History of Getafe
photo by lenmarbun
Getafe was once a strip of level land along the coast belonging to the municipality of Inabanga. Little islands dot its coastline where the shallow waters were rich fishing grounds. Being the nearest point to Cebu City, many people were attracted to settle in the area. Likewise, others came from the other towns of Bohol.
Time flew and the town flourished. Trading was brisk, especially during market day called “tabo” by local folks wherein farm goods and products were gathered, hailing from far flung Cebu and other towns. Unfortunately, during the 1st part of the 18th century and in pursuit of these goods, “Moros” or marauding muslims often come to raid the settlement. To better protect themselves from these marauders, the people decided to settle at the top of a hill. Life then went on as usual.
photo by lenmarbun
At the coming of the Spaniards, they saw fit to make the settlement into a town yet found the hilltop settlement to be unsuitable. The people were persuaded to resettle and go down (“ambak” in the local dialect) to the old site and were promised protection. The relocation site was then called Ambakon.
Christianity was introduced to the people. Some were forced to adopt the new religion but in time, all the people embraced the new faith and a church was built. The church was built inland, a few meters away from the port and market area of the town. A school was built beside it.
As in Inabanga and Talibon, Ambakon was administered by the Jesuits from the Colegio de San Ildefonso in Cebu until their expulsion in 1767. The Augustinian Recollects took over until 1898. In 1874, the barrio of Ambakon was officially declared a town and was named Jetafe, in honor of a city in Spain which was called Getafe.
photo by Mj_dzey
Two years later, in 1876, Jetafe became a parish dedicated to the Sr. Santo Niño. Much of the fervor and dedication of the people revolved around this beloved icon of the little boy Jesus and made manifest by mass attendance and the celebration of its feast day that falls on the month of January and other feast days of the Roman Catholic Church.
After more than 300 years under the Spaniards, the Americans came to the shore of Bohol. In March 1899, Tagbilaran was captured by the Americans and so the whole island of Bohol was occupied. The local inhabitants supported the Revolutionary Government of the Philippines and fought to gain independence from the American Regime. The Philippines was given independence later by the Americans.
World War II erupted. Because of the presence of U.S. military bases in the Philippines, it became a prime target of the Japanese forces. In April 1942, Getafe was bombed. Many Filipino soldiers died during the bombing from both the planes and the aircraft carrier which landed on the vicinity of the Jetafe waterfront. The people rejoiced when Bohol was finally officially declared liberated on May 25, 1945.
Eventually, the Bohol circumferential road was built passing by the church’s frontage and the established municipal plaza. Acacia trees were planted at the roadsides. Through the years, the tall trees and their spreading branches have become landmarks of the town of Jetafe. They were silent witnesses to all historical events that transpired in the area.
photo by glenmaclarty
photo by glenmaclarty
In 1990, the city officials of Getafe, Spain came to visit the town of Jetafe and with the town’s officials signed a sisterhood pact document. Because of the warm welcome afforded them by the people, and also impressed by the town’s location, the Spaniards gave monetary aid for the construction of a modern Municipal Library. To further seal the sisterhood pact, the town adopted the letter “G” and renamed their town Getafe, after the city in Spain.
FAITH
Jetafe Church
Originally named Ambacon, Jetafe is near Pangpang, a lair of Dagohoy’s followers. Named after Getafe (Boholanos use “J”) after a town near Madrid, it was a barrio of Inabanga until 1835 when it was constituted as a town. It became a parish in 1876, with the patron as the Santo Niño, and was under the Recollects until 1898.
The first church was constructed in 1883, it was made of tabique on mortar base. It had a stone pavement for the nave and a wooden floor for the sanctuary. A church of poured concrete replaced this earlier church in 1926.
The Jetafe church facade resembles that of Tubigon, where a central tower houses the bells on the upper story and the lower story forms a portico before the main entrance. It resembles early Florentine Renaissance churches. The church follows the basilica plan with a central nave flanked by aisles.
photo by bong
Getafe, also spelled Jetafe, is a port town of the province of Bohol in the Philippines. It lies on the northern coast about 92 kilometers from the capital city of Tagbilaran. On board a van and plying the west-bound fully-cemented highway, the town is only 1-1/2 hour ride away.
View Larger Map
This up and coming town is the nearest point to Cebu Island from Bohol. In fact, on a clear and sunny day, the tall buildings and the longish island of Cebu can be clearly seen. At night, the countless glowing lights of Metropolitan Cebu have a mesmerizing effect on viewers and acts as beacon lights for seafarers.
photo by bong
Considered a 4th class municipality, Getafe has a population of 27,852 people as per 2007 census. The town covers a total land area of 9,880 hectares; 7 of which are island barangays and the rest lying along the mainland coast.
