Tuburan

Overview
The Municipality of Tuburan is located in the northern part of Cebu Province and is approximately 96.7 kms from Cebu City.

It is bounded on the North by the Municipality of Tabuelan; on the South by the Municipality of Asturias; on the East by the Municipalities of Sogod and Catmon; and on the West by Tanon Strait.

Tuburan is politically subdivided into 54 barangays.

Topography
Flat or Level lands is approximately 2,185 has. or 7.45%; nearly rolling land is approximately 11,522 has. or 39.30%; Very highly rolling lands is approximately 15,609 has. or 53.24%

Climate
Belongs to the Third type of climate in the Philippines, characterized by not pronounced maximum period of rainful.

Soil Type
Bolinao clay Mandaue Salt loam Hydrosol Faraon clay Bolinao claysteep phase Faraon clay steep phase.

Population
About 40% of the populations are farmers most of which are tilling highland areas.

Because of the low yield of these mountain areas being farmed (called "kaingin"), there is a need for the farmers to resort to raising livestock in their background to augment their family income.

Most of the farmers then raise their own large cattle either to help them in their farm (in the case of carabao/buffalo) or raise them for sale (in the case of cows).

Infrastructure and Utilities Road Network
National Road: 21.500 Kms.
Provincial Road: 8.360 Kms.
Municipal Road : 6.581 Kms.
Barangay Road : 7.280 Kms.
Ports (Domestic/International): 1

Schools (Public & Private)
Elementary: 26
High Schools: 5
College: 1
Vocational: 1
Public Library: none
Public Market: 5
Multi-purpose Building: 6
Recreation Courts/Centers : 16

Transportation Services
No. of Buses: 15
No. of Jeepneys : 6
No.of Tricycles: 15
No. of Trisicads : 24

Communications
No. of Post Office: 1
No. of Telephone Stations: 1
No. of Telegraphic Stations: 1

Power
Source of Electricity: CEBECO
No. of Barangay Served: 23
No. Household Served: 2,144

Water
Source of Water: Mun. Water System

Financial Intermediaries
No. of Commercial Banks and Money Shops: 2
No. of Cooperatives within the area: 1

Commercial Establishments
Sari-sari Stores: 245
Restaurants & Cafeterias: 12
Fresh Fish & Meat Retailers: 7
General Merchandising: 6
Service and Repair Shops: 5
Tailoring & Dress Shops: 5
Lumber and Hardwares: 4
Pharmacies and Drug Stores: 5
Marketing Firms (Appliances, furniture,etc.): 1
Gasoline Stations: 1
Bakeries: 5
Photo Shops & Beauty Parlors: 3

Raw materials available within the area
Types of Materials
1. Corn
2. Coconut
3. Coco
4. Stones
5. Sugarcane
6. Vegetables Products
7. Guano
8. Limestone
9. Rice

Existing Skills
1. Carpentry
2. Masonry
3. Electrician
4. Welding

History
The municipality was first named “Buwal” as Tuburan means spring. It attracted a lot of beautiful Tuburan women because of its abundant spring water, verdant valley and thick forest.

More than a decade later , its leader, with the full support of the people, struggled for an independent municipality which culminated on December 27, 1973, when the President of the Republic of the Philippines Ferdinand Marcos issued Presidential Decree No. 336 in 1953. After that issuance, there followed rapid economic growth in the area. (eLGU, DTI)

Tabuelan

Overview
Located on Cebu’s northwest coast and approximately 96.7 kms from Cebu City, Tabuelan is a small, quiet town with a beautiful natural harbor and fish farms.

It is bounded on the North by the Municipality of Tabuelan; on the South by the Municipality of Asturias; on the East by the Municipalities of Sogod and Catmon; and on the West by Tanon Strait.

No. of Barangays: 54
Total Land Area (Cadastral Survey): 24,648.00 Has.

Land Classification as of (Latest Year)
Arable Area: 19,820.50 Has.
Residential : 61.68 Has.
Commercial : 4.074 Has.
Industrial : 26.00 Has.
Certified Alienable /Disposable Land: none
Classified Forest/Reservation/Timberland: none
Wildlife/Military Reserve Land : none
Unclassified Forest Land/Wilderness : none
National Parks/Playgrounds : 9,386.76 Has.

