Geography
Barangays
Atimonan is politically subdivided into 42Climate
History
There were conflicting stories on how Atimonan got its name. Some concluded that the name Atimonan originated from a tree known as ''Atimon'' alleged to have been prevalent in the area and had reportedly served many uses to the residents. These trees are now extinct and its non-existence could not be accounted for. Others say it came from the words ''atin muna'', signifying a policy, unity of feeling, and sentiments among the residents that bolster their spirit in the fight against their enemies during that time. But the most popular version is that it originated from the name of its founder, Simeona Mangaba, known to her town mates as ''Ate Monang''. She is a woman reputed to be of unquestionable leadership, which the people regarded as their adopted parent, leader, and protector. Ate Monang was the eldest sister of Francisco Mangaba, the first captain of the town. She founded the town on February 4, 1608, along the banks of the big Maling River, now known as Atimonan River. Living along the riverbank, the people have always been prey to Moro attacks and so for fear of Moro reprisals, the inhabitants decided to transfer to ''Palsabangon'', now a barrio ofDemographics
People from Atimonan are called Atimonanins. The primary language is Tagalog, with many local phrases and expressions. Manilans usually understand Atimonan Tagalog, albeit with some frustrations. Atimonanins are mostly Tagalogs, but some have a small percentage of Chinese and Spanish ancestry. Some Atimonanins can also speak Bicolano, Lan-nang, or Spanish.Religion
The dominant religion in Atimonan is Roman Catholic. The culture in Atimonan is primarily ingrained in rural maritime Filipino settings. Other religions present are: *The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) (commonly known as Mormon) *Atimonan United Christian Ministries AUCM (Born-Again Christians) *Iglesia Ni Cristo *Seventh Day Adventist *Jehovah's Witnesses *Philippine Independent Church/ Iglesia Filipina Independiente (known as Aglipayans) *Islam *Our Lady of Angels Parish
Our Lady of Angels Parish is a member ofPhilippine Good News International
* Ptra. Analiza SatrainJesus Is Lord Church Atimonan Chapter
* Ptr. Ding OraaEconomy
The economy of Atimonan is sustained by fishing and agriculture. Many also engage in seafaring.Tourism
The town is part of the Tourism Highway Program of the Department of Tourism. * Quezon Protected Landscape * ACEDRE Beach Resort * Atimonan Feeder Port * Pinagbanderahan Summit * Bantakay Fall and Caves * Atimonan Fish Port * Atimonan Fish Sanctuary * De Gracia Beach Floating Cottage * Green Park Hotel and Resort * Missy and Zane Hotel de Recepcion * Villarreal Beach * Rizza Beach Resort(D'Bay Resort) * Playa De Lucia Hotel, Resorts and Restaurant * Tinandog Heights * Quezon National Park *ZigZag Park *Lumiliay Waterfalls *Malusak Cave *Cueva Santa *Aloco Falls *Robert's KainanCulture
Festivals
;Tagultol Fishing Festival The Tagultol Festival is an evolution of various cultural activities, practiced in previous years by Atimonanins. The Town & Patronal Fiesta every August 1 & 2 is simply celebrated with the usual parade, a cultural program, thanksgiving mass and procession. In 1981, during the administration of then Quezon Board Member and then Mayor of Atimonan Remedios V. Diestro, an activity was started – the ''Karakol''. It is a fluvial parade done in the afternoon of the 2nd day of the fiesta The boats traveled around Lamon Bay within the boundaries of the town proper headed by the Grand Boat where the patron – Nuestra Senora de Los Angeles was aboard. There were singing, dancing & band playing, all in expression of gratitude to the Almighty for the year's bountiful catch. The parade then joined the religious procession and ended at the church. Later, it was done in the morning after the thanksgiving mass at the Fishing Port and Boat Racing Competition followed after the Karakol. The creation of the Lupong Tagapangasiwa ng Kultura at Sining sa Atimonan (LUPTAKSA) under the leadership of Mr. Francisco T. Laude, a retired public school teacher, put new dimension and vigor to the town's cultural awareness and in the year 2003, the Tagultol Festival was finally launched. Tagultol, an old fishing method used by Atimonanins, was derived from the Tagalog word ''ugtol'', meaning bounce. Tagultol fishing consists of a rectangular stone tied at the end of abaca strings dip in honey. Thorns of calamansi & similar plants with bait were tied 2 feet above the stone before dipping in water and moved in a bouncing movements. The festival is a five-day celebration starting July 29 until August 2. The celebration is an array of both cultural and sports activities, talent and beauty contests participated by community organizations and individuals and headed by the local government's culture and arts council (LUPTAKSA) and Atimonan Tourism Council. It can be Held inEducation
Secondary & Tertiary
PRIVATE: *Quezonian Educational College Inc. *Our Lady of the Angels Academy(OLAA) *Leon Guinto Memorial College, Inc. *ACEBA Science & Technology Institute (ASTI) Inc. *College of Science, Technology & Communication (CSTC) Inc.Secondary
PUBLIC: *Atimonan National Comprehensive High School (ANCHS). *Maligaya National High School *Malinao Ilaya Integrated National High School *Malusak National High School *San Rafael National High School *Balugohin Integrated National High SchoolElementary (Primary)
Private: *Casa dei Patino Montessori School *St. Louie Kids World Learning Center *Our Lady of the Angels Academy (Elementary Department) *Little Angels Montessori Learning Center *Atimonan United Methodist Christian School Inc. Public: *Atimonan Central Elementary School *Atimonan Central School(ANNEX) *Buhangin Elementary School *Balubad Elementary School *Caridad Ibaba Elementary School *Inalig Elementary School *Magsaysay Elementary School *Maligaya Elementary School *Malinao Ibaba Elementary School *Malinao Ilaya Elementary School *Malusak Elementary School *Ponon Elementary School *Rizal Elementary School *San Rafael Elementary School *Sapaan Elementary School *Santa Catalina Elementary School (ANNEX) *Tagbakin Elementary SchoolGovernment
Municipal officials (2010–2013): * Municipal Mayor: Jose F. Mendoza * Municipal Vice Mayor: Joel M. Vergano * Municipal Councilors: ** Zenaida D. Veranga ** Renato C. Sarmiento ** Cielyn S. Diestro ** Elmer M. Santander ** Maria Aurora A. Tamayo ** Nestor E. Santander ** John Francis L. Luzano ** Roseller A. Magtibay * PPLB President: Ernesto S. Amandy * PPSK President: Loid John L. Vergaño Municipal officials (2013-2016): * Municipal Mayor: Jose F. Mendoza * Municipal Vice Mayor: Joel M. Vergaño * Municipal Councilors: ** Zenaida D. Veranga ** Rizaldy L. Velasco ** Renato C. Sarmiento ** Elmer M. Santander ** Iñigo P. Mapaye ** Cielyn S. Diestro-Makayan ** Roseller A. Magtibay ** John Francis L. Luzano * PPLB President: Ernesto S. Amandy Municipal Officials (2016-2019) * Municipal Mayor: Engr. Rustico Joven U. Mendoza * Municipal Vice Mayor: Zenaida D. Veranga * Municipal Councilors: ** Elmer M. Santander ** Rizaldy L. Velasco ** Nestor E. Santander ** Estela A. Lim ** Roseller A. Magtibay ** Maria Aurora A. Tamayo ** Nestor V. Laude ** Merlinda C. Pesigan ** PPLB President:Amado A. Vidal ** PPSK President: Dexter B. AlegreGallery
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