Oslob, Cebu

Location : 117 kms. South of Cebu
Town Fiesta : December 8
Patron Saint : Virgen de la Inmaculada Concepcion
Places of Interest : old Spanish cuartel ruins, 1788 church belfry, Spanish era gazebo, Nigad tree - centuries old legendary tree, Mainit medicinal hot springs, Sumilon Is. - a marine sanctuary, ideal for deep sea diving, St. Joseph Church - Nueva Caceres

Historical Notes

What is now Daan Lungsod was the original site of Oslob. Before that, the place was known as bolocboloc because in its seashore is a natural spring. It was a favorite waterhole of both natives and travellers alike for its fresh waters were cooled by the huge branches of a nigad tree. It was under this nigad tree that the legend of how the name of Oslob came about. Oral tradition relates.

Groups of Spanish colonizers went around the province to familiarize themselves with native settlements. One of them came to Bolocboloc and saw a couple who were eating under the nigad tree. They were dipping their cooked bananas into a bowl of salt. Wanting to know about the name of the place, they asked the two natives in Spanish. Of course, the couple did not understand them, but presuming that they were inquiring as to what they were doing, they readily answered “Toslob-toslob” (meaning dipping). The Castilian took it as the name of the place. Years later, it was shortened to Oslob.

The town was born in 1844 with the parish being established four years later. The church was designed by Fr. Santos Maraņon, with actual construction being undertaken by Fr. Julian Bermejo. J.T. Newman describes the church as Romanesque in character. It very big and has a massive tower because it was meant to be four storeys. Unfortunately, the construction of the building had to be stopped because of a storm and an earthquake. The churches of Oslob, Boljoon, Dalaguete and Argao were part of a defense system against Muslim invaders. They were not just churches. The quadrumvirate also served as fortresses which gave shelter to the inhabitants when Muslim invaders would come around. They were known as fort churches.

The tower and cemetery were built by Fr. Mauricio Alvarez. He also built the municipal tribunal and municipal church. Furthermore, he made known the medicinal uses of the sulfuric waters of Mainit springs. Fr. Juan Aragones is said to be the first parish priest who was instrumental for the transfer of the seat of government to its present site.