Topography: Flat or Level lands is approximately 2,185 has. or 7.45%; nearly rolling land is approximately 11,522 has. or 39.30%; Very highly rolling lands is approximately 15,609 has. or 53.24%

Soil Type :Bolinao clay Mandaue Salt loam Hydrosol Faraon clay Bolinao claysteep phase Faraon clay steep phase

Infrastructure and Road Network
National Road: 21.500 Kms.
Provincial Road: 8.360 Kms.
Municipal Road : 6.581 Kms.
Barangay Road : 7.280 Kms.
Ports (Domestic/International): 1

Schools (Public & Private)
Elementary: 26
High Schools: 5
College: 1
Vocational: 1
Public Market: 5
Multi-purpose Building: 6
Recreation Courts/Centers : 16

Transportation Services
No. of Buses: 15
No. of Jeepneys : 6
No.of Tricycles: 15
No. of Trisicads : 24

Communications
No. of Post Office: 1
No. of Telephone Stations: 1
No. of Telegraphic Stations: 1

Power
Source of Electricity: CEBECO
No. of Barangay Served: 23
No. Household Served: 2,144

Source of Water: Mun. Water System

Trade and Industry
Commercial Establishments
Sari-sari Stores: 245
Restaurants & Cafeterias: 12
Fresh Fish & Meat Retailers: 7
General Merchandising: 6
Service and Repair Shops: 5
Tailoring & Dress Shops: 5
Lumber and Hardwares: 4
Pharmacies and Drug Stores: 5
Marketing Firms (Appliances, furniture,etc.): 1
Gasoline Stations: 1
Bakeries: 5
Photo Shops & Beauty Parlors: 3

Raw materials available within the area:
1. Corn
2. Coconut
3. Coco
4. Stones
5. Sugarcane
6. Vegetables Products
7. Guano
8. Limestone
9. Rice

Existing Skills
1. Carpentry
2. Masonry
3. Electrician
4. Welding

History
The Municipality of Tabuelan, formerly part of Tuburan, was founded on Oct. 23, 1953.

The old folks of the Municipality of Tabuelan attribute the origin of the town’s name from several sources. In the old days, Batawang River and the locality’s fishing grounds are noted for its plentiful “tabugok,” a kind of octopus. People would refer to this place as “tabugokan” (a native word meaning “the place where tabugok are found”) and through the evolution of words, the place came to be known as Tabuelan. (LGU)

Tabogon

Retirement Village
A Cebuano now based in Singapore has developed a retirement village located in Tabogon, a municipality situated in the northern part of Cebu province.

A.C. Enclave Resort Homes is a small village composed of 15 individually designed bungalows on lot areas ranging from 214 to 602 square meters.

The development will address the requirements balikbayans (returning overseas Filipinos) are looking for in a property where they will consider living for the rest of their lives.

Tabogon is ideally situated 1 1/2 hours drive from the heart of the busy city of Cebu, along the coast going north.

The amenities of the retirement village are of a first class resort. The convenience of a private beach is articulated by the children’s playground, clubhouse, swimming pool, wellness center and piazza as an activity center for personal needs.

Other architectural features vary in each home, from individual water feature or hot tubs, high ceilings, loft style rooms, glass walls, and corner windows that capture a maximum panoramic sea view giving a great atmosphere of well being.

The developer who is a practicing jewelry designer commissioned seven accomplished architects all with track records in design to build fifteen boutique bungalows by the coast of Tabogon Bay.

The design concept offers a gated community in clusters of two or three homes in a setting of a botanical theme part. House areas range from 95 to 210 sqm of 2 bedrooms, 2 baths to 4 bedrooms, 4 baths.Special attention to technical details are expressed in the individual water treatment facilities, centralized water system, garbage chutes, standby power facility, telecommunication hook-ups and 24 hour security.

Jogging pathways, tree part buffer zone, mini forests and landscape promenade serve as a backdrop to these poetic modern designs built on the hill facing the Camotes Sea, thus giving a perfect blend of modern luxury and a healthy way of life.

The enclave is a botanical theme park in Tabogon with its seven coves facing the Camotes Sea and the island of Leyte, an hour and a half drive 80 kilometers from Cebu city on a less-traveled but cemented coastal road within hollering distance to 18-hole golf courses, the Club Filipino in Danao and the Mercedes Plantation Golf and Country Club in Medellin and just 15 minutes to the five-star Alegre beach resort in Sogod.

