Siquijor Municipalities & Towns

The Siquijor Island is known as the 3^rd smallest Philippine island province. It has numerous tourist spots and natural resources that visitors like to see. It comprises of 6 municipalities, which are:

Siquijor

The island’s provincial capital, Siquijor, has a total land area spread over 770 square miles (90.70 square kilometers). The Siquijor town, as per a census in 2015, has 26, 861 people although just 19, 364 of them happen to be registered voters. There are as many as 42 barangays constituting this town. Here, Spanish friars came in 1780. However, the place got the recognition of a municipality only later, in 1794.

The Siquijor Island’s capital is Siquijor, and tourism is the main source of livelihood and economy here. In this municipality, some other sources of livelihood are:

• Crafts making
• Banana production
• Basket weaving
• Bakery
• Farming

The town of Siquijor has the sole airport of this island.

Larena

It is referred to as the island’s ‘gateway’, on the basis of sea transportation. It has the largest port in the entire island and can even fit a thousand-ton ship with 5 shipping agencies. The municipality has a population consisting of as many as 13, 847 people, although just 10, 393 of them are registered as voters. In the Larena municipality, the entire land area is spread over 49.81 sq. km.

Larena History

This municipality was referred to as Can-oan when the nation was under American rule. This island was ruled by Lieutenant Governor James Fugate, the first American governor in Siquijor. He led this island from 1900 – 1916. It was in 1916 that Siquijor Island had Can-oan proclaimed as its capital, as suggested by local officials.

It was later in the year that Larena saw its name being changed from Can-oan by Demetrio Larena, the Governor of Siquijor the first Filipino governor for Negros Oriental. This change of name was approved by the Philippine Legislature. However, on September 17, 1971, Siquijor Island’s capital province was shifted to Siquijor from Larena.

There are as many as 23 barangays in Larena. Hundreds of enthusiastic young learners visit this island, as it has the Larena National Vocational College and the Larena National Vocational School. The Larena National Vocational College, on 3^rd March 1995, was transformed into a state college – which is popularly referred to as SSC (Siquijor State College).In 2006, the town of Lazi witnessed another campus being constructed.

Enrique Villanueva

It is situated in the northernmost area of the Siquijor Island. It is spread over an entire area of 28,60 sq. km. In the Siquijor Island, it is regarded as the smallest municipality in terms of size and space. This town has a total of 14 barangays. According to a census conducted in 2015, the island has 6, 104 people in total. However, just 4, 836 of them happen to be registered voters, as the figures thrown up by the 2016 elections show.

Maria

This is a municipality situated in Siquijor Island’s north-eastern section. It is constituted of 22 barangays in total and is popular for the Salagdoong Beach Seascape, a stretch of beach with white sand that touches the Maria Bay’s clear blue waters gently. It is easy to understand why it is a pride for the locals. For tourists, the town of Maria serves as the best tropical getaway.

This town is spread over a sprawling stretch of land of 53.37 square kilometers. As per the 2015 census, its population comprises of 13, 828 people. But just 10, 079 of them happen to be registered voters. Maria, other than Salagdoong Beach Seascape – the perfect beach paradise, is also popular for the Salagdoong Forest that inhabits many land animals as a sanctuary.

Lazi

Lazi is a town spread over an area of 70.64 sq. km, and is constituted of just 18 barangays. According to the census of 2015, it has a population of 20, 490 residents, although the 2016 election figures reveal that just 14, 279 of them are registered as voters. This town was established during the time of Spanish colonization, in 1857.

It is famous for being the place where the famed San Isidro Labrador Church and the Lazi Covent stand. In Siquijor, it is one of the towns’s visited the most. While the Siquijor island might be high on witchcraft and faith healing, most of the settlers here follow Roman Catholicism, a direct impact of the Spanish colonization.

One can find the breathtaking Cambugahay Falls and the mystifying Balete Tree hundreds of years old in the Lazi town, located just some minutes of distance away from the proper town. This is a place where potion makers and faith healers enjoy brisk business, and it rests on whether or not you believe in their abilities.

San Juan

It has a long white sandy stretch, and its sceneries of Paliton Beach make it very popular among tourists. Many people like to come here to experience the very exciting activities of diving and snorkeling along the magnificent white beach. The Bulalakaw Forest and the Saint Agustin de Hippo Church are located in this place. In the San Juan town, the Bugwas Festival celebration plays a major role. It was observed here for the first time in 2006, on 26^th August. The celebration is held every year, and the festival is dedicated to St. Agustin de Hippo, the patron saint of the community.

The 2015 census figures reveal that the municipality of San Juan comprises of 14, 854 people. However, just 10, 037 of them happen to be registered voters, as the numbers of the 2016 election show. The place is spread over a total area of 44.37 sq km. It was on 6^th November 1863 that this municipality was established.

The Siquijor Island, until the year 1971, was a part of the Negros Oriental province. In 1971, it finally became a free area. All the towns and municipalities of this part have their own natural destinations that have become major tourist spots today. The captivating and mystifying feel can be sensed all through this island, irrespective of the corner of the town and municipalities that you visit. One can be assured of a unique experience in Siquijor.