Del Carmen history

Foundation and First Mentions

Del Carmen is one of the oldest settlements on Siargao Island. Its history is rooted in the era of the Spanish colonisation of the Philippines in the early 17th century. Initially, the town bore the name Numancia, given by Spanish Recollect missionaries who began active operations in the region in the 1620s.

For a long time, the settlement remained an important missionary outpost. The town received its modern name officially in 1966 in honour of the municipality's patroness — Our Lady of Mount Carmel, whose image has been historically revered by local residents.

Key Factors of Formation

• Geographical Location: Its position on the western coast of the island provided natural protection against strong winds and Pacific currents, which are characteristic of the eastern side of Siargao.
• Unique Ecosystem: The presence of extensive mangrove forests (today one of the largest mangrove reserves in the Philippines) created ideal conditions for the safe anchorage of vessels and the sourcing of food.
• Religious Centre: The construction of the church became a town-forming factor, uniting scattered coastal communities around a single spiritual centre.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

The economy of the early period (during the time of Numancia) was inextricably linked to the sea and agriculture. The life of the settlement was defined by the following factors:

• Coastal Industry: Thanks to the mangrove thickets, local residents had stable access to fish and crabs, which formed the basis of their diet and trade.
• Agrarian Activity: The cultivation of coconut palms and the production of copra played a significant role.
• Synthesis of Traditions: The culture developed under the strong influence of Catholicism, which was reflected in the architecture of ancient buildings and the holding of annual fiestas, combining Spanish religious rites with local colour.

Major Historical Milestones

• 1635 — Arrival of Spanish Recollect missionaries on the island and the founding of the settlement named Numancia.
• Mid-17th Century — Construction of a fortified stone church and monastery, serving as protection against sea raids.
• 1903 — During the reorganisation of administrative divisions, the settlement temporarily lost its municipality status and was annexed to the town of Dapa.
• 1920 — Numancia restored its status as an independent municipality by decree of the Governor-General of the Philippines.
• 1945 — Beginning of the post-war recovery period, characterised by the development of fisheries and copra production.
• 1966 (June 18) — Official renaming of the town from Numancia to Del Carmen in honour of the patroness, Our Lady of Mount Carmel.
• 1990s — Launch of large-scale environmental initiatives to preserve the mangrove forests, which cover a vast territory of the municipality.
• 2008 — Start of active modernisation of Sayak Airport, located within the limits of Del Carmen, to improve transport accessibility.
• 2016 — Inauguration of regular commercial flights by major airlines, giving a powerful impetus to the development of tourism.
• 2019 — The municipality received national recognition for successful coastal resource management and marine environment protection programmes.
• Present Day — Del Carmen has established itself as the main transport hub and centre of eco-tourism on Siargao Island.

Key Stages of Development and Their Significance

The history of Del Carmen is a journey from a small missionary outpost to a strategically important centre for eco-tourism and logistics. Let us highlight the main milestones that have defined the modern appearance of the town:

• Foundation of the Mission and Construction of the Stone Temple
  The creation of a fortified church complex in the 17th century became a foundational factor. This not only defined the layout of the town centre but also laid the basis for cultural identity, uniting local residents around Catholic traditions.
• Gaining Administrative Independence and a Name (1966)
  The official renaming of Numancia to Del Carmen became a symbol of the final formation of its own cultural code. This event cemented the town's status as a distinct administrative unit, independent of its neighbours.
• Opening and Development of Sayak Airport (IAO)
  The location of Siargao Island's main airport within Del Carmen transformed the municipality into a key transport hub. This event radically changed the town's economy, reorienting it from purely agriculture to servicing tourist flow and logistics.
• Creation of the Mangrove Forest Reserve
  The decision to protect thousands of hectares of mangrove thickets was a turning point in environmental policy. This turned Del Carmen into a centre for scientific research and eco-tourism, providing the town with international renown and protection against natural disasters.
• Opening of the State College Campus (SSCT)
  The appearance of a higher education institution (Surigao State College of Technology) within the town became an important social transformation. This ensured an influx of youth, the creation of new jobs, and an increase in the general level of education in the region.
• Development of the Sugba Lagoon Tourism Brand
  Promoting Sugba Lagoon as a premium natural attraction allowed for the diversification of the population's income. The organisation of boat tours and associated services created a sustainable economic model, offering an alternative to traditional fishing.