Seven architects were engaged to individually design resort houses for the Enclave. Ed Daang creates “a contemporary retreat that would optimize spectacular views of the natural landscape, water and sky and enhance the opportunity for lifestyle of indoor and outdoor living.” Arnulfo Crusit Wong University of San Carlos faculty of architecture for 12 years envisions three houses in his cluster “after all, three is not a crowd rather it is company,” naming them “Last Train,” “Hound Dog” and “Teddy Bear” cute and playful split- level with wading pools, upper decks with bar and sundial, balconies end bridges.

Chito Alcordo with impressive credentials (CIT Harvard for BS and Master’s degrees, national president of the United Architects of the Philippines and past chairman of Architects Council, Asia) came up with three houses in his cluster with an ocean view form the roof deck, a cylinder-shaped house, terraces, a high ceiling, a clerestory and skylight for ventilation and light.

Arsenio Abella with major projects in Ayala Alabang, AAP awardee in sculpture, outstanding alumnus, member of the college of fellows in architecture who believes “architecture is a sculpture of voids, a masterful use of his medium expressed in the intention of what the building wants” translates his houses in sculptural and geometrical designs.

Michael Angelo Colmenares has “solitude” in mind designing wall to wall glass solarium and “Nautilus” in the chambered clam-shaped house. Alex Medalla of the designing family, building high rise residential and commercial houses in Brunei, Hong Kong and “committed to serve the local building industry in Cebu” built houses for his cluster as “different entities, physically and formally embedded into the topographically rich landscape…” the structures “bled out from the earth where they are snuggled.”

A.C Signature Developments, Inc., is a privately-owned entity that serves as a holding company for various interests in the Philippines. As its first venture into property development it has embarked on a first of its kind concept in property development.

History
According to handed-down legend of the Municipality, the Municipality was once known as "Agoho" because it was somewhere around a tree of this species, where the first know settlement in the area was established. The tree was very huge and its foliage very thick. The tree became a landmark and eventually the place came to be known by it.

Then came wave after wave of Moro marauders in their fast vintas and with razor-sharp kris. Their shouts, as they attacked, brought paralyzing fear into the hearts of the people. Their only alternative was to free to nearby hills whenever the Moros came.

In the 16th century, the Spaniards came. They helped in the resettlement of the people, who called their hiding place "Tabogon" as a reminder of their many experience in the hands of the Moro pirates. Thus the name "Agoho" passed into oblivion, replaced by the new name, which up to the present the Municipality is called.

Upon being converted to Catholicism, the people built a big church, a rectory and a bellfry. These were built of bricks and stones and in the area where a portion of the land extends towards the Visayan Sea. These buildings, being large and massive, also served as shelters where the people can hide, in the case the Moro pirates came back.

Tabogon became a town and the people elected Pablo Hortelano as its first Capitan Municipal. During his term he proposed and enacted the transfer of the townsite to another place, then called Tagasa, 3 kilometers north of its former location. The name Tabogon was retained.

Basic Facts
Tabogon is a municipality of the province of Cebu. According to the 2000 census, it has a population of 27,827 people in 5,825 households. Tabogon is politically subdivided into 25 municipalities.

Topography: Generally hilly and mountainous

Climate: It is characterized as a distinct wet and dry season.

Soil Type:Clay loam Sandy loam Gravelly loam

Suppliers/Producers
1. Coconut
2. Vegetables
3. Corn
4. Fruit Trees
5. Root Crops

Raw materials available within the area:
1. Rock Phosphate
2. Bamboo
3. Buri

Existing Skills Available
1. Carpentry
2. Mat/Basket Weaving
3. Masonry
(LGU)

Camotes

Overview
Camotes is known as "The Lost Horizon in the South" because of its unspoiled atmosphere. There are many spectacular sites, like the valleys of coconut crops, corn, and potato. Its beautiful picturesque lake, known for it's freshness and natural purity, won an award for being the cleaniest inland body of water. Unlike many other islands in the Philippines Archipelago, the fabled Camotes Islands off the coast of Danao City is a marvel. It is an astonishing toll of spectacular contrasts.

