Brief History of Biliran Province

In the early Spanish chronicles,istory in Biliran Biliran Island was known as Isla de Panamao, referring to its northernmost mountain which was an eruptive volcano described in the 1668 manuscripts of Jesuit Father Francisco Alcina. Other accounts also described the island as a shipyard during the Spanish period.

The earliest written mention of the name Biliran Island was made around 1685, the name Biliran referring to a native grass called “boro-biliran” which abounds in the area. It was theorized that cataclysmic eruption of Mount Panamao in 1669 has prompted the change of name into Isla de Biliran, probably influenced by a folk belief of name-switching, which was supposed to appease the evil spirits believed to have caused the eruption.

Delicacies in Biliran

 Suman

 Atchara

 Binagol

 Buwad

Festivals in Biliran

Hudyaka

One of the highlights of Biliran Provincehood Anniversary on every 11th of May, the festival is a celebration of the Biliranons’ endeavors as one people with “hudyaka” or merriment. It showcases the various festivals of it’s component municipalities.

Bagasumbol

Celebrated in Naval during its town fiesta on every 1st Saturday of October, the festival
depicts the birth of Christianity in the town during the Spanish time, “Bagasumbol” means somewhat pointed, as what passers by describe the settlement in the old days.

Ibid

Celebrated in Caibiran during its town fiesta every 25th of July, the festival illustrates the playful stance of lizards locally known as “Ibid” which abounds by the river near its
earliest settlement , from which the town gets its name. Caibiran means a place where
there are many “Ibid”.

Ginalutan

Celebrated in Maripipi in time with its annual fiesta on every 29th of September honoring St. Michael, the festival portrays the hard but rewarding “galut” activity, or
making pots out of clay, from which the town is famous for.

Bucgay

Celebrated in Cabucgayan during its town fiesta on the 2nd week of October, the
festival honors the simple but meaningful existence of the “bucgay” shells, a local
source of food and livelihood in the olden days, from where the town derived its name.

Gapnod

Celebrated in Almeria during its character anniversary on every 1st September, the
festival is a tribute to the town’s humble beginnings, just like the lowly “gapnod” and its present accomplishments.

Subingsubing Festival

The Subingsubing Festival is celebrated every 24th of October honoring St. Raphael the Archangel.

Tourist Destination in Biliran

1. Caucab Rice Terraces in Almeria

The Caucab Rice Terraces in Almeria are just one of the many smaller versions of the more popular Banaue Rice Terraces found in Biliran. Maybe it’s not comparable to the majestic rice terraces of Ifugao, but Caucab is still worth seeing because of its wide and gently sloping landscape. This man-made attraction is situated in Brgy. Caucab, Almeria. Other rice terraces that can be found in the town of Almeria are situated in Brgy. Iyusan, Sampao and Salangi.

2. Tinago Falls in Caibiran

Tinago Falls is one of the best attractions offered by the province of Biliran. It is simply a hidden paradise worth discovering.  The name “Tinago” is a Visayan term for “hidden” which fits the place. The hypnotic waterfall blends perfectly with nature as its cold waters cascade beautifully in breathtaking scenery. Other waterfalls that can be found in Biliran are Casiawan Falls in Cabucgayan; Bagongbong Falls and Ulan-Ulan Falls in Almeria.

3. Mainit Hot Spring in Caibiran

Also located in the municipality of Caibiran, the Mainit Hot Spring is a popular tourist attraction. The hot spring is known for its healing prowess where tourist can take a relaxing dip in the natural pool and relieve muscle pains.  Mainit Hot Spring’s warm water is also good in alleviating rheumatism, skin allergies and arthritis.

4. Sambawan Island of Maripipi

This island-paradise is dubbed as the “Undiscovered Paradise” of Biliran. Sambawan Islands have two islets connected by boulders. During high tide, it transforms into three islets. It is blessed with crystalline waters with beautiful white-sand beach. The island is also rich in marine diversity making it a good dive site. The mountainous coastline provides tourist a jaw-dropping view of the island.

5. Higatangan Island of Naval

Higatangan Island is famous for its long stretch of powdery white sand which extends about 200 meters to the pristine sea. The island boasts crystal-clear waters and an abundance of marine life. Its western side is conceivably the most beautiful part of the island because of its unstained beaches, coral gardens, lush coconut trees, rock formations and cool turquoise waters.