nito” D. Durano III was elected as mayor of Danao with Ramon D. Durano Jr. as vice-mayor.

2003
Division of Danao City was restored after formally declared by DepEd Secretary Edilberto S. de Jesus on January 22 (2003) during his speech at the Danao City Sports Complex (now Danao Civic Center).

2004
Joseph “Ace” H. Durano was appointed (November 30, 2004) as Secretary of Tourism by Pres. Gloria Arroyo. He is another Danawanon to become a Cabinet Member of the Phil. President.

Ramon M. Durano Sr. Memorial Sports Complex was the venue for the Southeast Asian Mountain Bike Championship.

2005
Ramon”Red” H. Durano VI was elected Representative of the 5th District of Cebu replacing his younger brother Ace Durano who did not happen to end his term due to appointment as Secretary of Tourism by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

Ramon M. Durano Sr. Memorial Sports Complex was one of the venues for the 2005 SEA GAMES specifically, the mountain biking event of which the Philippines won two golds.

2006
The Danao Civic Center was constructed during the administration of City Mayor Ramon “Nito” D. Durano III and was inaugurated on September 7 (2006) by Governor Gwendolyn F. Garcia.

The Plaza Rizal was reconstructed during the administration of City Mayor Ramon “Nito” D. Durano III and was inaugurated on September 9 (2006) by Tourism Secretary Ace Durano.

The Danao City Terminal was constructed during the administration of City Mayor Ramon “Nito” D. Durano III and was inaugurated on October 13 (2006) by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

2008
Bishop Emilio L. Bataclan, was the first bishop assigned as parish priest of Sto. Tomas de Villanueva.

The Fish Port was constructed during the administration of City Mayor Ramon “Nito” D. Durano III and was inaugurated on October 22 (2008) by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

2010
The Board Walk (Diosdado Macapagal Memorial Park Complex) was constructed during the administration of City Mayor Ramon “Nito” D. Durano III and was inaugurated on June 29 by Pres. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

Jose Rene Almendras was appointed (June 30,) as Secretary of Energy by Pres. Benigno Aquino III. He is another Danawanon to become a Cabinet Member of the President of the Phils.

San Antonio de Padua Parish in Guinsay, Danao City was formally declared a parish on Dec. 15, 2010.

2012
Agnes A. Magpale, a Danawanon, assumed as Governor of Cebu replacing Gwendolyn F. Garcia.

Ber Hermoso won the Grand Prize for the first PAGCOR National Art Competition (Prof. Category)

2013
Agnes A Magpale elected vice-governor. The second Danawanon to become elected as vice-governor of Cebu province.

Ramon ‘Nito” D. Durano III again elected as mayor of Danao after 3 consecutive terms that ended in 2010.

Ramon “Red” H. Durano VI elected as vice-mayor of Danao.

Joseph “Ace” H. Durano again elected as congressman of the 5th District of Cebu.

The construction of Deped Division of Danao City Office building was finished and inaugurated on August 9, 2013. The office building is located beside D.T. Durano Mem. Elementary School.


Our Mother of Perpetual Help in Ibo was established as a quasi-parish in June 27.

2014
San Pedro Calungsod in Masaba was established as a quasi-parish in Oct. 21.

2016
Rodrigo "Rody" R. Duterte, a Danawanon, elected as the 16th President of the Republic of the Philippines.

Ramon “Red” H. Durano VI elected as Congressman of the 5th District of Cebu.

Agnes A. Magpale re-elected vice-governor of Cebu.

Ramon “Nito” D. Durano III re-elected as mayor of Danao

Mix H. Durano elected as vice-mayor of Danao

2018
Narciso C. Almerez, a retired teacher and Danawanon historian died in January 4 at the age of 81.

Saturday 7 December 2019

Political Aspect

LEADERS OF DANAO THROUGH CENTURIES


1. PRE-SPANISH PERIOD
In the early years of 1400 A.D. before the Spanish colonial period, Sri Lumay was the king of Cebu and years later divided Cebu Island into three kingdoms namely: Kingdom of Sugbo – the central Cebu, Kingdom of Sialo – the southern Cebu and Kingdom of Nahalin – the northern Cebu. King Lumay ruled the Kingdom of Sugbo and assigned the rest of the kingdoms to his sons. He assigned Sri Ukob to rule the Kingdom of Nahalin comprising the area of what is now Consolacion to Bantayan. In 1405, King Ukob made Danao the center of his kingdom. But more than a century later, Kingdom of Nahalin was gone to oblivion when the Spaniards successfully penetrated, conquered and established municipalities in the whole island of Cebu.


NO.