Until recently, these picturesque islands have remained remote and untouched. When visiting Camotes, enjoy the pleasures of pastoral rural setting and relax in the tranquility that comes with the setting of the sun. Camotes consists of four islands; Pacijan Island, Poro Island (Poro & Tudela), Ponson Island and the tiny Tulang Island. Pacijan and Poro islands are actually joined together by a paved road. Ponson island is separated by the Camotes Sea, and lies about (4) four kilometers northeast from Poro island. Tulang island is located to the north of Pacijan. Tudela, Poro, San Francisco and Pilar are four largest settlements on Camotes.

Majority of houses are built near the seashore alongside roads that circle all three islands. Some houses are scattered in the island's interior. The highest point of the island is 386 meters above sea level. It's climate is characterized by distinct dry season. The island is approximately 562 kilometers south east of Manila, 62 kilometers north east of Cebu and 25 kilometers west of Ormoc. Camotes Island has a total size of 20,964 hectares.

Climate
Camotes as a whole enjoys tropical weather the whole year round. We only have 2 seasons. The dry and the rainy season. The dry season is from March to June while the rainy season is from July to February. The nippy air of "Amihan" or the north easterly wind blows from September to March. From June to August, the south westerly wind or the "Habagat" turns up.

The "Habagat" wind normally goes through an eight days cycle, which means, eight days of storm and rain. After 8 wet days, the weather abruptly changes to sunny and dry, consecutively. During this season, Camotes Island is frequently visited by typhoons and low depression, wherein it floods the whole island, and blows the native houses' rooftops away.

Transportation
Camotes islands have a small airport, however, most of transport to and from the islands is serviced by sea transport. Polynesian like style boats with two outriggers are used for transport of people and cargo from Danao on Cebu island and from Ormoc City. These open boats are called "pamboat" and they are a real thrill to ride when the weather is fine. The totally enclosed speed boat "Ocean Spray" runs to Cebu City and back to Camotes a few times per day. The Ocean Spray boat departs from Pier-1 in Cebu and lands in Poro. Some people use this boat for commuting to work in Cebu because there is not much industry in Camotes islands. The travel time is a leisurely 4 hours on a clean and comfortable large boat.

Fares from Cebu to Camotes Island and vice versa:Tourist: P280.00 pesosEconomy: P220.00However, if you miss this boat, you will have to travel north of Cebu to Danao City, which is about an hours' drive north of Cebu.

Pumpboats to Camotes Island:From Ouano Wharf, Mandaue City daily at 1:00pm/Fare: P200.00From Danao City to Camotes Island/ Fare: P 180.00 From Ormoc, Leyte to Tudela, Camotes Island: Pumpboats departs at 09:00AM and 01:00PMTravel Time - 3 hrs.Motorcycles are used as the main means of transport within Camotes islands, unlike tricycles which are used throughout Philippines for people transport over short distances. Camotes Islands have only narrow trails to many places that are accessible to two wheeled vehicles only.

Light and Water
The two major sources of lighting is power and kerosene which are utilized by 43.9% and 55.5% of the sample house holds, respectively. Common source of water on the island is the community water system consisting of public faucets and individual (private faucets), at 40.6% and 23.8% respectively. Around 16.1% indicate tube/pipe well as a source of water; a 0.3% dug wells; and 5.2% spring. A 220V. The power depends on Camotes Electric Cooperative (CELCO) that energizes the mainland Camotes spring water by gravity. Jetmatic and deepwell pumps are great source of water. Some parts of the island, don't have water supply. They keep big water container jars and collect rain water during the rainy season.

Communication
A postal service office and telecommunication offices provide communication services. Otherwise, a cellular phone is accessible in all parts of the island. Landlines are also available for business and residential purposes which is powered by Globelines communication. Since there are landlines like globelines, a dial up service is available. Smart offers WIFI in Camotes, but they need to come up with more customers before they can offer the service to the island. Not many people in camotes owns a computer so it may take a while for SMART to offer this service. Philippines Long Distance Telephone offers a wireless internet connection that would be applicable to all the islands all over the Philippines.

Health Services
The municipal health center is provided with an ambulance. A private community clinic at southern poblacion also provides medical services.

