23/10/2025
Do you know the history of Bohol?
The history of Bohol is a rich narrative that includes ancient kingdoms, early contact with Chinese traders, a historic blood compact with Spanish explorers, and two major anti-colonial revolts. After centuries of Spanish and American colonial rule, the island became a Philippine province and later gained fame for its natural wonders and cultural heritage.
Pre-colonial era
Early civilization: Archaeological evidence from the Anda Peninsula points to Bohol as a “cradle of civilization.” Boat-shaped burial coffins dating back 6,000 years, along with modified human skulls, have been found in the area. Excavations have also unearthed artifacts like porcelain from China’s Tang and Sung dynasties, confirming that the Boholanos had trade relations with Chinese and other Southeast Asian civilizations long before the arrival of the Spanish.
The Dapitan Kingdom: In the 12th to 16th centuries, the powerful Dapitan Kingdom was located on what is now mainland Bohol and Panglao Island. The kingdom flourished through its trade links with other Southeast Asian countries, including the Sultanate of Ternate.
Ternatan raid: Diplomatic relations soured, and in 1563, forces from the Sultanate of Ternate attacked Bohol, killing one of its rulers, Datu Dailisan, and slaughtering thousands of Boholanos. The surviving ruler, Datu Pagbuaya, fled to northern Mindanao and established a new settlement called Dapitan.
Spanish colonial period
Sandugo (1565): In March 1565, Spanish explorer Miguel López de Legazpi arrived in Bohol. After convincing the chieftain Datu Sikatuna that they were not Portuguese, the two men sealed a peace pact with a blood compact, or sandugo, a ritual where they drank wine mixed with their blood. The event is now commemorated annually in the Sandugo Festival.
Jesuit missions: The first Jesuit mission on the island was established in 1595 in Baclayon. Following a Moro raid in 1600, the mission moved inland to Loboc, which became the center of Jesuit activities in Bohol.
Tamblot Uprising (1621): A native priest named Tamblot led a religious revolt against Spanish rule and the newly introduced Catholic religion. Spanish forces from Cebu defeated the uprising, leading to reprisals.
Dagohoy Rebellion (1744–1829): Led by Francisco Dagohoy, this was the longest rebellion in Philippine history, lasting for 85 years. The revolt began after a Jesuit priest refused a Christian burial for Dagohoy’s brother. The uprising led to the establishment of an independent Boholano government in the mountains before it was finally suppressed by Spanish-Filipino troops.
Provincial status: Bohol, which had previously been administered as part of Cebu, was established as a separate politico-military province in 1854.
20th and 21st centuries
American rule (1899–1942): American troops occupied Bohol in 1899 after defeating the Spanish. Following a rebellion led by Colonel Pedro Samson in 1900, American forces adopted a “scorched-earth” policy that resulted in the burning of 20 towns. Bohol was formally organized as a province under the American civil government in 1901.
World War II (1942–1945): Japanese forces landed in Bohol in 1942. The occupation was met with fierce guerrilla resistance from Boholano freedom fighters. American and Filipino troops liberated the province in April 1945.
Post-war era: Following the war, Bohol native Carlos P. Garcia became the 8th president of the Philippines in 1957. Tagbilaran was declared a chartered city in 1966.
2013 earthquake: A magnitude 7.2 earthquake devastated the island in October 2013, claiming 222 lives and destroying or damaging many of Bohol’s historic churches.
UNESCO Global Geopark: In 2023, UNESCO designated Bohol Island as the first Global Geopark in the Philippines. The recognition highlights the island’s unique geological features, such as the Chocolate Hills.