KING

TENURE

REMARK
1.
King Ukob


2.
King Kolambo


3.
King Mabagnot


4.
King Marangga


 

2. SPANISH PERIOD
Gobernadorcillo was the head of a municipality during the Spanish domination. He was the civil leader elected annually through voting by all the natives and married people. A Gobernadorcillo can intervene in all administrative cases pertaining to his town: lands, justice, finance, the preparation of the tax list, recruitment of men for draft labor, plan of improvement of areas under their jurisdiction, resolution of disputes over land boundaries and the municipal police. He has an annual salary and was exempted from taxation. Aside from Spanish mestizo, any native or Chinese mestizo, 25 years old, literate in oral or written Spanish and has been a Cabeza de Barangay of 4 years can be aGobernadorcillo. From 1773 to 1892, Danao was ruled by 46 gobernadorcillos. For the last 9 years of Spanish domination, the name of the position was changed to Capitan Municipal and later to Presidente Popular until American forces completely controlled Danao in 1901. 


NO.
GOBERNADORCILLOS
PARTICULAR YEAR/S IN SERVICE

REMARK
1.
Guillermo Sayson
1773

2.
Rafael Juan
1774

3.
Domingo de la Trinidad
1775-1776, 1779, 1783

4.
Ignacio Cipriano
1777, 1790-1791

5.
Vicente Bentiera
1778

6.
Vicente Anecito
1780, 1784-1785, 1787, 1798

7.
Tiburcio Cuevas
1781, 1792, 1800

8.
Cipriano de la Cruz
1782

9.
Fernando Valentin Derecho
1786, 1793, 1797, 1805, 1823

10.
Pedro Maximillano
1788-1789

11.
Julian P. Enriquez
1794-1796

12.
Agapito del Rosario
1799, 1815, 1822

13.
Nicolas Torralba
1801-1803, 1812, 1814

14.
Nicolas Miguel
1804

15.
Pablo Miguel Derecho
1806-1808, 1810, 1813, 1820

16.
Ignacio Mariano
1809

17
Juan Vicente
1811

18
Franco Luis
1816

19
Juan Blas
1817-1818

20
Vicente Franco
1819

21
Antonio Fulzencio
1821, 1827, 1837

22
Juan Elias
1824, 1828

23
Franco Tito
1825-1826

24
Pedro Vidal
1830-1831, 1834-1836

25
Pedro Ignacio
1832

26
Pedro Basilio
1833

27
Manuel Anecito Gonzales
1838- 1841

28
Pedro Blas
1842, 1851

29
Marcelino Mariano
1843-1844, 1847-1848

30
Jorge Bernandino
1845, 1849-1850, 1852

31
Domingo Nicolas
1846

32
Escolastico Batiquin
1853-1854, 1863

33
Facundo Buot
1855, 1857, 1862, 1868-1869, 1875-1877 (el alzamiento)

34
Gregorio Mata
1856

35
Florencio Gonzales
1858

36
Marcelino Laurel
1859

37
Regis Roble
1860

38
Juan Banzon
1861

39
Eulalio Roble
1864-1865, 1872-1873, 1886-1887

40
Clemente Derecho
1866-1867

41
Gregorio Batucan
1870-1871

42
Gabriel Lao
1874

43
Semion Roble
1878

44
Victorino Buot
1879-1881, 1824-1825, 1888-1889

45
Braulio Gonzales
1882-1883

46
Candelario Cuizon
1890-1892

47
Valentes Mata
1893, 1894-1896
Capitan Municipal
48
Andres Gonzales
1897-1898
Capitan Municipal
49
Victorino Buot
1899-1901
Presidente Popular


3. AMERICAN PERIOD TO PRESENT
In 1901, Danao was completely controlled by the Americans. When peace and order was restored, the Americans appointed Victorino C. Buot as the first Municipal President-the head of the municipal government under the American regime. Decades later, the title Municipal President was changed to Alcalde Municipal, then to Municipal Mayor after the Second World War. When Danao became a chartered city in 1961, the title Municipal Mayor was changed to City Mayor.

