History of Siquijor: From Island of Fire to Mystical Paradise

The Name: Isla del Fuego

When Spanish explorers first approached Siquijor in the 16th century, they witnessed something that would define the island’s identity for centuries to come.

As their galleons neared the shore at dusk, the entire coastline appeared to be on fire. A ghostly glow emanated from the treeline, casting an otherworldly light across the waters.

The Spaniards called it Isla del Fuego—the Island of Fire.

The explanation was natural: millions of fireflies (alitaptap) illuminating the molave trees that once blanketed the coastline. But the mystical first impression stuck. From that moment, Siquijor would carry an aura of the supernatural.

Pre-Colonial Siquijor

The First Inhabitants

Before Spanish contact, Siquijor was home to indigenous Visayan peoples who had inhabited the island for centuries.

What We Know:

• Austronesian settlers arrived thousands of years ago
• Communities centered on fishing and agriculture
• Trade connections with neighboring islands
• Animist spiritual beliefs
• Oral traditions passed through generations

Archaeological Evidence:

• Limited excavations have occurred
• Burial sites discovered in caves
• Pottery and tool fragments found
• More research needed

Pre-Colonial Society

Like other Visayan communities, pre-colonial Siquijor likely featured:

• Barangay system (village-based governance)
• Datu leadership (local chieftains)
• Agricultural cultivation (rice, root crops)
• Fishing and maritime traditions
• Trade with neighboring islands
• Spiritual practices led by babaylan (priestesses/priests)

The healing traditions that Siquijor is known for today likely have roots in these pre-colonial spiritual practices.

Spanish Colonial Period (1565-1898)

First Contact

1565: Spanish expedition under Miguel López de Legazpi arrives in the Philippines 1596: First recorded Spanish contact with Siquijor Early 1600s: Augustinian missionaries establish presence

Christianization

The Augustinians worked to convert the island’s inhabitants to Catholicism, a process that took generations.

Key Developments:

• Construction of visita churches (small chapels)
• Establishment of parishes
• Introduction of the encomienda system
• Baptism of local population
• Suppression (but not elimination) of indigenous beliefs

Church Construction

The Spanish left their most visible legacy in stone:

Major Churches Built:

The Lazi Church and Convent represents the pinnacle of Spanish ecclesiastical architecture in Siquijor—its massive convent is one of the largest in Asia.

Defense Against Moro Raiders

Siquijor, like all Visayan islands, faced periodic raids from Muslim groups from Mindanao (called “Moro” by the Spanish).

Defensive Measures:

• Watchtowers (baluarte) built along the coast
• Church bells served as warning signals
• Fortified churches provided refuge
• Communities organized militia defense

Several watchtower ruins remain, including those near Paliton Beach.

Administrative Status

Throughout the Spanish period, Siquijor was administered as part of various larger political units:

• Initially under Cebu
• Later part of Negros Oriental
• Never had separate provincial status

American Period (1898-1946)

Transition of Power

After Spanish defeat in the Spanish-American War (1898), the Philippines became an American territory.

Changes Under American Rule:

• Introduction of public education
• English language instruction
• Improved infrastructure
• Continuation of Catholic predominance
• Gradual economic development

Education Impact

The American-established public school system had lasting effects:

• Literacy rates improved
• English became widely spoken
• New ideas and values introduced
• Some traditional practices declined
• Others persisted underground

Economic Development

Siquijor remained a backwater during American rule:

• Agriculture dominated
• Limited infrastructure investment
• No significant industrialization
• Continued reliance on inter-island trade

Japanese Occupation (1942-1945)

World War II Impact

Though not a major battleground, Siquijor was occupied by Japanese forces during World War II.

Local Experience:

• Japanese garrison stationed on island
• Civilian hardship and rationing
• Guerrilla resistance activities
• Liberation in 1945

The war’s impact, while significant, was less devastating than on larger islands with strategic importance.

Post-Independence Era (1946-Present)

Independence

The Philippines gained independence on July 4, 1946. Siquijor continued as a municipality within Negros Oriental province.

