San Jose is the capital and seat of government of the Province of Dinagat Islands[4]. Once a sitio of the old town of Dinagat, it grew into a model community, became a municipality in 1989 and the provincial capital in 2006, and today is a centre of trade with a port and a college[2][3].
At a glance
| Province | Dinagat Islands (capital), Caraga (Region XIII)[4] |
|---|---|
| Land area | 34.31 km² — 4.20% of the province[1] |
| Barangays | 12[1] |
| Population | 26,375 (2020 Census); 27,487 (2015); 30,405 (1990)[1] |
| Created | 15 November 1989 (Republic Act No. 6769)[3] |
| Income class | 4th-class municipality[2] |
| Neighbours | Dinagat, Basilisa, Cagdianao and Libjo[1] |
Location
The town centre lies at about 10.0095° N, 125.5708° E, some 37.7 m above sea level, on the southwestern side of Dinagat Island[1].
History
From Sitio Puyange
The town grew around Sitio Puyange, where in 1965 Ruben E. Ecleo Sr. founded the Philippine Benevolent Missionaries Association, Inc. (PBMA); the sitio later became Poblacion San Jose[2]. The town is named in honour of Jose Ecleo, its pioneer[2]. The community became known for its pahina — voluntary weekend work on shared infrastructure and livelihood projects, in the spirit of bayanihan — and in 1980 San Jose was recognised as the "Most Outstanding Barangay in the Philippines"[2].
A town of its own
On 15 November 1989, Republic Act No. 6769 separated twelve barangays from Dinagat — San Jose, Matingbe, Jacques, Aurelio, Mahayahay, San Juan, Don Ruben Ecleo, Justiniana Edera, Sta. Cruz, Cuarenta, Wilson and Luna — to form the Municipality of San Jose, with its seat at Barangay San Jose Proper, subject to a plebiscite in the mother town[3]. The law was authored by Glenda B. Ecleo during the administration of President Corazon C. Aquino; it was amended by Republic Act No. 9859 on 20 December 2009, which set the town's jurisdiction at 3,422 hectares[2].
Provincial capital
When the Province of Dinagat Islands was created in 2006, its charter named San Jose the capital town and seat of the provincial government[4].
People and barangays
The census counted 30,405 people in 1990, 27,487 in 2015 and 26,375 in 2020[1]. The 12 barangays are Aurelio, Cuarinta, Don Ruben Ecleo, Jacquez, Justiniana Edera, Luna, Mahayahay, Matingbe, San Jose, San Juan, Santa Cruz and Wilson[1].
Places to visit
- PBMA Founder's Shrine — the final resting place of Ruben E. Ecleo Sr., founder of the PBMA[5].
- Sta. Cruz Beach — a popular sun-and-beach spot with a long stretch of fine white sand and clear water[5].
- IJN Yamashiro-inspired People's Hall (Barangay Cuarinta) — recalling the Japanese battleship Yamashiro, sunk in the Battle of Surigao Strait in October 1944[6].
- Islander's Castle and the Pasalubong Center for local products, near the island-hopping port.
See our tour packages and How to Get Here.
The other municipalities: Basilisa · Cagdianao · Dinagat · Libjo · Loreto · Tubajon · About Dinagat Islands
References
- PhilAtlas. San Jose, Dinagat Islands Profile (based on Philippine Statistics Authority data). Source
- Municipality of San Jose, Dinagat Islands. About Us — History. Source
- Republic of the Philippines. Republic Act No. 6769 — An Act Creating the Municipality of San Jose in the Province of Surigao del Norte (approved 15 November 1989). LawPhil Project. Source
- Republic of the Philippines. Republic Act No. 9355 — An Act Creating the Province of Dinagat Islands (approved 2 October 2006). LawPhil Project. Source
- Provincial Government of Dinagat Islands. San Jose — Attractions. Source
- Naval History and Heritage Command (U.S. Navy). 1944 October 24–25: Battle of Surigao Strait. Source
Compiled by Island Getaway Travel and Tours from the sources above. Figures are those published by each source; if you notice something that has changed, please let us know.
