Pilar, Surigao del Norte

Pilar
Munisipyo nan Pilar
Municipality

Seal

Map of Surigao del Norte with Pilar highlighted
Pilar

Location within the Philippines

Coordinates: 09°52′N 126°06′E / 9.867°N 126.100°E / 9.867; 126.100Coordinates: 09°52′N 126°06′E / 9.867°N 126.100°E / 9.867; 126.100
Country Philippines
Region Caraga (Region XIII)
Province Surigao del Norte
Congr. district 1st district of Surigao del Norte
Barangay 15
Government[1]
 • Mayor Lucio Tiu Gonzales
Area[2]
 • Total 77.11 km2 (29.77 sq mi)
Population (2010)[3]
 • Total 9,456
 • Density 120/km2 (320/sq mi)
Time zone PST (UTC+8)
ZIP code 8420
Dialing code 86

Pilar is a fifth class municipality on Siargao Island in the province of Surigao del Norte, Philippines. It is bounded by the Municipality of San Isidro to the north, Municipality of Del Carmen to the west, Municipality of Dapa to South and Philippine Sea to the east. It used to be a barrio of Dapa until its creation as a separate municipality on October 31, 1953 by virtue of Executive Order No. 638 issued by then President Elpidio Quirino.[4] Pilar has a natural harbor through a small inlet called Port Pilar. According to the 2010 census, it has a population of 9,456 people.[3]

Barangays

Pilar is politically subdivided into 15 barangays, listed here with 2010 populations.

Town Proper Barangays (Poblacion)

Outlying Barangays

Demographics

Population census of Pilar
YearPop.±% p.a.
1990 7,873—    
1995 8,299+0.99%
2000 8,401+0.26%
2007 8,023−0.63%
2010 9,456+6.16%
Source: National Statistics Office[3][5]

Religion

Almost all inhabitant are Christians and majority follows Roman Catholicism. Pilar is a parish under the Roman Catholic Diocese of Surigao. The town got its name from its patron saint, Our Lady of the Pillar.

Language

Surigaonon is the local language. Cebuano, Filipino and English are also understood.

Economy

The town's economy is largely based on fishing and agriculture. Major agricultural produce are rice and coconut (copra).

Tourism

Magpupungko Lagoons and Rock Formations

Magpupungko is the most popular tourist destination in Pilar. It is famous for its lagoons which can only be seen during low tide. It also features picturesque limestone rock formations.

Other Beaches and Rock Formations

Other areas that can be explored by tourists are Taglungnan Beach and Tagbayanga Islets, which are across town proper and can be reach in 15–20 minutes by boat ride. Other beaches are Lukod Beach and Caridad Beach.

Surfing

Pilar is also one of the surfing spots in Siargao and is less crowded. It is one and a half hour boat ride from General Luna, where the more popular surfing spot Cloud 9 is located. It holds many good lefts and is best surfed during NE swells. There are good breaks in front and near the town proper and in Barangay Caridad.[6]

Game Fishing

Pilar is popular to game fishing enthusiasts. The town hosts an annual invitational sport fishing event dubbed as Siargao International Game Fishing Tournament.[7]

Mangrove Forest

Pilar has an extensive mangrove forest reserve.

Tourist Accommodation

Various homestay facilities are available in town for tourists.

Philippine Freshwater Crocodile

Thirty-six Philippine freshwater crocodile (Crocodylus mindorensis) were released in Paghongawan Marsh (misspelled by media as Paghowangan) in BarangayJaboy last March 2013 as part of conservation effort to bolster the population of this endangered reptile. The released crocodiles are all yearlings and were bred in captivity. The March extends 300 acres (120 hectares) in the dry season and more than 1,500 acres (600 hectares) in the wet season. These crocodiles are not endemic in Siargao and are smaller compared to saltwater crocodiles which can be found in the western side of Siargao, in the mangrove forest of Del Carmen town.[8]

Schools

Pilar is served by 2 high schools, Pilar National High School in the town proper and Pilar National High School - Caridad Annex in its biggest barangay, Caridad. There are also 12 elementary schools led by Pilar Central Elementary School.

Healthcare

Pilar has a district hospital but now mostly serve lying-in and maternity services. There is also a rural health center in the town proper.

Telecommunications

Globe Telecom and Smart Communications operate transmission towers in the town proper.

Transportation

Pilar is connected to Surigao City through the Port of Dapa. Jeepneys ply between Pilar and Dapa daily. It is connected to Cebu City and Metro Manila through Sayak Airport in the adjacent Municipality of Del Carmen. Habal-habal (motorcycle) can also be rented to service transportation needs.

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Official City/Municipal 2013 Election Results". Intramuros, Manila, Philippines: Commission on Elections (COMELEC). 1 July 2013. Retrieved 29 August 2013.
  2. ↑ "Province: Surigao del Norte". PSGC Interactive. Makati City, Philippines: National Statistical Coordination Board. Retrieved 29 August 2013.
  3. 1 2 3 "Total Population by Province, City, Municipality and Barangay: as of May 1, 2010" (PDF). 2010 Census of Population and Housing. National Statistics Office. Retrieved 29 August 2013.
  4. ↑ "Pilar Historical Background". Retrieved April 11, 2014.
  5. ↑ "Province of Surigao Del Norte". Municipality Population Data. LWUA Research Division. Retrieved 29 August 2013.
  6. ↑ "Pilar Siargao Surfing". Retrieved April 11, 2014.
  7. ↑ "PGMA opens 1st Siargao International Game Fishing". Retrieved April 11, 2014.
  8. ↑ "Philippine Freshwater Crocodile Introduction in Siargao". Retrieved April 11, 2014.
 San Isidro
Del Carmen Philippine Sea
   Pilar  
Dapa General Luna
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