Provincial Status (1971)

A major milestone came when President Ferdinand Marcos signed Republic Act 6398 on September 17, 1971, making Siquijor its own province.

Why Independence?

• Geographic isolation from Negros Oriental
• Distinct cultural identity
• Local advocacy for self-governance
• Political factors of the Marcos era

New Province Structure:

• Six municipalities: Siquijor (capital), San Juan, Lazi, Maria, Enrique Villanueva, Larena
• Smallest province in the Philippines by land area
• Among the smallest by population

Modern Development

1970s-1990s:

• Slow economic growth
• Continued agricultural focus
• Limited tourism
• Gradual infrastructure improvement
• Mystical reputation persisted

2000s-Present:

• Tourism emergence as key industry
• Ferry connections improved
• Resorts and tourist facilities developed
• Internet and telecommunications arrived
• International awareness increased

The Mystical Reputation

Origins of the Legend

Siquijor’s reputation for mysticism stems from multiple sources:

1. The “Island of Fire” Name First impressions matter. The firefly phenomenon created immediate supernatural associations.

2. Healing Traditions The island’s mananambal (traditional healers) became known throughout the Visayas for their practices.

3. Geographic Isolation Difficulty of access allowed unique practices to develop undisturbed.

4. Colonial Misunderstanding Spanish and later American observers often interpreted folk healing as “witchcraft.”

5. Media Sensationalism Philippine media perpetuated “witch island” stories for decades.

Reality vs. Legend

The Truth:

• Traditional healing exists and is respected
• No evidence of widespread “dark magic”
• Locals are normal Filipinos living normal lives
• The island is safe and welcoming
• The mystical reputation is partly tourism marketing

What Persists:

• Genuine healing traditions
• Holy Week rituals (Aninag)
• Local beliefs in spirits and folk practices
• Respect for ancestral knowledge

Historical Sites Today

What You Can Visit

Spanish Colonial:

• Lazi Church and Convent
• St. Francis of Assisi Church (Siquijor Town)
• Municipal churches in each town
• Coastal watchtower ruins

Natural/Cultural:

• Balete Tree (400+ years old)
• Traditional healer communities
• Cang-Isok House (oldest house)

Preservation Status

Many historical sites face challenges:

• Weather damage from typhoons
• Limited restoration funding
• Earthquake risks (2013 Bohol quake caused damage)
• Modernization pressures
• Need for professional conservation

The Lazi Church complex is on the UNESCO Tentative List for World Heritage status.

Timeline Summary

Understanding Siquijor Today

A Living History

Siquijor’s history isn’t confined to museums and ruins. It’s visible in:

• Churches that still hold daily mass
• Healing traditions practiced for generations
• Spanish-era coral stone structures
• Community fiestas with centuries-old roots
• Oral traditions passed to children

The Future

Siquijor stands at a crossroads:

Opportunities:

• Tourism provides economic growth
• International attention aids preservation
• Younger generations embracing heritage
• Potential UNESCO recognition

Challenges:

• Development pressure on historic sites
• Loss of traditional practices
• Environmental impacts
• Balancing preservation with progress

Final Thoughts

Siquijor’s history is a microcosm of Philippine history—indigenous traditions overlaid with Spanish Catholicism, touched by American influence, and now navigating the modern world.

The “Island of Fire” has been many things: home to indigenous peoples, target of colonial conversion, backwater province, and now emerging tourist destination. Through it all, something essentially Siquijodnon has persisted—a blend of faith and folk belief, of community and resilience, of welcoming outsiders while preserving what makes the island unique.

Understanding this history enriches any visit. The churches aren’t just photo opportunities—they’re monuments to centuries of faith and labor. The healers aren’t tourist attractions—they’re keepers of knowledge that predates the Spanish galleons. The island’s mystical reputation isn’t marketing—it’s the echo of fireflies that lit the way for explorers five centuries ago.

Explore Siquijor’s heritage in person with our guide to Churches and Heritage Sites, or learn about living traditions in Legends and Folklore.