Brief History of Bohol, Philippines | ||||||
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 Brief History of Bohol Created by virtue of Act 2711 of March 10, 1917, the island province of Bohol is the tenth largest island in the country. This oval-shaped province is located in the central portion of the Visayas lying between Cebu to the northwest and Leyte to the northeast. To its south is the big island of Mindanao, which is separated from Bohol by the wide Mindanao Sea. Aside from the mainland, Bohol has 61 smaller offshore islands and islets. Bohol is about 700 kilometers directly south of Manila and is about 70 kilometers southeast of Mactan Island. The people of Bohol are said to be the descendants of the last group of inhabitants who settled in the Philippines, called Pintados (the tattooed ones). Before the Spaniards came in 1521, Boholanos already had a culture of their own, as evidenced by the artifacts dug at Mansasa, Tagbilaran, and in Dauis and Panglao, using designs associated with the Ming Dynasty (960-1279). They had already a system of writing although most materials used were perishable, like leaves and bamboo barks. They spoke a language similar to that of the nearby provinces. The name Bohol is thought to be derived from the name of the barrio of Bo-ol, a barangay found in Tagbilaran City, which was among the first places toured by the Magellan expedition. History has it that one of the Spanish ships of Magellan (the Concepcion) was burned in this province after Magellan was killed by Lapu-Lapu in Mactan. In 1565, Miguel Lopez de Legazpi anchored in Jagna, one of the eastern municipalities of Bohol. He made a blood compact with Chiefs Sikatuna and Sigala in a small village near the present capital of the province, Tagbilaran City, signifying that they were blood brothers. The province became a Jesuit mission in 1595. At this time, Bohol was a part of the province of Cebu and was called a residencia. It became a separate politico-military province on July 22, 1854, together with the island province of Siquijor. In 1879, there were 34 towns belonging to the province, with a total population of 253.103. Two significant revolts that occured in Bohol were recorded during the Spanish regime: the Tamblot Uprising in 1621 led by a Babaylan (native priest), and the Dagohoy Rebellion from 1744 to 1829 led by Francisco Dagohoy, which is considered as the longest revolt recorded in the annals of Philippine history. American forces seized the province in March 17, 1900. Bohol is the home province of the fourth President of the Republic of the Philippines, Carlos Polistico Garcia (1957-1960), who was born in the municipality of Talibon. Bohol is Famous for... Chocolate Hills Located in the town of Carmen, 55 kilometers from Tagbilaran City, the Chocolate Hills are undoubtedly the most famous tourist attraction in Bohol. Among the 1,268 perfectly cone-shaped hills, which abound in Central Bohol, two have been developed into a resort. On top of these hills is a complex that offers accommodation, conference rooms, restaurants, and a view deck. Dauis Church Located in the town of Dauis, three kilometers from Tagbilaran City, Dauis Church is one of Bohol’s beautiful churches that has retained its Spanish architecture despite a semi-modern façade. The interior has life-like murals painted on the ceiling. The patron saint, the Virgin of the Assumption, is believed to possess miraculous powers. It is the object of the faithful, who attend its annual festivities. Legend has it that when the town was invaded by pirates, the townfolk locked themselves inside the church until they ran out of water and provisions. Then suddenly a well appeared at the foot of the altar where people started drawing water. It is still the main source of water for the people living in the church vicinity. Surprisingly, the water is absolutely fresh even as the well is located only a few meters from the sea. Baclayon Church One of the oldest stone churches in the Philippines is Baclayon Church, located in the town of Baclayon, six kilometers from Tagbilaran City. This ancient massive edifice still retains its century-old architectural design. Both in the external and internal portions of the church are various interesting relics and artifacts dating back to the early 16th century, which have now been placed at the Baclayon Museum. Baclayon is the oldest town in Bohol and the mother town of Alburquerque, Balilihan, and Sikatuna. Blood Compact / Sandugo Datu Sikatuna, a native Boholano chieftain, forged a Blood Compact with Don Miguel Lopez de Legazpi, representing the King of Spain, for the purpose of fostering friendly relations between the two countries. The Blood Compact that took place on March 16, 1565 is considered as the first “Treaty of Friendship” between the brown and white races. A marker of this historic event can be found in Barangay Bool at Tagbilaran City. Dagohoy Revolt Francisco Dagohoy led the longest revolt in the country against the Spaniards, which lasted for 84 years. There now stands a marker in Magtangtang at the town of Danao, installed by the Philippine Historical Commission to honor the heroic deeds of Dagohoy. Magtangtang was his headquarters or hideout during the revolt. Hundreds of Dagohoy’s followers preferred death inside the cave than surrender. Their skeletons still remain in the site located in Danao, 92 kilometers from Tagbilaran City. Sandugo Festival The festival celebrated from July 1 to 31 has been inspired by the blood compact, or Sandugo, a friendship treaty between the Philippines and Spain that took place in 1565. The annual spectacle of the province features an agro-industrial fair, cultural and historical showcase, sports events, a beauty pageant, balls and dances, entertainment shows, and streetdancing which culminates with the re-enactment of the blood compact between Datu Sikatuna and Don Miguel Lopez de Legazpi. Bolibong Kingking Festival Celebrated from May 23 to 24, it is a music and dance festivity depicting the history, folklore, and traditions of the Lobocanons. Bolibong Kingking is a term applied to the drums and gongs, and their rhythm, used to accompany the supplication dance ritual performed before the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the second patron of Loboc. Bohol Emergency Services Medical Facilities BORJA FAMILY CLINIC Gallares St., Tagbilaran City Tel. No.: (6338) 411-3303 CELESTINO GALLARES MEMORIAL HOSPITAL M. Parras St., Tagbilaran City Tel. No.: (6338) 411-3185 EAGLEWOOD HOSPITAL Baclayon Junction Tel. No.: (6338)411-3018 MMCG HOSPITAL Airport Road, Tagbilaran City Tel. No.: (6338) 411-3012 RAMIRO HOSPITAL Gallares St., Tagbilaran City Tel. No.: (6338) 411-3515 ST. JUDE GEN. HOSPITAL Calceta St., Tagbilaran City Tel. No.: (6338) 411-3134 TAGBILARAN COMMUNITY HOSPITAL M. Parras St., Tagbilaran City Tel. No.: (6338) 411-3324 TAGBILARAN PUERICULTURE CENTER & MATERNITY CENTER J.A. Clarin St. Tel. No.: (6338) 411-3191 Police Police Department Tagbilaran City Hotline: 166 Police Stations and Outposts are located in all towns. Fire Station Fire Department J.S. Torralba St., Tagbilaran City Hotline: 112 Tourist Information and Assistance DOT Region VII MS. PATRIA AURORA B. ROA, Regional Director G/F LDM Bldg., Lapu-Lapu Street, Cebu City 6000 Tel. no.: (6332) 254 2811 / 254 6077 Fax: (6332) 254 2711 Airport Office Tel.: (6332) 340 8229 E-mail: dotr7@cvis.net.ph source: Department of Tourism |
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