Argao is a first-class municipality of Cebu province. It is located in the southeastern part of Cebu, approximately 66 kilometers from the main city and part of the second district of the province.
The municipality of Argao faces the Bohol Strait, bordered by the municipality of Sibonga on the north, the municipality of Dalaguete on the south and the municipalities of Dumanjug, Ronda, Alcantara, Moalboal and Bandian by its west. It is the midpoint of Cebu City to the Santander, the southernmost tip of the island.
Partially urban, the municipality is subdivided by 45 barangays in the total land mass of 21,044.72 hectares. Most flatlands and plains are found along highways and in urban areas but become mountainous and steep in the central portion.
The barangays are Alambijud, Anajao, Apo, Balaas, Balisong, Binlod, Bogo, Butong, Bug-ot, Bulasa, Calagasan, Canbantug, Canbanua, Cansuje, Capio-an, Casay, Catang, Colawin, Conalum, Guiwanon, Gutlang, Jampang, Jomgao, Lamacan, Langtad, Langub, Lapay, Lengigon, Linut-od, Mabasa, Mandilikit, Montpellier, Panadtaran, Poblacion, Sua, Sumaguan, Tabayag, Talaga, Talaytay, Talo-ot, Taguib, Tulang, Tulic, Ubaud and Usmad.
How The Town Got Its Name?
According to the story conveyed from one generation to another, a villager was asked by the Spaniards about the name of the place. Confused by the foreign tongue, the villager misinterpreted the question and answered “Sali-Argaw”, thinking that the Spaniards were asking for the name of the plant that was growing vigorously in the place. Sali-Argao is a medicinal plant common in the place before the Spanish conquest. From Sali-Argaw, it was changed into a much simpler name, Argao.
History:
Various archeological finds such as coffins, ceramic wares and jewelries dated way back 500 year AD evinced that the town was already been inhabited but records disclosed that the town was established as a Pueblo in 1608.
But before it was established as a Pueblo, the town was assigned to Hernando de Monroy to be part of his encomienda. In 1599, the town was elevated into a vicarias (vice-parish) of Carcar, dedicated to Nuestra Señora de Gracia.
Eventually, after 125 years since the establishment of a pueblo, it became a parish in 1733. It is especially dedicated to St. Michael the Archangel and Fr. Ignacio Olande became the first parish priest.
The construction of the St. Michael the Archangel church begin in 1734 and probably, the Argao Pipe which is still in existence until now was built around this time. The 5-storey belfry, which is considered as “one of the best in the Philippines”, was built on 1824 upon the orders of Santos Gomes de Marañon.
Besides, Argao is one of the towns in the south where the defenses against the Moro attacks were erected.
Amidst of changes that shaped modern Cebu, Argao strives to adapt changes yet still preserves the rich cultural and environmental heritages that gives Argao its own identity for the generations to come.
Aside from Rock Phosphate, Limestones and Coal supplies, Argao is also known for its home-made products that are far better when it comes to quality compared to others. Products such as its “torta”, “tuba” (fermented coconut juice) and “tableya” (bitter chocolate from pure cacao beans) are Argao-famed products. To visit Argao and not tastes its delicacies is a big disgrace.
It is one of the oldest and most interesting places in Cebu because of its traces of the Spanish and American influences past many years ago from old churches to eighteenth century houses and buildings. One best example is the “Balay Na Tisa” wherein tisa refers to terracotta and clay roof tiles.
Aside from these historical legacies, Argao is blessed with environmental fascinations, from beaches with white sand and clean waters, virgin forests at the top of Mt. Lantoy with wide range of rare species of wild animals, unadulterated caves where only a portion has been explored by the spelunkers, to unspoiled majestic waterfalls.
From quiet and sleepy town of fishing and farming, Argao has evolved into a busy district and a hub for tourists and vacationers.
How To Get There:
Argao can be reached by an air-conditioned or non air-conditioned bus from Cebu City in the South Bus Terminal. The travel takes an approximate 2-and-a-half-hours travel and less than two hours when riding in your own vehicle.
Touring around Argao can be done riding in tricycles, trisikads, jeepneys or habal-habal.
