Municipality of Poro

Poro Town Hall

MUNICIPALITY OF PORO --2010 Population--23,498 ==The name Poro is from the waray term "Pulo" which means island. Poro is a 4th class municipality, it is administratively subdivided into 17 barangays  namely:

Adela, Altavista, Cagcagan, Cansabusab, Da-an Paz, Eastern Poblacion, Esperanza, Libertad, Mabini, Mercedes, Pagsa, Paz (Santa Rosa) , Rizal, San Jose, Santa Rita, Teguis, and Western Poblacion.

Poro

Poro Beach

Poro Pier

Poro Pier

Poro Pier - Camotes

Poro Port

Sto. Niño Church

Sto. Niño Church

Sto. Niño Church

The Church of Poro, the oldest in Camotes Islands, is dedicated to the Sto. Niño. The town was founded in 1701 and the parish was established in 1849. The church’s original belfry was destroyed and a new one was built in 1960's

Sto. Niño Church - Poro

 TAGBO

HISTORICAL OVERVIEW

Beloved memoir of living past, Tagbo is the cornerstone form which this great municipality had sprung with rich of cultural heritage and deep spiritual values. Tagbo is a very significant event precluding to the birth of town very dear to the hearts of her sons and daughters. A great town however, can only be a collective achievement. It builds on people, essentially for GOD and its people’s sake. This is the story of TAGBO  heritage  history.

As it came to be, the early Spanish conquistadors stumbled upon an island found that there was an existing settlement there. They allegedly named that place Poro mispronouncing the word “pulo” as the natives called it there. Nonetheless it was and still a beautiful island, historically the oldest among the three towns comprising what is now known as “THE CAMOTES”. Looking back at the town at the turn of the 18th century, the people of Poro was divided into two tribes. One group mainly farmers were from Sitio Tag-Anito (now TUDELA) in the east while their arch rivals mostly fishermen were settled in Sitio Mactang now a sitio in Brgy. Esperanza in the western side.

By the order of the Spanish governor of Cebu to unite Christian tribes particularly in the islands for the purpose of enforcing unity in military strength against courageous. Tag-Anito people although fewer in number however did not want to conciliate without a fight. It was then agreed by the leaders of both groups to set themselves for battle the purpose of which was for the stronger group to take over and dominate the weaker. They agreed upon sitio MALBOG (now Libertad to be their battleground. The time for battle arrived and in the noon of December 15, 1701 fully geared and armed the two warning tribes  fought against each other. Along the river met of Sitio MALBOG there lived a giant of a man yet gentle and wise by the name of PANGANURON. Having witnessed what was taking place. He peacefully intervened in the hostile confrontation. With his counsel and wisdom he was able to stop the violence as he cited to them the advantages of being united in physical strength and spiritual intentions against a common enemy the moros. The people listened and adhered to PANGANURON words in effect the two tribes agreed to meet again the following week for the sole purpose of making peace and to finally united as one people.

At PANGANURON’s suggestion each tribe shall rise at the same instant as the sun rises and shall proceed towards the direction of each other until they are at a point where they converge. This meeting point becomes the location of the town newly-united people are going to build. On that fateful day, PANGANURON wisely stood ground at the exact point where the TAG-ANITO and MAKTANG tribes meet for the second time. Both groups covered approximately eight (8) kilometers to the meeting site. As they brought along food and drinks so that this second encounter become a celebration of sorts a celebration of peace and unity. Immediately the assembly of people cleared the ground and made a space for the building of a chapel.

The following day which was Sunday they all prayed the rosary honoring the BLESSED VIRGIN MARY and giving thanks to the LORD ALMIGHTY for enlightening them towards unity and peace. They also honored PANGANURON for the wisdom he shared effecting this eventually. Since then the people gathered every Monday to continue building the foundation of their newly built town PORO. The people settled and the town came to be what has been framed is still here  to see in all its nobility ever since its official recognition as a municipality of the province of Cebu on the 16th of January 1780. It has become a town of courageous hard working religiously committed and most of all peace loving people as its citizens are attributed and proud to be. And for all the essence and glory of its past. Tagbo was always will be a cherished memoir of a commitment that was as PORO’s sons and daughters  can stand proud.