Accommodations
In Esperanza, Poro, there's a hotel called My Little Hotel. They offer a lot of services with a variety of good food.
The islanders are group of warm, caring, and hospitable people. Numerous families are more than glad to play host to tourist and visitors through thier "Home-stay" program.Granada Pension House rent airconditioned rooms.Please inquire the local Tourism Council through PLDT 109 for reservations and for furthur details.EconomyAgriculture predominates with copra as top grosser as well as rice, corn, vegetables, fruits, root crops and some varieties of fish. Other small enterprises are livestock, poultry, pottery, hollow blocks-making, furniture, and soap-making.

History
When the Spaniards first arrived in the Camotes Islands, they met some natives digging potatoes, and asked them the name of the island. The natives, thinking that they were being asked what they were digging, replied, "Camotes." Thereafter, the island retained that name, camotes, or potato island. (camotes)

Bantayan

Bantayan Island is located at the northern tip of Cebu. Its beaches are well known for its fine white sand. It is one of the major tourist destinations in the Philippines and is popular among Europeans.

Aside from tourism, the island, which is composed of three municipalities namely Bantayan, Madridejos & Santa Fe, is also widely known as the Egg Basket in the neighboring regions. Generating over one and a half million eggs a day to supply the growing demand of eggs for mainland Cebu, Negros, Panay and even Leyte.

The island is a mixture of many things. An ideal place for relaxation and self-exploration, enjoying is one thing. A favorite hiding place to those who need a break on the busy and fast changing world. The people is as natural as the place.

Whether snorkeling, windsurfing or playing in the sand, Bantayan has all the ingredients mixed with fun, sun and silicon to be a shining tropical paradise in Asia. Tourists as far as Europe fall in love with its powdery white sand and crystal clear blue waters.

Many of these foreigners even settled down on the island to spend the rest of their lives. They build single-cottage beach houses along the shore but as time went by, build a couple of new cottages instead to accommodate the growing number of tourists who seeks refuge on the magnificent island paradise.

A mixture of cuisine is served on Bantayan island with a mouthful of restaurants serving Filipino, Thai, and Japanese to European menus. A vast array of seafoods fresh from the day's catch is very well served since most of the inhabitants of the island are fishermen that cast their nets on the bountiful Visayan seas. One can even visit the wet market to witness fishermen unpack their precious catch from the sea.

Fresh live fish from groupers to blue marlin's are just two of the many surprises. Shrimps, crabs and lobsters are displayed in abundance in the market. After a full meal one can choose a variety of fresh fruit shakes ranging from mango to choco banana.

Aside from the ambiance of a tropical paradise, the island is fully packed with the latest needs of modern life. Communications is covered by the country's two biggest players in mobile communication. A reliable internet connection is also available with a number of internet cafes sprouting on the town proper. It is not surprising to have beach lovers lugging a laptop while sipping pinacolada.

One of the reason the island is famous is its serenity, the way a resort should be. Unsaturated beauty and a mixture of sweet smiling natives made the island as it is now.

The island is predominantly Christian, aside from the fact that it seats the oldest church in the Visayas and Mindanao, it is also dubbed as the Lenten capital of the Visayas.

Many people from Cebu and as far as Manila go to Bantayan not only for a swim and relaxation but also to witness the holy week procession and to observe the most solemn practice of faith. Due to this, almost all resorts double their rates at this time of year.

On Maunday Thursday and Good Friday, both locals and visitors gather by the thousands at the town center of Bantayan to be part of the Lenten procession of religious icons and images symbolizing the Passion of Christ. Such religiosity only reflects the Bantayanon's unquestioned faith in Christ therefore making the island one of the safest place in the country.

Basic Facts
Population Bantayan - 68,125
Sta. Fe - 22,956
Madridejos - 29,020 (As of May 2000 Survey, NSO)
Religion - Christian (Roman Catholic)
Language Cebuano (Cebu's dialect), Filipino Tagalog. English is widely spoken

Moving around One may ride the trisikad(bicycle with sidecar) for short distance only, costs you around 5.00 to 10.00 Pesos. Same with tricycles(motorbike with sidecar) to get you around town proper and to the cultural spots.

The best way to explore the island is to rent a motorbike(500 pesos/day). Resorts have their own vehicles which you could rent to take you anywhere.

