History of Bohol Philippines

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Bohol Philippines
It's more than just a destination. The Bohol experience is an amazing
blend of natural wonders and cultural marvels; of colorful
local flavors and ecological endeavors;
and a profusion of heritage sites.

While rustic, it is replete with current conveniences.
History

The name "Bohol is said to be derived from the word Bo-ol, a district in the
City of Tagbilaran, where off its waters was located the seat of the powerful
Dapitan Kingdom.

In 1965, the spanish General Miguel Lopez de Legazpi anchored his fleet in Bohol
and forged a blood compact with the native Boholano chieftain, Datu Sikatuna.
The pact is considered as the first international trety of friendship, prompting the
Philippine Government to establish the Order of Sikatuna, a presidential decoration
conferred upon diplomats.

In 1596, two Jesuit missionaries arrived and started the Christianization of the
island from the town of Baclayon and spreading to the inland town of Loboc and later,
to the northern towns. The most imposing stone churches that still exist to this day
were built throughout the 19th century by the Jesuits and the Augustinian Recollects
who took over the former's missionary work in 1768. During the Spanish regime, two
significant revolts occured in Bohol. One was the Tamblot Uprising in 1621 and the
other, the Dagohoy Rebellion, known as the longest revolt in Philippine history,
which lasted for 85 years.

In 1854, Bohol became a politico-military district separate from Cebu and Tagbilaran
was designated as capital of the new province.

The Spanish regime was followed by the American colonial rule during which many schools
were established in the province. With the end of World War II in 1945, Bohol gradually
progressed, harnessing its wealth of natural and cultural resources, and emerging
today as a major tourist destination in the Philippines.

The Bohol Branch of the National Museum, Located in the downtown area of Tagbilaran City
(beside the Bohol Provincial Capitol), houses the artifacts and relics during Bohol's
prehistoric times as it also showcases the richness of the flora and fauna of the island.

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