The Municipality of Getafe is politically subdivided into 24 barangays. The island barangays are: Alumar, Banacon, Jagoliao, Jandayan Norte, Mahanay, Nasingin and Pandanon. The mainland barangays are: Buyog, Cabasakan, Campao Occidental, Campao Oriental, Cangmundo, Carlos P. Garcia, Corte Baud, Handumon, Jandayan Sur, Poblacion, Saguise, Salog, San Jose, Santo Niño, Taytay, Tugas and Tulang.
photo by bong
This municipality has gained recognition because of its mangrove forest which is the biggest in the country. The mangrove forest is located at Banacon Island and has become an eco-tourist destination with an approximate area of 425 hectares. Likewise, the town is also known for its seahorse trade. The seahorse is dried and processed and used widely as a medicine by Chinese practitioners.
The island barangays of Getafe are blessed with fine white sand and a tranquil atmosphere. The most visited is the Pandanon Beach, a strip of land with fine white sand attached to the island of Pandanon. The island is surrounded with crystal clear blue waters rich in marine life.
photo by marinegirl
Most of the inhabitants of the town rely on the trading of fish. The islands of Getafe are rich fishing grounds and bountiful harvests are brought to the neighboring island of Cebu where catches fetch greater prices. Only the small-fish varieties find its way to the local markets of mainland Bohol.
Other people rely on seaweed farming and fishpond operations aside from the mainland’s usual rice, corn, palm oil, fruit and livestock farming activities. The local folks gather every Wednesday at the port market of Getafe to display their wares and products. Traders from Cebu and other towns also come to join the “tabo”.
The port of Getafe is fast becoming a hive of activity with more fishing and commercial boats plying the Bohol-Cebu strait. Being the nearest point to Cebu City, more people (students and traders from as far as Ubay and Talibon) take this route for it takes less travel time than the other ports of Bohol.
photo by bong
Like the rest of Bohol island, Getafe enjoys good weather conditions and a climate conducive to farming and other activities. The people are friendly, accommodating and deeply religious. Their warm and vibrant faith revolves around their Patron Saint which is the Sr. Santo Niño, whose feast day falls on the month of January.
photo by Bong
The Banacon Island Mangrove Forest is now an eco-tourist destination with an approximate area of 425 hectares of Mangrove Forest established through community effort that started last 1957. Under the Municipality of Getafe, located north of Bohol province, it is now considered as the biggest mangrove plantation in the country.
This extensive mangrove plantation also has established scenic trails beneath overlapping and intertwining mature mangrove trees that are breathless to behold. The trees are a monoculture of the “bakauan” (Rhizophora Stylosa), the most common mangrove specie found in the river systems, estuaries and off-shore islands of the Bohol province.
photo by Ragde Starr
These roots not only hold up the tree in soft mud, but are also permeable to gases, while remaining impermeable to salts. In fact, the entire upper root system including the trunk and prop roots that emerge from the branches have this feature. Thus the roots also help the tree to breathe.
The tangled and intricate root systems of the bakauans provide shelter to hundreds of fish species that are native to the waters around Banacon Island. They also serve as critical spawning grounds or nurseries for the fishes, seahorses, shrimps, crabs and other marine life.
photo by Ragde Starr
Likewise, the muddy waters around the mangroves are rich in nutrients from decaying leaves and organic matter and are the main source of food for the different marine species around the island.
Of the 425 hectares mangrove forest in Banacon Island, 15 hectares are on dry land and 410 hectares are on the tidal flat area. With the proliferation of these mangroves, fish production increased, including seahorses, as well as the natural stocks of blue crabs (Potunus pelagicus).
At present, 196 families inhabit the island and are dependent on the mangrove plantations and foreshore marine resources such as shells, crabs, and other mollusks and crustaceans, blue crabs, shrimps and other coastal resources dependent on the established mangrove forest. It is also the main source of firewood and charcoal in the island, with the stems usually used as poles for fish traps or as housing materials.
photo by Ragde Starr
About the Island
Banacon Island got its name from fish specie called “banak” or mullet (Mugil cephalus) which was once very abundant in the area before the proliferation of destructive fishing practices.
Banacon Island is located in the town of Getafe, which is a 3-hour bus ride from Tagbilaran City. Upon reaching Getafe wharf, take a 45-minute pump boat ride to the island. Guided tours are provided by the Banacon Fisher folks and Mangrove Planters Association. Those interested may contact BAFMAPA President Dondon Canlubo at 0918-7368741.
photo by Ragde Starr
A Bit of History
In the year 1950, Banacon Island was devoid of mangroves. Excessive cutting was done by a resident, a Mr. Pilot Camacho, who at that time held a mangrove concession permit which covers most of the islands of Getafe including Banacon Island.