Currency- Philippine Peso although foreign currencies are widely exchanged in resorts and banks. Currently resorts and restaurants do not accept credit cards although negotiations are now ongoing for online payments, so better exhange those few bucks while in Cebu.

Electricity Power supply is 220 volts. Be warned that brownouts are quite often although resorts have their own power generation facilities.

Communications
The island is covered by both Globe Telecom and Smart Communications for mobile voice and data communications. Internet facilities are available in most resorts and internet cafes in the town proper.

Cebu

Overview
Cebu is a unique island. It is central to the region's booming economy.

It has good transport and commercial infrastructure. It is a major tourist destination, with natural beauty. And it has an industrious, educated workforce.

Minutes from Cebu City's urban and industrial areas are white sandy beaches and peaceful isolation. Clear turquoise seas surround Cebu, rich with coral beds, colorful fish, sea mammals and some of the best scuba diving in the world.Mountain ranges form a backdrop to the city, and support picturesque new housing estates with breathtaking views of the city and nearby islands.

Cebu is peaceful and prosperous, modern and efficient. It is fast becoming the preferred Asian city for business and enjoyable living.

Although Cebu comprises only 1.6% of total land mass and 4% of the population of the Philippines, it produces 11% of total Philippine exports

Basic Facts
Capital : Cebu City
Districts : Eight (8)
Cities : Six (6), namely Cebu, Danao, Lapu-lapu, Mandaue, Talisay and Toledo Cities
Municipalities: Forty-seven (47)
Barangays: One Thousand Two Hundred and one (1,201)
Population: 2.38 Million (2000 Census)
Land Area: 508,839 hectares (5,088.4 sq.kms.)
Certified Alienable Power Capacity: over 600 mw
Water Supply: 107,337 cu.m..

Road Network:
Total Road Length: 3,811.650 km Type of Pavement (in km): Concrete: 195.602 Asphalt : 605.294 Gravel: 2,837.435 Earth: 173.320 Existing Road Category (km): National Road: 622.857 Provincial: 950.074 City: 188.614 Municipal: 404.510 Barangay: 1,645.595

Sea Ports: 1 International Port & 44 Domestic Ports
Airports: Mactan-Cebu International Airport and Feeder Airports Telephone: 248,740 digital lines,70,410 non-digital lines, 2 land based telephone companies, 5 cellular phone firms, 15 Internet Service Providers

Media Facilities: 7 local television channels, 3 cable TV stations, 20 FM & 13 AM radio stations, a variety of local, national & int’l newspapers

Educational Institutions: Cebu is the educational center for 2/3 of the Philippines; has over 1,000 private & public elementary schools; 200 secondary (high) schools; 6 universities; 28 colleges; 10 manpower training centers and an average annual population of 130,000 college students.

Financial Systems: 50 commercial banks; 5 government banks,
9 savings banks and 27 rural banks

Major Industrial Activities: Industrial parts assembly, food processing, furniture, stonecraft, garments, fashion accessories, electronics, camera and camera paraphernalia, gifts and housewares (GTH), electrical equipment manufacturing, coal and dolomite mining

Accessibility: Cebu is the most accessible place in the country. It is base to over 80% of the inter-island shipping capacity of the Philippines.

Georgaphy and Topography
The province is an elongated island some 250 kilometers from North to South and 45 kilometers across at its widest point.

It is central to the Philippine archipelago and some 600 kilometers south of Manila. It is bounded on the east by the Camotes Sea, on the west by the Tanon Strait, on the north by the Visayan Sea and on the southeast by the Bohol Strait.

This location combined with a sheltered deep water harbour has made Cebu the base for most of the country’s domestic shipping and the gateway to the central and southern Philippines. The east and west coasts are separated by a mountainous spine which rises to 1,000 meters.

Its land area of 5,088 sq. kms. is 1.7% of the total land area of the country.Beaches coral atolls and rich fishing grounds surround Cebu.

The main island is ringed by about 166 smaller islands and islets of which Mactan, Bantayan and Camotes are considered the largest.

Predominantly hilly and mountainous, Cebu's rugged mountain range starts from the Southernmost town of Santander, reaching all the way to the town of Bogo, down to Medellin and Daan Bantayan in the North, although some flat lands can also be found in the northern end of the Cebu.

Its highest peak, Mount Manunggal, is approximately 1,000 meters above sea level.

