Local History, Culture And Politics

Local History
 Cebu is a province in the Philippines consisting of the Cebu Island and many other surrounding islands. Its name’s derivation has many
alternative interpretation but according to history, it was derived from the word “Sibu” which means “trade”. During the reign of Rajah
Humabon, the island has since become an important trading center where various products are being bartered like agricultural products,
precious stones, perfumes, etc. Its harbors has become known vernacularly as “Sinibuayng Hingpit” which means “the place for trading” which
later was shortened to sibu or sibo (“to trade”) from which the modern name “Cebu” came from.

 It is known to be a fishing village before the Spaniards came but became industrialized through the years. It is now one of the most developed
provinces in the Philippines, with Cebu City as the center of commerce and industry.

 Cebu City, the capital of Cebu, is considered to be the oldest city in the Philippines. It is also known as the oldest settlement established by
the Spaniards in the country.

 Found in the island are rich traces of the Philippine history left by mostly the Spaniards. Among these historical sites are the Magellan’s Cross
found in downtown Cebu (a Christian cross planted by the Portuguese and Spanish explorers as ordered by Ferdinand Magellan upon arriving
in Cebu on April 1521), the Lapu-Lapu Shrine (a 20-meter statue found in Mactan erected in honor of Datu Lapu-Lapu, a native leader who
instituted the death of Magellan), the Colon Street (the oldest and the shortest national road in the Philippines), the Fort San Pedro (the oldest
military defence structure built by the Spanish and indigenous Cebuano labourers under the command of Miguel Lopez de Legazpi), etc.

 Through the years, Cebu became more and more industrialized. The rise of big companies, the trend of technology, and the innovation by the
people make Cebu very progressive. Cebu is now the home for many BPOs and small to very large companies that contribute to the
progression of the whole island especially Cebu City.

 Today, when one speaks of Cebu, it means relaxation, luxury, pleasure, and fun, all in one island. For in Cebu, everything is at stake: beautiful
resorts, luxury and budget hotels, breathtaking mountains, amazing fun activities, myriad choice of luscious restaurants, and a lot more.

Culture

 Cebu is a kaleidoscope of varying cultures and lifestyles, a meeting of east and west, a fusion of things traditional and modern.

This is influenced by the various phases of Cebu: being the spot where Philippine history began, becoming the cradle of Christianity, experiencing
American and Japanese occupation, and later on transforming itself into a regional hub of everything from arts and craftsmanship, to business and
information technology, all these, plus the convergence of personalities and groups from varying backgrounds give the island a culture and lifestyle
that
is uniquely Cebu

 Cebu is a kaleidoscope of varying cultures and lifestyles, a meeting of east and west, a fusion of things traditional and modern.

This is influenced by the various phases of Cebu: being the spot where Philippine history began, becoming the cradle of Christianity,
experiencing American and Japanese occupation, and later on transforming itself into a regional hub of everything from arts and
craftsmanship, to business and information technology, all these, plus the convergence of personalities and groups from varying backgrounds
give the island a culture and lifestyle that is uniquely Cebu.

FOOD

 Rice is the main staple for Cebuanos. being an island-province, fish (fresh or dried), crabs, seashells, shrimp and other sea foods are a
common sight in most tables. Pork, chicken, and vegetables are equally accessible as well Barbeque and puso (hanging rice or boiled rice
wrapped in woven coconut leaves) have become customary. Fast-food abound, although international restaurants — whether European,
Korean or something else, are everywhere.

 But what is most interesting in Cebu are the various delicacies native to each town and city comprising the province.
 These local food products are showcased during exhibits and when the caravan of the Provincial Government-initiated Suroy-Suroy Sugbo
tourism program stops by in each place.