It was a dismal year for the islanders for they depend entirely on the mangroves for firewood, poles for their houses and for fish pens. Due to the loss of the mangroves and coupled with illegal fishing, the fish catch dwindled as well as other marine species such as blue crabs, crustaceans, and others.
Time came when another resident, Mr. Eugenio Paden, had a brilliant idea of establishing a bakauan plantation in the island in order to meet his needs and that of his fellow islanders.
a baby mangrove tree....photo by Ragde Starr
Paden observed that mangrove propagules that fell and got stuck in the mud eventually grew into mature mangrove plants. This gave him the idea that the bakauan specie can be directly planted or seeded. In 1957, he made the first step and established his bakauan plantation thru direct seeding of propagules.
At first, his fellow islanders ridiculed him. Yet in time, in 1966, he started harvesting wood from matured bakauans and sold them as firewood or poles for houses. Income was coming in which encouraged his neighbors to start planting.
photo by Ragde Starr
Plantations were established. To facilitate mobility in the area, a 10-meter-wide “highway” was set-up in the middle of the plantations for motorized outrigger boats. Foot trails in between individual plantations were also established.
Now, the island is known as an eco-tourist destination. The islanders themselves serve as guides whenever tours are made of the bakauan plantations. As for Mr. Eugenio Paden, his efforts earned him the Likas YamanAward of the DENR in 1989 and cited as Outstanding Tree Farmer by the Food Authority Organization in 1991. The later gave him the opportunity to travel for free to Manila and Bangkok, Thailand where he received his award.
DELICACIES
kalamay
saang
torta
lambay
peanut fingers and peanut kisses
TOURIST SPOT
PANDANON ISLAND
BANACON ISLAND MANGROVE FOREST
HANDUMON MARINE SANCTUARY
The first church was constructed in 1883, it was made of tabique on mortar base. It had a stone pavement for the nave and a wooden floor for the sanctuary. A church of poured concrete replaced this earlier church in 1926.
The Jetafe church facade resembles that of Tubigon, where a central tower houses the bells on the upper story and the lower story forms a portico before the main entrance. It resembles early Florentine Renaissance churches. The church follows the basilica plan with a central nave flanked by aisles.
Getafe of Bohol, Philippines
photo by bong
Getafe, also spelled Jetafe, is a port town of the province of Bohol in the Philippines. It lies on the northern coast about 92 kilometers from the capital city of Tagbilaran. On board a van and plying the west-bound fully-cemented highway, the town is only 1-1/2 hour ride away.
View Larger Map
This up and coming town is the nearest point to Cebu Island from Bohol. In fact, on a clear and sunny day, the tall buildings and the longish island of Cebu can be clearly seen. At night, the countless glowing lights of Metropolitan Cebu have a mesmerizing effect on viewers and acts as beacon lights for seafarers.
photo by bong
Considered a 4th class municipality, Getafe has a population of 27,852 people as per 2007 census. The town covers a total land area of 9,880 hectares; 7 of which are island barangays and the rest lying along the mainland coast.
The Municipality of Getafe is politically subdivided into 24 barangays. The island barangays are: Alumar, Banacon, Jagoliao, Jandayan Norte, Mahanay, Nasingin and Pandanon. The mainland barangays are: Buyog, Cabasakan, Campao Occidental, Campao Oriental, Cangmundo, Carlos P. Garcia, Corte Baud, Handumon, Jandayan Sur, Poblacion, Saguise, Salog, San Jose, Santo Niño, Taytay, Tugas and Tulang.
photo by bong
This municipality has gained recognition because of its mangrove forest which is the biggest in the country. The mangrove forest is located at Banacon Island and has become an eco-tourist destination with an approximate area of 425 hectares. Likewise, the town is also known for its seahorse trade. The seahorse is dried and processed and used widely as a medicine by Chinese practitioners.
The island barangays of Getafe are blessed with fine white sand and a tranquil atmosphere. The most visited is the Pandanon Beach, a strip of land with fine white sand attached to the island of Pandanon. The island is surrounded with crystal clear blue waters rich in marine life.
photo by marinegirl
Most of the inhabitants of the town rely on the trading of fish. The islands of Getafe are rich fishing grounds and bountiful harvests are brought to the neighboring island of Cebu where catches fetch greater prices. Only the small-fish varieties find its way to the local markets of mainland Bohol.
Other people rely on seaweed farming and fishpond operations aside from the mainland’s usual rice, corn, palm oil, fruit and livestock farming activities. The local folks gather every Wednesday at the port market of Getafe to display their wares and products. Traders from Cebu and other towns also come to join the “tabo”.
