People of Cantilan, Surigao del Sur, Philippines
By: cantilangnon.com/posted Feb.14,2012/articles for Cantilan
A place is defined by the people occupying therein. Is characteristics, dynamics and distinctiveness are established by its inhabitants. The town of Cantilan is endowed with a vibrant population called Cantilangnons. The native tongue of the Cantilangnons is the dialect Cantelangnon which is a part of Surigao del Sur’s Surigaonanon dialect. According to the 2007 census, Cantilan has a population of 28,659 people in 5,378 households and a number of 17, 875 registered voters as of 2009.
The Manobos are deemed to be the natives of the Cantilangnons. But during the time of the Spaniards, Spanish blood had mixed with the natives which then gave rise to the looks of the Cantilangnon oftenly described as mestizas and mestizos. Subsequently, during the early 1900’s, a number of Chinese arrived to do business and some Americans came to teach as Thomasites.
Thus, the Cantilangnons are generally of Spainsh, American, Chinese, Manobo and Muslim lineage. Cantilangnons had sought for their own livelihood and conduct of living. But most of them are farmers since Cantilan has been bequeathed with a vast fields conducive for farming. An ample number of Cantilangnons are fishermen for Cantilan had been blessed with bountiful water resources contributing to an abundant catch. Other Cantilangnons are employed as government employees, carpenters, entrepreneurs, drivers, fish and fruit vendors, skilled workers and the like.
Cantilangnons are known for their distinct traits. One of which is hospitability. Every Cantilangnon entertains visitors with utmost zest and would even bother skipping work or class just to entertain such visitors. Cantilangnons are also known for the close family ties. Clan reunions are but one of the few exhilarating events in Cantilan. Food is also one thing that would keep Cantilangnons, the food lovers that they are, get together. A few of their favorite foods are sinugba, kinilaw, and tinuya.
Indeed, the people of Cantilan are a distinctive and appreciable class of people!