SIQUIJOR PROVINCIAL FISHERIES PROFILE I. Brief Historical Background Siquijor Is an Island 30 Kilometers Southeast of Negros

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SIQUIJOR PROVINCIAL FISHERIES PROFILE

I. Brief Historical Background

Siquijor is an island 30 kilometers southeast of Negros Oriental. Legend cites a King Kihod as the source of the island’s name. Old residents called the island, Katugasan. After the “Tugas” (Molave Tree) which forested most of the island. Such was the density the tugas growth that at night thousands of fireflies would cluster on the trees, their sparkling lights earning for the island the Spanish accolade. “Isla del Fuego” which means “island of fire.

The Spanish priests were on the island as early asn1770. In 1774, Siquijor became a municipality as well as the first parish in the island. As for the ecclesiastical power, Siquijor was from the beginning administered by the Diocese of Cebu. It is known that up to the middle of 19th century there was no other church in the island except that of Siquijor and it was administered by the seculars. As for civil administrations, Siquijor was under Bohol since this province had its own governor. Later the said town was annexed to the province of Negros Oriental. Siquijor island became a separate province and Siquijor, the municipality, its permanent capital through a plebiscite held on November 8, 1971 was confirmed through Proclamation No. 1075 of the President of the Philippines.

“Isla del Fuego” Siquijor island has white beaches, waterfalls, cave, ancient churches as tourist attraction, it is accessible to sea travel from Dumaguete City by fast ferries and roro and from Mindanao and neighboring provinces by passenger ships.

Siquijor province is the smallest province in Central Visayas region 7. Siquijor is composed of six (6) coastal municipalities namely; Siquijor, Larena, Enrique Villanueva, Maria, Lazi and San Juan. Siquijor is capital town in the province, the largest in terms of land area and Enrique Villanueva as the smallest. It has population of (2012) Census occupying a land area of 31,812 hectares or 318.12 sq. km. Length of Shoreline (km) 100.88 and total area of municipal waters 173,078.03 km.