Atimonan, Quezon

Atimonan, Quezon
Municipality
Seal
Motto: Pag nagtulungan, Panalo ang Bayan!
Map of Quezon showing the location of Atimonan
Atimonan, Quezon Location within the Philippines
Coordinates: 14°00′N 121°55′E / 14.000°N 121.917°E / 14.000; 121.917Coordinates: 14°00′N 121°55′E / 14.000°N 121.917°E / 14.000; 121.917
Country	Philippines
Region	Calabarzon (Region IV-A)
Province	Quezon
District	4th district of Quezon
Founded	February 4, 1608
Barangays	42
Government
• Mayor	Engr. Rustico Joven Mendoza (Nacionalista)
• Vice Mayor	Joel M. Vergano (UNA)
Area
• Total	239.66 km2 (92.53 sq mi)
Population (2015)
• Total	63,432
• Density	260/km2 (690/sq mi)
Demonym(s)	Atimonanin
Time zone	PST (UTC+8)
ZIP code	4331
IDD : area code	+63 (0)42
Income class	1st class; partially urban
Website	www.atimonan.gov.ph

The Municipality of Atimonan (Filipino: Bayan ng Atimonan) or in (Spanish/Chavacano: El Pueblo de Atimonan) is a first class municipality in the province of Quezon, Philippines. It lies on the eastern shore of the province, 173 kilometres (107 mi) southeast of Manila. Atimonan is bounded by the municipalities of Gumaca, Plaridel, Pagbilao and Padre Burgos. According to the 2015 census, it has a population of 63,432 people.

Atimonan is politically subdivided into 42 barangays.

There were conflicting stories on how Atimonan got its name. Some concluded that the name Atimonan originated from a tree known as Atimon alleged to have been prevalent in the area and had reportedly served many uses to the residents. These trees are now extinct and its non-existence could not be accounted for.

Others say it came from the words atin muna, signifying a policy, unity of feeling and sentiments among the residents that bolster their spirit in the fight against their enemies during that time.

But the most popular version is that it originated from the name of its founder, Simeona Mangaba, known to her town mates as Ate Monang. She is a woman reputed to be of unquestionable leadership, which the people regarded as their adopted parent, leader and protector.

Ate Monang was the eldest sister of Francisco Mangaba, the first captain of the town. She founded the town on February 4, 1608 along the banks of the big Maling River, now known as Atimonan River.

Living along the river bank, the people has always been a prey to Moro attacks and so for fear of Moro reprisals, the inhabitants decided to transfer to Palsabangon, now a barrio of Pagbilao, Quezon. However, the people felt discontented in Palsabangon because the place abounds in wild crocodiles that from time to time disturbed them.

So, after two years of stay (1610), they left the place and transferred to Babyaw, a part of Atimonan. They settled in Babyaw for almost 14 years, but transferred again to another site called Minanukan for some unknown reasons.