Happy TravellerWelcome to Tanjay, officially known as the City of Tanjay, located in the province of Negros Oriental, Philippines. Tanjay is a 4th class component city with a population of 82,642 people as per the 2020 census. The city is part of the 2nd Congressional District of the Negros Oriental and is located 31 kilometers (19 miles) north of Dumaguete. It is bounded on the north by Bais, on the south by the Municipality of Amlan, on the east by the Tañon Strait and west by the Municipality of Pamplona. Tanjay is known as the City of Professionals, with a rich history, beautiful landscapes, and unique local traditions. Join us as we explore the many treasures of Tanjay and reveal why this enchanting destination should be on every traveler’s bucket list.
History
Tanjay has a rich history that dates back to the 12th century Song dynasty. The first map of the Negros Island, dated 1572 and charted by Diego Lopez de Povedano identified it as Buglas, the native reference derived from the tall cane-like grass which ranged thick and persistent over the island. Tanjay was made the Administrative Capital of Oriental Negros by the Spaniards. It was the first archdeacon of Cebu, Fray Diego Ferreira, who sent Fray Gabriel Sanchez and other Augustinian priests to the new territory. Thus on June 11, 1580, the mission of Tanjay was founded. It became the center of religious supervision for Dumaguete, Marabago, Siaton and Manalongon. Tanjay parish, under the patronage of St. James the greater is the oldest in the Oriental coasts. Tanjay is also known for its unique tradition of Sinulog de Tanjay. It is a religious devotional festive dance with a mock battle depicting the war between the Moros and the Christians in Granada, Spain in centuries past. The Sinulog was first performed in this town in 1814 and is now a highlight of every fiesta celebration.
Geography
Tanjay has a land area of 27,605 hectares (68,210 acres) and is utilized for agricultural, residential, commercial, industrial, educational, forestal and other purposes. It is the only city in Negros Oriental with a very wide flat lowland, although mountainous and rolling hills are found in the hinterland barangays of Santo Niño and Pal-ew. Rugged areas can also be found in Barangays Bahi-an and Santa Cruz Nuevo.
Barangays
Tanjay City is politically subdivided into 24 barangays, 9 of which are located within the poblacion.
Climate
Tanjay has a moderate and pleasant climate. It is characterized by a relatively wet season from May to February and dry season from March to April. Rainfall occurs throughout the year with the heaviest volume during the months of July and August. The months of March and April are the hottest months and the coldest is December. January is the humid month while April is the least humid period. The months of November and December have the strongest wind velocities throughout the year.
Economy
Tanjay’s economy is primarily driven by agriculture, with rice, corn, and sugarcane as the major crops. The city is also home to a thriving coconut industry. The city’s location on the Tañon Strait makes it an ideal location for fishing. The city also has a growing tourism industry due to its rich history, beautiful landscapes, and unique local traditions.
Government
Tanjay has a mayor-council form of government, with the mayor as the chief executive and the vice mayor as the presiding officer of the city council. The city is part of the 2nd Congressional District of the Negros Oriental and is represented in the House of Representatives by Manuel Sagarbarria. Tanjay is also home to several educational institutions, including the Negros Oriental State University – Tanjay Campus, Tanjay City Science High School, and Tanjay City College. Overall, Tanjay has a lot to offer for visitors seeking a unique and off-the-beaten-path destination in the Philippines, with its rich history, beautiful landscapes, and unique local traditions.
