Sibulan – Negros Oriental
Sibulan is a 2nd class municipality within the province of Negros Oriental. It is a narrow horizontal strip of land that cuts across the southeast of Negros Oriental and faces the mystical island of Siquijor and Cebu across the Tañon Strait. It is roughly 5 km to the north of the busy city of Dumaguete which is the capital of Negros Oriental City or about 20 minutes of land travel. It is only a short nautical-distance from the Island of Cebu. The municipality covers a total area of 163.00 km2 and is populated with about 50,000 residents. A local dialect of Cebuano is the main language spoken in the municipality of Sibulan. However, English and Tagalog are also widely understood and used in the municipality. The airport of Dumaguete is actually located in Sibulan. The Sibulan sea-port is also the main port for a trip to Cebu Island. The ferry ride takes roughly 30 minutes. One can also cross the Tañon Strait with a Ro-Ro if one needs to get to Cebu with the vehicle.
Brief History of Sibulan
Noting the wealth of springs in this area, the Spaniards named it ‘Land of Sibuls’ which meant land of numerous springs. Influence of time, as well as elements of change, got the name of this municipality modified to Sibulan, its present name. In 1838, this town became a Parish under secular order. In 1856, the parish was occupied by a regular church priest. Then, in 1910, Sibulan had its initial set of municipal government officials once it became a municipality. This was in accordance to Act No. 82 of the Philippine Commission dated January 31, 1910. Macario Literal was the first appointed municipal mayor.
Getting to Sibulan
Getting to one of the highly-developed municipality here in Negros Oriental, Sibulan is also known for its seaport which brings both tourists and local back and forth the island fronting Negros Oriental… Cebu.
One way in getting to Sibulan is by riding an easy ride. The easy ride terminal is located in the corner of the third building in the Public Market along National High way and Bishop Epifanio Surban Street. Fare prices will only cost about Php 15.00 and will take nearly fifteen to twenty minutes to reach the Sibulan proper.
Another way in getting to Sibulan is by riding a bus. Bus fare for air-conditioned rides will cost approximately Php 30.00 while regular non-airconditioned rides will only cost about Php 15.00.
Lastly, another way of transportation going to Sibulan is by a v-hire (van for hire). Traveling time will only take about fifteen minutes as well and will only cost Php 15.00.
Public Elementary Schools in Sibulan
| Bagtic Public School (Tubod) | Balugo Elementary School | Bolocboloc Elementary School |
| Calabnugan Elementary School | Calinawan Elementary School | Cambajao Elementary School |
| Cangmating Elementary School | Cantalawan Elementary School | Escaguit Elementary School |
| Libertad Ong Calderon Memeorial ES (Ajong Elementary School) | Lo-oc Elementary School | Magatas Elementary School |
| Magsaysay Memeorial Elementary School | Maningcao Elementary School | Maslog Elementary School |
| San Antonio Elementary School | Sibulan Central Elementary School | Tubigon Elementary School |
| Tubtubon Elementary School |
Public High Schools in Sibulan
| Ajong High School North National Highway Ajong Negros Oriental | Bolocboloc High School Bolocboloc , Sibulan | Enrique Villanueva High School Tubod, Enrique Villanueva Sibulan |
| Maningcao National High School Maningcao, Sibulan | San Antonio National High School San Antonio, Negros Oriental |
Barangays of Sibulan Negros Oriental
- Agan-an
- Ajong
- Balugo
- Boloc-boloc
- Calabnugan
- Cangmating
- Enrique Villanueva
- Looc
- Magatas
- Maningcao
- Maslog
- Poblacion
- San Antonio
- Tubigon
- Tubtubon
All information about public schools were provided by the DepEd Negros Oriental
Economic Information
Sibulan is essentially a farming and fishing town, even though it also derives an increasing income from tourism. More and More tourists prefer to stay in holiday apartments and beach-houses like Sea View Resort and discover the island from there.
Places of Interest and Tourist Spots in Sibulan
Sibulan has the majority of golf courses in Negros Oriental including San Antonio Golf Course. The tourist attraction of all Sibulan attractions is the Twin-Lakes of Danao and Balinsasayaw, which are both a community managed the natural resource. It is home to an extensive biodiversity and ecosystem. Another visit-worthy attraction is the Mama Mary Our Lady’s Garden. Activities in this area include swimming, boating, fishing, kayaking and trekking. The main institutional landmarks in Sibulan are its symmetrical municipal hall, the only airport of Negros Oriental, the Airport and the Senior San Antonio de Padua Church, an imposing building that attracts devotees from all over Negros Oriental, specially during the festival and holiday season. Other interesting landmarks include the AngTay Golf Course, and the Looc Memorial Shrine which is the spot of the initial encounter of World War 2 in the province of Negros Oriental.
Festivals in Sibulan
The Gapnod Festival is held on June 12 every year and features decorated and lighted boats which carry venerated images as well as devotees in a fluvial procession along the coastal waters of the town. Crowds gather every month on 13th at St. Anthony of Padua to light up candles for this patron saint particularly during his feast day on June 13, whereby a procession is also held. The church grounds are transformed into a lively festive gathering.
The Yag-Yag Festival is celebrated every last Sunday in April. The festival showcases local culture and arts, unity and fashion. It features street dancing, field presentations, colorful portrayal of coastal marine resources in the barangay and related events.
The Masulog Festival is held every third Sunday of January at Barangay Masulog in order to recount the famous legend of Sulong (the great flood) that periodically laid the old village to waste. It features showdown presentations and street dancing.
Useful Contacts in Sibulan
Sibulan Municipal Mayor: Jose Ablir “Pepe” Abiera ‘s
Sibulan Municipal Vice Mayor: Derkie Yap Fontelo
Municipal Office: (035) 419 8581
Sibulan Health Center: (035) 419 7535
Sibulan Budget Office: (035) 226 6384
Hospital: Provincial Hospital:(035) 225 9286
Ambulance: 0955 089 4168, 0906 648 3454, or 0936 684 1312
Sibulan Fire Station: (035) 419 5001 or 0917 821 7364
Sibulan Rescue Team: (035) 522 0182
Rescue 613: 0955 933 6875
Disaster Risk Reduction Management (DRRM) tel. (035) 522 0182 or Action Officer Ronilo Duran – 09177239286
Sibulan Police Hotline: 0927 3108 658 or 09273108658; landline (035) 226 6030 or (035) 419 9423
Rural Health Unit: 0955 335 1448 or (035) 523 6004