The port of Getafe is fast becoming a hive of activity with more fishing and commercial boats plying the Bohol-Cebu strait. Being the nearest point to Cebu City, more people (students and traders from as far as Ubay and Talibon) take this route for it takes less travel time than the other ports of Bohol.
photo by bong
Like the rest of Bohol island, Getafe enjoys good weather conditions and a climate conducive to farming and other activities. The people are friendly, accommodating and deeply religious. Their warm and vibrant faith revolves around their Patron Saint which is the Sr. Santo Niño, whose feast day falls on the month of January.
Banacon Island Mangrove Forest
photo by Bong
The Banacon Island Mangrove Forest is now an eco-tourist destination with an approximate area of 425 hectares of Mangrove Forest established through community effort that started last 1957. Under the Municipality of Getafe, located north of Bohol province, it is now considered as the biggest mangrove plantation in the country.
This extensive mangrove plantation also has established scenic trails beneath overlapping and intertwining mature mangrove trees that are breathless to behold. The trees are a monoculture of the “bakauan” (Rhizophora Stylosa), the most common mangrove specie found in the river systems, estuaries and off-shore islands of the Bohol province.
photo by Ragde Starr
These roots not only hold up the tree in soft mud, but are also permeable to gases, while remaining impermeable to salts. In fact, the entire upper root system including the trunk and prop roots that emerge from the branches have this feature. Thus the roots also help the tree to breathe.
The tangled and intricate root systems of the bakauans provide shelter to hundreds of fish species that are native to the waters around Banacon Island. They also serve as critical spawning grounds or nurseries for the fishes, seahorses, shrimps, crabs and other marine life.
photo by Ragde Starr
Likewise, the muddy waters around the mangroves are rich in nutrients from decaying leaves and organic matter and are the main source of food for the different marine species around the island.
Of the 425 hectares mangrove forest in Banacon Island, 15 hectares are on dry land and 410 hectares are on the tidal flat area. With the proliferation of these mangroves, fish production increased, including seahorses, as well as the natural stocks of blue crabs (Potunus pelagicus).
At present, 196 families inhabit the island and are dependent on the mangrove plantations and foreshore marine resources such as shells, crabs, and other mollusks and crustaceans, blue crabs, shrimps and other coastal resources dependent on the established mangrove forest. It is also the main source of firewood and charcoal in the island, with the stems usually used as poles for fish traps or as housing materials.
photo by Ragde Starr
About the Island
Banacon Island got its name from fish specie called “banak” or mullet (Mugil cephalus) which was once very abundant in the area before the proliferation of destructive fishing practices.
Banacon Island is located in the town of Getafe, which is a 3-hour bus ride from Tagbilaran City. Upon reaching Getafe wharf, take a 45-minute pump boat ride to the island. Guided tours are provided by the Banacon Fisher folks and Mangrove Planters Association. Those interested may contact BAFMAPA President Dondon Canlubo at 0918-7368741.
photo by Ragde Starr
A Bit of History
In the year 1950, Banacon Island was devoid of mangroves. Excessive cutting was done by a resident, a Mr. Pilot Camacho, who at that time held a mangrove concession permit which covers most of the islands of Getafe including Banacon Island.
It was a dismal year for the islanders for they depend entirely on the mangroves for firewood, poles for their houses and for fish pens. Due to the loss of the mangroves and coupled with illegal fishing, the fish catch dwindled as well as other marine species such as blue crabs, crustaceans, and others.
Time came when another resident, Mr. Eugenio Paden, had a brilliant idea of establishing a bakauan plantation in the island in order to meet his needs and that of his fellow islanders.
a baby mangrove tree....photo by Ragde Starr
Paden observed that mangrove propagules that fell and got stuck in the mud eventually grew into mature mangrove plants. This gave him the idea that the bakauan specie can be directly planted or seeded. In 1957, he made the first step and established his bakauan plantation thru direct seeding of propagules.
At first, his fellow islanders ridiculed him. Yet in time, in 1966, he started harvesting wood from matured bakauans and sold them as firewood or poles for houses. Income was coming in which encouraged his neighbors to start planting.
photo by Ragde Starr
Plantations were established. To facilitate mobility in the area, a 10-meter-wide “highway” was set-up in the middle of the plantations for motorized outrigger boats. Foot trails in between individual plantations were also established.
Now, the island is known as an eco-tourist destination. The islanders themselves serve as guides whenever tours are made of the bakauan plantations. As for Mr. Eugenio Paden, his efforts earned him the Likas YamanAward of the DENR in 1989 and cited as Outstanding Tree Farmer by the Food Authority Organization in 1991. The later gave him the opportunity to travel for free to Manila and Bangkok, Thailand where he received his award.
DELICACIES
kalamaysaangtortalambaypeanut fingers and peanut kissesTOURIST SPOT
PANDANON ISLAND
BANACON ISLAND MANGROVE FOREST
HANDUMON MARINE SANCTUARY
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