Introduction to Jose Abad Santos
Jose Abad Santos, categorized as a first-class municipality in the province of Davao Occidental, Philippines, stands as a coastal gem and a haven. According to the 2020 census, it boasts a population of 73,381 residents. As the southernmost haven on the mainland of Mindanao, caressed by tranquil waves, it reveals its charm as the second-largest municipality in Davao Occidental, gracefully second to Malita.
Historical Background
The history of Jose Abad Santos is deeply intertwined with Malita, from which it was born. On August 1, 1948, the barrios of Batulaki and Caburan declared their independence, establishing a new town originally named “Trinidad.” Caburan, nestled in nature’s embrace, quickly became the vibrant center of this new municipality. In 1954, the town was renamed Jose Abad Santos by Republic Act No. 1206 in honor of José Abad Santos, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines and a martyr executed by Japanese forces during World War II.
Journey to Jose Abad Santos
The route to Jose Abad Santos winds through the landscapes of Davao City and Digos, traversing the Pan-Philippine Highway and passing through the town of Sulop. A crucial junction leads travelers west on the Davao del Sur Provincial Highway, which heads south to Malita. To reach the neighboring town of Don Marcelino, one can take habal-habal—passenger motorcycles that navigate the scenic coastal route to the captivating Jose Abad Santos.
Road Challenges
However, the road challenges travelers with its serpentine course along the beach and mountains, marked by blind curves and perilous turns. The high-sloped hilly roads demand respect, and the region’s history of earthquakes has left its scars, with bridges often compromised and some road sections unfinished. Despite these challenges, public vehicles and resilient pickups brave the roads, charging a fare of 1500 pesos for the adventurous trip.
Natural and Economic Growth
The extensive coastline of Jose Abad Santos, strewn with beaches of brown, black, and white sand and dotted with pebbles, reveals a natural canvas. Below the waves, a vibrant marine life flourishes, supporting the local community. Fresh seafood from these waters graces roadside stalls, turning ordinary intersections into bustling markets where the catch of the day is always fresh.
As the local economy evolves, the municipality now features bustling stores and hints of a burgeoning nightlife, bringing vibrancy and dispelling any sense of isolation. However, the pace of technological adoption remains slow, with cellphone reception often testing the limits of patience.
Hidden Natural Treasures
The untouched nature of Jose Abad Santos also offers hidden gems like mountainside waterfalls, although they remain relatively unexplored due to sparse signage. The coastline is a painterly scene at sunset, with the air mixing the heat of the day with the cooling sea breeze, creating a symphony that captures the soulful essence of Jose Abad Santos.