Traditions and Fiestas

 Famous among a myriad of festivities in the province are the Siloy Festival of Alcoy, Mantawi Festival of Mandaue City, Kadaugan sa Mactan
of Mactan Island, Palawod Festival of Bantayan Island, Haladaya Festival of Daanbantayan

 A must see also is the Sinulog Festival in honor of Señor Sto Niño de Cebu, which is celebrated every third Sunday of January

 Siloy Festival, celebrated every last Saturday of August, pays tribute to Patron Saint Rose of Lima, It promotes the Mag-abo Forest that
shelters the renowned but endangered black shama (siloy)

 Mantawi of Mandaue City illustrates the city’s heritage and identity as industrial center through floats, food festival, and trade fairs
 The Kadaugan sa Mactan, meanwhile, commemorates the historic battle between the Spanish leader Ferdinand Magellan and Mactan
Chieftain Lapu-lapu

 Of the many islets in Cebu, perhaps the most well-known is the Bantayan Island. During their Palawod Festival every last week of June, locals
and guests alike participate in street dancing, which captures the traditional fishing, a livelihood inherent in the island.

 The more than 40 festivals in Cebu province are highlighted in one grand event dubbed the Festival of Festivals,which is organized by the
Cebu Provincial Government during its annual founding anniversary celebration every August.

Recreation

Being part of a tropical country, Cebu is lined with pristine white sand beaches perfect for weekend and holiday getaways. Famous resorts include
Alegre Beach Resort in the municipality of Sogod, renowned for its white powdery beach and efforts in marine wildlife preservation.
At the sunset coast of Cebu, another prominent tourist destination is the Badian Island Resort and Spa. A first class resort, it boasts of crystal blue
waters, fine white sand beaches and the splendor of nature in the little island basking at Badian Gulf.

Sanctuaries also abound in the province

One of these is the Olango Wildlife Sanctuary, six miles off the east coast of mainland Cebu. The island play host to a total of 77 species of
migratory birds in the East Asian Flyway.

For nature and butterfly lovers, a must see is the Jumalon Butterfly Sanctuary and Art Gallery. It houses about 53 butterfly species and different
kinds of moths

Down south, Moalboal has the biggest Orchid Display in South East Asia, take in the majesty of vast orchid varieties from Asia, South America, and
Hawaii which are cultured in the Orchid farm.

Cebu province offers a wide range of recreational activities — from diving spots to golf courses, from heritage walks to eco-tourism adventures.

In the metropolitan, entertainments centers thrive with vibrant discotheques and bars, specialty shops, savory restaurants and dining areas, internet
cafes and distinct shopping malls

Religion
The most celebrated patron saint in Cebu is the Señor Sto Niño de Cebu, the Holy
Child Jesus.

The original statue is housed in the Basilica Minore del Sto Niño, near the famous
cross erected by the Spaniards.

Historical accounts say the image was given by the Portuguese Captain Ferdinand.

Magellan to the wife of Cebu Chieftain Raja Humabon for their pledge of allegiance to
the King of Spain, the majority of the population in Cebu are Roman Catholics.

Spanish-era churches are dotting the coasts of Cebu province

One of the oldest churches in Central Visayas is the one in Boljoon, Cebu, which is
more than 400 years old and is currently undergoing renovation.

Literature

Cebuano literature, as most literary works in the Philippines, started with fables and
legends of pre-colonial Philippines along with Spanish influences. Since the local
alphabet was not widely spread in the Visayas, most of the literature produced was
oral, handed down to generations. These were documented by the Spanish Jesuit Fr.
Ignatio Francisco Alzinal.

During the American period, Vicente Sotto, now called the Father of Cebuano
Literature, wrote the first short story Maming and was published in the first issue of his
newspaper, Ang Suga. Sotto’s reputation as a playwright started after he wrote and
directed the first Cebuano play entitled Elena.

