History

The island of Camiguin was originally settled by Manobo-speaking peoples related to the Surigaonon of the Lake Mainit district. This people, known as the Kinamiguin, conducted trade with Chinese merchants before the coming of the Spaniards. The Spaniards visited the island in 1521 and 1565 but it was not until 1598 that the first settlement under the Spaniards was established at Guinsiliban. The town of Mambajao, established in 1855 became the busiest port on the northern coast of Mindanao before the close of the 19^th century.

Visayan migrants from Bohol and Cebu began settling in the island of Camiguin in the 19^th century. Camiguin island was the most populous area along the northern Mindanao coast in spite of the continued raids by Moro slavers. However, several destructive volcanic eruptions destroyed many settlements. In 1871, the eruption of Mount Vulcan Daan destroyed the old town of Catarman, forcing its residents to relocate. In 1951, another volcanic eruption of Mount Hibok-Hibok forced the evacuation of thousands of Camiguin residents and the death of hundreds more.

The island of Camiguin was part of the district of Misamis during the Spanish regime. When Misamis was created as a separate corregimiento, Camiguin was made part of the new district as a division or partido de Catarman. In 1929, Camiguin, together with the eastern coast of Misamis became the province of Misamis Oriental. The island was made a sub-province, by virtue of Republic Act No. 5058 in 1957 and was established as a province through Republic Act No. 4669 in 1966. The new province was inaugurated in 1968.

People, Culture and the Arts

Camiguin is often described as the most beautiful island province in the Philippines with its unpredictable volcanoes, beautiful waterfalls, refreshing cold springs, therapeutic hot springs, and tiny offshore islets with white sand and corals. It is said that the waters of Camiguin does wonders to the skin, and certainly, their residents have clear unblemished complexions with dazzling smiles to match.

Guinsiliban, Camiguin’s oldest town was originally inhabited by the speakers of the Quinamiguin dialect that is derived from the Manobo tongue, with an admixture of Boholano. Sagay is also another town where this is spoken. However, the greater majority speak Cebuano as their principal dialect.

The Camiguin culture embody both Boholano and Cebuano culture. The people are very religious. The Lenten season is strictly observed. Even devotees from neighboring provinces flock the island during the Lent to participate in the Stations of the Cross. The 14 stations are set along an arduous trail up Mount Vulcan Daan and the penitents consider this observance as an act of atonement for sins and misdemeanors.

On the third week of October, the island bursts into celebration. During this time, the islanders celebrate the famous Lanzones Festival in the town of Mambajao. This festival pays homage to the bounty derived from its volcanic soil--the sweet succulence of the lanzones fruit. Mambajao dresses in lanzones opulence as fruit clusters are used to decorate everything and are offered to visitors for free.

Trade and Investments

The "Paradise Island" of Mindanao, Camiguin, is a beautiful pear shaped island that boasts of enchanting sceneries of exotic mountain views, old Spanish houses, pristine white beaches and natural springs. Camiguin is located 714 km from Manila and 90 kilometers north of Cagayan de Oro. It has a population of around 68,300 people, 64% of whom are in the labor force. The 292 square kilometer island enjoys a cool, mild and invigorating climate. Camiguin's marine resources currently support subsistence level fishing while livestock and poultry production is limited to chicken, swine and cattle.

Camiguin is only 45 minutes boat ride from Cagayan de Oro through Benoni port, one of the three ports in the province that offers inter-island connections to Cebu, Cagayan de Oro and Misamis Occidental. The lone airport in the province allows access by plane through regular flights from Cebu. The island has road a network linking all the municipalities and telecommunication facilities offer direct distance dialing for both local and international connections. The power supply comes from the National Power Corporation and is available in 88% of the province. Water is abundantly supplied by the many natural springs in the island. Seventy two percent (72%) of the households get water from formal water system or from communal faucets. There are two government owned banks and two rural banks operating in the province.

The province is ideal for investments in tourist related ventures. Camiguin’s natural allure offers an enthralling experience that tourists would find unique to the island’s geophysical and cultural set-up. Truly the Island Paradise of Mindanao, tourists can choose from an array of recreational activities that include, snorkeling, scuba diving, trekking, frolicking on white sand beaches, bathing in hot springs or taking part in the provinces colorful festivals. Beach resorts, dive camps, convention centers, restaurants, lodging houses are just some of the business ventures possible in Camiguin.

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