NO.
NAME
TITLE
TENURE
MODE OF
SUCCESSION
From
To
1
Hon. Victorino C. Buot
Municipal President
June 10, 1901
Mar. 1, 1902
Appointed
2
Hon. Agustin B. Tito
Municipal President
Mar. 2, 1902
1905

3
Hon. Felix G. Batucan
Municipal President
1905
1906

4
Hon. Alejandro B. Derecho
Municipal President
1908
1911
Elected
5
Hon. Benito G. Enriquez
Municipal President
1912
1919
Elected
6
Hon. Esteban M. Gonzales
Municipal President
Oct. 16, 1919
Mar. 1, 1921
Elected
7
Hon. Paulo G. Almendras
Municipal President
Mar. 2, 1921
1923
Assumed
8
Hon. Carlos M. Enriquez
Municipal President
1924
1927
Elected
9
Hon. Paulo G. Almendras
Municipal President
Oct. 16, 1928
1931
Elected
10
Hon. Paulo G. Almendras
Alcalde Municipal
1932
1940
Elected
11
Hon. Alberto F. Gonzales
Alcalde Municipal
1940
1942
Elected

Alcalde Municipal’s office was transferred to Guinacot school on April 10, 1942 when Japanese soldiers occupied Danao during World War II
12
Hon. Lazaro Tabla
Alcalde Municipal
May 10, 1942
Aug. 19, 1943
Appointed
13
Hon. Teofilo Mata
Alcalde Municipal
Aug. 20 1943
Sept. 10, 1944
Appointed

American Liberation Forces (77th Division) arrived in Danao on April 18, 1945.
14
Hon. Vicente G. Duterte
Municipal Mayor
Apr. 1945
Jun.1946
Appointed
15
Hon. Alberto F. Gonzales
Municipal Mayor
Jun.1946
Dec. 1947
Appointed
16
Hon. Pedro Sepulveda
Municipal Mayor
Jan. 1948
Mar. 1952
Elected
17
Hon. Pedro Y. Tecala
Municipal Mayor
Apr. 1, 1952
May 25, 1952
Appointed
18
Hon. Josefino D. Almendras
Municipal Mayor
May 25, 1952
Sept. 1952
Appointed
19
Hon. Jose Pantoja
Municipal Mayor
Oct. 1952
1954
Acting
20
Hon. Pedro Sepulveda
Municipal Mayor
Jun. 1954

Resumed
21
Hon. Manuel Y. Yray
Municipal Mayor
Jul. 1954

Acting
22
Hon. Pedro Sepulveda
Municipal Mayor
Aug. 1954
1955
Resumed
23
Hon. Beatriz D. Durano
Municipal Mayor
1956
Jun. 6, 1961
Elected
24
Hon. Beatriz D. Durano
City Mayor
Jun. 7, 1961
May 30, 1972
Elected
25
Hon. Ramon D Durano Jr.
City Mayor
May 31, 1972
May 29, 1986
Elected
26
Hon. Jovenal D. Almendras
Officer - In - Charge
May 30, 1986
Dec. 16, 1987
Appointed
27
Hon. Jaime R. Duterte
Officer - In - Charge
Dec. 17, 1987
Jan. 18, 1988
Appointed
28
Hon. Ramon M. Durano Sr
City Mayor
Feb. 2, 1988
Oct. 3, 1988
Elected
29
Hon. Jesus D. Durano
City Mayor
Oct. 4, 1988
May 10, 1992
Assumed
30
Hon. Jesus D. Durano
City Mayor
May 12, 1992
Jun. 30, 1995
Elected
31
Hon. Jesus D. Durano
City Mayor
July 1, 1995
Jun. 30, 1998
Elected
32
Hon. Jesus D. Durano
City Mayor
July 1, 1998
Jun. 30, 2001
Elected
33
Hon. Ramon D. Durano III
City Mayor
July 1, 2001
June 30, 2004
Elected
34
Hon. Ramon D. Durano III
City Mayor
July 1, 2004
June 30, 2007
Elected
35
Hon. Ramon D. Durano III
City Mayor
July 1, 2007
June 30, 2010
Elected
36
Hon. Ramon D. Durano  Jr.
City Mayor
July 1, 2010
June 30, 2013
Elected
37
Hon. Ramon D. Durano III
City Mayor
July 1, 2013
June 30, 2016
Elected
38
Hon. Ramon D. Durano III
City Mayor
July 1, 2016
present
Elected

Social Aspect

DIOSDADO MACAPAGAL PARK OR BOARDWALK
The President Diosdado Macapagal Park or popularly known as Boardwalk. It is a testament of the shared commitment of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. The administration of the President and the City of Danao aims to accelerate the economic and social growth and development of the city. It was inaugurated on June 29, 2010.

The boardwalk is situated along the National Highway in Poblacion with an area of 13, 000 square meter. It is in front of Danao City Police Station and beside Durano-Macapagal Fish Port.


Economic Aspect

DANAO CITY PUBLIC MARKET
The public market of Danao City is the center of trade and commerce in the city. It is where people gather to trade and bargain their goods. The market provides goods and services that is necessary for the society. It is well-organized as the wet products are separated from the dry products.