Politics in Cebu
It’s not surprising if Cebu politics is becoming a hot media item these days. Although elections are still more than a year away, talks of positioning
and realignments are becoming frequent. Speculations are ripe as to where the last termers are heading for and what their chances are. Something
of a guessing game too is going on as to what office the come-backing politicos will aim for.
There are, of course, some who have assertively declared their targets even sans supporter’s consultations, but most are on wait-and-see stance
like boat men trying to scan the political sky for signs of what the weather will be.
As they do this, Cebuano electors are also trying to figure out who will run for what post. To certain groups whose interest can be directly affected by
a change of leadership every move of their political
padrino is being watched and scrutinized. Is he interested to shift to this or that post? If he is, what are his chances? Who is his possible opponent?
Is the latter “strong” enough? And so the guessing game goes on and the talks percolate. To a Cebuano politics is always an interesting subject and
a good conversation piece. Talk about yourself or about the weather and you’ll find bored listeners. But talk about politics and you’ll get keen ears.
Are Cebuanos by nature politically inclined?

Having served as an education official in various part of the country, I have observed that people in these places generally look up to us Cebuanos
as urbanized and “marunong,” fair-minded and religious. But they also say that politics is in our blood. “Grabe ang politica ninyo, it’s a year round
affair.” In one province, the governor bluntly advised me: “If I were you, I would not seek transfer to Cebu. Politics will make your job there difficult.”

Some of these perceptions are actually exaggerated, but some have elements of truth. And with regard to politics one doesn’t have to look far for
proofs. Right here in Cebu City proofs are aplenty. Look at the ongoing strife between the incumbent mayor and the city councilors. Look at how
messy the budget process has become lately. And listen to the accusations and counter-accusations between the warring groups.

This scenario is nothing new, of course. For decades now this city has been the battleground of the most intense political in-fighting in the country.
In the fifties the Cuencos and the Osmeñas wrestled it out for leadership. In the sixties the Duranos took over the fight and after Martial Law the
Garcias entered the scene. Now. . . . . .

In the provincial level, however, the political tug-of-war has not been as heated as that in Cebu City. Changes of leadership there have been, but the
key positions have not been the virtual monopoly of any one clan or family. Moreover, the officials in the executive and legislative departments in the
past and present administrations have been working in fairly good coordination with each other. Internal squabbles have been minimal, if any, and
the implementation of programs and projects has proceeded with less politically motivated obstructions.
One proof of this is the well-paved roads throughout the province. Whether maintained nationally or locally, these are always in good condition. And
look at the bridges – are they not in good hape and safely passable?

The contrast between the political systems in Cebu province and Cebu City provides an interesting case study on such system as an aspect of
Philippine democracy. It shows that politics, despite its negative connotation, is actually not a deterrent o good governance. It is how politics is used
that spells the difference.

For these whose motivation in joining politics is service the effect cannot be otherwise but high quality of governance characterized by probity,
transparency and superior performance. But for those driven by selfish quest for gain and glory, their of office is likely to be an occasion for shady
transactions and malfeasances. And the people suffer.

CEBU

Fondly called the Queen City of the South, Cebu City is located right in the heart of the Philippines. It has a rich history, a vibrant culture and such
fun-loving people.

At present, Cebu City is one of the major business centers in the country, rapidly growing as an industrial hub. But despite of its modernities, it still
has that laid back atmosphere where one can come to relax. Cebu natural attractions are spread around the island for tourists to see and
experience.

Rightfully, Cebu City is not called the Queen City for no reason at all. Here are some interesting facts about the island that people should know.

CEBU (Now you KNow)

1. Cebu is NOT the Queen City of the South

2. One of the country’s well-loved President died in a plane crash in Mt. Manunggal
3. Saltwater Eels are a popular street food
4. Brgy. Hipodromo was a former racetrack for horses
5. Museo Sugbo was a former prison
6. The Golden “Death Masks.”
7. The first tourist submarine in the Philippines was launched in Cebu
8. Leon Kilat’s supernatural powers
9. The “curse” of the Lapu-Lapu Monument
10. The first capital of the Philippines was Cebu
11. One of the oldest universities in the Philippines, and in entire Asia is the University of San Carlos
12. Cebu has a Malacañang Palace
13. Pusô was a pagan object .