Loay, Bohol marks 450th year of the Blood Compact

CEBU, Philippines - On March 25, Loay town in Bohol celebrated its 236th foundation anniversary with the 450th year of the historic Blood Compact between Datu Sikatuna and Miguel Lopez de Legaspi of Spain

Mayor Rosemarie Lim Imboy said the dual celebration was held with the Higalaay Festival and the reenactment of the Blood Compact, amid claims that the historic act was done in Tagbilaran City.

Following the fun run and a Mass was the blessing and unveiling of the Blood Compact marker and life-sized sculptures of Sikatuna and Legaspi, as the mayor said she will continue promoting the town as the actual site of the blood compact.

The National Historical Institute, years ago, came up with a resolution resolving the controversy whether the blood compact took place in Bool, Tagilaran City or in Loay town.

NHI Resolution No. 04 of 2005 declared Loay town as the place where the blood compact took place in the flagship San Pedro, which was anchored off Hinawanan Bay of this town on March 25, 1565. This conclusion was based on findings from thorough investigations and interviews of people, as well as documents from sources of both Tagbilaran and Loay.

The resolution states: “Ocular inspection and interviews with divers and fisherfolk in Tabilaran and Loay were conducted on February 2005, with the help of experts of the National Mapping and Resources Information Authority, and the National Institute of Geological Sciences of the University of the Philippines.”

NHI’s chairman Ambeth Ocampo, and its members, Jose Cruz, Benito Legarda Jr., Corazon Alvina, Heidi Gloria, Serafin Quiason, Prudenciana Cruz and Ladovico Badoy, signed the resolution.

The panel that studied the documents consisted of its chairman, Judge Nestor Ballasillo of the Office of the Solicitor General, and its members, lawyer Edgardo Sison, Manila Times editor Fred dela Rosa, and UP historian Doctor Ricardo Jose.

With the blood compact site finally resolved, Loay’s celebration was successful, with the Higalaay street dancing competition at the Municipal Hall grounds, won by the contingent of BBTY (Barangays Botoc Oriental, Botoc Occidental, Tocdog and Ylaya).

In second place was Barangay Poblacion Ibabao, followed by Barangay Hinawanan in third, and Barangay Calvario in fourth.

Vice Mayor Florencio Tejano, Professor Jes Tirol and the mayor’s husband, Provincial Board Member Brigido Imboy, were among the guests of the historic celebration.  (FREEMAN)