Alegria is a 4th class municipality in the province of Bohol and one of the 15 towns that compose the 2nd Congressional district of the province. It is located in southwestern coast, approximately 117 kilometers away from the main city, Cebu City.
The town is bounded by the Municipality of Badian in the north, on the east are the municipalities of Dalaguete, Alcoy and Boljoon and by the Municipality of Malabuyoc on the south. It faces the Tañon Strait on the west.
According to the cadastral survey, the town has a total land area of 11,327 hectares and it is politically subdivided into 9 barangays namely: Compostela, Guadalupe, Legaspi, Lepanto, Madridejos, Montpeller, Poblacion, Santa Filomena and Valencia. Among the nine barangays, four are coastal barangays while the remaining are located upland.
The town’s topography is described as hilly and mountainous where 30% of it is classified forest or timberland. The climate falls on the third type which is characterized by short dry season lasting from 1-2 months and pronounced wet season from September to December.
Aside from agriculture, fishing and cottage industries as the major industries in the locality, the place is also abundant with bamboo (Kawayan) which is also another source of income/livelihood in the town. Leading products in the town are home decors and accessories, made from local bamboos.
How The Town Got Its Name?
The town was long known by the locals as “Tubod”, after a freshwater spring the provided water for drinking and other uses for the people. It crystal clear and cool water was the favorite not only for the locals but travelers as well.
One time, Spanish soldiers chanced to visit the place and witnessed a festivity amidst hilarious merriment. Amazed by the joyfulness of the townspeople, the conquistadors exclaimed, “Que Alegre! Que Alegre!” which means “How gleeful!”. From the exclamation the town got its name.
History:
Alegria was originally part of Samboan and the people pledged its allegiance to the municipality by rendering free labor in building the church of Samboan. The people did not object because they viewed as one way of serving God.
The town became an independent political unit in 1857. Rev. Fr. Felix de la Conception ran the parish as the first parish priest from 1857- 1862 and adopted St. Francis Xavier as its patron saint. Fiesta celebration takes place every 2nd and 3rd day of December. Alongside with the fiesta celebration is the Kawayan Festival. Kawayan is the vernacular for bamboo and the festival depicts the lifestyle, culture and the livelihood of the Alegrianhons in association with bamboos.
To read more about Alegria's attractions, CLICK HERE.
How To Get There:
Alegria can be reached by any public vehicles, either busses or V-hires (vans) from the Cebu South Terminal in Cebu City. The travel may take 3-4 hour drive from the main city.
