Mambajao history

Foundation and First Mentions

Mambajao was officially established as an independent municipality in 1855. Prior to this, the settlement was part of the larger administrative unit of Catarman. According to a popular local version, the town's name is derived from the Visayan word "mamahaw," which translates to "to eat breakfast" or "breakfast time," reflecting the traditional hospitality of the region's inhabitants.

Key Factors of Development

A number of factors contributed to the transformation of the small settlement into the province's main town:

• Convenient Harbour: Its location on the northern coast of Camiguin Island provided a safe anchorage for ships, making the town an important trading hub connecting the island with other parts of the Philippines.
• Natural Resources: Fertile volcanic soils in the vicinity allowed for bountiful harvests, which attracted settlers and traders.
• Safety: Unlike some other settlements on the island that suffered from volcanic eruptions in the 19th century, this territory remained relatively safe, which encouraged an influx of population.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

During its formative period, the town's economy was based on agriculture and maritime trade. The main export items were abaca (Manila hemp) and copra, which were shipped through the local port to markets in Cebu and Manila. The cultural landscape was shaped by the Spanish colonial presence: houses were built here in the characteristic "Bahay na Bato" (stone house) style, and Catholic traditions became firmly rooted in the daily life of the locals.

Major Historical Milestones

• 1855 — Mambajao is officially proclaimed an independent municipality, administratively separating from the old centre of Catarman.
• 1871 — The eruption of Mount Vulcan destroys the neighbouring town of Catarman, leading to a mass relocation of residents to Mambajao and its transformation into the island's main port.
• 1901 — An American civil administration is established on the island, marking the beginning of the development of the public education system and road network.
• 1942 — During World War II, the Philippines and the municipality's territory are occupied by Japanese Imperial forces.
• 1945 — The town is liberated from Japanese occupation, and the process of post-war economic and trade recovery begins.
• 1948–1951 — A series of destructive eruptions of Mount Hibok-Hibok causes significant damage to the town and triggers mass migration of the population to other regions.
• 1958 — Camiguin becomes a sub-province of Misamis Oriental, and Mambajao is confirmed as its official capital.
• 1968 — Following the official proclamation of Camiguin as an independent province, the town definitively secures its status as the administrative centre.
• 1979 — The Lanzones Festival is held for the first time, subsequently becoming the main cultural event and tourism brand of the town.
• 2010s — Active modernisation of infrastructure and the airport transforms the town into one of the key eco-tourism centres in the region.

The development of the town represents a journey from a small trading port to the tourist and administrative capital of the province. Key stages of transformation defined the modern economic structure and the unique architectural appearance that Mambajao takes pride in today.

• Formation of Maritime Trade Routes (Mid-19th Century). The opening of the port for active shipping turned the settlement into a key export hub. The export of abaca and copra attracted capital, which stimulated the growth of the local economy and contributed to the emergence of a wealthy merchant class.
• Urbanisation and Demographic Shift (Late 19th Century). Following the natural disaster in neighbouring Catarman in 1871, the main flow of residents and administrative institutions moved to this safer zone. This event accelerated the expansion of urban development and strengthened the town's status as the island's main centre.
• Architectural Flourishing and the "Golden Age" of Copra. In the early 20th century, high revenues from agriculture allowed for the construction of mansions in the colonial style. These buildings formed the historic centre of the town, preserving the unique cultural heritage of that time.
• Consolidation of Administrative Status (1960s). Becoming the capital of a separate province gave a powerful boost to urban planning. The appearance of government buildings, hospitals, and educational institutions made the town the focal point of social and political life in this region of the Philippines.
• Creation of a Cultural Brand (1979). The establishment of the annual Lanzones Festival was a turning point in cultural life. The festival not only united residents but also created a recognisable tourism brand that attracts guests from all over the country.
• Infrastructural Modernisation (21st Century). The reconstruction of the airport and the renewal of the road network provided the transport accessibility necessary for mass tourism. This led to a reorientation of the economy towards the service sector and the emergence of modern hotel infrastructure.

