Oslob is a fourth class municipality in the province of Cebu. It is located 117 kilometers southeast of Cebu City. It is one of the summer destinations because of its protected marine sanctuary and other historical displays.
The municipality is situated before Santander, the southeastern tip of the province, faces the Bohol strait in the east, bordered by the Municipality of Ginatilan in the west and the Municipality of Boljoon in the north.
Oslob, though small, is subdivided into 21 barangays alphabetically stated: Alo, Bangcogon, Bonbon, Calumpang, Canangca-an, Cañang, Can-ukban, Cansalo-ay, Daanlungsod, Gawi, Hagdan, Lagunde, Looc, Luka, Mainit, Manlum, Nueva Caceres, Poblacion, Pungtod, Tan-awan and Tumalog.
The total land area measures 18,327 hectares and its features vary from hilly to rolling, dominated by grasslands. Gentle slopes and plateaus are found throughout the interior part of the area. The highest peak of the mountain is 800 meters above the sea level. Most areas are suitable for upland agriculture.
The climate belongs to the third type where the heaviest rainfall occurs in the month of October and from February to September, the town is experiencing a relatively dry season. The soil compositions are mostly Faraon Clay, Medllin Clay and Lugo Clay.
How The Town Got Its Name?
Long time ago, the place was once called “Bolocboloc” because of the spring located in the place in which the strong current of the water makes a boiling movement. Until now, the place is still surviving and is commonly called “Nigad” which is the name of the tree that grows near the spring. The place was like an oasis and became a favored place among the travelers because of its huge branches offering shades and the fresh waters to quench the thirst.
Under the tree the name Oslob came to be. According to the story passed through generations orally, a couple was resting under the tree, eating boiled bananas while dipping it in vinegar and salt. Spanish guards then suddenly showed up asking, “Como se llama esto pueblo?” or “What is the name of this town?” when translated in English.
The couple, not knowing the Spanish language, misunderstood the question and presuming that the guards were asking on what they are doing, they answered, “toslob” or “dipping” the bananas into the vinegar and salt.
After hearing the word, the guards kept on repeating the word it and eventually listed down as the name of the town. As time passed by, the “t” was dropped, making it Oslob, the current name of the place.
The town was founded in 1844. Four years after, the parish was established. The design of the Church of the Immaculate Conception was assumed by Fr. Santos Marañon and the construction was done under Fr. Julian Bermejo. The church was Romanesque in style and comparatively large. The tower was supposed to be a four-storey but the construction was halted because of a storm and earthquake.
The church was part of the quadrumvirate, alongside the churches of Boljoon, Dalaguete and Argao. They were not just churches but fortresses as well and part of the defense system against the invaders. And also, they served as a safe haven for the inhabitants during the assaults. They are commonly termed as “fort-churches”.
The building of the tower, cemetery, the municipal tribunal and the municipal church was done by Fr. Mauricio Alvarez. He was also responsible in educating the residents about the medical uses of the sulfuric waters of the Mainit Spring. The first parish priest was said to be Fr. Juan Aragones and was a contributory in transferring the seat of government to its present site. The belfry is also another sight to see for its six bells are originally imported from Spain.
Aside from these heritage sites like the cemeteries, the watchtowers (Bantayan sa hari), century-old houses and churches, Oslob is also rich in natural wonders and is proud of its marine sanctuary where different corals and varied species of fishes.
The government of Oslob is trying to boost tourism by establishing more tourist spots so as to increase its annual income. One of its target is to protect is marine sanctuary especially in the fascinating island, the Sumilon Island which has become a favorite destination for divers and snorkelers because of its abundance in marine lives. Under the protection of Silliman University, the island is considered the first marine reserve in the country and one of the best diving spot in the entire Visayas.
Natural spring waters are found in places like Manlum, Can-ukban and Cañang. But the most famous is the hot spring with sulfuric waters in Mainit which is said to be capable of curing certain diseases.
Another fascination in Oslob is the Museum of Sacred Heart in Poblacion. This museum specializes in artifacts and icons all over the world. Some of them were dated 11th century A.D. The icing on the cake is the delicate icon of St. Joseph and the Child in 21 karat gold. In addition to its splendor, the icon was decorated by three large emeralds, six diamonds, one aquamarine, one chrysocolla and three bicolor tourmalines.
Oslob is also celebrating the “Sadsad Festival” in honor of its patroness, the Immaculate Conception. It started as a barangay festival only but later uplifted into a town festival. The word “sadsad” means to dance and that’s how the festival got its name.
For Oslob Attractions, click here
How To Get There
Located 117 kilometers away from Cebu City, Oslob can be reached by busses or by vans from the Cebu South Terminal. One can also use personal vehicles for a more convenient travel. The estimated travel time is 3 hours.
