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Cebu - History |
As early as the 13th century, Sugbo, as the island of Cebu was called, was already an important crossroads of pre-colonial Southeast Asian Trade.
In 1521, Ferdinand Magellan made it a base for exploration and conquest of the islands. However, his efforts were thwarted when he was killed in battle on the nearby island of Mactan by its chieftain, Lapu-Lapu, who become the first Philippine Hero to repulse foreign domination.
The second wave of Spanish conquistadores led by Miguel Lopez de Legazpi founded their first settlement, Villa San Miguel on Cebu in 1565. Later, the name has changed to Villa de Santissimo Nombre de Jesus, after an image of the Sto Nino or Boy Jesus found among the ruins of a vanquished native village.
In 1860, the demand for sugar cane, tobacco and hemp paved the way for the opening up of the countryside. And with Cebu's central location in the South, goods entered and exited through its ports. By the mid-19th century, Cebu had caught up with the outside world. Cities thrived with newly-established industries and suburbs flourished. With American rule came improved infrastructure, more modern ports and facilities.
Today, Cebu is not only the Center of Business and Trade in the Visayas and Mindanao region as well as the Queen City of the South.
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