Siquijor

Infobox Philippine province
name = Siquijor
sealfile = Ph_seal_siquijor.png region = Central Visayas (Region VII)
capital = Siquijor
founded = September 17, 1971
pop2000 = 81,598
pop2000rank = 3rd smallest
popden2000 = 238
popden2000rank = 32nd highest
areakm2 = 343.5
arearank = 3rd smallest
hucities = 0
componentcities =0
municipalities = 6
barangays = 134
districts = 1
languages = Cebuano
governor = Orlando Fua, Jr.
locatormapfile = Ph_locator_map_siquijor.png

Siquijor is an island province of the Philippines located in the Central Visayas region. Its capital is the municipality also named Siquijor. To the northwest of Siquijor are Cebu and Negros, to the northeast is Bohol and to the south, across the Bohol Sea is Mindanao.

Siquijor is the third smallest province in the country both in terms of population and land area, after Camiguin and Batanes. For a time it was sub-province of Negros Oriental. Called "Isla del Fuego" of the “Island of Fire” by the Spanish before, Siquijor is considered by many Filipinos to be a mystical island, full of witches and other supernatural phenomena.

odo

Geography

Political

Siquijor is subdivided into 6 municipalities. Siquijor is the capital and most important port.

Six municipalities comprise Siquijor Province. These are Siquijor, Larena, Enrique Villanueva, Maria, Lazi, and San Juan.

Physical

Terrain. Siquijor is an island province in the Visayas. It lies southeast from Cebu and Negros across Cebu Strait (in some references called Bohol Strait) and southwest from Bohol. Bohol is also located north of Mindanao separated by the Bohol Sea.

With a land area of 343.5 km² and a coastline 102 km long, Siquijor is the 3rd smallest province of the Philippines. The highest peak at the center of the island is Mount Bandilaan.

Climate. The climate in Siquijor like most of the rest of the country is very tropical. It is dry from January to May and wet the rest of the year. Annual rainfall is 1000 to 1300 millimeters with November having the heaviest rainfall and April having the least. Siquijor has an average temperature of 28 °C and a humidity of 78%.

Tourism

Siquijor's reputation as a place of magic and sorcery both attracts visitors and keeps them away. [ [http://www.mysiquijor.com/articles/WhosAfraidofSiquijor.htm Who's afraid of Siquijor column] ] Among the tourist attractions in Siquijor are beaches, caves, Bandilaan Natural Park, and a butterfly sanctuary. [ [http://www.mysiquijor.com/images/TouristSpots1280x901.jpg] ] [ [http://www.visayandailystar.com/2008/October/10/negor4.htm visayandailystar.com, Butterfly sanctuary launched in Siquijor] ] [ [http://www.pia.gov.ph/default.asp?m=12&r=&y=&mo=&fi=p081002.htm&no=21 pia.gov.ph, Island butterfly sanctuary now open for tourists] ] [ [http://www.gmanews.tv/story/126266/Butterfly-sanctuary-inaugurated-in-Siquijor gmanews.tv, Butterfly sanctuary inaugurated in Siquijor] ]

History

The Spaniards called Siquijor "Isla del Fuego" or “Island of Fire,” because the island gave off an eerie glow. This glow came from the great swarms of fireflies that harbored in the numerous molave trees on the island.

The island was first sighted by the Spaniards in 1565 during Miguel López de Legaspi's expedition. Since then, the island came under Spanish rule and the present municipalities, with the exception of Enrique Villanueva were established as Catholic parishes. The first parish, Siquijor, was established in 1783 under the administration of secular clergymen. In the years that followed until 1877, the parishes of Larena (Cano-an), Lazi (Tigbawan), San Juan (Makalipay), and Maria (Cangmeniac) were founded by priests of the Augustinian, Recollects.

From 1854 to 1892, the island was administered by Spain under the politico-military province of Bohol. In 1892, it became a part of Negros Oriental, and then its sub-province in 1901.

On 1942, Japanese Imperial forces landed in the island of Siquijor as part of their occupation of the Philippines.

On 1945, the liberation to the Philippine Commonwealth troops landed of the beaches in the island of Siquijor after the Japanese Imperial forces were defeated by victorious Filipino soldiers during in the Battle of Siquijor in World War II.

On September 17, 1971, Siquijor became an independent province by virtue of Republic Act No. 6396. The capital which was formerly Larena, was transferred to the municipality of Siquijor in 1972 with Proclamation No. 1075.

Transportation

Siquijor has 3 ports that are capable of servicing cargo and passenger craft. From the port of Larena you can travel to Dumaguete via Negros Navigation. In The Municipality of Siquijor you can travel by Delta Fast Ferries, Inc., a fast craft services company plies the route to/from the City of Dumaguete. Smaller vessels include the "Jaylan's 1 & 2". From Lazi, you can travel to Mindanao via the "MV Siquijor island"

References