THE CITY OF CEBU

Geographical setting

        The three regions Luzon, Mindanao and Visayas, from which Cebu is the capital, make up the archipelago. Second greatest city of the country, Cebu has a population of one million and comprises 73 barangays (neighborhoods), spreading from the hills to the ocean.

History

        Originally a small fishermen village, Cebu has been occupied for five centuries, beginning the 16th century, first by the Spaniards and later by the Americans. The Spanish colonization starts in 1521 and ends in 1898 with a popular upheaval, symbolized to the day by the San Pedro Fort. That same year in December, the Americans defeat the Spanish fleet and grant the city of Cebu the title of municipality. On February the 24th 1937, the city in endowed with its own constitution (charter).

        During World War II, Cebu was used as a military basis by the Japanese army, then was released in March 1945 by the American forces. One year later, independence was proclaimed and a civil government was set up in the city.

Social, Political and Economic Situation

        Cebu is the first catholic city in the Philippines. The Muslim and Protestant populations remain a minority. Unlike in Mindao, there has not been any religion-based conflict in Cebu.

         Like in the rest of the country, poverty is very high in the city. The housing, usually very small with minimal comfort, offers shelter to whole families. In addition to being deprived, the environment in unsanitary. Polluted stagnating water is a source of infectious diseases, as are the piles of garbage, which are too often playing areas for the children.

         The local authorities and socials services do not sufficiently assist the needy. In the barangays, the population organizes “People Organizations” to fight drug traffic, provide information about sanitary matters and develop effective neighborhood assistance.

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