H I S T O R Y

In 1565, the Spanish navigator and explorer

Miguel Lopez de Legazpi anchored in the island-province of Bohol

and entered into a blood compact (sandugo) with the province's native

chief Rajah Sikatuna as a sign of friendly relations between the Spaniards and the Filipinos.

Miguel Lopez de Legazpi later on started the first years of Spanish colonization in the Philippines (1565-1898) and became the first Spanish governor- general of the country.

Bohol commemorates this month of July the historic act with a festival

that includes special events such as the Sandugo Street Dancing and Mardi Gras,

Agro-Industria Trade Fair, Water Festival and Sea Camp,

Bohol Heritage Musicology Conference,

Baclayan Church Cultural Program, and Igkas Arte.

The oval-shaped province of Bohol is the tenth largest island in the Philippines.

It is located in the central part of the Visayas just above the big island of Minadanao.

It lies between Cebu to the northwest and Leyte to the northeast.

Bohol's capital is Tagbilaran City. The Sikatuna-Legazpi Blood Compact Marker

can be found in its small barangay of Bool, only three kilometers from the city proper. 

F E S T I V A L

Sandugo Festival is a yearly historical event that takes place

every year on the month of March, in the island of Bohol.

This festival honors the celebration of a local Philippine leader

Datu Sikatuna’s blood compact and association or treaty of friendship

with the Spanish king conquistador,

Captain General Miguel López de Legazpi in March 16, 1565.

The Sandugo Festival is held every July.

The Tagbilaran City Charter Day on July 1 kicks-off

the month-long festival with a holy mass, diana, motorcade

and program sponsored by the City Government of Tagbilaran.

Among the major activities during the month

is the Miss Bohol Sandugo Beauty Pageant,

and the Sandugo Street Dancing Competition

which is usually held on the 3rd or 4th Sunday of July,

and organized by the Bohol Sandugo Foundation, Inc. (BSFI).