Argao, Cebu

Location : 66.9 km.
Town Fiesta : September 28 - 29
Patron Saint : Michael Archangel
Places of Interest : beaches (Mahayahay, Mahawak, Kawit,Sunshine, Looc), Cave Lantoy (with streams, lake and spring inside it), Cave Kahilum (bats live inside), Balay ug Colon Cave

Historical Notes

When Argao was still a wilderness with only few people living far from each other, a certain kind of tree called “sali-argaw” grew abundantly along its coasts. They became landmarks for fishermen on their fishing expeditions and serves as a haven on stormy days. These trees were so towering they could be seen while yet on the strait of Bohol. The town was named after these trees.

Argao is described as one of the most interesting places in the province for its public stone buildings roofed with tiles and for its ovens used for the baking of bricks and tiles. Many of these Argao-made bricks and tiles found their way to Cebu City where they were used in elite houses. It is one of the few towns that still manages to keep alive the old Spanish flavor. This is evident not only from its old church, but also from its venerable houses made of tisa.

The town and parish were founded in 1806 under the patronage of San Miguel. It was a rich pueblo. As described, it was a town comparable to a village in Spain, with its public buildings made of stone and tiled roofs. It had a famous and large wharf. As protection and defense, the town was surrounded by bastions of stones, arranged proportionally. The natives of Argao were dedicated to agricultural pursuits. The women applied themselves to dyeing and weaving: two industries that provided a notable trade with the natives of Argao.

According to church records, the church of Argao was founded on October 16, 1733. Another source says that Argao began as an encomienda, and that Argao parish was founded on May 17, 1734. It places Ignacio Olalde, OSA, as its first parish priest. The church tower or belfry was built upon the orders of Bishop Santos Gomez de Maraņon (Bishop of Cebu 1829 - 1840).

Its church is a beautiful rococo-baroque with unusual ceilings of canvass painted all over with religious motifs. J.T. Newman writes about the edifice in her visits to churches in Southern Cebu towns:

The population of Argao during the time of Antonio Miņoza (1914-1917) was already 61,000. But when he was appointed as Deputy Governor of Sulu and Mindanao under Governor Guingona of the Bureau of Non-Christians, he encouraged the Argawanons to migrate to Cotabato and Davao. Enticed by the promises of owning vast fertile lands, thousands went to Mindanao, causing the population to drop more than half, and leaving many houses vacant. The first town executive during the American regime was Capitan Juan Lucero. The first president was Alejandro Ruiz.

Reprinted from the book: Cebu In Legend and History
By: Lavilles de Paula