ABOUT TALISAY

The City of Talisay used to be a friar land belonging to the Augustinian congregation in 1648, but only became a Municipality in 1849 with Silverio Fernandez as its first Gobernadorcillo and Pedro Labuca as Kapitan. Some accounts trace the origin of its name to Magtalisay trees abounding in the area while others claim origin of the name from a town in Spain.

The Cuatro Aliños were native of the City who risked their lives to free the nation from oppression. The four brothers are known for their prowess in military command against both the Spanish and American Colonizers. Their leadership led the Cebuanos to revolution. And contributed to the freedom of Cebu and the Philippines from the Spanish Empire.

In both the American and Japanese occupations, Talisay served as haven of the colonial forces. During World War II, the city served as the center of guerrilla intelligence operations for the Philippine resistance movement in Cebu. There turning American Forces made their historic landing on the beach of Talisay on March 26, 1945 – an event that is now especially commemorated by the City of Talisay and the Provincial Government of Cebu. 

On December 30, 2000, Talisay became a component City of the Province of Cebu by virtue of Republic Act 8979 authored by then Congressman Eduardo R. Gullas, who likewise served as the first City Mayor of the City of Talisay.

From 2019 up to present, Gerald Anthony “Samsam” Vargas Gullas Jr., the grandson of Eduardo Gullas, serves as City Mayor. Gullas indicated that tourism was his top priority for the City as it aims to promote food tourism with its lechon delicacy and the historic landing site of American forces located at Barangay Poblacion.