The Camotes Island is a group of islands that completes the jurisdiction of Cebu province. It is best remembered as the “Lost Horizon in the South” because of its unspoiled natural beauty spots, from long-stretch beaches to lakes, waterfalls and caves.
This cluster of islands is located east of Cebu City, southwest of Leyte and north of Bohol. It lies off the coast of Danao City. Being part of Central Visayas, Camotes Island belongs to Region VII.
Camotes Island is just a small island with a total land size of 20,964 hectares. It has four islands namely: Poro, Pacijan, Ponson and Tulang. Four municipalities composed the area: the municipality of Poro, San Francisco (Pacijan), Tudela and Pilar (Ponson).
The islands of Poro and Pacijan are being merged by a paved road called causeway which measures approximately 1.5 kilometers. It is a unified act of the residents in San Francisco and Poro in trading and attending mass in Poro. Ponson lies four kilometers northeast of Poro, separated by Camotes Sea. Tulang Island is on the northern tip of Pacijan.
Poro is the melting pot of cultures because of its mixed cultures of the residents. It is composed of 17 barangays. The almost two-century old church, waterfalls in Barangay Libertad and Mount Three Peaks are some of its natural must-sees. Mount Three Peaks is the highest point and a crow’s nest in viewing the entire Camotes Island.
The Municipality of San Francisco is the biggest town in Camotes in terms of population, land area and income, though, composed of 15 barangays, lesser than that of Poro. It is formerly named “Suangan” because it is teeming with Sawang Trees. It was later changed to San Francisco in honor of Francisco, one of the pioneers of the place. Lake Danao is one pride of the place for being the cleanest inland body of water in the region. It is bordered with long stretches of white sandy beaches.
The Municipality of Tudela has 8 barangays and was founded by Don Marinano Montibon on 1851. Among the popular scenic place are the Bulikat Cave and the Magagay-ay Beach. There are still lots of awesome places that are waiting to be discovered soon.
The Municipality of Pilar has 5 barangays and was founded by Solferino Borinaga from Cabalian, Leyte. Pilar is the name of founder’s son, Martin. Martin was the captain of the place and his wife was the apple of the eyes for the people. Interesting areas include the Cawit, a beach best for overnight camping and the enchanting lagoon of Naukban.
Camotes are low-lying islands with the highest point of 386 meters above the sea level. There are only two hills in the entire island: one is in Pacijan and the other is on Poro. These are being utilized by the telecommunication stations. The area has a relatively dry climate and Palm Trees are abundant in the place, though different varieties of fruit trees and other plants are also found.
Residents speak Cebuano although some speak in Camotes Visayan especially in Poro. Their language is called “Porohanon”. People thrive mostly by farming and fishing. Camotes Sea is a good fishing ground for the residents. The government is now promoting tourism all over the place for its natural attractions found all over the place.
Camotes Island when translated means “Potato Island”. Accordingly, Spaniards arrive in the island for the first time and asked the natives about the name of the place. The natives who were digging potatoes thought that the Spaniards were asking about what they are digging, they answered “Camotes”, in Mexican literally means “Sweet Potatoes”. Thus the island stuck to its name until now.
Camotes also has its share of historical significance. On 1521, Ferdinand Magellan discovered Philippines. Few days after, the historic first mass was held in Limasawa, Leyte. After the mass, five ships of Magellan arrived in the shores of Poro while waiting for the chieftain of Limasawa, Datu Kulambu. Then, they proceeded to Cebu where Magellan erected the wooden cross.
Historical Background
Poro Municipality is the oldest municipality, founded on December 15, 1701 but formally recognized by the Spanish government on January 16, 1780. Thanks to Pedro Estrera. Poro means “island” in Waray. Since then, Poro was already been a thriving society.
During the time, slaver attacks had become incessant. To defend their selves and their families, towers and stone walls were constructed. This helped them warned the residents of the upcoming attacks of the slaves and be able to prepare for an encounter.
The Alcalde Mayor of Cebu decided to unify the defenses of the island. Since Poro has been divided into two towns, the assignment of seat of government was an issue. To determine the settlement, the advice of Panganuron, an elder living in the banks of the river was followed. Residents from the two towns journeyed on foot at the break of the day towards each other. They met in the place known now as Poblacion, Poro. The chapel was built on the site and later turned into a parish church. The oldest parish church was dedicated to Sr. Sto. Niño. Three more parishes were erected: Pilar (1859), San Francisco (1863) and Tudela (1898).
Camotes Island was reverted back to Leyte by the Spanish government because of its close proximity to Tacloban City. However, it was reacquired back by Cebu but Poro became an extension of Tudela, so the seat of government was in Tudela. On 1909, Poro was declared as a municipality again but the seat remained in Tudela until 1914 when the seat was finally settled to Poro.
On 1945, Camotes Island was liberated from the Japanese force by the Philippine Commonwealth Army during the Battle of Camotes Island on the Second World War.
How To Get There
The best way to go to Camotes Island is by boat via Danao City, in mainland Cebu. From Cebu City to Danao, a travel by buss or V-hire is recommended which took more or less one hour.
From Danao, pump boats are available and leave for San Francisco, Poro and Tudela in the morning. For Pilar, the scheduled trip is in the afternoon. There are fast crafts that travel early in the morning. It will take 1 hour and 15 minutes to arrive in you destination. Airflights can also be chartered by private plane companies in Cebu City but only in the island of Pacijan, in San Francisco.
A tour throughout the island of Camotes is possible by a motorcycle.