Tagbo --

Tagbo

Tagbo

Eastern Poblacion, Poro

Western Poblacion, Poro, Camotes

Poro Road

Poro

Poro Public Market-Camotes

Poro Public Market, Camotes

Poro Covered Court

Poro Covered Court

Poro Covered Court

Poro Covered Court

Libertad, Poro, Camotes

Panganuron Waterfalls

Gas Station in Poro

Signboard

Causeway between Poro and Pacijan islands

One of the less interesting spots for those who haven’t really researched about Camotes is the Causeway. It is a 1.4 kilometer road that is raised above water or marshland or sand built during the 17th century when Sulangan was a “visita” (visitor) of Poro before its establishment as a Parish.
On the eastern side of the Causeway is Poro Island while the western side is the Pacijan Island. These are the two main islands of Camotes in the Philippines. The Causeway is the main link that connects the two main islands for easy transport. The roadside is decorated with beautiful plants established on concrete flowerpots and the dense mangroves covers most of the visible area of the sea. These plants and other beautification are part of the government’s effort to preserve the natural look.

Aerial view of a causeway

Bridge - boundary between Poro and Pacijan islands

Bridge between Poro and San Francisco

Camotes

Lake Danao view - taken from hill at Altavista, Poro

Lake Danao View

Buho Rock Resort

Buho Rock Resort

The Buho Rock, which is a landmark in Poro, is a natural rock formation resembling a ship that docked in one of the cliffs of the Western Poblacion. It is also the first public beach resort in Camotes Island and is ideal for swimming and snorkeling.

Buho Rock Resort

Buho Rock

Buho Rock Resort

Buho Rock Resort

Adela Road, Poro

Adela Road, Poro

My Little Island Hotel in Brgy. Esperanza, Poro, Camotes

My Little Island Hotel, the first and only true hotel in the beautiful Camotes Island in the Cebu Region. Enjoy your stay in one of the best resort hotel destinations in the Philippines.  Feel free to explore their site to get a taste of what  they have to offer and don''''t hesitate to contact them.

My Little Island Hotel -Esperanza, Poro, Camotes

My Little Island Hotel

My Little Island Hotel

Rock Island Resort - Esperanza, Poro, Camotes

Conveniently located in Cebu, Camotes Flying Fish Resort is a great base from which to explore this vibrant city. From here, guests can enjoy easy access to all that the lively city has to offer. With its convenient location, the hotel offers easy access to the city's must-see destinations.
At Camotes Flying Fish Resort, every effort is made to make guests feel comfortable. To do so, the hotel provides the best in services and amenities. This hotel offers numerous on-site facilities to satisfy even the most discerning guest.
Experience high quality room facilities, including balcony/terrace, air conditioning, television, to help you recharge after a long day. The hotel's recreational facilities, which include water sports (motorized), garden, private beach, water sports (non-motorized), massage are designed for escape and relaxation. Camotes Flying Fish Resort is your one-stop destination for quality hotel accommodations in Cebu.

Flying Fish Resort

Flying Fish Resort

Flying Fish Resort in brgy. Cagcagan

Flying Fish Resort in brgy. Cagcagan

Flying Fish Resort in brgy. Cagcagan

Fabulous reef  50 meters in front of the resort. Ideal for snorkeling and discovery scuba diving.
Slumber on the floating cottage as you sip a cool drink or read a book or just enjoy the scenery.
Great diving sites in front of resort or 25 minutes by boat to spectacular wall off Tulang island.
Clean and cool air-con cottages with sea views where you can enjoy waves at night and the sea breeze all day.
Hire a boat for a spectacular island hoping or scuba diving trip.
Savour fine cuisine in Chinese, Tai, Western, or local cuisine.
Explore sensational cave swimming in crystal clear freshwater 30 meters underground.
Enjoy a beer, wine, or cocktail in the bar or along the waterfront.
Sample the pampering touch of a relaxing massage.

Flying Fish Resort in brgy. Cagcagan

Mactang Beach, Esperanza, Poro

Cagcagan Beach, Cagcagan, Poro

Chakado Beach

Chakado Beach - Santa Rosa, Poro

Brgy. San Jose, Poro

Historical Background

The Municipality of Poro was founded on December 15, 1701 but was given recognition by the Spanish Colonial government only on January 16, 1780 through the efforts of Pedro Estrera who was named the first Capitan of Poro as recognition of his leadership. The name Poro came from the Waray word “puro”, meaning island. The early settlers of Poro came from Samar, and later, they were joined by others from Cebu, Bohol and Panay .

During the Spanish period, Poro was already a thriving community overseen by Jesuit Mission posts in Palompon, Leyte . A survey made by the Spanish authorities under Capitan General Gomez Perez Dasmariñas in Manila on May 31, 1591 revealed that the whole of Camote ( Camotes Island ) and Mactan (Mactan) had 287 tributes with a population of 1,148 inhabitants. By this time, periodic raids from marauding slave traders had become the constant threat to the growing populace.

