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| Liloan | |
| Municipality | |
| Island Group | Visayas |
| Region | Central Visayas |
| Province | Cebu |
| Area | 45.92 km² |
| Barangays | 14 |
| PSGC | 072227000 |
| ZIP | 6002 |
| 2020 Estimated Population | |
| - Over | 155,000 |
| - Density/km² | 2,007.43 |
| Income class | 1 |
| Urbanisation | urban |
Liloan is a philippine municipality in the province Cebu in Region VII Central Visayas which belongs to the Visayas group of islands. The municipality Liloan is seated about 14 km east-north-east of province capital Cebu City and about 567 km south-east of Philippine main capital Manila.
Known as the “Light of the North”, Liloan, situated in the province of Cebu, is a first class municipality in which the locals also informally call “Metro Cebu”. Liloan has been known for its domestic tourism because of its beaches.
Located in Region VII, Liloan has a total land area of 45.92 square kilometers and the estimated population of Liloan at over 155,000 people in 2020.
Liloan has no historical data from the establishment of the municipality. It was long ago part of Mandaue, Cebu. But with no documents to claim it, many conflicting claims of the town’s separation arise. A preserved article shows that Liloan was founded in the year 1840 with a population of 5,000. Consequently, books that tell of the history of Cebu states that it was on August 23, 1844, when Liloan was separated from Mandaue by virtue of a Superior Decree. Finally, it was on January 27, 1845 when a decree confirmed Liloan’s status as a parish by the then Bishop of Cebu.
Aside from its pristine coastline, the municipality of Liloan has a Silot bay full of whirlpools (lilo in Cebuano) at some areas of the bay, making it dangerous for swimmers and boating. From there, the name Liloan was established among the early residents of the town.
One of the best known landmarks in the municipality of Liloan is the lighthouse. The historic lighthouse is officially called the Bagacay Point Light. It was built way back in 1857 by the Spaniards. This 72 foot lighthouse calmly sits on top of a hill in Catarman and is still active for use. Tourists can have a beautiful view of the sea in front of the hill while it is a favorite spot for cyclists and bikers, photographers and travel writers.
For other historical places in the municipality, Bantayan sa Hari, is a watchtower built by the Spaniards that stands on the cliff overlooking the Mactan channel. Located in Barangay Calero, it is often mistaken as a lighthouse. Once on top of the cliff, the scene at the watchtower has a scenic view of tall bushes and green grasses and a backdrop of the blue clear waters of the sea.
Another adventure treat for tourists is the Mulao River. Tourists can relish the hidden river with its clear, crisp waters, surrounded by tall mountains and old age boulders.
The municipality of Liloan is also home to man-made wonders, rich in culture and historic events. The limestone cave was used as a hiding place during the World War II. This wartime cave is located in Barangay Vicente, where adventure seekers can enter the 30 meter high cave with its fascinating limestone rock formations. Once inside, one can defy the stories done inside the cave, full of unmoving and a cathedral-like silence.
One fetching destination among tourists is the San Fernando El Rey Parish is one of the oldest standing heritage structures in Liloan. It is the only Catholic Church in Cebu facing the west. Locals celebrate its feast every May 29 and 30.
One of Liloan’s featured attractions is the Papa Kit’s Marina and Fishing Lagoon, situated in Silot Bay. It is home to fishing activities, a floating restaurant, various water sports such as kayaking, wakeboarding, an adventure of Zipline and wall climbing. Other outdoor activities include the all-terrain vehicle riding and horseback riding. Tourists can have a scenic view, overlooking the nearby beach and ambience of tranquility and serenity.
Aside from the beach resorts, Liloan’s economic activity also comes from ceramic manufacturing. A number of ceramic manufacturers produce a variety of ceramic items such as pots, bricks and jars.
Tourists visiting the north portion of Cebu have a treat to end their vacation, Liloan’s very own Rosquillos (little ringlet cookies).
Administratively the Municipality of Liloan is subdivided into 14 barangays. One forms the center of the city wheras the other 13 are in the outlying areas. Some of them are even several kilometers away from the center of the Municipality. The most populous are Mulao, Tabla, San Roque, Cabadiangan, Santa Cruz, Lataban, Calero,Cotcot, Jubay, San Vicente, Tayud, Poblacion, Catarman, Yati.
Among the bigger cities and municipalities in the neighborhood of Liloan there are Cebu City 13 km west-south-west, Lapu-lapu City (Opon) 10 km south-south-west, City Of Talisay 23 km south-west, Ormoc City (Leyte) 96 km north-east, Mandaue City 9 km south-west, Toledo City 36 km west, San Carlos City (Negros Occidental) 77 km west, Danao City 14 km north-north-east, City Of Baybay (Leyte) 98 km east-north-east as well as 96 km north-west of Liloan the municipality Cadiz City (Negros Occidental).