Oslob

Church in Oslob, Cebu
photo by estan – Flickr

QUICK NAVIGATION

1. Introduction
2. History
3. Economy
4. Location
5. How to Get There
6. Things to Do and See
7. Political Subdivisions
8. Population
9. Links

Introduction

Oslob is a 4th class municipality in the province of Cebu, Philippines. It is bounded on the north by the municipality of Santander, on the west by the municipalities of Ginatilan and Samboan, on the south by the municipality of Boljoon and on the east by Cebu Strait.

History

Long time ago, there was a popular place in town called “Bolocboloc”. The place was called Bolocbol because of its existing spring located beneath the shoreline at the foot of the barangay. The flow of the water was so strong as if the water was boiling which can still be seen at this present time.

At present, the place is now known as Nigad (a name of a tree). The place is named Nigad because of the existing tree that grew in the place which is seldom seen to grow in the shoreline. From the name Nigad the word “Oslob” was born due to the misunderstandings between the native couple and the two guardia civil (civil guards) in the year 1785. While the said couple were taking a rest under the tree and were eating their brought boiled bananas soaking it with vinegar and salt, the two guardia civil suddenly appeared with the words, as if they were asking: “Como se llama esto pueblo?” – which if translated in English would mean:”What is the name of this town?”.

The couple were astonished for they were not able to comprehend what the civil guards were saying. Since, the couple, at that time, were then soaking bananas with the vinegar and salt, they thought that the civil guards were asking them as to what they were doing, and thus, the couple answered in unison saying ”Toslob”, which means “soaking”. After hearing the word “Toslob”, the civil guards kept on repeating the word “Toslob” in the thought that the said word was the name of the town. This has been the start of the word “Toslob” which was later changed to “Oslob” due to the passes of time.

Until now, the flowing of the water at Nigad was still there quenching the thirst of the many people of the place including the nearby inhabitants specially when there is a shortage of water.

Economy

Oslob’s main industries are fishing, farming and tourism.

Location

Oslob is situated in the southeastern coast of Cebu and is about 117 kilometers from Cebu City. The municipality is bounded on the north by the municipality of Santander, on the west by the municipalities of Ginatilan and Samboan, on the south by the municipality of Boljoon and on the east by Cebu Strait.

How to Get There

Oslob can be reached by public buses or V-Hires (vans) from the Cebu South Terminal in Cebu City with an estimated travel time of about 3 hours.

Things to Do and See

• Oslob Parish Church – One of the oldest churches in Cebu. Has been already in place for 160 years already. Located in Barangay Poblacion.
• Mainit spring – A spring that would let you relax and have a good rest with its rich sulfuric water. Located in Barangay Mainit
• Cuartel – Ruins of the ancient barracks located right in front of the Oslob Parish Church. Located in Barangay Poblacion.
• Baluarte - Ruins of an ancient watchtower. Located within the vicinity of the Cuartel area in Barangay Poblacion.
• Barangay Daanlungsod Area – An ancient “walled area” located in Barangay Dannlungsod.
• Sumilon Island - An isalnd with its beautiful scenic spots and sand bar. Located in Barangay Bangcogon/Tan-awan
• Calle Aragones - the oldest street in Oslob, located beside the church
• Nueva Caceres Church
  
• Sadsad/Sadsadayon Festival – celebrated every year during the town’s annual fiesta celebration
• Podreda – an Oslobanon delicacy which looks like a flower with coconut in the center, and really tastes delicious
• Oslob seashore - the Oslob seashore boasts of its cool seabreeze especially during afternoons. The Oslob sea area is really a very nice place to take a rest.

Political Subdivisions

Oslob is composed of 11 barangays, namely: Alo, Bangcogon, Bonbon, Calumpang, Canangca-an, Cañang, Can-ukban, Cansalo-ay, Daanlungsod, Gawi, Hagdan, Lagunde, Looc, Luka, Mainit, Manlum, Nueva Caceres, Poblacion, Pungtod, Tan-awan and Tumalog.

Population

According to the 2000 census, Oslob has a population of 22,472 people in 4,607 households.

Links

• Official Website of the local government unit of Oslob

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