Provincial Symbols of Bohol

IJsselstein, Friday, 17 May 2002 (updated: Saturday, 19 May 2007)

The official seal of the province of Bohol

The Boholanos are a freedom loving and independent people, who take pride in their Island, wherever they are. No wonder, the province even has its own provincial anthem.

The independent trait of the Boholanos is well known, through its history of resistance against the Spanish, American and Japanese invaders, and is expressed by the prominent placement of two large Bolos (local swords) on the official provincial flag.

The independence of the Boholano also reflects itself in the relative absence of large landownership on the island: most farmers still own their own,

The official flag of the province of Bohol. The blue stands for nobility, the white for purity and red for courage. The bolos commemorate the Tamblot and Dagohoy rebellions. The two arms in the middle depict the blood compact between Sikatuna and Legazpi, and behind that are shown the world famous Chocolate Hills. The lone star in the top left is to honor Carlos P. Garcia, the Boholano president of the Philippines.

Where the Philippines has its national bird (Agila, the Philippine Eagle), flower (Sampaguita, Jasminium sambac), dance (Cariñosa), leaves (anahaw), and tree (narra) Bohol has also declared a number of things provincial symbols. The provincial bird is the Antolihaw or Dimodlaw (Oriolus chinensis), a bright yellow bird. It can be found all over the province, and especially during the summer it will make a loud noise: 'waw-waw-waw'

The molave (Vitex parviflora) has been declared the provincial tree. This is a small tree, richly branched, with trifoliate leaves. The flowers are violet-colored and the fruits pea-sized and dark purple to black. It is a native to Bohol, and grows well on its limestone soils.

The provincial fruit is the Bohol mangga, or mango, (Mangifera indica Linnaeus), which does very well in Bohol. The limestone soil is responsible for a sweet and tender fruit, which is said to be the sweetest in the Philippines. About half a million mango trees grow in Bohol.

The ubi kinampay (The purple Boholano yam; Dioscorea alata Linnaeus) is rightfully elected as the provincial plant. The color of the meat of this root crop ranges from white to light to dark purple, and has an excellent aromatic taste. It is eaten cooked, alone or mixed with other vegetables. It is also dried and then used to flavor ice cream, candies and cakes. Don't leave Bohol without eating some delicious ubi ice-cream! Actually, the Boholanos so much love ubi, that they have not only declared it their provincial plant, but also celebrate the Ubi Fest every January.

The white gumamela (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis Linnaeus) is the provincial flower. This magnificent white flower symbolizes the characteristics of innocence and naturalness of the Boholano. Its long bowing styles bring about a language of welcome, its tender structure with pollens characterize the people's simple tastes and modest needs. The greenish, close-knit petals represent the loyalty and constancy of the Boholano family towards each of its members, conscious of the bond that joins them together in the good and bad times.

Leaving the realm of nature, Bohol honors as its provincial hero Francisco Sendrijas, better known as Francisco Dagohoy or Dagohoy. He led what was probably the longest revolt in the Philippine history.

Finally, the provincial dance is the Kuratsa Boholana.

Jeroen Hellingman

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