The Alcalde mayor of Cebu thought that it was better for the natives to unify and defend themselves from the attacks. Poro at that time had two settlements: Maktang (now a sitio of Barangay Esperanza of Poro) and Tag-Anito (now the municipality of Tudela ). A conflict arose as to which settlement should become the seat of government. On the advise of Panganuron, an elder who lived on the banks of a river (now Barangay Libertad), the two settlements journeyed on foot towards each other at the break of day. They met on the site of what is now Poblacion, Poro, approximately eight kilometers from both settlements. On that day, inhabitants of the two settlements came to live together for the first time. They built a chapel on this site which later on was improved and became the parish church. The establishment of Poro brought about the creation of three more parishes in the Camotes Islands : Pilar (1859), San Francisco (1863) and Tudela (1898).

The Philippine Commission Act 952 was enacted on October 22, 1902 reverting back Camotes Islands of Cebu Province . Earlier the Spanish government has annexed Poro and the rest of Camotes Islands to Leyte because of geographical proximity. Perhaps Camotes was seen as nearer Cebu City , the seat of the Cebu Government, than Leyte's set of government which is Tacloban City . Other events followed: five days after Camotes joined Cebu , Poro was annexed to Tudela, a former settlement of Poro. In 1909, it was re-established again as a municipality although the seat remained in Tudela until 1914 when the seat was transferred to Poro.

Porohanons are descended from generations of seafarers who came and tamed the restless sea the sea that in turn defined and shaped their lives. In the early days when the dry “Habagat” wind battered its shores and when the nippy air of the “Amihan” turned up, the island isolated itself from its neighbors. All activity is suspended; trade from other ports and news from the mainland temporarily came to a stop. Thus, once in a while, they lived a life of seclusion, waiting for the unkind weather to recede. Life then meant a cycle of frequent squalls and tranquil intervals.

A distinction that separates Porohanons from the rest of Camotes Islands is their sub dialect which is a combination of Cebuano, Waray, Boholano and Ilonggo. The patois is profusely spattered with the letter “z” and spoken with a thick accent. Dr. Resil Mojares, a Cebuano historian, said in an article that “at one point in time, the Camotes dialect was distinct from either Waray or Cebuano” until it evolved into a totally different sub dialect retaining older features which the Cebuano language has lost. Spoken alongside other dialects (like Cebuano, spoken by the other Camotes towns), and Tagalog (courtesy of television seta and tabloids), the Porohanon tongue is totally distinct and has survived through the years without any dilution at all.

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS  

A. Geographical Location

Poro is a fourth class municipality situated in Poro Island , one of the three islands comprising the Camotes Islands in Cebu Province . The municipality of Poro sprawls between 10 degrees 37' 30” to 10 degrees 43' 10” latitude and 124 degrees 23' 00” to 124 degrees 28' 50” longitude. It is bounded on the north by the strait of Kawit ; on the east by the municipality of Tudela ; on the south by the shark-infested Camotes Sea ; and on the west by the municipality of San Francisco . Travel time by fast craft from Cebu City is one (1) hour with two trips daily, 4 hours by a passenger-cargo vessel from Cebu City with one trip daily and two hours from Danao City by pumpboat with two trips per day. It is approximately 565 kilometers southeast of Manila , 62 kilometers northeast of Cebu City and 54 kilometers west of Leyte .

B. Land Area

The municipality of Poro has a total land area of 6,388.7 hectares or 63.887 square kilometers. The timberland area is 736 hectares while 5650.7 hectares are classified as alienable and disposable land.

C. Climate

The municipality of Poro falls under the fourth type of climate. Rainfall is evenly distributed throughout the year. The most common air currents are the northeast monsoon, the trade winds and the southwest monsoon. The general direction of the winds are from the east to the southeast (February to April) and the southerly (May to September)

D. Topography

The municipality has mixed topographical reliefs. Areas around Barangay Mabini, Poblacion, Altavista and Libertad which cover a total land area of 2658.8 hectares or 38.82 percent of the total land area, have very steeply sloping lands in many directions to very mountainous to hilly areas.

On the other hand, areas along the northern portion of the municipality, particularly Barangay Esperanza, have broad areas or nearly level lands and gently sloping areas with land sloping in one general direction. This slope category occupies an estimated land area of 3729.9 hectares or 54.46 percent of the total land area.

2010 Population:

PORO 23,498
Adela 1,339
Altavista 1,142
Cagcagan 3,238
Cansabusab 525
Daan Paz 888
Eastern Poblacion 886
Esperanza 3,131
Libertad 1,276
Mabini 1,254
Mercedes 2,294
Pagsa 672
Paz 1,206
Rizal 817
San Jose 1,136
Santa Rita 860
Teguis 1,323

Western Poblacion 1,511