Panaon established as a municipality by R.A. 4822 has 16 barangays with a total land area of 4,600 hectares. It is located in the central part of Misamis Occidental. It is 27 kilometers from Ozamiz City and 17 kilometers from Oroquieta City.

The municipality of Panaon is bounded on the north by the municipality of Aloran, on the south by the municipality of Jimenez, on the west by Mt. Malindang Range and on the east by Iligan Bay.

It lies 8^o18’ to 8 ^o 21’ north latitude and 123 ^o 40’ to 123 ^o 47’ longitude.

Vast flat riceland is in the low land of Panaon. Dominantly, the terrain is hilly and rolling especially towards the west. The adjoining land of Mt. Malindang Range makes the location rugged and sparsely settled.

The early settlers of Panaon were believed to be the Subanons. The Subanons preferred to live along the Suba meaning river to fish for food.

Years later, resettlers coming from the Visayan region, particularly from the island of Bohol, moved to the island of Mindanao. These emigrants flocked into this once sleepy village of Pana-on, formerly a part of Palilan, now Jimenez.

For protection against pirates and kidnappings which were rampant during the time, the people constructed a tower along the gulf. Villagers themselves shifted to guard the tower. By the time a pirate’s vinta was seen in a distance, a gong was sounded to inform the people and alert them with their bows and arrows. If the vinta proceeded to the shore, the leader would shout “Panaon!” which means “shoot with bow and arrow.” This was the defense that drove the enemies away.

When the Spaniards came and asked for the name of the place, the barangay leader, thinking that the Spaniards were asking what the tower was for, answered “Pana-on!”

In 1966, a devoted and sincere public servant of Misamis Occidental stood in the hall of Congress and sponsored a bill creating the municipality of Panaon. This public servant was Honorable William L. Chiongbian, Congressman of the lone district of Misamis Occidental during that time and later became the governor of the province.

THE MUNICIPAL CORPORATE SEAL OF PANA-ON:

Figure 32

Brief Description:

Upper Left Portion – The coconut trees symbolize one primary product of the municipality which is coconut.

Upper Right Portion – The ricefields symbolize another primary product of the municipality which is rice, a staple food.

Lower Left Portion – A man breaking nuts with a bolo symbolizes the industry of the residents of Pana-on engaging in manual labor as predominantly their means of livelihood.

Lower Right Portion – The boats and the sea symbolize fishing and the sea as another source of income of most residents.

Population by Barangays

List of Municipal Mayors from its founding:

1.      Hon. Justino D. Palangan – 1968 – 1980

2.      Hon. Francisco T. Paylaga, Jr. – 1980 – April 26, 1986

3.      Hon. Felipe R. Delos Santos, Jr. – (OIC) – April 27, 1986 – Nov. 22, 1987

4.      Hon. Leo M. Gacrama (OIC) – November 23, 1987 to February 28, 1988

5.      Hon. Francisco T. Paylaga, Jr. – March 1, 1988 to date

Education and Religion

1.      Panaon Central School

2.      Panaon Community High School

3.      Panaon College of Fisheries

1.      Roman Catholic

2.      Philippine Independent Church

3.      Seventh Day Adventist

4.      UCCP

5.      Assembly of God

6.      Assembly of First Born

With his untiring efforts, the bill was approved in Congress and finally was approved by the President of the Philippines, President Ferdinand E. Marcos on June 18, 1966. The bill thus became a law better known as Republic Act (RA) No. 4822. Under Section I of this law, Panaon was separated from her Mother Municipality – Jimenez and became distinct and independent. The formal establishment of the municipality of Panaon was in 1968 with the assumption to office of its first elected chief executive, the late Mayor Justino D. Palangan.

Figure 33

MUNICIPAL OFFICIALS OF PANAON

1993

Hon. Francisco T. Paylaga, Jr.                        - Municipal Mayor

Hon. Crispin D. Mutia                        - Municipal Vice-Mayor

Hon. Mateo T. Te                        - Sangguniang Bayan Member

Hon. Genaro M. Jalapit                        - Sangguniang Bayan Member

Hon. Macario B. Balat                        - Sangguniang Bayan Member

Hon. Mateo S. Omposco                        - Sangguniang Bayan Member

Hon. Wilmer C. Eltagon                        - Sangguniang Bayan Member

Hon. Ricardo D. Antepuesto                        - Sangguniang Bayan Member

Hon. Lemuel O. Olarte                        - Sangguniang Bayan Member

Hon. Norman T. Tindahan                        - Sangguniang Bayan Member

Hon. Renato C. Ramillete                        - ABC President

Hon. Felben L. Pujanes                        - SK Federation Vice-President

Mr. Servando L. Ampararo, Jr.                        - Secretary to the Sanggunian

Mr. Paquito M. Dorato, Sr.                        - Municipal Treasurer

Mrs. Luz A. Adorable                        - Municipal Budger Officer

Miss Leonora M. Jalapit                        - Municipal Accountant

Mr. Blas Ragalado                        - MPDC/LCR

Engr. Venus A. Pangan                        - Municipal Engineer

Dr. Arden O. Mangubat                        - Municipal Health Officer

Miss Edna D. Bolando - SWA (Social Welfare Administration), OIC, DSWD

Miss Lilia Bhagwani - LGOO IV

Miss Jiji M. Galindo - MARO

Mr. Paul D. Hermoso - MAO

Mrs. Ann D. Tumampos - Election Officer II

Mr. Virgilio P. Sagun - Postmaster I

Mr. Teofilo M. Lising - Operator Incharge, Telecom

Mrs. Suzzete S. Sayson - Teller, MOELCI II

Mr. Augenio U. Verano, Jr. - Revenue Collection Officer

Sr. Insp. Miguel D. Tamparong - Chief of Police