The place where the Danao Terminal of today is located, was once the public market of Danao. Due to the fire incident that happened, it was transferred to another location.

The current market of the city was donated by the Government of Japan on 1994. With the technical cooperation of Japan International Cooperation Agency to the Republic of the Philippines through the Department of the Interior and Local Government. The public market was a token of friendship and cooperation.


Religious Aspect

STO. TOMAS DE VILLANUEVA CHURCH

Sto. Tomas de Villanueva church is undeniably one of the greatest landmark in Danao City. It was constructed 84 years later after Danao was established as a parish in 1671 under the patronage of Señor Sto. Tomas de Villanueva, thus the name of the church was dedicated. Though the liturgical feast day of Sto. Tomas de Villanueva is celebrated every 22nd of September, by tradition Danawanons celebrate the feast day of their patron saint every 3rd Monday of September.

Sto. Tomas de Villanueva parish church is located along national highway in Poblacion, Danao City and is considered today as the mother church of all the existing Roman Catholic churches in the city. The church, attracting visitors by its grandeur, proud by its centuries of existence, facing east in its orientation and standing at an elevation of approximately 3 meters above sea level.

Sto. Tomas de Villanueva parish church in Danao stands as one of the oldest churches found in the Philippines. It was originally constructed in 1755 and its construction was credited to Fr. Manuel de Santa Barbara. The church was made up of numerous materials including sugar cane and cut coral stones from the sea which was a common building material for churches constructed near the shoreline during that period. Historical accounts about Danao mentioned that the church was opened to worship in 1824 under Recollect administration.

It was during the time of Padre Manuel Fernandez de la Virgin del Rosario as parish priest from 1843 to 1867, that the crucero (right and left wing) of the church was additionally constructed.

The construction of Sto. Tomas de Villanueva parish church took a long time to finish. The construction history showed that within the span of 132 years the church had undergone 3 major phases of its construction from 1755 until 1887. All phases of its construction were done by Recollect friars assigned in Danao. The first phase was the construction of the “Nave”or the central part of the church together with its “Belfry” of which construction started in 1755. It was followed by the “Transept”(crucero) an area of the church which crosses the nave, constructed during the time of Padre Manuel Fernandez de la Virgin del Rosario as parish priest from 1843 to 1867. The last phase was the construction of the “Sacristy” which is directly behind the main altar of the church completed in 1887 during the time of Padre Fidel Moreno de San Hilarion as parish priest.

It was also during the time of Padre Manuel Fernandez de la Virgin del Rosario that the construction of the beautiful stone fence that surrounded the church was started and was finally completed in 1913 during the time of Fr. Antonio Medalle. The improvement that took place during early 1900s changed the original appearance of the church. Though the application of cement plasters of most of the church’s interior and exterior masonry achieved a smooth surface appearance, however it defaced the original appearance of the church. In 1937, the wooden floor of the church was changed with tiles. But in 1942 during World War II, most of the church was destroyed by fire and only the facade, walls and belfry of the church remained intact. The church was rebuilt in 1946 and Masses were temporarily held by Rev. Fr. Emilio Vicentillo in the old convent located of what is today Sto. Tomas College in Danao City. The rebuilding of the church was completed in 1960 by Rev. Fr. Cesar Jose Alcoseba.

In 1981, the church underwent a major renovation and Masses were temporarily held in multi-purpose building located at the back of the church. The renovation of the church which was initiated by Msgr. Santos de La Serna and funded by Manong Amon was completed in 1985. The architecture of the renovated church was designed by Roll Durano, a renowned Danawanon architect. The renovated church is expanded from its original size and has a miter dome which is majestically structured at the rooftop that adds a “basilica effect” to the renovated church. It is probably the only church with a miter atop of its dome. Finial decoration which is inherent to the original design also becomes a dominant feature through jutting columns that form an interesting pattern at the rooftop of the church. The belfry flooring and interior walling are reinforced with concrete beams and columns with cement plasters that thicken its walls to some extent. The cement plasters that covered the facade, walls and belfry were chiseled out revealing again the original and antique exterior appearance of the church as one can observe nowadays. The inaugural blessing of the renovated church and the Solemn Consecration of its Marble Altar of Sacrifice was done by Archbishop Ricardo J. Cardinal Vidal on December 23, 1985.

The church today is greatly renovated for time calls for it, but the renovation cannot depreciate its great historical value. Though the church, proud by its centuries of existence, is not considered and proclaimed as one of the heritage structures in Cebu, but its history unfolded is far more valuable than proclaiming this church to be so.

