San Benito, officially the Municipality of San Benito, is a 6th class municipality in the province of Surigao del Norte, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 5,663 people.

Etymology

San Benito is derived from the Spanish for Saint Benedict, the town's patron saint. A chapel was built in the area and had hosted the saint's relic. It was previously named Talisay, after the namesake trees (Terminalia catappa) that grew abundantly in the area.

History

San Benito traces its origin as a barrio of the town of Sapao (now Sta. Monica). When Sapao was reverted to a barrio and became part of Numancia (now Del Carmen), San Benito also became part of Numancia and its largest barrio. Surigao del Norte Representative Constantino Navarro Sr. authored and sponsored a bill to create San Benito as a municipality. The creation of the municipality was formalized on September 17, 1971, out of five barrios from the municipalities of Del Carmen and Sta. Monica, by virtue of Republic Act No. 6396.

Geography

Barangays

San Benito is politically subdivided into 6 barangays. Each barangay consists of puroks while some have sitios.

Climate

Demographics

Economy

San Benito is one of Siargao Island's richest fishing grounds. Fishing ranks second as the locals' source of income. Products of the municipality include coconut trees, copra, fish, and other agricultural crops like cassava, sweet potato (kamote), taro (gabi), rice, root crops, and corn. Being on Siargao Island, the town is also a tourist destination, with attractions such as the Poneas Hilltop Hidden Lake, Kangkangon White Beach, Pagbasayan Islet, Litalit Islet, and Camblinling Naked Island.