Generally fair; temperature range : 23 - 330C/73 - 910F.; November has the heaviest rainfall while April the least. The coolest temperature can be felt in January and the warmest in May.

Rainfall is evenly distributed throughout the year, except for the summer months from March to May which are dry.

Cebu’s central location, proximity to unusually exotic tourist destinations, ready access to a diversity of plant, animal and geological wonders within the island, and remoteness from earthquake and typhoon activity are some of the special attributes which help maintain Cebu’s attractiveness to investors.

Living in Cebu
The quality of life is an important factor people consider when they decide to settle in Cebu. Quality housing is abundant in Cebu and rentals are less expensive than other cities in the region.

Normal power, water and communications including IDD telephone lines, mobile phone services and cable TV are available.

Health care is of high standard, with well qualified doctors, pharmacists, dentists and nurses on call. State of the art medical diagnostic equipment is also used in Cebu’s hospitals.

The education system is good with excellent schools up to the tertiary level. Many Cebu universities are of international standard. Fresh foods arrive daily thanks to the multiple shipping and air links between Cebu and the rest of the world.

The variety of goods available ensures international standard shopping with competitive prices. The cosmopolitan nature of the population is reflected in the restaurants and clubs in the city, offering an exciting choice of dining and entertainment.

Public transport is plentiful but crowded and many residentts prefer to drive their own vehicles. A new computerized traffic control system speeds traffic through the city, even in peak hour periods.

Advantages of Cebu
It is not just a promise or potential. Cebu is demonstrated capability with an excellent economic track record.

It is the second largest city and the fastest growing economy in the Philippines.

It leads the country in export items such as furniture, fashion accessories, carrageenan and gifts, toys and housewares.

It is the most accessible place in the Philippines, with more domestic air and sea linkages than Manila.

Cebu is the tourism gateway for the Central and Southern Philippines.

It is not in an earthquake zone or typhoon belt, nor are there volcanoes in the island.

Cebu has one of the best records for peace and order in the country.

Its labor force is oriented towards non-agricultural lines and is one of the most productive in the country.

Cebu is the educational center for the central and southern Philippines and many graduates remain to seek employment locally.

The development of its infrastructure is balanced; it has all the ingredients necessary to be competitive and to sustain investments.

It is a cosmopolitan area with all the support facilities and amenities needed for an ideal lifestyle.

History
Of the 7,100 islands comprising the Philippines, Cebu has the most historical significance. At the time of the global scramble for exotic spices in the East,a Portuguese navigator sailing for Spain, Fernando Magallanes, came upon Zubu (Cebu) on April 7, 1921.

The island then was already a flourishing village with "many sailing vessels from Siam (Thailand), China and Arabia docked at the port" as described by Antonio Pigafetta, Magallanes' chronicler. Then begun the Spanish era in the Philippines.

However, it deteriorated upon the death of Magallanes in the hands of the brave local warrior, Lapulapu, only to resurrect with the arrival 44 years later, in 1565, of Miguel Lopez di Legazpi. Its rich and colorful metamorphosis can be traced from 1521 as Zubu, the fishing village and busy trading port, to Villa San Miguel, later to Villa del Santissimo Nombre de Jesus in 1575, then as the municipality of Cebu in 1905 up to its being a chartered city on February 24, 1937.

In the 19th century, Cebu started to exercise a dominant role in Southern Philippines' economic limelight. Agriculture, especially sugar cane cultivation and sugar manufacturing, pushed Cebu into playing an important role in this part of the country.

But even more crucial than the agricultural products was her participation in trade and commerce. Proudly, Cebu has been given the honor as having many 'firsts' in the nation's history. Established by Legazpi in 1571, it became the first city in the Philippines, ante-dating Manila by 7 years.

In point of fact, it is the oldest city in the country, having the oldest and smallest fort (Fort San Pedro), with the oldest church (Basilica of Sto. Niño), the oldest school (San Carlos) and the oldest street (Colon).

Referred to as the Queen City of the South and the seat of early Filipino Christianization, Cebu is also famous for its musical stringed instruments like banduria, guitar and piccolo.

Today, Cebu boasts of being the only city in the Philippines with the perfect blend of a business center and an entertainment hub.

Cebu today has the fastest growing economy in the Philippines. All indicators show this trend will continue.