Tubigon, officially the Municipality of Tubigon (; ), is a municipality in the province of Bohol, Philippines. According to the 2024 census, it has a population of 49,275 people.

Tubigon is well known for its "lambay" crabs.

The municipality of Tubigon, Bohol celebrates its feast on May 15, to honor the town patron San Isidro Labrador.

History

The first settlers in Tubigon settled along the shores of the river that flows through the community. Their exact origins are unknown but they are thought to be early Malays from southeast Asian countries, migrating to the Philippines in small bangkas. Seasonal overflowing of the river flooded the community and led the place to be called "Tubigan" (meaning "place having water" or "watery"), which later morphed into "Tubigon" (meaning "place abounding in water"). The first record of the town of Tubigon dates from the early part of the 17th century.

In 1816, the community organized itself under a recognized headman, Yguiz Hutora, who was succeeded by teniente Mijares and by teniente Matong in 1818. A chapel was built on an elevated site of the settlement but had no officiating priest. A coadjutor of the Spanish friars from the Calape parish would perform the religious ceremonies.

Tubigon was badly affected by the 2013 Bohol earthquake, suffering 11 fatalities and damage to some 7,300 homes, as well as total destruction of its town hall and church.

Geography

thumb|right|Map of Tubigon showing barangays and islands

Tubigon is bounded by Calape in the west, Clarin in the east, by the Cebu Strait in the north, and San Isidro in the south. Located from Tagbilaran, it is the nearest seaport in Bohol to Cebu City, providing many daily ferry round-trips to Cebu City. It has recently expanded its seaport to accommodate additional sea traffic.

Barangays

Tubigon is politically subdivided into 34 barangays. Each barangay consists of puroks and some have sitios.

Islands

There about 17 minor islands in the municipal, some of whom are inhabited:

  • Bagongbanwa
  • Batasan
  • Bilangbilangan
  • Budlaan
  • Cabgan
  • Cancostino
  • Danajon Reef (part)
  • Hayaan
  • Inanuran
  • Maagpit
  • Mocaboc
  • Pangapasan
  • Sib
  • Silo
  • Taboan Islet
  • Tangaon
  • Ubay Island and Reef

Climate

Demographics

Economy

Agriculture and fishing are the primary industries. 60% of the total land area of the municipality is used by agriculture and other related industries. The main agricultural produce includes rice, corn, coconut, bananas and different variety of vegetables.

Transportation

;Road

The main National Road is paved and provides easy access to neighboring coastal communities, with travel time to Tagbilaran about one hour. There are inland roads to Catigbian and San Isidro.

Public utility buses are available daily on routes to any point within the province of Bohol. Trips to Tagbilaran are on a 30-minute interval. Cars and vans are available for rent or charter any time.

;Boat and ferry

Tubigon's municipal port is the second largest and busiest port in the province of Bohol. It is served by 6 conventional vessels and 2 modern fastcraft with a total of 20 trips daily to Cebu City. A roll-on/roll-off ferry operated by Lite Shipping Corporation is also operational making two trips daily.

There is no scheduled ferry service to smaller outlying islands, but outrigger canoes may be chartered any time.

<gallery widths=200 heights=150>

Tubigon Bohol 1.jpg|Municipal hall (pre-earthquake)...

Tubigon 1 earthquake.JPG| ...and after

Tubigon Bohol 4.jpg|Poblacion

Tubigon Bohol 3.jpg|Cultural Center

Tubigon Bohol 2.jpg|Market and Commercial Center

</gallery>

Notable personalities

  • Amay Bisaya, actor and comedian
  • Pauline Amelinckx, Miss Supranational 2023 first runner-up

References

  • [ Philippine Standard Geographic Code]
  • Municipality of Tubigon
  • Tubigon