“The Booming City by the Bay”
History
Bislig City’s name was derived from the forest vine of rattan family that grew in abundance along the banks of its rivers. By 1624, Bislig was already a missionary outpost. It became a town on December 28, 1920 by virtue of Exec. Order No. 62 and was inaugurated as such on January 1, 1921. Due to its ongoing progress and the investments that was placed on it, Bislig was converted as a component city on July 2000 by virtue of Republic Act No. 8804. This was unanimously approved by the natives on a plebiscite held on September 18 on that same year.
Population/ Language/ Area
Population of Bislig City reached up to 111,133 as of 2010. These population sometimes speaks Kamayo dialect but the majority of them prefers Cebuano dialect.
Bislig City is bounded by the municipality of Hinatuan on the north; municipality of Tagbina on the northwest; Pacific Ocean on the Northeast; municipality of Lingig on the southeast; and the province of Aurora del Sur on the southwest.
Business Opportunity
Bislig has the potential to become the center not only of heavy industries but also small and medium scale factories. Its surrounding agricultural and forest areas, not to mention its fishing grounds, can provide raw materials for various industries especially food processing, furniture, and construction materials. Bislig can become a tourist haven if its tourism potential is developed.
Festivals and Celebrations
- Karawasan Festival – this is celebrated as part of the Charter Day Celebration of the city. Karawasan is a fetival of ethnic dances depicting the movement of crabs.
Tourist Spots
Bislig’s main tourist attraction is the Tinuy-an Falls, known as the “Niagara Falls” of the Philippines. It is a white water curtain that flows in three levels about 55 meters high. Its critically acclaimed majestic and unique natural formation was once appeared in the International Travel Magazine. It is also known as the widest waterfalls in the Philippines.
Other known tourist attractions include the white-sand beaches of Hagonoy Island; the Lawigan Beach which faces and considered as part of Pacific Ocean; the underground river of the educational Delot and Hinayagan Cave; the Togonan Cold Spring which is a 30-minute ride from the city proper; the wild sanctuary of the Forester’s Park; the wide range water of the Mone River or the man-made Lake 77 which offers a boat ride tour and a floating cottage for picnic and fishing; the Kamayo Heritage Park; the Florland Highland Resort at Brgy. San Vicente; the Ocean View Park; International Doll House; and the City Baywalk Park.