Historic waterfronts and waterways of Cebu

CEBU, Philippines - The sea and rivers of Cebu City have played an important part in shaping the city’s rich history. One obvious proof is it is through the sea that three waves of foreign invaders-Spanish, American and Japanese-entered Cebu. There is, of course, the matter of the etymology of its name: Sugbo, which is believed to mean “to wade or walk in water.”

The city, at one time, provided a safe port for ships from Acapulco, Mexico, and became a jump off point for Spanish explorations across the country. And though once regarded as areas of conflict, Cebu’s waterways have been integral in providing the province a venue to promote and sustain a long history of maritime commerce and trading. To date, the largest shipping hub in the Visayas region is in Cebu City, with the entire province also enjoying the benefits.

Waterfront is the general description of the area in Cebu City near the coastline. This is where the old ports and almost all of the old portions of Cebu’s urban areas are located. Before, when you mention the word waterfront, people would easily understand it as near the port or near the coastline, where trading and bargaining mostly took place.

The Mactan Channel, the narrow body of water which separates the island of Mactan from mainland Cebu, is one of the most historic water channels in the Visayas. It is the center not only of inter-island commerce, but also of Visayan history.  Reminders of the bygone Spanish and American eras, dot the coastlines of the channel: Fort San Pedro, piers and ports from the early 1900s, the Bantayan sa Hari (watchtower) in Mandaue City, and the Muelle Osmeña in Lapu-Lapu City.

The Parian River, which serves as natural boundary between what was then called the Spanish city and Parian, is a medium-sized river that runs parallel to Colon Street. It had seafaring vessels which were used in going inland. In the past, one either took the shorter and easier route to Colon, the country’s oldest street, via the river or used the unpaved and crowded roads.

The Guadalupe River, which is named after the Shrine of Guadalupe, marks the boundary of the Spanish city with the Pueblo of San Nicolas (now a barangay in Cebu).  The old Spanish city was connected to San Nicolas through a bridge spanning the river. It is through this bridge that Spanish loyalist forces retreated during the Tres de Abril Revolt led by Leon Kilat. Hence, this bridge was renamed Puente de la Revolucion.

During the expansion of the city under the Americans, many of Cebu City’s coastal areas were reclaimed. The old coastline of Cebu disappeared and on its place were constructed the city’s piers where many historic buildings are still found.

Kawit Island which faced the city’s southern shoreline, is now part of the South Road Properties. It used to be the site of a quarantine facility. The island was a leper colony and had a watchtower. After years of secluding lepers in the island, the government moved the colony to Coron in Palawan, to deter the farther spread of the disease in the city.

Another reclaimed part of Cebu is the area near where the Magellan’s cross now stands. The white beach here disappeared after the reclamation. On it now stands the Cebu City Hall and other buildings in the port area along M.C. Briones Street.

Many of these historic waterfronts and waterways are still around but are already extremely polluted and filthy due to unplanned urbanization and negligence. The challenge now, especially for lovers of history and of the environment, is preserving these historic natural heritage not only for us but more importantly for generations after us. 

For more information about Gabii sa Kabilin, please contact (032) 418-7234 loc. 703 and look for Florencio Moreño II or Karl Damayo, or visit http://www.rafi.org.ph or follow @rafiorgph on Twitter. To reserve your tickets, you may also visit www.rafi.org.ph/event/2013-gsk-reserve. You can also download the Gabii sa Kabilin 2013 Guide at http://rafi.org.ph/publications/2013-gsk-guide/. (All photos are RAFI’s) (FREEMAN)