Cebu

File:"Sugbo", Hymn of Cebu Province.ogg

Sugbumap

Magellan's voyage EN

Visayans 1

Cebu Island, PH, Sentinel-2

Cebu is an island province in the Philippines, located in the Central Visayas region. It is the country's most densely populated island that is not part of Luzon or Mindanao. Its capital is Cebu City, the oldest city in the Philippines, which forms part of the Cebu Metropolitan Area together with four neighboring cities (Danao City, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, and Talisay City) and eight other local government units. Cebu is a significant cultural and commercial center in the Visayas and has been a vital part of Philippine history, particularly with the arrival of Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan in 1521.

History

Cebu's history is marked by its role as a trading hub between the area's indigenous population and traders from Malaysia, China, and the Middle East. It was in Cebu where Magellan first landed and ultimately met his demise. The island later became a stronghold for Spanish colonization, with the establishment of the Roman Catholic faith, most notably the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño which houses the oldest religious relic in the Philippines.

Geography

Cebu is located to the east of Negros Island; to the west of Leyte and Bohol islands. It stretches approximately 196 kilometers (122 miles) from north to south, surrounded by 167 neighboring, smaller islands, including Mactan, Bantayan, and the Camotes Islands. Cebu's topography is a mix of coastal plains, rolling hills, and rugged mountain ranges.

Economy

The economy of Cebu is diversified but heavily focused on industries such as shipbuilding, furniture-making, tourism, business process outsourcing (BPO), and heavy industry. The Mactan-Cebu International Airport, located in Lapu-Lapu City, is the second busiest airport in the Philippines, serving as a vital hub for international and domestic flights.

Culture

Cebu is known for its cultural festivals, the most famous being the Sinulog Festival, which is held every third Sunday of January in honor of the Santo Niño. The festival features a street parade with participants in colorful costumes dancing to the rhythm of drums, trumpets, and native gongs. Cebuano culture is a blend of traditional Filipino and Spanish Catholic traditions, with a significant influence from Chinese, American, and other cultures over the centuries.

Tourism

Cebu attracts millions of tourists each year due to its historical landmarks, white sandy beaches, and diving spots. Top attractions include the Magellan's Cross, Fort San Pedro, and the aforementioned Basilica Minore del Santo Niño. The island is also famous for its diving sites, such as those in Moalboal, and its mountain resorts in towns like Dalaguete and Balamban.

Education

Cebu is home to several universities and colleges, the most prominent being the University of San Carlos and Cebu Normal University. These institutions play a significant role in the educational development of the region, offering various programs in the sciences, arts, and humanities.

Transportation

The transportation system in Cebu includes a network of roads, rapid transit systems, and ports. The Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX), connecting Cebu City to Mactan Island, is a notable infrastructure project aimed at easing traffic congestion. Public transportation within the island is primarily served by jeepneys, buses, and taxis.