Dalaguete is a 2nd class municipality situated in the southeastern coast of the province of Cebu, about 85 kilometers from Cebu City. The name Dalaguete came from a tree which grew abundantly in the area--the Balete tree, which is called “dalakit” in Cebuano.

Dalaguete is also called “Summer Capital of Cebu.” Mantalongon, a hinterland barangay some 14 kilometers up the scenic mountains, is popular with its cool climate even during summer. With its pleasant climate all year round, many city folks and other out-of-towners come in droves during summer to escape the sweltering heat in the lowlands.

The Municipality of Dalaguete is endowed with nice sandy beaches along its lengthy coastline. Its wide span of blue crystal sea is very enticing for jet skiing, boating, and other water sports. Its marine sanctuaries are favorite spots for scuba divers. In the Poblacion area, one can choose from the luxurious Ocean Bay Resort to the ordinary Sta. Cruz Beach. A few kilometers north of Poblacion is Barangay Casay where the Arguete Beach Resort and Dalaguete Beach Park await picnickers.

Dalaguete also has spots ideal for mountain climbing, camping, and nature trekking. Campers and mountain climbers from all over the province come to Dalaguete to experience the cold climate of Osmeña Peak and the icy cold spring of Obong.

One of the town's cultural heritages and a famous landmark is its church, the Parish of San Guillermo de Aquitana. Finished in 1825, it has a baroque altar is shaped like a shell and burnished in gold leaf and crystal chandeliers shipped by the Spanish galleons of yore. It is one church with false galleries constructed at the upper sites of the altar. It is said that there used to be a small statue of San Guillermo with diamonds for eyes but this has been stolen or lost, according to the townsfolk.

The Municipality of Dalaguete celebrates its annual town fiesta in honor of its patron saint, San Guillermo de Aquitania, during the month of February. One of the highlights of the celebration is the street dancing and showdown competition called “Utanon Festival.” “Utanon” is a Cebuano term which means vegetables in English. It is a celebration of good harvest through dance and music, and is also a form of thanksgiving for all the blessings and graces the people have received from San Guillermo. With its rich agricultural industry, Dalaguete has come to be known as the “Vegetable Basket of Cebu.”

Sources:
Cebu Province Official Website

Wikipedia

Cebu Daily

Official Website of the Municipality of Dalaguete