ASSIGNED PRIESTS IN STO. TOMAS DE VILLANUEVA PARISH (Updated Sept. 2014)
Before other parishes in Danao were erected, Sto. Tomas de Villanueva Parish was also known as Danao Parish. For centuries, Danao Parish was placed under the administration of the Recollect Friars, but starting in 1898 up to the present, the parish is placed under the administration of Filipino Priests. 


NO.
NAME
TENURE
REMARK
1.
Rev. Fr. Cecilio Sanchez
1898 – 1899

2.
Rev. Fr. Antonio Medalle
1899 – 1913

3.
Rev. Fr. Vicente Roa
1913 – 1930

4.
Rev. Fr. Nicolas G. Batucan
1930 – 1941

5.
Rev. Fr. Tomas Villamor
1941 – 1943

6.
Rev. Fr. Emilio Vicentillo
1943 - 1951
Msgr. 1962
7.
Rev. Fr. Diosdado Camomot
1951 – 1958

8.
Msgr. Cesar Jose Alcoseba
1958 – 1976

9.
Msgr. Santos de la Serna
1976 – 1987

10.
Msgr. Pascual M. Ypil
1987 – 1991

11.
Rev. Fr. Nemesio Sungcad
1991 – 1997

12.
Msgr. Cayetano Gilbolingo
1997 – 2004

13.
Rev. Fr. Phil Ch Tumulak
2004 – 2008
Moderator – Team of Pastors
14.
Rev. Fr. Henry B. Bascones
2004 –
Member – Team of Pastors
15.
Rev. Fr. Antonio G. Zamora, Jr.
2004 – 2008
Member – Team of Pastors
16.
Most Rev. Emilio L. Bataclan, D.D.
2008 – July 30, 2014
Auxiliary Bishop
17
Rev. Fr. Frederick T. Malinao
July 30, 2014 - present
Moderator – Team of Pastors
18
Rev. Fr. Nilo B. Igloria
July 30, 2014 - present
Member – Team of Pastors
19
Rev. Fr. Nilo A. Nemeño
July 30, 2014 - 2015
Member – Team of Pastors
List of Priests is copied from the Souvenir Program 2006 of Danao City 

Cultural Aspect

KARANSA FESTIVAL

Every month of September, Danao annually celebrates Karansa Festival that showcases the past and present heritage and culture. Karansa Festival is a street dancing and showdown competition which is held every 3rd Sunday, a day before the city fiesta. The festival which started in 1980 is characterized by a gaily parade with a number of participating contingents dressed in colorful costumes, finding their way through the streets while dancing the Karansa accompanied by the beatings of drums. Karansa symbolizes the true spirit of Danawanons. It is a dance expressing one's happiness.

Karansa is performed in 4 basic steps: the (1) kiay, (2) karag, (3) kurug, and (4) karahay that jibes with the Karansa official beat. The sway, shake and judder dance movements are discernible during street dancing.

Karansa Festival was established during the administration of then mayor Ramon “Boy” D. Durano Jr. It was inspired by the Cebu’s Sinulog that started in January 1980. Before Karansa, Moro-moro was the most popular attraction in Danao. It was a stage play showed annually in the past in line with the city activities intended for fiesta celebration. Moro-moro started in early 1940s by playwright Mano Atong Ormoc that attracted local viewers. But it was Vicente “Inting” Camoro, a native of Suba, a city councilor (from 1968-1979) and a renowned playwright in Danao who was responsible for making the “Moro-moro” so popular by staging and directing it for so many years before the Karansa. But when he died of a heart attack in 1979, he virtually left the show with no one to carry it. Karansa then was established and instantly gained popularity among Danawanons and spectators from other places.

Historically, Karansa depicts pleasantness among Danawanons of long ago. It has no religious connotation for it is actually a “get-together-dance” tradition by Danawanon folks in the past who gathered themselves at night after dinner and spending their time talking, laughing, singing, drinking TUBA (bahal or kinutil) and dancing (in karansa fashion) as they enjoy the night together to relieve their boredom from a hard day’s work. In the past, this tradition was so typical and common in a number of places in Danao and not an exclusive tradition by the potters living in Suba as others would say.

The word “karansa” is a word native to Barangay Suba. The people of the barangay were known potters of Danao. Pottery is one of the many popular products of the city. It is customary for the pottery makers to drink tuba(coconut wine) to feel relax and dance as an expression of thanksgiving after a hard day’s work. They would say “Tara na magkaransa na ta!”

Today, Karansa - a pride and treasure of Danao, is a program of cultural event, a festival which is open to all forms of dances as long as the basic dance steps are showcased and it is an offering to the patron saint of Danao – Sto. Tomas de Villanueva.