Dapa is a 4th class coastal municipality of Surigao Del Norte Province in Caraga Region, Philippines.

Profile of Dapa Municipality (Geography)
Location –> Southern part of Siargao Island in Northeastern Mindanao (See map below)
Neighboring Towns –> Pilar (North), General Luna (east), Socorro (southwest), Del Carmen (west)
Area –> 91.90 km2 (35.48 sq mi)
Population –> 23,787 (2015 Census)
Terrain –> Mountainous with coastal plain
Industries –> Agriculture, Trading, Tourism
Major Products –> Coconut, Fish, Rice, Vegetables, Poultry, Handicraft
People/Language –> Surigaonon, Cebuano, Tagalog, English
Barangays –> 29
Revenue (2016) –> 79,093,206.94
Legislative District –> 1st
Government Officials
Go here to see the elected municipal officials of Dapa.

History of Dapa

The municipality of Dapa got its name from the vernacular “Hapa” which means to hide. In the olden days, stories tell of local residents running away from pirates who prowl around the island and hiding in the thick forested area now covered by the present town.

Economy of Dapa

Dapa is chiefly a farming and fishing town with coconut and fish as the main products. However, due to the presence of a seaport, Dapa has become the gateway to Siargao Island – the undisputed surfing capital of the Philippines. Thus, the emergence of commerce and leisure as an important industry is now taking place in this once remote and idyllic town. In fact, Dapa is already being considered as the growth center of Siargao.

A P200 million sports center Called Siargao Sports Complex was inaugurated in January of 2020.

Dapa is home to two colleges namely: Siargao Island Institute of Technology and Siargao National College of Science and Technology. It is also the home of the Siargao District Hospital.

Tourist Spots in Dapa

East Bucas Grande Beaches
Casolian Island
Abanay Island

Festivals in Dapa

Kinhason Festival

Map of Dapa Municipality in Surigao Del Norte

See also: Profile of Mayor Elizabeth Matugas, Governor Francisco “Lalo” Matugas Sr.