What’s in a name? There’s a lot to it. By itself, a town’s name holds secrets of its past. It speaks of the place – the characteristics of the land and its inhabitants.
This is the second part in a series about the naming of Bohol’s towns. Read on and discover.
Sierra Bullones. “Sierra” means mountains and “bullones” indicates the presence of bullions of gold treasures said to be buried by a wealthy Spaniard in the area.
Duero – is said to come from the word “doguero” which means “hard-headed” in reference to an event when the inhabitants could not settle upon the issue of where their church would be erected
Valencia – is named after a village in Spain after its former parish priest Fr. Francisco Carnago saw that the town’s valleys and plains looked similar to his hometown.
Sevilla – is named after a town in the province of Malaga, Spain.
Antequera – is named after a town in Spain.
Jetafe – is another city in Spain.
Corella – The name was suggested by Fr. Jose Maria Cabenas because the patron saint of the town, Nuestra Senora del Villar had her miracle in the village of Corella, Navare, Spain.
Pilar – was from the town’s patroness, Our Lady of the Pillar.
San Isidro – is named after the town’s patron saint, St. Isidore, known as “the help of farmers.”
Alicia – was in honor of Doña Alicia Syquia Quirino, wife of President Elpidio Quirino, who signed EO #265 in Sept 16, 1949 that created the town.
Trinidad – was also named after the wife of another Philippine President, Manuel Roxas, during whose term the town was established.
Garcia – Hernandez. The name was a token of gratitude to the two friars Fr. Garcia, then parish priest of Guindulman, and Fr. Hernandez, parish priest of Loay, who were instrumental in the creation of the town.
San Miguel – was unanimously chosen as name of the town after two prominent persons of the place, Miguel Cambangay and Miguel Cresano and also in honor of their patron saint, the archangel Michael.
Mabini – is in recognition of the Philippine hero, Apolinario Mabini, known as the Sublime Paralytic.
Clarin – is named after Anecito Clarin, the first civil governor of Bohol in 1901.
Dagohoy. This town was first called Victoria after the daughter of President Quirino but later. President Garcia recommended changing it to Dagohoy in order to perpetuate the name of Bohol’s foremost hero.
Sikatuna – is named after the local Chieftain who forged a Blood Compact with the Spanish Conquistador Miguel Lopez de Legaspi in 1565.
Pres. Carlos P. Garcia. By the efforts of then Gov. Lino Chatto, the town of Pitogo was renamed in 1977 after Bohol’s most illustrious son, the late President Garcia.
Calape – evolved from the word cape, a plant species which used to grow abundant in the locality.
Bilar. Folks tell the story of a Spaniard inquiring about the name of the place to a woman who thought she was asked of what she was doing at that time. The woman replied “Naga bilad!” meaning drying; to which the Spaniard retorted “Bilards?” and the name stuck.
READ: 30 things to know about Bohol’s most illustrious son
Dimiao. It was said that the place was once ruled by a man named Mayaw and his alluring wife, Ida. Some Spaniards were said to stop over at their house and were invited to dine. When the strangers asked the name of the place, the natives thought they were asked about the names of the rulers of the place and so they muttered “Ida-Mayaw,” which later became Dimiao.
Loboc. Once again, the story is told of a Spaniard asking the name of the place. But the native thought he was asked what he was doing, replying thus, ga loboc, which means pounding rice.
Maribijoc. The same story line goes of a Spaniard inquiring about the name of the place and incidentally pointing to a tree called Maribojoc.
READ: Bohol towns and the tales behind the names (1st of a series)
Candijay – comes from the phrase “kang Dihay,” meaning the place is owned by Dihay, a very prominent and strong man in the area who owns a large part of the land.
Talibon. Talibong is ancient name for bolo or spear used by the people in mining gold during the 17th century. Through the years, the last letter ‘g’ was dropped.
Ubay – came from the phrase “ubay-ubay sa baybayon” that sailors used to do; that is, to cruise aimlessly along the shores waiting for the dawn of the next day. (Sonieta D. Labasan)