Cebu in Central Visayas is in the center of the Philippine archipelago. It is bounded on the north by the Visayan Sea, on the east by the Camotes Sea, on the west by the Tanon Strait, and on the southeast by the Bohol Strait. Cebu City, with an area 329 sq. km and a population of 610,417, and Mandaue, with an area 33 sq. km and a population 180,285, are highly urbanized cities.

THE LAND

The province is a narrow strip of land about 200 km long from north to south and 41 km at its widest. It has a backbone of rugged mountains rising to 1,013 m in the center. Narrow plains can be found along the island's coastline. The main island is ringed by about 166 smaller islands, of which Mactan, Bantayan, and Camotes are the largest. Mactan, Bantayan are relatively flat while Camotes is hilly. The climate is relatively moderate and there is no distinct wet or dry season. It is sometimes in the path of unusually strong typhoons.

A BRIEF HISTORY

Cebu, or Sugbu, was already a prosperous settlement before the Spaniards came in 1521. It had trade relations with China and the countries of Southeast Asia. On April 14, 1521, ruler Rajah Humabon and his wife, together with 800 natives, were baptized during the first Mass in Cebu. Thirteen days later, Ferdinand Magellan died in battle against Lapu-lapu in Mactan off the coast the Cebu.

On April 27, 1565, Miguel Lopez de Legaspi, with Augustinian Fr. Andres de Urdaneta, landed in Cebu.

On January 1, 1571, Legaspi founded the present to La Villa del Santissimo Nombre de Jesus. The province of Cebu was created under Act No. 2711 on March 10, 1917. It is the home province of Sergio Osmena who succeeded Manuel L. Quezon as Commonwealth President during World War II.

THE PEOPLE

The people and language are Cebuano. A large proportion of the population lives on the east coast between Danao City and Naga town.

COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

Aside from being the premier corn-producing province, Cebu also grows coconut, sugarcane, abaca, bananas, tobacco, and rootcrops. Cebu is also noted for grapes, mangoes, and cut flowers. The island is rich in mineral resources.

One of the biggest copper mines in Asia is in Toledo City. Other deposits include gold,silver, iron are, and coal. Industries include the production of cement, fertilizer, paper, coconut oil, and beer. Cebu is also known for its handicrafts made of bamboo, wood, and shells. Metro Cebu is the largest and most progressive urban center outside Metro Manila.