Urban Planning Features and Layout

The urban structure of Mambajao is a classic example of Spanish colonial planning adapted to island conditions. The centre of city life is traditionally the town square (plaza), around which key administrative and religious buildings are concentrated: the church, the municipal hall, and the school. The town's streets form a simple yet functional grid oriented relative to the coastline, ensuring natural ventilation by the sea breeze.

Architectural Eras and Styles

The town's appearance is an eclectic combination of heritage from past centuries and modern development. Each historical milestone has left its mark on the architecture:

• Spanish Colonial Period (19th Century): The dominant style of this era is "Bahay na Bato" (stone house). This is a unique Filipino style combining a massive ground floor made of stone or brick for protection against earthquakes and a light wooden second floor with large sliding windows made of Capiz shells for ventilation. Such houses belonged to wealthy merchants and landowners.
• American Period (First Half of the 20th Century): During this time, elements of neoclassicism and utilitarian style permeated the architecture. "Gabaldon" type public schools were built—spacious wooden or concrete buildings on stilts with high ceilings, designed for the tropical climate.
• Modern Period (Late 20th – 21st Century): Characterised by the use of reinforced concrete and functionalism. New buildings, especially hotels and commercial centres, are often built in a mixed style, sometimes imitating traditional "Nipa" huts using bamboo and thatch to create a tourist atmosphere.

Iconic Buildings and Historical Heritage

Despite modernisation, the Philippines carefully preserves its traditions, and Mambajao has retained several sites that form its unique atmosphere:

• San Nicolas de Tolentino Church: The spiritual centre of the town. Although the modern building has undergone numerous renovations, it retains its historical significance and the classic layout of a Catholic temple, serving as the main landmark of the central square.
• Ancestral Houses: Beautifully preserved mansions from the early 20th century can be found in the town. These private residences serve as living museums of "Bahay na Bato" architecture, demonstrating exquisite wood carving, wide verandas, and traditional ventilation grilles.
• Provincial Capitol Building: An administrative building reflecting the transition to more modern civic architecture, yet maintaining a scale commensurate with the cosy character of a provincial capital.

The history and culture of the town have been shaped by many outstanding people, from the first administrators of the colonial era to modern artists and politicians. Below are key personalities whose names are inextricably linked with the development of Mambajao.

• Don Froilan Basa
  First Gobernadorcillo (Mayor)
  He became the first official head of the town after its foundation in 1855. His leadership laid the administrative foundation of the municipality, ensuring the smooth transition of the settlement from the status of a district to an independent town.

• Fr. Valero Salvo
  First Parish Priest
  A spiritual leader who headed the parish in the year the town was founded. He played a key role in uniting the community and organising religious life, which was critical for forming the social structure during the colonial period when the Philippines was under Spanish rule.

• Vicente Elio y Sanchez
  Historian, Writer, and Encyclopaedist
  A prominent intellectual of the 19th century and a contemporary of the national hero Jose Rizal. While residing in the town, he created fundamental works on the history and ethnography of the island, preserving unique information about the life and traditions of that time for future generations.

• Placido Reyes
  Public Figure and Reformer
  The initiator and leader of the project to create the first public water supply system "Las Aguas Potables de Mambajao," launched in 1904. This project was an important step in modernising the urban infrastructure and improving sanitary conditions.

• Doña Agustina Borromeo
  Educator and Philanthropist
  In 1924, she founded the "Academy of Our Lady"—the first Catholic secondary educational institution in the town. Her contribution to the development of education opened new opportunities for local youth and increased the literacy level in the region.

• Pedro P. Romualdo
  Statesman, Governor, and Congressman
  A native of the town who became one of the most influential political figures of the province in recent history. For decades, he held the posts of governor and representative in Congress, actively lobbying for infrastructure development and tourism projects.

• Maymay Entrata
  Actress, Model, and Media Personality
  A bright representative of the modern generation who gained nationwide fame after winning a reality show. Through her success, she attracted the attention of a wide audience to her home province, becoming an unofficial ambassador of local culture in the media space.