Camiguin: The "Island Born of Fire" and Mambajao's History

Uncover the fiery origins of Camiguin Island and explore the rich cultural legacy of Mambajao, its historic heart.

Camiguin Island, the “Island Born of Fire,” rises from the southern Philippines as a volcanic jewel. Its landscapes impress instantly, with dramatic peaks and beautiful terrain.

Yet beyond the scenery, the town of Mambajao reveals the island’s deeper soul. With colonial charm and cultural grit, Mambajao shares stories that invite discovery.
From eruptions that shaped the land to traditions that define its people, Camiguin fuses raw nature with human strength.

This post explores what makes the island unforgettable—and why Mambajao holds the key to its layered past.

Spanish Settlement

Photo courtesy of Gorio Belen.

Camiguin Island’s story begins in the early 1500s, when Spanish explorers arrived, drawn by its beautiful landscapes and rich natural resources. They named the island after the native Kamigin tree, which once thrived across the region.

Soon after, they built settlements and introduced Christianity, shaping Camiguin’s early cultural and religious identity.

Despite this progress, natural disasters repeatedly disrupted the island’s growth. Mount Hibok-Hibok erupted several times over the centuries, reshaping the terrain and forcing communities to relocate.

Ultimately, the volcano became a powerful symbol of Camiguin’s evolving landscape and resilient spirit.

Devastating Volcanic Eruptions

Photo courtesy of Gorio Belen.

Camiguin Island’s story begins with fire. Volcanic eruptions shaped its terrain, carved its rugged topography, and enriched its soil. Among these forces, Mount Hibok-Hibok left the deepest mark, reshaping the land and challenging local communities time and again.

Despite the destruction, Camiguin grew stronger. Its identity now reflects not just scenic beauty, but the grit and resilience of its people.

In 1871, Mount Hibok-Hibok erupted with violent force and devastated Camiguin Island. The blast wiped out the town of Catarman and destroyed the historic Guiob Church.

Soon after, Mount Vulcan rose from the eruption, reshaping the island’s terrain. Over the years, seismic activity caused a nearby cemetery to sink slowly into the sea.

Today, this haunting site lives on as the Sunken Cemetery—one of Camiguin’s most iconic and most visited tourist spots.

Between 1948 and 1953, Mount Hibok-Hibok erupted repeatedly and reshaped Camiguin Island’s landscape. On December 4, 1951, it struck hardest, spewing toxic gas, boiling lava, and triggering deadly landslides that destroyed entire communities.

For the first time, international media covered the disaster, spotlighting Camiguin’s volcanic volatility and the strength of its people.

After the disaster, the Philippine government responded quickly and created the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS).

Since then, PHIVOLCS has tracked active volcanoes, led seismic research, and assessed volcanic risks nationwide.

Thanks to its work, early warning systems improved and disaster preparedness grew stronger, especially in high-risk areas like Camiguin Island.

Modern Era

Today, Camiguin Island ranks among the Philippines’ top tourist spots. Instead of dwelling on its turbulent past, locals embrace their volcanic heritage and proudly carry the name “Island Born of Fire.”

This bold identity honors the island’s fiery history and showcases the strength of its people, who turned hardship into pride.