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ORIGIN AND HISTORY OF THE TOWN

The municipality of San Francisco consists of two islands: Pacijan Island, and Tulang
Diot, a small offshoot island. It also has two inland islets in the midst of one inland
freshwater lake. The town started as a barrio called Sulangan, because of the
abundance of a tree called "sulangan," from which oil was extracted and used by the
people for lighting their houses. The name San Francisco was given in honor of a
righteous man named Francisco. After his death, the name "Sulangan" was replaced
with "San Francisco." On March 27, 1852 the Spanish authorities formally approved the
petition of the "cabeza de barangay" to officially name the place San Francisco, because
they intended for the Patron Saint to be San Francisco Javier.

Heritage >

LAKE DANAO
In the middle of Pacijan Island lies the
picturesque figure eight-shaped Lake Danao,
with an area of about 685 hectares. It is
believed to be an old town, as evidenced by
traces of old log posts submerged in the
water. Today it is the source of the livelihood
of many people, because of the abundance of
tilapia. Plants like soli-soli also grow around
the lakeshore and are also used for many
people's sustenance

CAUSEWAY

This 1.4 km [under one mi.] causeway was
constructed by the people of San Francisco
sometime in the 16th century. It was a united
effort by the people during the Spanish era to
bridge the San Franciscohanons to the other
island for trading and attending Mass in Poro.

BANTAYAN SA HARI KOTA (BALWARTE)

The islands of Camotes were constantly attacked by the Moro Pirates, yet the natives
were active in protecting their lives and families. Towers (bantayan sa hari) and stone
walls (kota) were built where they could watch and be protected in case of invasion.
Their system of protection was to stay in big groups, so that in cased they were
attacked, they could help one another.

SANTIAGO BAY

WHITE BEACHES

San Francisco is known for its glistening and enameled white-sand beaches that
stretch along the western and northern coast of the island. The best and most
frequented are those in the barangays of Santiago, Himensulan and Esperanza.

MANGODLONG BEACH

BAKHAW, ESPERANZA

GABALDON BUILDING

The San Francisco Central School before
World War II. The building at the far left was
the Gabaldon Building, constructed in 1915,
the seat of primary school pupils. At right
was the intermediate building destroyed
during the war, which, during class days,
was occupied by pupils grades 5-7.

Pupils who were industrious, patient and with high ambitions from the different
barangays came here on foot to finish Intermediate level. Most were successful in
their different fields of study, and proficient in communication, arts, and sciences. In
fact, many who graduated from Grade 7 were qualified to teach at the elementary
schools.

TIMOBO CAVE

Located about 300 meters [about 1,000 ft.]
from the barangay proper of Sonog, this cave
has been a source of drinking water for the
people since prehistoric times. Since the
establishment of the water system, this has
become a favorite tourist destination
because of its clear and cool water.

OLD HOUSE

One of the remaining old houses in San
Francisco, Cebu. Located at San Isidro, San
Francisco, Cebu.