THE LEGEND

Long before the word Ginatilan was coined, the places was called 'HINATDAN", one of the populated barrios of Samboan.  Spanish friars had to bring along with them acolytes and things they needed for the Holy Mass since the chapel in Hinatdan did not have its own.  This was how the word hinatdan came into being, a vernacular word that means any of goods and services were transported from a place to another.

Due to the growing population, the people eventually built a church and requested the authorities through the Municipality of Samboan to recognize Hinatdan as a town.  Before this recognition, some Spanish authorities were authorized to investigate its condition.  These officials had a hard time pronouncing the word Hinatdan.  Hence, it was changed to Ginatilan of which it became popular today.

Historical Notes:

The name Ginatilan evolved from the native word "Hinatdan" which means things are  brought.  When the place was just a barrio of Samboan, it had already a chapel.  But aside from the building, there was nothing to use for sunday masses.   From Samboan, all including the acolytes - were brought to the barrio.  Thus, the palce was called Hinatdan.

This seaside  town was not spared from Moro pillages, which was prevalent during those days.  For safeguard, the villagers had to build watchtowers connected with high walls.  Because of these, pirate attacks were checked and the people were able to build their municipal building and church.  The church was completed in February 2, 1829.  It still stands today.

In response to the clamor of the residents to be independent from Samboan, Spanish officials were sent to investigate the merits of their request.  Their petition was eventually granted.  But because Hinatdan was a tongue-twister to the Spaniards, they changed the name of the town to Ginatilan.

The town has spawned many notable personages.  Most illustrious among them is Pedro Calungsud, now a saint, who is the second Filiino and the first Visayan to belong to the devine hosts.  Dr. Leandro Tojong became City Mayor of Cebu City and Congressman of the then 5th district of Cebu.

There were a number of heroes among the Ginatilanons.  In the anti-Spanish, were General Saturnino Echavez (a street in Cebu City was named after him) and Teniente Anong Guerrero.  During World War I, Ginatilan sons who joined the cause for democracy were Alejandro Cadungog, Pio Cadungog, Anacleto Sinco, Matias Echavez and many others.  In World War II, a greater number fought against the Japanese, and many never returned  to their hometown.