Urban Development and Layout

The architectural appearance of Del Carmen was formed under the influence of Spanish colonisation and its specific geographical position amidst mangrove forests. The urban structure of the town demonstrates a classic example of adapting European norms to a tropical landscape.

• Colonial Scheme (Plaza Complex): The historic town centre is organised according to the traditional Spanish principle of "bajo de las campanas" (under the peal of the bells). Key administrative and religious buildings are concentrated around the main square and the church.
• Coastal Orientation: The development of residential quarters historically proceeded along the coastline and canals, as water was the main transport artery before the advent of a developed road network.

Architectural Styles and Eras

The buildings of Del Carmen are not distinguished by the pomp of capital cities, yet they clearly reflect three main stages of the region's development.

1. Spanish Colonial Style (17th–19th Centuries)

This era is characterised by the construction of monumental structures that fulfilled a dual function: religious and defensive (protection against Moro raids). The style can be described as Simplified (Earthquake) Baroque with elements of fortification.

• Materials: Roughly hewn blocks of coral limestone, bound with lime mortar (a mixture of lime, sand, and egg whites).
• Landmark Object: Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel (originally dedicated to San Juan de Sahagun). This is one of the oldest stone buildings on Siargao Island. It is distinguished by massive walls, small loophole windows, and a strict façade devoid of excessive decoration.

2. Traditional Folk Architecture (Vernacular Style)

Parallel to stone construction, the local architectural tradition, ideally adapted to the humid climate, developed and remains preserved to this day.

• Characteristics: Light structures on stilts, the use of bamboo, wood, and palm leaves (nipa) for roofing. Such architecture ensures natural ventilation and protection against floods.
• Districts: Traditional stilt houses still predominate in fishing communities and areas adjacent to the mangrove thickets.

3. Functionalism and Modernity (20th–21st Centuries)

The modern stage of the town's development is associated with the use of reinforced concrete and a utilitarian approach to construction, as well as the influence of the tourism boom.

• Administrative and Transport Development: School buildings, the new municipal hall, and the terminal of Sayak Airport are executed in a style of simple functionalism — concrete structures, flat or pitched metal roofs, and minimal decoration.
• Tropical Modernism: With the development of tourism, private villas and small resorts are appearing in Del Carmen, combining modern forms (panoramic glazing, concrete) with traditional natural materials.

Distinguished Personalities of Del Carmen

The history of Del Carmen is inextricably linked with the activities of missionaries, local leaders, and modern reformers who have shaped the appearance of the town over the centuries.

• Fray Lucas de la Cruz
  Missionary, First Priest (17th Century)
  A Spanish Recollect friar who became the first permanent priest of the mission in Numancia (the historical name of the town) in 1635. His activities laid the spiritual foundation of the settlement and contributed to the construction of the first stone church, which became the centre of public life.
• Francisco Alburo
  Political Figure, Town President (20th Century)
  The first leader of the municipality after the restoration of its independent status during the period of American administration. He held the post of Town President (equivalent to Mayor) from 1920–1922, playing an important role in the administrative separation of Numancia from neighbouring territories.
• Maximo Cometa
  Wartime Leader (1940s)
  He served as the town mayor during the difficult period of the Japanese occupation of the Philippines (1943–1945). His leadership ensured the preservation of civil order and the survival of the community amidst the crisis of the Second World War.
• Galo C. Comon
  Town Mayor, Reformer (1960s)
  The head of the municipality whose name is forever linked to the town's modern identity. It was during his administration, on June 18, 1966, that the town of Numancia was officially renamed Del Carmen in honour of its patroness — Our Lady of Mount Carmel.
• Alfredo "JR" Matugas Coro II
  Modern Statesman, Environmentalist
  The long-serving Mayor of Del Carmen who transformed the town into an internationally recognised centre for eco-tourism. Known for global initiatives to preserve mangrove forests, the modernisation of the airport, and the implementation of sustainable development practices, for which he received recognition from international organisations (including ICLEI).