Siquijor
Siquijor is the smallest of the island provinces in the Visayas and after Camiguin and Batanes is the third smallest province in the Philippines, both in terms of their surface and, due to their population.
Politically it belongs to the Central Visayas (Region VII) region. The headquarters of the provincial government is located in the homonymous municipality of Siquijor.
The Spaniards called the Isla del Fuego ( Island of Fire ) and for many Filipinos is it still a mystical island full of witches and supernatural phenomena. Among the Filipinos Siquijor is also famous for its healer with miraculous powers.
Geography
The island province is located southeast of the large islands of Cebu and Negros and southwest of Bohol in the Mindanaosee. In the south, eventually extends the island of Mindanao.
According to the census of 1 May 2010, 91 066 people live in the very mountainous island province. The main towns of the island of Siquijor ( the provincial capital ), Larena and Lazi, where there are also ports with connections to other islands. A paved road leads around the island and connects the villages. The coastline is about 80 km. The main industries are agriculture and fishing. For the relative prosperity of the island, many working abroad Siquijondos care. Tourism plays no major role in Siquijor, although the coral reefs, palm beaches, waterfalls and caves have a great tourism potential, as well as the historic churches and old houses.
Administrative divisions
Siquijor is subdivided into 6 municipalities independently managed:
- Enrique Villanueva
- Larena
- Lazi
- Mary
- San Juan
- Siquijor
The municipalities are in turn subdivided into a total of 134 barangays ( districts ). The province is also assigned to a congressional district.
History
When the Spaniards discovered the island, they gave her the name Isla del Fuego ( Island of Fire ) because they saw a fiery light when passing sailing. It is thought that it concerned to the illumination of countless fireflies. According to legend, the island existed many millions of years only under water and rose with a thunderous roar, and flashes from the sea. As evidence of the fossils of snails, mussels and other aquatic creatures are used, which are found in the mountains.
Until September 17, 1971 was one of Siquijor to the province of Negros Oriental. Residents each year since their independence day celebration ( Araw ng Siquijor ).
Climate
Coarse a distinction in the Philippines five climatic zones, Siquijor is part of the climate zone 2 (though short dry season from March to May, the rainy season from June to February is long but not very intense. )
In general, the weather on Siquijor from September to mid-May is very beautiful. December and January it is cool at night and it rains occasionally. From March to the end of May it is very hot and there is almost no rain.
Attractions
Near the city Cantabon is the highest mountain Siquijors the 557 m high Mount Bandilaan lead in the connected Camp Park trails through lush rainforest to different viewpoints. The palm-fringed Paliton Beach, a few kilometers from San Juan, is one of the most beautiful beaches on the island. In Lazi faces the St. Isidore Parish Church built in 1884 is the oldest and largest monastery in the country, the St. Isidore Labs convent. This church complex of San Isidro Labrador, since 2006, is on the short list of the Philippines to receive the World Heritage List of UNESCO. And a few kilometers inland from Lazi is located in beautiful natural surroundings of the Po ol waterfall, a beautiful waterfall with a natural pool.
Diving
In recent years, more and more divers and snorkelers have discovered the underwater world of Siquijor for themselves. Most dive sites are accessible from the beach and offer the philippines typical underwater flora and fauna. Gently sloping coral reefs and abundant vegetated cliffs dominate the scenery around Siquijor. Most international resorts are found in the south of the island, while the northern part finds most functional accommodation.
Siquijor is often offered as a day trip with two to three dives also from neighboring islands. The approached dive sites in these day trips are then usually in the range of Tambisan and Paliton. Anyone moving into a resort on the island, has the opportunity with a rented vehicle to explore the dive sites around Siquijor. When boarding from the beach with plenty of facilities is because the seagrass meadows are often populated in shallow waters of sea urchins and crabs.