Daanbantayan is located at the northern tip of Cebu. This town is popular for its Haladaya Festival named after Datu Daya. It is a first-class municipality with 20 barangays including the island of Malapascua, Logon, and Carnaza. This town is close to my heart since my Alma mater in college, which was the Cebu Technological University formerly Cebu State College of Science and Technology, College of Fisheries was located. Therefore, I lived in this place for almost 4 years, from 1997 to 2002. With my 4 years stay, I would say that I am familiar with this town. After I graduated from college, I seldom visited this town unless for an important purpose. If not for the Division Festival of Talents, I cant noticed or even realized that the town changes in hundred folds.
This town is well-known and mostly visited by many tourists because of its popular, affordable, and accessible elegant beaches. When I learned that the host municipality of DFOT was in this town, I'm happy because It's only 30 to 40 minutes of travel from my hometown. So it's easy for me to travel and no need to stay there for 3 days. Traveling to this place is easy. You can take a ride by any means; by bus, jeep, v-hire, or taxi. Three routes were going to Daanbantayan. These routes were Bagay Road, Kawit Road, and Mainline Road. Either of these routes you will traverse you will still reach the Poblacion.
My dear Hive friends, In this blog I would like to share with you how the municipality changed 20 years ago by the beautiful views I caught while having a relaxing walk during the conduct of DEFOT 2023.
The Plaza
The town Plaza is a perfect scene to relax or unwind. It is well-landscaped and planted with ornamental and flowering plants. The uniquely designed lights attract plaza-goers or passers-by. As you can see photos below it's more attractive at night It's also a nice avenue for children who loved to play as it was installed with a children's playhouse.
Municipal Hall
The white-painted Municipal Hall was built a long time ago. It is located near the seashore. The hall is spacious which makes the citizens of the said town comfortable when they have their business at the hall.
The Church
The Santa Rosa De Lima parish is one of the oldest churches in the entire province. It is made of stone and bricks that's why the church can withstand even strong winds and typhoons. Every 30th day of August, the town celebrates its fiesta in honor of Santa Rosa de Lima their patron saint.
The UCT Building
This building is a UCT or Unconditional Cash Transfer, Senior Citizen, and DRRMO office. This is where the UCT concern, senior citizen, and DRR took place. I'm amazed that the town has this kind of building intended for these offices.
Daanbantayan National High School
DNHS is the only public junior and senior high school in Poblacion. This was the first school where I had observation and participation during my fourth year in college. The school is big and spacious that can cater to big events like DFOT 2023. It has a population of more or less 3,000 learners. The school is also a recipient of Vivant Publishing. They provided the school with the complete tools and equipment of ELectrical Offerings. Vivant also provided solar panels to minimize the school's consumption of electricity.
Snack Stations
Unlike before the town has many foods and snacks station. When you were hungry or thirsty you can visit the La Playa Special Halo2 and Villa de Claire Cafe and Restaurant. You can order sumptuous dishes, snacks, halo2, and coffee.
That's what the municipality looks like now. There's already a great difference between before and now. Many beaches were built and it becomes the center of tourism and industry. My salute to the municipal mayor who did their best for the good of the said town.
That's all for this blog. Thank you for sparing your time to read this blog. God bless and Mabuhay.