San Francisco, Cebu


', officially the ', is a of the Philippines| in the province of,. According to the, it has a population of people.
It is one of the municipalities that comprise the Camotes Islands.
San Francisco is bordered to the north by the Province of Leyte in the Camotes Sea, to the west is the Camotes Sea Facing Catmon, to the east is the island of Poro with town of Poro and to the south is the Camotes Sea

History

Protohistory

, director of the University of Michigan Anthropological Museum, during his 1923-25 collecting trip and explorations of archaeological sites in the Philippines, conducted an archeological dig in a cave site on Tulang. Located on the southeastern coast of the island, the cave measures about. Guthe reported it to contain bone fragments and teeth of about 60 individuals. Associated grave goods included earthenware pottery, shell bracelets, bronze and iron artefacts, glass and stone beads, hammerstone and pestle. Filed teeth were also recovered from this site.

21st century

Just before Typhoon Yolanda struck in November 2013, the mayor of San Francisco ordered the evacuation of all the residents to the main island. This was credited with saving their lives as all houses on the island were completely destroyed.

Geography

San Francisco consists primarily of Pacijan Island, as well as the tiny [|Tulang islet] just north of Pacijan. Both islands are part of the Camotes Islands group in the Camotes Sea. They are located east of the main island of Cebu, south and west of Leyte and north of Bohol.
is about long and wide. A causeway crosses the mangrove swamp to connect Pacijan and Poro Island. It was constructed during the Spanish era, to bridge the islands for easier trading and attending services in Poro church.

Tulang islet

Tulang island is a five-minute boat ride from Tulang Dako on the main island of Pacijan. Both Tulang Diot and Tulang Dako are part of Esperanza barangay. The islet is almost entirely covered with coconut palms and measures about : the residential area is confined to a small triangle at the southern end. Total area is less than 1 sq km or, of which only is inhabited.

Barangays

San Francisco comprises 15 barangays:

Climate

Demographics

Language

The town is home to the Porohanon language, one of the most endangered languages in the Visayas. The language is only used in the Poro islands. The language is classified as distinct from Sebwano by the Komisyon ng Wikang Filipino and is vital to the culture and arts of the Porohanon people.

Attractions

Lake Danao

Lake Danao is a freshwater lake located in the northern part of Pacijan Island, about long and wide, with an elevation of above sea level. Its area of makes it the largest lake not only in the province but also in the Visayas regions. It has two interior islands which can be reached by paddleboat or as part of the scenic lake cruise. An hiking and cycling trail encircles the entire perimeter of the lake. Although classifies as "freshwater", that doesn't necessarily make it suitable for irrigation. A 2015 study determined which crops could be sustained.
;Flora
;Fauna

Other sights

' is a grotto in the Tumibo plateau in Sonog, which offers swimming in a crystal-clear underground pool.
' in the summit area of Monte Alegre offers outstanding picturesque views across Pacijan including Lake Danao and Tulang, as well as the islands of Cebu and Leyte beyond.

Beaches

' is located in Esperanza. Its sugary sand and clear waters make it safe for children.
' is one of the most visited beaches in the Camotes. It offers white sand and is located in the fishing village of Mangodlong in Himensulan. Across the beach is a coral islet.
is located in the southwestern part of the island. The wide and deep white sand beach is situated directly in front of the town of Santiago. This beach is owned by the local government and is a favorite rendezvous for locals and visitors.