A 3rd class and a component city of the province of Cebu in Central Visayas, Talisay City a part of the Metropolitan Cebu area. It is situated right in the modern quadrant of the province. Bounded on the north by Cebu City, on the south by the Municipality of Minglanilla, on the west by the Toledo City, and on the east by the Bohol Strait, the city serves as an intermediary to the south of Metro Cebu and gateway to southern and western towns of the province. Talisay is known for its "Inasal Baboy" (Roasted Pig).
The city is politically subdivided into 22 barangays which are all considered urban, namely: Biasong, Bulacao, Cadulawan, Camp IV, Cansojong, Dumlog, Jaclupan, Lagtang, Lawaan I, Lawaan II, Lawaan III, Linao, Maghaway, Manipis, Mohon, Poblacion, Pooc, San Isidro, San Roque, Tabunok, Tangke, and Tapul.
Seven (7) coastal barangays of the city are engaged to fishing activities. There are about 27 commercial fishing operators in Talisay with an aggregate annual production of 80 M. Inland fishing (fishponds) are also established in some barangays. A number of the coastal barangays are also engaged in fish processing.
There are a total of 822 commercial establishments in the City of Talisay. Some of these establishments are branches of big commercial companies operating in the country.
There are manufacturing activities in the City which include woodcraft (wooden furniture and fixtures), cutlery metal craft, ceramics and crushing plants. Cottage industries in the City include rattan craft, fish processing, native handicrafts, fashion accessories, garment manufacturing and stone craft.
According to the 2000 census, it has a population of 179,359 people.
History
Talisay was said to be just an estate owned by the Augustinians. However, it was converted into a municipality in 1849. Silverio Fernandez served as its first gobernadorcillo and Pedro Labuca as captain.
Many claim that Talisay got its name from the Magtalisay trees which are abundant in certain areas of the municipality, while others claim that Talisay got its name from a town in Spain.
Talisay served as a haven of colonial military forces during both the American colonial period and World War II. It served as the center of guerrilla intelligence operations for the Philippine resistance movement in Cebu during World War II.
On March 28, 1945, the returning U.S. liberation forces landed on the beaches of Talisay with the cooperation of the Philippine Commonwealth forces and the Cebuano guerrillas. It was an event that marked the eventual surrender of Japanese forces on Cebu. That day is now commemorated as an official holiday in the province of Cebu.
On December 30, 2000, Talisay became a component city by virtue of Republic Act 8979. The city is now linked to Cebu City via the new South Coastal Highway from Lawaan, opened in 2004. According to the National Statistics Office in its 2000 report, some 70 percent of the population of Talisay belongs to the urban poor. Talisay remains an important center for the production of blasting caps used in dynamite.
Historical Landmarks
STA. TERESA DE AVILA PARISH
Built in 1836 and considered as one the oldest parish church in the country. It is situated at Poblacion in front of the old city hall.
TALISAY LANDING SITE
The returning American Forces who were then in contact with the Filipino counterparts during the World War II, made their historic landing along the beaches of Talisay. It is located at the back of the old city hall building.
TALISAY LIBERATION PARK
The park located at the back of the city hall near the landing site. It is built to give relevance to the Talisay landing and for those Filipinos and Americans, who shed blood to liberate the province of Cebu from the Japanese occupation.
DEP ED MUSEUM
Located at the vicinity of Talisay Central School. This museum is for the young generation to remember and cherished the beauties… the legacies…and the bounties of the past of the proud race of the Talisaynons.
Events to Remember
TALISAY CITY CHARTER DAY - 2nd Week of January
Held every 12th day of January.
AMERICAN LANDING ANNIVERSARY –March 26
A parade and re-enactment from the Armed Forces and war veterans highlighted the yearly celebration to honor & remember the American & Filipino Soldiers who shed blood to liberate the province of Cebu.
FOUNDING DAY - 2nd Week of August
Talisay City commemorates its Foundation day celebration every 16th of August with a series of week-long cultural sports and other events.
FIESTA SA TALISAY – October 15
Talisaynon celebrates it’s annual Fiesta on the 15th day of October in honor of Patron St. Sta. Teresa de Avila.
HALAD FESTIVAL - October 15
It is the traditional gesture of thanksgiving by the Talisaynons during the annual fiesta celebration. People from all walks of life flock to the city to dance, offer and join the merriment as one grateful community.
INASAL FESTIVAL - October 15
The city’s famous specialty, lechon inasal is served in every resident’s banquet. The festival is a showcase of lechons in various costumes and decorations.
